6 Day Canada's Polar Bears and Northern Lights Expedition
This tour is escorted by local city guides in each location. The local guides will join you during the included activities and local representatives will assist with transfer arrangements. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise, or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including two days polar bear viewing onboard the purpose built Arctic Crawler tundra vehicle, northern lights viewing and a dog-sledding adventure
✓ 3 nights at the cosy Lazy Bear Lodge in the heart of Churchill
✓ 2 nights in deluxe 4-star accommodation in Winnipeg
✓ Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Spend two full days witnessing polar bears in their natural habitat on the tundra
✓ Experience dog mushing on an authentic sled pulled by Huskies
✓ Guided Churchill Heritage Tour including historic Cape Merry and the infamous Polar Bear Jail
✓ Return flights from Winnipeg to Churchill
✓ Expert naturalist guides during all tours in Churchill
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Get ready to explore Winnipeg, Manitoba! Upon arrival, check in to your deluxe hotel located in the vibrant Forks district. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and discover the city at your own pace. Located only a short walk away is the Forks food hall, home to an array of local restaurants, artisan shops and cafes.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your flight to Churchill. Upon landing, a friendly Lazy Bear Lodge guide will be waiting to welcome you and transport you comfortably to the lodge. En route, your guide will take you to view some of the iconic sights of this frontier town.
After check-in, meet your hosts and fellow polar bear explorers and settle in for a relaxing afternoon, preparing for the exciting adventures that await.
If the conditions are right tonight, your hosts will take you out of town to a dedicated aurora viewing point to witness the northern lights.
Please note, the tour schedule in Churchill is subject to change based on weather or other circumstances beyond the supplier’s control.
After breakfast, climb aboard your custom-built Arctic Crawler™, a tundra vehicle specially designed to navigate the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Venture into the vast tundra where polar bears patiently await the winter freeze on Hudson Bay. Be prepared for curious encounters – these magnificent creatures are known to approach the vehicles for a closer look! As well as polar bears, expect to also see other incredible wildlife like arctic hare, arctic and red fox, gyrfalcon, ptarmigan and much more.
Enjoy a delicious lunch with snacks and beverages on board the Crawler. After your unforgettable wildlife encounter, unwind for the night back at Lazy Bear Lodge. If conditions allow, your hosts will take you out to view the captivating northern lights again tonight.
Another day on the tundra awaits as we board the Arctic Crawler again after breakfast. Accompanied by your expert naturalist guides, spend the majority of the tundra viewing the polar bears in their natural habitat. It is a truly breathtaking experience being so close to these majestic creatures.
After our day on the tundra, experience dog mushing on an authentic sled pulled by Huskies who love to run. In a warm cabin, hear Indigenous story-telling and wisdom from a Métis dog musher.
Back at the lodge, savour delicious local cuisine and indulge in "Canada's Best Cup of Coffee" (as voted by Reader's Digest) or a steaming mug of hot chocolate beside the crackling warmth of our massive Scandinavian stone fireplace. When relaxation beckons, your comfortable room awaits, complete with plush beds and all the modern amenities you need for a restful night.
If conditions permit, become a front-row spectator to nature's mystical light show, with vibrant colours dancing across the starry night sky. Our exclusive viewing locations, both around Churchill and on the Hudson Bay coast, offer the perfect vantage point to capture breathtaking photos.
After breakfast, embark on a Cultural and Heritage Tour exploring iconic sites like Cape Merry and the polar bear holding facility (exterior tour). Your knowledgeable guide will bring the past to life. Following your exploration, the lodge shuttle will whisk you comfortably to Churchill Airport for your return flight to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, unwind for the night at the conveniently located Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel.
Your adventure ends this morning at the hotel after check-out. We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
This hotel is located at the airport terminal. Please proceed on foot to the airport terminal for check in.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Tipping
Tipping in Canada is a complex cultural practice. While not technically mandatory, it's deeply ingrained in the service industry and considered a crucial part of an employee's income. Understanding the tipping etiquette can be confusing for visitors, as it varies depending on the type of service, location, and even the bill amount.
Here is some information to assist you with tipping in the Canada.
Tipping in the Canada is expected, but not mandatory. Generally 15-20% of the bill (before tax) is considered standard for good service, while higher tips are customary for exceptional service. Some restaurants may automatically add gratuity, so check your bill carefully.
Tipping your tour leader in the Canada is not as common as tipping in restaurants, but it's certainly a kind gesture and a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and guidance throughout your trip. If you had a good experience, CAD$5-$10 per person per day is a decent starting point. For exceptional service or longer tours, aim for CAD$10-$20 or a lump sum at the end.
Ultimately, tipping your tour leader is a personal decision. If you felt they provided a valuable service and made your trip more enjoyable, a tip is a thoughtful way to express your thanks. Remember, even a small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation for their hard work.
While navigating the intricacies of tipping can feel overwhelming at first, understanding the basics will ensure you navigate this cultural practice confidently during your visit to Canada.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,795.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Due to the remote nature of this tour, we strongly recommend trip cancellation/medical evacuation insurance. Churchill is a remote community with limited facilities including a major hospital. In light of that fact, please ensure that you take the necessary precautions with regards to your insurance and ensure it covers you for medical evacuation.
Children
Children must be 8 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Carry On & Baggage Allowance for flights to Churchill
Maximum two (2) pieces of baggage not to exceed combined weight of 30kg and maximum outside linear dimensions not to exceed 62 in or 158 cm. Each bag must weigh 23kg or less.
Passengers are permitted two (2) pieces of carry-on baggage per person, free of charge - provided their combined weight does not exceed 9kg and their combined dimensions (L x W x H) do not exceed 10in x 16in x 12in or (25cm x 40cm x 30cm).
Temperatures & What To Pack
The average temperature in October is about 0 to -10 degrees Celsius (32 to 14 Fahrenheit) and in November about -5 to -20 degrees Celsius (23 to -4 Fahrenheit).
We recommend bringing warm and layered clothing to prepare for wind, snow, and freezing temperatures. (Even though the tour vehicles are heated, you will need to stay warm when on the viewing deck and while the windows are open.)
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
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