Talk to a Canada Holiday Specialist
Would you like to discuss this suggested itinerary and have a bespoke quotation? Let us arrange your perfect tailor-made holiday to Canada.
Overview
Here is the polar bear watching holiday you have been waiting for! The chance to see and photograph polar bears without having to sit for hours in a tundra buggy and from ground level.
Wildly rugged and remote – this tundra coastal lodge provides the discerning photographer the ability to dedicate long days in the field getting up close and personal with Arctic wildlife. Ground level photo opportunities are offered for arctic wildlife, including polar bears, in a pristine untrammelled wilderness setting in the heart of polar bear country. Polar bears, caribou, and Arctic fox in a backdrop of stunning sea and landscapes. The Lodge’s shoreline location is ideal for photographing bears on ice and snow.
The trips run between the middle of October and the middle of November – ask us for exact dates.
This itinerary can be added to a tailor-made holiday to suit you. If you want to add extra days at the start or end please talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you.
Lodge details
Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies Seal River Heritage Lodge, one of the early members in the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection.
This lodge is in a prime location for observing polar bears as they wander the coast during summer and fall waiting for the Bay to freeze. Its location near the Seal River Estuary also makes it ideal for viewing beluga whales in July and August.
The fenced-in compound, viewing platforms and tower lend themselves to unique photography opportunities for northern lights and the wildlife that approach to check out the sights, sounds and smells of the Lodge.
After a day of trekking the tundra, relax in the cozy lounge, watching for wildlife through expansive picture windows, sharing photos or talking with new friends.
There are eight guestrooms (queen, king, twin and family rooms), each with their own ensuite washroom, there is a cozy common area with fireplace, fenced compound surrounding the lodge, outdoor viewing tower and decks, library, gift shop, full-service meals, 24h electricity via solar power, natural gas, and wood heat, radio/telephone and satellite wi-fi.
Mrs Johnson - Travelled to watch Polar Bears"Thanks Jeanette - was a truly amazing experience."
Thanks Jeanette - was a truly amazing experience. The location, lodge, staff and last but definately not least, the number of polar bears we saw really did exceed expectations!
Really have valued all your help - super efficient and would have absolutely no problem to recommend you to friends and family!
Itinerary (6 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 1
Winnipeg
Depart the UK and arrive into Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at...
Day 1
Winnipeg
Depart the UK and arrive into Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at The Grand by Lakeview at the Winnipeg Airport. At 7:00 pm a dinner will be held at the hotel where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist. This is the day that you will pick up winter gear if you have rented. You will need your rest for your early morning departure to Churchill.
1 night Winnipeg.
Day 2
Winnipeg to Seal River Heritage Lodge
Arrive in Churchill by air where one of the expert staff will meet you at the...
Day 2
Winnipeg
to Seal River Heritage Lodge
Arrive in Churchill by air where one of the expert staff will meet you at the airport and will provide you with an orientation to the tour including a clothing check (in order to crosscheck your “What to Bring” list that will be provided to you). You will then be transferred by fixed wing aircraft or helicopter to the Seal River Heritage Lodge. This exciting flight takes you out over the historic Churchill River, and then northwest up the rugged Hudson Bay coast to Canada’s most exclusive Polar Bear viewing properties. Keep a sharp eye out en route for caribou, moose, seals, wolves and of course the Great Ice Bears.
Upon your arrival, your hosts will provide a tour of the Lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation on travelling in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings. Then it’s time to assemble all those priceless cameras, hard drives, and tripods and start burning some serious gigabytes!
4 nights at Seal River Heritage Lodge.
Day 3-5
Seal River Heritage Lodge
The Seal River Heritage Lodge is a wildly rugged and remote location catering to the dedicated wildlife photographer...
Day 3-5
Seal River Heritage Lodge
The Seal River Heritage Lodge is a wildly rugged and remote location catering to the dedicated wildlife photographer willing to spend long hours in the field getting up close and personal with the arctic wildlife. Ground level photo opportunities are offered for arctic wildlife including polar bears in a pristine wilderness setting. This IS the heart of polar bear country! Your photos will have stunning backdrops with the sea and or landscapes surrounding the Lodge. Its shoreline location is ideal for photographing bears on snow and ice. Furthermore there will be an exceptional number of clear nights for northern lights photography.
As mentioned in the features the gourmet meal service times will be adjusted to accommodate photo opportunities which are the priority so expect many a meal to be interrupted. Generally breakfast is served at 8:00 am, lunch as required; with appetizers at 6:00 pm followed by a veritable feast for the palate at 7:00 pm. Evenings are spent near the fireplace downloading images, sharing the day’s adventures, or taking in an informative lecture or slide show. Bedtime is at your leisure. The entire Lodge area is patrolled for polar bears all night by one of the night watchmen so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by a nocturnal visit by one of the Great Ice Bears (or by one of the dazzling displays of northern lights!).
Day 6
Seal River Heritage Lodge to Winnipeg
After another hearty breakfast it is time to pack for the flight back to Churchill,...
Day 6
Seal River Heritage Lodge
to Winnipeg
After another hearty breakfast it is time to pack for the flight back to Churchill, say good-byes and snap a few more pictures! After another exciting aerial tour, you’ll arrive in Churchill and you will spend the day with a tour guide exploring Churchill and learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military town. Your tour will include stops such as the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail. Before a group dinner, your guide will give you free time to shop for last-minute souvenirs at the unique gift stores in Churchill.. After dinner you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight back to Winnipeg. Upon your arrival into Winnipeg you will check back into your hotel for the night. The tour ends after check out the following morning.
1 night in Winnipeg
Day 7
Winnipeg
After a good nights sleep catch your return flight back to the UK.
Day 7
Winnipeg
After a good nights sleep catch your return flight back to the UK.
