Seal River Heritage Lodge

Polar Bear and Wildlife Watching Holiday in Churchill 

Take a breathtaking flight north of Churchill for an exhilarating wildlife stay at Seal River Heritage Lodge, set amongst the complex ecosystem of Canada’s arctic tundra. This unique trip takes you to the summer home of the polar bear; the arctic tundra carpeted in magenta hues of fireweed and greens of arctic moss. The remote lodge offers the world's only summer polar bear viewing programme, giving you a chance to walk with these majestic creatures in beautiful contrasting landscapes. Explore the icy waters of Hudson Bay in search of the beluga whale, the singing whale known as the ‘sea canary’. It is in this setting you’ll enjoy wonderful cuisine from the comforts of a log fired lodge with expansive viewing windows to fully appreciate passing wildlife. This once in a lifetime trip is uniquely designed to get close to polar bears, arctic wildlife and experience the majestic aurora light shows (August onwards).

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SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

DAY 1:

Begin your trip with a relaxing stay at the Grand by Lakeview at Winnipeg Airport. Tonight enjoy a dinner at the hotel where you will meet your group and adventure specialist. Unwind in preparation for an early flight north to Churchill.

DAY 2:

After a short flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, you'll be met by the lodge’s expert staff. Your trip begins with a briefing on the upcoming days before boarding a scenic flight soaring over the shores of Hudson Bay enroute to Seal River Heritage Lodge, your welcoming home for the next six days. Be prepared to spot migrating pods of whales, a plethora of birds, arctic wildlife such as caribou, foxes, wolves and moose, as well as the lord of the arctic, the polar bear.

Upon arrival your hosts will provide a tour of the stunning lodge before showing you to your private ensuite room with viewing window to the tundra. Once you are settled in, enjoy your first arctic lunch prepared by renowned chefs.

The ecolodge is exclusively situated on the Seal River Estuary, a favourite spot for migrating polar bears to bask or swim near the water's edge. Ensure your camera is fully charged, as this afternoon you will experience the Hudson Bay coast by foot for the first time. Join your adventure guide in this complex and stunning ecosystem, searching for arctic wildlife and admiring the vast landscapes.

End your amazing first day in the arctic with sumptuous cuisine and wines in the lodge dining room, amongst new friends and a crackling fire. Take time to unwind, recharge and enjoy a comfortable sleep, preparing you for five further days of adventures in the arctic.


Activities included in your stay:

Marine Tours - Journey out onto the icy waters of the Hudson Bay on an expedition by boat to view the migrating beluga whales, seals, seabirds and polar bears. Marine tours are conducted by guides in large inflatable boats, fully equipped with two way radios, safety gear, flotation jackets and a hydrophone to find out why the beluga whale is nicknamed the ‘sea canary’. At least two half day marine expeditions are planned, subject to weather conditions, so prepare to be amazed by the sight of the waters teeming with the smiling whales. Sing your favourite song to call the whales closer for a unique personal experience.

Trekking Tours - Daily trekking tours range from short jaunts to photograph seasonal bird migration to full day treks, with packed lunch, tracking arctic wildlife. Experience the vastness of the arctic tundra and its dazzling colours of flora and fauna. Your expert guides will walk you through this unique wilderness in search of the great ice bear. Advice is given on the best way to maintain a safe viewing distance. Take in the sights, hoping to spot arctic wildlife including caribou, fox dens, bird life and wildflower meadows. Your guides have many years of experience in the field photographing the landscapes and wildlife of the arctic. Assistance is provided with both the composition and execution of wildlife photography, so that you are able to achieve the shot of a lifetime.

DAYS 3 - 6:

Breakfast is served at 8am each morning, nourishing you for the day’s activities that begin from the lodge at 9:30. The activities for the day ahead are decided by the group and are weather dependant. You’ll be able to choose from the list below.

Return to the lodge mid afternoon and take the chill off with a warming drink followed by appertisers. A delicious, arctic inspired, meal is prepared by renowned chefs every night. The lodge prides itself on local, homemade, culinary experiences. Enjoy the best the arctic has on offer with a seasonal menu, designed to suit your needs, with specially selected Canadian wines. Take home the memories of your trip with a cookbook designed by the chefs.

Your evening is spent at leisure around a rippling fire, listening to informative lectures and discussing the next day's adventure. Activity around the lodge is monitored overnight, so be prepared to cut your sleep short to experience a nocturnal visit from the ice bear or gaze at the majestic dances of the aurora.

Staying at: Seal River Heritage Lodge



DAY 4:

Enjoy the day's activities.

DAY 5:

Enjoy the day's activities.

DAY 6:

Enjoy the day's activities.

DAY 7:

Enjoy a final hearty lodge breakfast this morning, after which you will begin transfers back to Churchill. Float above Hudson Bay and the arctic tundra on your return trip, affording you another chance to photograph this inspiring landscape.

A lodge representative will safely store your luggage allowing you to explore the attractions of Churchill. Choose to explore the shops of the city or local sites such as Cape Merry, the Eskimo Museum or the Parks Canada Exhibit. Your hosts will be happy to plan your time in Churchill and will provide you with an extensive list of things to do in the city. Catch an evening flight south to Winnipeg for the final night of your adventure.

DAY 8:

Awake on day eight to a complimentary breakfast before your trip back home.

Activities cont...
Coastal Buggy - Day trip along the coast of the Hudson Bay by Tundra Tracker, covering a large amount of shoreline while searching for wildlife. Your guides will spot passing wildlife and allow time to photograph this stunning landscape.

Bird Watching - Keep your binoculars at hand to spot the 150 birds that migrate through the area every year. The lodges expert guides can locate and identify a wide variety of species.

Kayaks and Canoes - Get away from it all with a private paddle onto the waters, hoping to spot passing ‘sea canaries’. The lodge's kayaks and canoes are available throughout your stay for use at any time.

BUDGET

From £7100 per person (based on two guests travelling) excluding flights to Winnipeg

This roughly converts to: 8,165 EUR | 9,301 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

DATES

This trip has fixed departure dates

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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Winter Spring Summer Autumn

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH:

7 nights

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