Summer Polar Bears and Belugas

Category » Polar Bear Tours | Polar Bears of Churchill

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Polar bear in fireweed, Seal River Dennis Fast

Explore the flowering tundra and Seal River estuary by land and by inflatable boat. Snorkel with friendly and curious beluga whales, and view teeming wildlife on the tundra, including polar bears, caribou, fox, wolves, moose, and hundreds of species of birds. Stay in the cozy Seal River Heritage Lodge on the shore of Hudson Bay and enjoy gourmet meals.

Added value: Sheraton 4 Points (in Winnipeg) included on day 1 when booking with International Wildlife Adventures!

Highlights

Polar bears on flowering tundra
Snorkel with beluga whales
Nesting birds
Tundra flowers
Other wildlife such as fox, caribou, wolves & moose
Wildlife photography workshops
Explore Hudson Bay by Tundra Tracker
Relaxing wilderness lodge accommodations
Excellent food
Top-quality local guides

Day 1: Arrive Winnipeg. O/N Sheridan 4 Points at the airport

Day 2: Arrive Churchill. O/N

Arrive in Churchill by air. On arrival, you will be meet by a staff memeber and transported to the Aurora Inn for your overnight. There will be time to enjoy walking around the small northern town of Churchill to shop, go to the Eskimo Museum and see the local sights. On your departure day, from the lodge, you will have time to spend in Churchill again so take note of those shops you may have missed and want to visit when you return.

Day 3: Fly by bush plane to Seal River Lodge, north of Churchill River.

After breakfast, you will be transfered to Landing Lake for the float plane ride to the lodge. Have your camera ready for the breathtaking views from the air of the winding Hudson Bay. You will see huge pods of beluga whales, countless birds, caribou and polar bears! The Seal River Estuary is a favorite summer resting area for the wildlife that is regularly seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge.

On arrival, there be a brief orientation and then a wonderful lunch. After lunch, your first coastal experience will begin. There is a huge combination of coastal diversity with natural elements that would amaze anyone. The first day at the lodge will be finished by the first of many gourmet meals in the newly built dining hall that is surrounded by picture windows. Watch the tidal changes while eating dinner in this pristine wilderness. After dinner, spend a relaxing evening getting to know the other guests by a cozy fire. You have 5 more amazing days to go!

Days 4-7: Explore tundra and Seal River Estuary for birds, bears and beluga whales.

In the next several days, your delicious breakfasts will be served at 8:00 a.m. and the tour of the day will typically depart the lodge at 9:30 a.m. Depending on weather, tides and group interest, you will enjoy the following activities:

Marine Tours – Tides and weather permitting we will do at least two expeditions by boat to view beluga whales, seals, seabirds, and polar bears. Marine tours are conducted in large, nine-man inflatable (zodiac) boats, fully equipped with two way radios, safety gear, floatation jackets for each passenger, and a hydrophone so that you can listen to the whale songs. Each expedition is a half day in order to coordinate with the high tides. We have been known to see an amazing amount of whales per outing! It is not unusual to get 30 whales surrounding our zodiacs due to their pure curiosity. They are social by nature and will investigate our presence. Getting up-close and personal with these amazing creatures has been life-altering for many guests while snorkeling with them.

Trekking/Walking Tours – These are a daily part of the program and they range from short jaunts to photograph a passing caribou to full day trips with a delicious packed lunch. There is no better way to experience the sheer vastness of the Arctic’s flora and fauna than actually walking on the tundra. Nesting bird life, fox dens, sik-sik dens, wild flowers, polar bears, caribou and ancient tent rings are just a few of the experinces you will enjoy. When polar bears are sighted, your guide will advise you about the best way to maintain a safe viewing distance.

Coast by Buggy – You will see the Hudson Bay coast on our custom made Tundra Tracker. A day trip on one of these vehicles allows us to cover a lot of shoreline while searching out wildlife, polar bear foot prints and enjoying the scenery. Lunch is a picnic en route. There will be ample time for exploring and photography while on the trail.

Whale Swim and exploration by Zodiac – Snorkel with the belugas in their world. The belugas will come right up to you and in some case gently touch your stomachs. Dry suits will be provided to offset the chill of the Hudson Bay.

Ocean Paddles – We have several sea kayaks and canoes on site for your use at any time to do a short paddle where you may be rewarded with being surrounded by belugas.

Aurora Watching – You can enjoy the greatest light show on earth in summer especially in the latter part of our season. The northern skies are a perfect location for the dancing lights of the aurora. The aurora are best photographed using a tripod so if you have one, bring it along.

Bird Watching – 150 species of nesting birds visit this area and our expert guides can help you locate and identify a wide variety of these birds – chances are you will add several species to your life list.

Photo Presentations and Lectures – From lectures on “Travelling in Bear Country” to “Wildlife of the Arctic,” our own adventurer guides will enlighten you with personal photos and stories of past experiences. These exciting stories provide you the opportunity to learn about the Arctic wildlife, landscape, and people.

Rest and Relaxation – Keep in mind, you are on vacation and if you decide to remain back at the lodge to relax, you should feel free to do so.

Day 8: Flight back to Churchill and on to Winnipeg.

After a fabulous breakfast with homemade breads, we begin our transfers back to Churchill. On arrival in Churchill, you will have time to explore the areas you had not explored on your first trip to town. Your flight back to Winnipeg is in the late afternoon/early evening. On arrival in Winnipeg, walk over to the Sheridan 4 Points for your last overnight.

Day 9: Depart for your home

You will have breakfast at your hotel and can depart at anytime for home.

2102 Dates

July 15 - 23, 2012

July 20 - 28 2012

July 25 - August 2, 2012

July 30 - August 7, 2012

August 4 - 12, 2012

August 9 - 17, 2012

August 14 - 22, 2012

Rate Information

2012 Rate: $7,995 CAD from Winnipeg, plus taxes based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is $1500 plus tax. If you are traveling alone and would like us to arrange a suitable roommate, we will make every effort to do so. If one is not available we must charge the single supplement.

To calculate today's spot exchange rate, click here.

Please note that this is the "spot" rate, and the actual bank exchange rate may vary a few points from this. Your exact rate will be determined at the time of your booking and payment in full. VISA and MasterCard accepted.

Tour Details

Registration
To confirm your space on this tour, please send a deposit of $2,000 USD/CAD to our office. Balance is due 120 days prior to departure. Please note: Tour rates are based on Canadian Dollars.

Cancellation Policy

In the event you must cancel your reservation, refunds will be made according to the following schedule: Deposit $2,000 non-refundable. All monies paid 120 days prior to departure, 100% non-refundable.

Insurance

Because many advance logistical arrangements have been made prior to the running of this trip, we must adhere to the above policy. In addition, please be aware that many insurance policies do not cover illness and accident expenses outside of the U.S., and Medicare does NOT cover any such expenses at all. In light of this, we strongly recommend trip cancellation and supplemental insurance.

Weather can be a factor in getting in and out of the lodge. If you are delayed by weather, it will be at your expense in Churchill and a rate of $200 addtional will be applied to the lodge and paid at the lodge if you are stranded at the lodge.

A travel insurance form will be sent to you upon registration, or you can purchase it from our site by clicking on the "Purchase Travel Insurance" in the left-hand column. Our insurance carrier is Travelex.

Winnipeg: Sheridan 4 Points

Churchill: Aurora Inn

Main Tour:

Seal River Heritage Lodge is your home base for both our Summer Polar Bears and Belugas and the Seal River Fall Polar Bear Photo Safari. This eco lodge was strategically built on the shores of the Hudson Bay. The lodge recyles grey water, collects rain water, has solar panels to generate its own electricity--it is true eco lodge that has a 4 star class rating. The lodge is located near the Seal River estuary, it is home to some of the best whale watching in the world. The Seal River estuary, a short 8km boat ride from the lodge, is summer home to thousands of beluga whales.
Because of its distance from Churchill (a 60 kms and 30 minute flight), guests at Seal River Heritage Lodge can see the bay’s infamous polar bears and a host of other wildlife on the Birds, Bears, and Belugas summer excursion, making it one-of-a-kind.

Access: By air only, float plane, wheel plane or helicopter.
Location: 60 kilometers north of Churchill, Manitoba on the Hudson Bay coast near the mouth of Seal River.

Features:

A viewing tower to take in the expansive tundra landscape and its wild inhabitants
Cozy common area with fireplace for evening wind down
8 double, triple or quad rooms each with their own private bathroom
Full service gourmet meals
Electricity 24 hours a day, every day
Natural gas and wood heat
Library with maps
Gift Shop
Radio/Telephone
Wireless internet