DeLuxe Hiking

    Ultimate Polar Bear Adventure

    Travel to the polar bear capital of the world, and get an in-depth look at these amazing creatures.

    Region

    NorthWestern Canada

    Duration

    6 Days

    Activity Rating

    Suggested Fitness Scale: Level 4

    Tour Starting & Finishing:  Winnipeg, Manitoba

    Growing up, the word polar bear conjured up images of cute, playful animals thanks to the marketing efforts of Coca-Cola, but for the people of Northern Canada, the polar bear, or nanuq in Inuit, is a symbol of the Arctic. 


    Start your adventure in Winnipeg with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, home to the most comprehensive zoological exhibit of its kind in the world. The Zoo is also the site of the leading polar bear conservation centre, where orphaned cubs from Churchill are cared for before being introduced into the zoo. 


     Then it's off to northern Manitoba to the southern Arctic zone, where polar bears outnumber humans. Spend three days in Churchill, Manitoba, learning about northern traditions, exploring famous sites – including a jail for the bears who get too close, and of course, going on a polar bear safari – or two in this case.   


    This bucket list tour will leave you with lifelong memories and a new appreciation for these magnificent Canadian animals. 

    • What's Included
      • Roundtrip airfare from Churchill to Winnipeg 
      • Private coach transportation
      • 5 nights of accommodation
      • Local professional guides and all park passes and entry fees for included highlights

      INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

      • Assiniboine Park Zoo ft. Journey to Churchill: a Canadian Signature Adventure
      • The Leaf: Biomes
      • Churchill Heritage Tour including the polar bear jail, Town of Churchill, Cape Merry Historical Site, & Miss Piggy Crash site
      • Arctic Crawler Tundra Tour – 2 days on the tundra
      • Dog Mushing Experience
    • Why This Tour is Great

      Discover an Iconic Canadian Species

      As soon as you step off the plane in Winnipeg, be immersed in the world of polar bears! See world-leading research centres, learn how humans interact with bears, and even visit a polar bear jail. Did you know 60% of the earth's polar bears live in Canada? From early October through November, these marvelous creatures gather and wait for the ice to form on Hudson Bay. This occurrence allows an amazing opportunity to journey onto Hudson Bay and see the bears in their natural environment. Few people have granted access, but our partners out west have their own custom-built equipment to do this.


      Learn about Artic Living 

      Early records show that nomadic Arctic people arrived in Churchill around the year 1000, with Europeans arriving in the 1600s. Since then, the population has only grown to 900 permanent residents. The low population allows you to dive deep into the community, where you will learn about what it takes to live up North. Experience a dog mushing ride and travel on what was the only form of transportation until the 20th century. 


      No Roads Lead Here

      Churchill is a remote area in Northern Manitoba where the only way to access the town is by train or plane. Planning a vacation like this on your own is doable but our tour is the complete package with air, accommodations, most meals, and attractions included, providing you with stress-free planning.

    • Day-to-Day Itinerary

      Day 1: Fly to Winnipeg, Assiniboine Zoo, The Leaf

      Set your clock back one hour and prepare for an amazing adventure as you arrive in Winnipeg to meet your tour director. Once the group has gathered, travel to the Assiniboine Park Zoo for an exclusive tour of the Journey to Churchill exhibit. Join an animal care team member for a tour of the 10-acre exhibit, learn about different Arctic species, visit the Sea Ice Passage underwater viewing tunnels to see the polar bears frolicking in the waters, and watch the northern lights dancing across the Aurora Borealis Theatre. This immersive tour is considered a Signature Canadian Experience, and a sure highlight will be a behind-the-scenes tour of the laboratories of the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (LIPBCC), where you will learn about polar bear conservation and the work being done in zoos to help the species. Located nearby is The Leaf, an astonishing indoor horticultural attraction that features four distinct biomes showcasing a diverse collection of plant life. Take time to wander each biosphere and marvel at the displays. Afterward, transfer to your boutique hotel and take time to settle in and freshen up. Once ready, gather as a group and head out for dinner at a restaurant specializing in farm-to-table meals. 

      Stay: Winnipeg, MB

      Nights: 1 


      Day 2: Fly to Churchill

      After breakfast, board the plane for a 2.5 hour flight to Churchill, Manitoba. Upon arrival and after lunch, enjoy the first half of a Heritage Tour of Churchill. Finish the tour at Lazy Bear Acres, your home base for the next three nights. 

      Stay: Churchill, MB

      Nights: 3


      Day 3: Tundra Tour, Dog Mushing Experience 

      Today is the day you have been waiting for. After breakfast, board an Arctic Crawler and journey to the polar bear gathering spot on Hudson Bay, a protected ecosystem that only permitted vehicles can access. Get your cameras ready; it won’t be long until these curious creatures venture over to say hello. Keep that adrenaline flowing as you embark on a dog sledding expedition. Learn the history of this means of transportation and how the dogs are trained. Return to Lazy Bear Lodge and warm up by the fire before your group dinner.  


      Day 4: Tundra Tour

      Keep your eyes open today for the animals you may have missed yesterday, including the Arctic and red fox, Arctic hare, caribou, and more, as you journey back out into the protected, open tundra for another chance to meet the majestic polar bears. 


      Day 5: Churchill Heritage Tour, Back to Winnipeg 

      After breakfast and check out, depart for the second half of the Churchill Heritage Tour. After lunch, transfer to the Churchill airport and fly back to Winnipeg. After hotel check in and time to freshen up, rejoin the group for an included farewell dinner. 

      Stay: Winnipeg, MB 

      Nights: 1 


      Day 6: Travel Home

      After breakfast, depart for the Winnipeg airport for the journey home. 

    • Info for Guests

      This tour includes round trip airfare from Toronto and our Connections Program, making it easier to get to the airport. Land only pricing is available and other flight arrangements can be made.  Prices will be adjusted accordingly.


      This tour is a trip of a lifetime to see the polar bear capital, Churchill Manitoba. The typical temperature in November is -5℃ to -20℃. It will be important to have warm boots with good grip and appropriate clothing for cold weather. More specific packing items will be sent in a ticket package. 


      Churchill, Manitoba has on average 300 days of Northern Lights. 


      There may be some walking on snow and ice. Guests need to have good mobility to climb into the Arctic Crawler.

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