Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure through the heart of Manitoba, where dense boreal forests give way to rolling grasslands and the rugged tundra beyond. This immersive journey takes you from the diverse ecosystems of Riding Mountain National Park to the Arctic landscapes of Churchill, offering the chance to witness Manitoba’s ‘Big Five’—black bears, moose, bison, polar bears, and beluga whales. From the prairies to the Hudson Bay coastline, this safari blends thrilling wildlife encounters with breath-taking scenery, rich history, and Indigenous culture.
From £5,643 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on 7 nights’ accommodation on a room only basis, listed excursions, and transfers.
Note: This trip can be tailored to your requirements. Speak to our team if you’d like a customised itinerary.
Departure Days: These trips operate daily from May to October
Your journey begins in Winnipeg, the gateway to Manitoba’s wilderness and the geographical centre of North America. Arrive at your leisure and check in to the Four Points by Sheraton, conveniently located at Winnipeg Airport. If time allows, explore the city’s vibrant culture, perhaps visiting The Forks Market or the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Rest up before your adventure into the wild begins. Overnight in Winnipeg.
After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Winnipeg to Riding Mountain National Park. Watch as the endless prairie skies transform into the rolling hills of the Manitoba Escarpment. Enter the park through the historic East Gate and take in the diverse landscapes of dense forests, vast meadows, and serene lakes. Before checking into your charming bed & breakfast in Wasagaming, embark on an evening wildlife safari—your first opportunity to spot moose, black bears, and other iconic species in their natural habitat. Overnight in Wasagaming.
Rise early for a morning safari in search of the park’s resident wildlife. Riding Mountain is home to a variety of species, but today’s focus is on tracking black bears, moose, and bison. Later, meet a Parks Canada interpreter at a lookout point within the park’s captive bison enclosure to learn about its history and conservation efforts. After lunch, visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre for insight into the region’s ecology, then enjoy free time to explore the charming lakeside town of Wasagaming. This evening, head out on another guided safari for more wildlife spotting as the sun sets. Overnight in Wasagaming.
After a final morning wildlife excursion, enjoy breakfast before making the return journey to Winnipeg. The drive offers another opportunity to soak in the changing landscapes, from rugged forests back to sweeping prairies. Arrive in Winnipeg in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax or explore the city before your Arctic adventure begins. Overnight in Winnipeg.
After breakfast, take a morning flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, where the boreal forest gives way to the barren yet striking tundra. Upon arrival, set out on a guided town and area tour, visiting key sites such as Cape Merry, the Polar Bear Holding Facility, and the Itsanitaq Museum, home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of Inuit artifacts. In the afternoon, board a boat for a three-hour excursion along the Churchill River, keeping watch for beluga whales and exploring the historic Prince of Wales Fort. Overnight in Churchill.
Begin the day with a beluga whale-watching tour, a highlight of any summer visit to Churchill. Thousands of these playful, white whales migrate into the Churchill River each summer, and your boat is equipped with a hydrophone to listen to their fascinating vocalisations. In the afternoon, experience a thrilling dog carting excursion hosted by a local expert. Meet the enthusiastic sled dogs, hear stories of winter racing, and take a ride through the northern boreal forest. Return to your accommodation for a restful evening. Overnight in Churchill.
Today, embark on a full-day Tundra Buggy adventure, the best way to explore the wild landscapes surrounding Churchill. Travel across the vast tundra in search of arctic wildlife, including caribou, arctic foxes, ptarmigan, and—if luck is on your side—an early-season polar bear. Enjoy stops along the way to take in the stark beauty of the Arctic wilderness and capture incredible photos. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Winnipeg. Overnight in Winnipeg.
Your Manitoba safari adventure comes to an end today. Depart Winnipeg at your leisure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Canada’s Big Five and the wild beauty of Manitoba’s landscapes.