Canada
Walking with the Polar Bears in Churchill
This ultimate Churchill Polar Bear Tour brings you up close to Manitoba's wildlife, above and below water, in July and August. Experience one of the best Canada Polar Bear Safaris over 8 perfect nights with Ker & Downey. Highlights include kayaking with beluga whales and walking with Polar Bears.
Itinerary-at-a-glance:
- Day 1: Winnipeg
- Day 2 - 3: Churchill
- Day 4 - 7: Kaskattama Coast
- Day 8 - 9: Winnipeg
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Your Churchill Polar Bear Tour first kicks off in Winnipeg. While here, enjoy a leisurely overnight at the airport hotel. Also visit to the Manitoba Museum for a tour of the Arctic Gallery.
Next, depart by regional flight to Churchill, Manitoba -- the Polar Bear Capital of the World. During your two days in this historic port town, you will set out on multiple marine excursions focusing on beluga whale sightings. Excursions include a combination of kayaking with beluga whales in the Churchill River, estuary tours, and touring the Prince of Wales Fort while beluga watching from the boat.
Times for each Churchill marine adventure will vary with the tides. This will maximize your time with the beluga whales. Indeed, some 54,000 beluga whales spend their summer in western Hudson Bay. And up to 3,000 head to the Churchill River estuary.
Finally, it is time to begin your Canada Polar Bear Safari on the shores of Hudson Bay. You will stay at the most remote property for polar bear viewing, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. In fact, the diverse ecosystem surrounding the lodge is home to Canadian icons such as polar bears, black bears, arctic foxes, wolves, and moose.
Spend your days here embarking on daily outings with the Churchill Wild naturalist guides. You will mainly embark on coastal explorations to the tidal flats and Hudson Bay shoreline. Set out on bear walks or ride in specialized tundra vehicles to witness the Polar Bears in Churchill in their natural habitat.
Also explore the river deltas and vast beach ridges. Or, stay close to the lodge to take advantage of additional wildlife spotting opportunities. Routes will vary but you will have ample time to go walking with polar bears at a safe distance. You will also have a chance to photograph them and the other wildlife that live in this unique environment.
After each day, wind down during appetizer hour in the lounge. Then indulge in one of the lodge’s signature dinners followed by a presentation or free time. Lodge staff will also monitor Aurora Borealis after dark and will provide a wake-up call to ensure you don’t miss the Northern Lights.
You will eventually return back to Churchill, where you will spend the day with a guide learning about the town's rich history. Stop at such sites as the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail, among others.
Enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping before your evening flight to Winnipeg and your final overnight in Manitoba.
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