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EXPERIENCE & EXPLORE – THE HEARTLANDS
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Polar Bears of Churchill
The magnificent polar bear is one of the world’s most magical creatures. Growing
up to eight foot from nose to tail and weighing up to 1,300 pounds, they hold a
colossal presence in nature. Adapting to life in a cold climate, their black skin is
hidden beneath a thick layer of water-repellent, translucent fur, keeping them
insulated from the extreme temperatures, and their unique paws function as snow
shoes with claws which have evolved to aid in climbing steep icy banks. Churchill,
Manitoba is renowned as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’. Nestled on the
Western shore of Hudson Bay, 650 miles north of Winnipeg, every autumn bears
gather along the waters’ edge anxiously waiting for the sea ice to form. This ice
field will be home to the bears for the winter, providing a relatively safe
environment that is rich in food. Observing the polar bear is a once in a lifetime
experience, and must be conducted under professional supervision to protect
the welfare of the bears and their natural environment.
1. Great Ice Bear
Departs: Winnipeg, fromOctober to November
Day 1 Explore Winnipeg at leisure, before joining your fellow travellers and
adventure specialists for dinner.
Day 2 Today you fly fromWinnipeg to Churchill, then on to Dymond Lake
EcoLodge; one of Canada’s most exclusive polar bear viewing properties.
Enjoy a guided hike before discussing life in Canada’s Arctic over dinner.
Days 3 & 4 Time at the Lodge will be spent viewing the magnificent polar bears
on guided walks, with plenty of photo opportunities and expert staff on hand to
answer questions. In the evenings you’ll enjoy dinner and informative lectures.
Day 5 Following an aerial tour back to Churchill, the remainder of the day is at
leisure to explore this frontier community.
Day 6 Wake early this morning for a spectacular journey across the ice in a tundra
vehicle. Expert guides will take you up-close to the polar bears – a wonderful
finale to this extraordinary adventure. This evening fly back to Winnipeg.
Day 7 Enjoy breakfast in Winnipeg before your adventure comes to a close.
2. Hudson Bay Odyssey
Departs: Winnipeg, from August to September
Day 1 Explore Winnipeg at leisure, before joining your fellow travellers and
adventure specialists for dinner.
Day 2 Today you commence your expedition with a flight fromWinnipeg to
Churchill, then on to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge; one of Canada’s most exclusive
polar bear viewing properties. Enjoy a guided hike exploring the coastline in
search of the ‘Great Ice Bear’ before discussing life in Canada’s Arctic over dinner.
Days 3, 4 & 5 This experience is centred on the magnificent polar bear, so your
time at the Lodge will be spent viewing the magnificent creature on morning and
afternoon excursions.
Day 6 After flying back to Churchill, the remainder of the day is at leisure to see
the sights. Your flight back to Winnipeg takes place this evening.
Day 7 Your adventure finishes following a delicious breakfast in Winnipeg.
3. Birds, Bears & Belugas
Departs: Winnipeg, from July to August
Day 1 Explore Winnipeg at leisure, before joining your fellow travellers and
adventure specialists for dinner.
Day 2 Today it’s a flight fromWinnipeg to Churchill, before journeying onward
to Seal River Heritage Lodge, where you stay for the next five nights. Experience
a guided tour of the breathtaking Hudson Bay Coast before enjoying dinner.
Days 3, 4, 5 & 6 Over these days, expect to see hundreds of whales during a marine
tour, experience the sheer vastness of the Arctic’s flora and fauna on a walking tour
and see the Hudson Bay on a custom made Tundra Tracker – or perhaps even by
sea kayak.
Day 7 Following an aerial tour back to Churchill, the remainder of the day is at
leisure to explore. Your flight south to Winnipeg takes place this evening.
Day 8 Your adventure comes to a close following a delicious breakfast.