An unforgettable trip to the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ in northern Canada to see polar bears in the wild: an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Two daytime outings and one at night provide the opportunity for you to get close to these magnificent creatures, but from the warmth and safety of a specially designed Polar Rover. Maximising the opportunity to see bears, you’ll be accompanied by expert local guides who can answer all your questions, and in the company of people who are just as excited about polar bears as you are!
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Fly to Winnipeg
On arrival at Winnipeg International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel downtown. This evening you have an orientation dinner with other members of your group.
This morning you transfer to Winnipeg Airport in time to check in for a flight north to the small isolated community of Churchill. This hospitable town, a former fur-trading post, is the base for your adventure. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in town, maybe catching your first sight of bears en route.
You head out onto the sub-Arctic tundra in the late afternoon for your first glimpse of bears, with dinner aboard the vehicle. If the skies are clear, this night excursion might provide an exhilarating opportunity to see the Northern Lights without the distraction of urban light pollution.
Accommodation: Hotel in Churchill, 3-nights
Days3-4: Polar bear viewing
Your transport on the tundra is the unique Polar Rover vehicle - a large heated vehicle on giant tyres that provides an elevated vantage point, with an outdoor viewing platform at the rear - allowing you to spend time out amongst the polar bears. You will travel with a maximum of 16 passengers, to ensure that everyone has a window seat from which you may see mothers with cubs, or young adult males play-fighting. Your knowledgeable expedition leader will explain the bears' behaviour, and how they thrive in such a harsh environment. Back in Churchill, on each evening of your stay the group will meet for dinner, followed by a presentation on wildlife or local culture.
Day5: Fly to Winnipeg
Fly back to Winnipeg for your last overnight in Canada.
Accommodation: Fort Garry Hotel, 1-night.
Day6: Depart Winnipeg
The day is free until you transfer to the airport to check in for return overnight flight back to the UK. Depending on your departure time, there may be time to see something of Winnipeg during the day. Note: you will have to check out of your hotel room by midday at the latest.
Day7: Arrive UK
Please note: Also available as an 8 day tour
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 7 daysfrom £8,195 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 6 daysfrom £7,295 pp
Churchill is known as the ‘Polar Bear and Beluga Whale Capital of the World’ and lies right in the migratory path of polar bears, as they head north onto the ice floes to spend the winter hunting seals. Situated in Northern Manitoba, the coastline here is so remote that it has not changed in thousands of years.
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Due to its location at the confluence of two major rivers that provide access to an extensive network of canoe routes, Winnipeg was a trading post for First Nations peoples long before the first Europeans arrived. It serves as a gateway to Churchill in northern Manitoba, where our polar bear tours start.
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Where: Manitoba
Excellent for: City stopover
Featured accommodation:
This iconic, historic property in downtown Winnipeg is one of the original and most characterful Canadian railway hotels. For almost 100 years The Fort Garry Hotel has set the standard for grandeur, elegance and culinary excellence, and is second to none in terms of service, comfort and location.
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