Northern Lights
Witness the greatest light show on Earth, the aurora borealis, even in summertime.
Scout the landscape for birds, bears and belugas while staying at Seal River Heritage Lodge in Hudson Bay, combining the thrill of beluga whale-watching with the adrenaline rush of “on the ground” polar bear walking safaris.
Travelling between July and August, find yourself in a remote location deep in the heart of polar bear country, staying in an authentic wilderness lodge with all the comforts of home. For six days, be guided by some of Canada’s finest naturalists, walking on nature trails and embarking on marine expeditions that include kayaking in Arctic waters alongside enchanting belugas.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Walk with Polar Bears
While maintaining a safe viewing distance, walk amongst predatory polar bears.
Spot Arctic Wildlife
Take a short jaunts to stake out dens and photograph playful Arctic foxes and wolves.
Kayak with Belugas
Take to the cold Arctic waters to paddle amongst majestic white beluga whales.
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Day 1
Winnipeg
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Day 2
Winnipeg-Churchill
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Days 3-6
Seal River Heritage Lodge
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Day 7
Churchill-Winnipeg
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Day 8
Winnipeg
Day 1
Winnipeg
Arrive into Winnipeg at The Grand by Lakeview Winnipeg Airport hotel for your first night and welcome dinner to meet the rest of the group.
Day 2
Winnipeg-Churchill
From Winnipeg, fly to Churchill then transfer for a short flight over Hudson Bay to Seal River Heritage Lodge. After lunch, head out for guided exploration of the coastline looking for polar bears, sea birds and pods of belugas. Back at the lodge, enjoy an informal talk or slide show about the flora and fauna around the lodge.
Days 3-6
Seal River Heritage Lodge
Over the next few days, explore the tundra landscapes with a guide, trekking or by ATV. When the tides are right, head out on a whale-watching tour. Look out for Arctic wildlife, including sandhill cranes, snow geese, hares and arctic foxes.
Day 7
Churchill-Winnipeg
After breakfast at the lodge, air transfer back to Churchill airport where a guide will give a tour of the town, revealing insights into the area’s history as a seaport and ex-military base. Visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre which showcases the region’s ecology and social history, as well as the Itsanitaq Museum and Polar Bear Jail. After a group dinner, fly back to Winnipeg for a final night at The Grand by Lakeview Winnipeg Airport hotel.
Day 8
Winnipeg
Onward travel home.
More Details
Guided Activities
Expect to head out twice a day, accompanied by an expert guide who gives detailed insights into the wildlife, as well as the flora such as the vibrant purple fireweed that peppers the landscapes in mid July. Land-based activities are either hiking or tundra vehicle expeditions, watching the polar bears as they scour the coastline waiting for the bay to freeze over. By zodiac, search the estuary where pods of beluga whales gather in their thousands and migratory and shorebirds such as sandhill cranes and snow geese grace the skies. You’ll also likely see hares and Arctic foxes on tundra hikes.
Seal River Lodge
Accessible only by air, and strategically located on the shores of the Hudson Bay, Seal River Heritage Lodge is surrounded by an unspoiled wilderness that is home to hundreds and sometimes thousands-strong populations of birds, beluga whales and polar bears during the summer months. Embark on wildlife photography trips, zodiac explorations and tuck in to picnics in isolated locations, while looking out for other species that include Arctic foxes, wolves and moose. Despite the polar bears that stalk the coastline, this is a soft adventure that is highly suitable for families with older children.
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A note on price
This Itinerary
Price
From £10,495 Per person
When to travel
Canada in January
January is an undoubtedly cold time of year in Canada, with temperatures reaching negative daily. However, visiting during this time can be a good chance to avoid the overwhelming busy times of the festive season and school holidays.
Canada in February
Winter in Canada offers an array of sporting and cultural events both indoors and out. Banff, Whistler and Jasper offer phenomenal ski resorts or perhaps be a spectator of an ice hockey match, arguably the country’s favourite sport.
Canada in March
While March can be a good off-peak time to visit, it is worth being prepared for drastic weather changes. However, this also means lower costs and fewer crowds. The mountains are still open for the ski season and cities are ideal as they are fewer tourists.
Canada in April
April marks the start of spring across Canada, a time to avoid crowds and discover all that the country has to offer with comfortable temperatures on average.
Canada in May
May is a favourable time to visit Canada, with temperatures rising, avoiding school holidays and off-peak rates.
Canada in June
For many travellers, June is the ideal time to visit Canada. Just before peak season, the weather is favourable and most of the trails and seasonal activities will have opened.
Canada in July
Summer in Canada calls for longer days to explore the natural beauty that awaits outdoors whether it’s hiking, fishing or camping. Temperatures average around 25, making cities quite warm but head into the wilderness or by the coast and enjoy the open air.
Canada in August
Summer is considered the peak season with warm temperatures and all attractions open. It is worth noting this time of year can be quite busy as it is school holidays.
Canada in September
As autumn rolls in and temperatures lower, September is a great time to avoid massive crowds and experience all that the country has to offer in comfortable weather. September is also the beginning of the salmon run, a peak time to see the bears fishing.
Canada in October
Temperatures continue to drop in October, also bringing cloudy days and rain. The autumn foliage is in full bloom across the countryside. This can also be a good time to take advantage of off-peak rates, however, it is worth bearing in mind that the weather can vary and some coastal towns will have started to close for the season.
Canada in November
November is a good time of year to visit the cities of Canada. It is too late to view the foliage and a bit too early to skiing yet, but a good time to explore cities across the country, in temperatures averaging 5 degrees.
Canada in December
The build-up to the festive season is in full swing across the country. Snow may have already started, making the perfect scene for ice skating and markets.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
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