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Polar Bears & Beluga Whales

Discover the vast beauty of Churchill, Manitoba—a small town on the banks of the Hudson Bay known for hosting polar bears in the fall. During summer, visitors can possibly spot polar bears along the local shores before they return to the pack ice when it forms in early winter.

Summertime is also when the bears share the area with more than 60,000 beluga whales—who come to feed, mate, and give birth in the shallow waters—as well as a wide variety of other wildlife.


NOTE: Tour information is current as of 12/1/2024.

Program Highlights

– Fuel your inspiration. Enjoy a private reception and three-course welcome dinner at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo along with a presentation on polar bears.

– Relax in comfort. Stay at the iconic Lazy Bear Lodge, hand-built by local pioneer Wally Daudrich from stone and reclaimed boreal forest timbers.

– Uncover local beauty. Embark upon two separate water tours of the Hudson Bay to spot and photograph many of the 60,000 beluga whales that inhabit the area.

– Connect with nature. Venture out into the stark landscape aboard a custom-designed wildlife viewing vehicle, stopping to admire the scenery as you search for arctic hare, snowy owl, ptarmigan and arctic fox.

– Choose your own adventure. Join one of two optional guided excursion activities (additional fee): a 3-hour kayaking tour or a 3-hour Beluga AquaGliding™ tour.

– Gain perspective and insight. Visit Churchill’s Itsanitaq Museum for an exploration of indigenous ways of life while viewing remarkable examples of Inuit craftsmanship.

What's Included

  • 6 nights in ideally situated and comfortable accommodations
  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners (including a special private welcome reception and three-course dinner at Assiniboine Park Zoo) plus a farewell reception
  • Full guiding services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader and a local naturalist
  • All excursion transportation and entry fees
  • All gratuities

Itinerary

You are embarking on an adventure where daily activities will be determined by weather, opportunities to view wildlife, and other various elements that make up the diverse landscape. This itinerary is a general listing of activities and excursions that may happen during any part of the tour.

Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | Assiniboine Park Zoo
After arriving at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, transfer to the hotel.

This evening meet with fellow travel companions for a special reception in Assiniboine Park Zoo's underwater viewing tunnels where polar bears and seals swim in crystal clear waters above the tunnel walkways. Adjourn to the Aurora Borealis Theatre for a three-course dinner with wine served during a Northern Lights display. After dinner enjoy a presentation on the magnificent polar bears.
Overnight: Fort Garry Hotel & Spa (R,D)

Day 2: Winnipeg | Flight to Churchill | Cultural and Heritage Tour
Check out of the hotel this morning followed by the group flight to Churchill. Transfer to Lazy Bear Lodge in time for lunch at the café.

Afterward set off on a guided Cultural and Heritage Tour to visit the town's waterfront, Miss Piggy Plane Crash, Polar Bear "Jail" and Cape Merry.

Return to the lodge to check in, unpack and familiarize yourself with the property.
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Churchill | Boat Tour | Prince of Wales Fort | Dog Mushing 
Board Zodiac boats with your Orbridge Expedition Leader for a three-hour tour of the Churchill River/Hudson Bay area to learn more about the 60,000 beluga whales living here. Visit the Prince of Wales Fort, built to protect the business interests of the Hudson's Bay Company.

After lunch at the lodge, enjoy time at leisure or choose to join one of two optional excursions (additional fees apply):

3-Hour Kayaking Tour ($185 per person): An intermediate-level kayaking excursion (providing limited instruction) with an experienced guide. Not recommended for beginners. Includes a single or double kayak, paddles, wetsuit, life jacket, and transfers.

3-Hour AquaGliding™ ($225 per person): Climb atop an AquaGlider™ (a floating mat secured to a watercraft) for an exciting and unique tour around the bay to observe beluga whales—get up close and personal without being submerged underwater. Includes a dry suit and all necessary equipment.

Optional excursions must be booked in advance through our Guest Services team. Availability is limited. Excursion options and pricing are subject to change are and non-refundable within 90 days of departure.

This evening meet an energetic team of sled dogs and their experienced handler. Learn about these industrious canines and the important role they play in the heritage of this remote region. Then get ready for your own exciting dog mushing adventure.
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4: Churchill | Hudson Bay Coastal Tour
Today explore the Hudson Bay area during a full-day guided water excursion aboard a touring vessel custom designed for wildlife viewing. The Matonabee—a 60-foot-long catamaran—is celebrated as the first ship to take guests up the western coast of Hudson Bay. 

The Matonabee features large, comfortable seats, oversized windows, spacious viewing decks, a fully serviced galley complete with espresso machine, and its abilities to provide "under-the-sea" observation and deploy inflatable boats for expeditions. 

This shoreline of the Hudson Bay is a rich ecosystem of life, home to a diverse group of animals. Polar bears, belugas, caribou and more than 270 species of birds have been recorded. Harbor, bearded and ringed seals also thrive here and are the polar bears' primary food source when the bay is frozen. Stop at Seal River, a favorite polar bear gathering spot.
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5: Churchill | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Itsanitaq Museum
Head out into the stark and beautiful landscape aboard Lazy Bear's Arctic Crawler™ for a guided wildlife excursion. Your expert naturalist will provide insight on the Arctic tundra's wildlife, vegetation and ecosystem. Have your camera ready as photography opportunities are plentiful.

After lunch visit the Itsanitaq Museum dedicated to Inuit culture, and learn about the native people of northern Canada.

While downtown, enjoy additional leisure time to explore on your own. 
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6: Churchill | Flight to Winnipeg
Following breakfast visit the Churchill Northern Studies Centre for a tour and presentation led by a resident scientist who will explain current research.

Have lunch, then transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Winnipeg.

Gather with fellow travel companions one final time for a farewell reception to celebrate the exciting week exploring Churchill.
Overnight: The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (B,L,R)

Day 7: Winnipeg | Depart for U.S.
After breakfast make the short walk from the hotel to the airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level: 3

Moderate

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

Your Guide(s)

Orbridge Expedition Leader

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On this program, you will have the benefit of an expert Expedition Leader with extensive local knowledge and experience as a cultural, historic, and naturalist interpreter. With their contribution of exceptional know-how and enthusiasm adding depth to your experience, enjoy the cultures and locations you explore with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation. 

Accommodations

Fort Garry Hotel & Spa

After an exciting day of exploration retire to this landmark property in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, featuring high-tech amenities and a modern mix of contemporary style and Old World elegance.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, bathrobes, and en suite bathroom with L’Occitane sundries and hair dryer.

Lazy Bear Lodge

This remarkable, handcrafted log lodge will provide cozy comfort during your stay. 

A log house builder by trade, Wally Daudrich built Lazy Bear Lodge himself, literally. Drawn to the area by its sense of freedom, he and a partner dragged logs from the forest by snowmobile, crafting them first into a small café, then a small lodge and finally the two-story, modern lodge of today. Even the wood floors and windows were sustainably sourced. The flooring, made of Douglas fir, was recycled from the Canadian National Railway warehouse built in the early 1920s. The windows were once part of an 1800s Hudson Bay Trading Post.

The friendly staff and scenic surroundings make this property memorable. Get cozy in the comfortable lounge and feast on homemade northern cuisine at the Lazy Bear Café.

Lodge rooms are small, but cozy, with limited counter and storage space for belongings. Each room has two double beds, one luggage rack, one small clothes rack, a small desk, one small nightstand, and a small bathroom shelf large enough to hold a few small items. We recommend packing light and carefully utilizing available space.

Additional lighting sources in the lodge rooms are limited. Consider bringing a small portable reading lamp or flashlight if you prefer stronger light. 

Room Amenities: Two double beds, cable TV with movie channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, and en suite bathroom with shower, sundries and hair dryer.

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel

Located next to the Winnipeg airport terminal, this boutique property provides beautifully appointed accommodations and thoughtful amenities. The hotel's restaurant, Blue Marble, uses locally produced ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, Samsung Smart TV, iPad with Netflix, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, safe, device powering station, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

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