Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Winnipeg, Canada - Upon arrival transfer to the hotel of your choice. We suggest the Sheraton 4 Points if you have just one night in Winnipeg, as it is close to the airport. If you want a scenic railway journey to Churchill from Winnipeg you need to allow extra time in Canada as it takes 36 hours to reach Churchill by train from Winnipeg. Meals and hotel not included (we will arrange the hotel accommodation for you, as an extra).

Day 2

Winnipeg to Churchill - Early morning we fly to Churchill, normally Calm Air is the operator. You will be met by one of our staff who will provide an orientation to the tour, including a quick check of your cold weather gear. If required we take you to a rental clothing supplier in Churchill, where boots, parkas and other warm clothing is available. Please note you can be pre-book clothing by email to the Polar Inn . At about 11:30 we fly from Churchill by helicopter to the Wilderness Lodge. Settle in to your room and then take lunch. After lunch you will learn about the safety measures that protect us from the bears, then we go for a walk on the tundra near the lodge. Over a gourmet dinner the staff will tell you more about what to expect in this very special area. This evening we have a slide presentation by one of our senior guides about the bears and the northern environment AND your first chance to see the northern lights. L, D.

Day 3

Tundra - Polar Bear Viewing on Foot - During the next two days we will take a number of walks on the tundra. The tour leader will specifically search for polar bears, but we may also see caribou, moose, seals and wolves. Being on foot we cannot allow the bears to get too close and the guides are expert in providing a safe environment so you can relax and observe the wildlife. There are resources for the group to split up as some may not want to walk very far, and others may wish to take an extended hike. Overnight in the Wilderness Lodge. B, L, D.

Day 4

Tundra - Polar Bear Viewing on Foot - Another day on foot on the tundra viewing the bears and other wildlife. Overnight in the Wilderness Lodge. B, L, D.

Day 5

Churchill Town Tour - After breakfast we fly by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft to Churchill. On arrival we will transfer you the guest house / lodge in Churchill town. Take lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the town (at own cost). In the afternoon our guide will take you on a brief tour of the town. If you wish dog sledding can be arranged for part of this afternoon. There is also free time to see some or all of the following - the Eskimo Museum, the Parks Canada Centre and the shops of Churchill. Dinner tonight is in the private house of a local gourmet cook. Overnight in a guest house in Churchill. B, D.

Day 6

Tundra - Polar Bear Viewing by Tundra Vehicle - We take another full day on the tundra, this time in the special vehicles designed for polar bear viewing. The vehicle will provide at least two seats per guest, so that there is plenty of space for your cameras and other items. These vehicles have huge tyres so that the sliding windows are just out of reach of the bears, however you get a great close up view of the inquisitive bears. This evening we fly to Winnipeg. Check in at your choice of hotel (we will arrange the hotel accommodation in Winnipeg for you, as an extra). B, L, and a hearty snack before you fly to Winnipeg.

Day 7

Ideally your return flight should be scheduled for late morning or later in the day. Breakfast not included.

Extra Information

Extras -

What is Included
Round Trip flights Winnipeg / Churchill / Winnipeg, plus Churchill / Wilderness Lodge / Churchill by fixed wing or helicopter. All meals as indicated by the code (B, L, D.). Accommodation at the Wilderness Lodge and one night in a Churchill guest house. Professional group leaders and assistants. Roving tundra vehicle and driver. All activities and evening wildlife and cultural presentations, service charges. Local taxes are included as applied to non residents.

What is Not Included
Travel (international flights etc.) from your home to Winnipeg and back. Accommodation in Winnipeg for the 25th and 31st (we help you to arrange this). Meals other than specified by the code (B, L, D.). Alcoholic beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, etc.). Entrance fees to museums etc.