Polar Bear Photo Safari
When – October and November
7 or 8 Day Trips (Small Group Adventure)
Eco Lodges Seal River and Nanuk Polar Bear in the Canadian Tundra and Churchill
Thrilling Polar Bear and Arctic Wildlife Viewing
From £13,645 pp in 2023 (including taxes but not gratuities)
What can you expect on this photo safari?
An intimate, ground-level experience with polar bears, and a must-do for professional and aspiring photographers. Rather than watching from the relative height and safety of a tundra buggy, guests have a chance to walk with the bears. This ratified adventure requires skilled guides and strict safety measures, and our three-guide system is the best in the world, providing unparalleled, non-intrusive, immersive encounters with polar bears in their natural habitat.
Seal River Heritage Lodge is located 60 km north of Churchill, Manitoba, on the rocky shore of Hudson Bay near the Seal River, the last truly wild river in Canada. Built with immense respect for the environment, the lodge combines the rustic charm of the wild with the luxuries of modern living. Imagine spacious rooms with panoramic views of the tundra, a warm fireplace to snuggle up by after a day’s adventure, and cozy nooks where tales of the day’s sightings are exchanged. Staying in Churchill Wild lodges is akin to having a front-row seat to nature’s most magnificent theatre.
Beyond the adventure, what truly rounds off the Churchill Wild experience is the incredible food and hospitality. At the end of a thrilling day, you’re greeted with culinary delights, where gourmet dining meets local flavours. Locally sourced fish and meats, homegrown vegetables, handpicked tundra berries, hearty soups, delicious breads and exquisite desserts – every meal is an event in itself.
➤Day 1: Overnight Stay and Orientation in Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel, The Grand by Lakeview at the Winnipeg Airport.
Your winter gear fitting and collection will take place at 5 pm prior to meeting the rest of your group at an orientation dinner this evening.
➤ Day 2: Fly to Churchill and then on to your Arctic Lodge
Arrive in Churchill by air where one of our expert staff will meet you at the airport and provide you with instructions of the morning transfer. You will then be transferred by fixed wing aircraft into the heart of the Arctic Wilderness. This exciting scenic flight takes you over key polar bear habitat. Keep a sharp eye en-route for wildlife including the ‘Great Ice Bears’.
Upon arrival, your hosts will provide a tour of the Lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation on travelling in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings. Then it’s time to assemble your cameras, hard drives, and tripods and start shooting.
Seal River Heritage Lodge
Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies Seal River Heritage Lodge. Located near the Seal River Estuary, this Lodge is in a prime location for observing polar bears as they wander the coast during summer and fall waiting for the Bay to freeze and viewing beluga whales in July and August.
The fenced-in compound, viewing platforms and tower lend themselves to unique photography opportunities for northern lights and the wildlife that approach to check out the sights, sounds and smells of the Lodge.
Accommodations are eight, double guestrooms each with an en-suite bathroom. The guest wing is away from the lounge and dining room, allowing you to enjoy quiet time as needed.
The cozy lounge, complete with fireplace, is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine, sharing photos or talking with new friends.
➤ Day 3-5 (or 6): Nature trekking, Polar Bears and Magnificent Photographic Opportunities
Each morning after a hot breakfast, your guides will outline a plan for the day’s excursions. Note that to maximize photography time and opportunities, your daily schedule may be adjusted. Your lodge is a wildly rugged and remote location catering to the photographer willing to spend long hours in the field getting up close and personal, at ground level, with Arctic wildlife. The shoreline location of the lodge is ideal for photographing bears on snow and ice, and on clear nights offers excellent chances for northern lights photography.
After appetizers and another one of our signature meals, evenings are spent near the fireplace downloading images, sharing the day’s adventures, or taking in an informative lecture or slide show.
Bedtime is at your leisure and you can rest easy knowing you won’t miss out on anything. Our staff monitor the compound and skies and will rouse you if the aurora or a nocturnal polar bear make an appearance.
➤ Day 6 or 7: Back to Winnipeg
After another hearty Lodge breakfast, we will begin air transfers back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots.
Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of our tour guides exploring the town and surrounding area and learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military base. Your tour will include stops such as the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail.
Along the way, your guide will point out murals that were commissioned in 2016 as part of the SeaWalls mural festival. Before a group dinner, your guide will give you free time to shop for lastminute souvenirs at the unique gift stores in Churchill.
Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to The Grand Hotel.
➤ Day 7 or 8: Homeward
After a restful sleep, depart for your flight home.
Ultimate Polar Bear Safari
This isn’t just any wildlife viewing; this is an intimate dance with nature, a face-to-face encounter with the King of the Arctic. Walking with polar bears is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that engraves itself on your soul.
Highlights
- Daily, guided hikes across the tundra to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, up-close-and-personal, in their natural habitat.
- Sky gazing! The eco-lodge’s location offers 300 nights of aurora viewing each year. If conditions permit, you will be able to enjoy the greatest light show on earth from within the lodge or out in a secure compound. There is a high chance of seeing the lights on this safari.
- Educational evening presentations by the lodge managers or naturalist guides about our Arctic ecosystems, landscape and lifestyle.
- Indulge your taste buds with delicious tundra-inspired cuisine, complemented by select Canadian wines.
- Explore the historic port of Churchill, meet local characters, and uncoverits charms.
- Sunrises, sunsets and blue hour—our photo safaris give you ample opportunity to photograph the wildlife and landscapes of the Hudson Bay coast during the best light
- Professional photography instruction available on select departures.
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