Day 1
Your tour begins upon check-in at the Hostelling International Winnipeg Downtowner. Located in the heart of Winnipeg's vibrant core, this hostel is close to the city's finest attractions including the Forks "meeting place", the award-winning Manitoba Museum and the dynamic Exchange District. You must present your Hostelling International membership card at time of check-in.
Overnight Winnipeg Downtowner
Day 2
Today is free to explore Winnipeg on your own. We recommend a visit to the Winnipeg Art Gallery and a walk through lively Osborne Village. Savor the city's fantastic regional cuisine for dinner this evening.
Overnight Winnipeg Downtowner
Day 3
Depart Winnipeg for Churchill early this afternoon on VIA Rail.
Overnight VIA Rail
Day 4
As the train travels slowly north, you have an opportunity to view the changing landscape, from the rolling wheat fields of the Manitoba Prairie, to the undulating hills of Porcupine and Duck Mountains, to the muskeg of the sub-arctic.
Overnight VIA Rail
Day 5
Arrive in Churchill this morning. You will be picked up at the VIA Rail station and transferred to your accommodation at the Lazy Bear Lodge. As your room may not be ready until the afternoon, you may wish to leave your bags at reception and spend time exploring the town. Sample a pastry at the famous Gypsy Bakery and visit the renowned Eskimo Museum, housing one of the world's finest collections of Inuit carvings and artifacts.
Overnight Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 6
Today is a free day for you. Book an authentic dog-sled excursion or a helicopter flight over Cape Churchill. Visit the local shops offering a wide variety of souvenirs, and wander through the Parks Canada Visitor's Reception Centre located at the VIA Rail station. The center provides exhibits, on-site interpretation of the history of the area as well audio-visual presentations and evening lectures.
A local building well worth seeing is the Town Complex. This expansive structure is home to the school, hospital, local government and Natural Resources' offices, ice skating and curling rink, library, theater, coffee shop and convenience store. The centre stands as a focus at the heart of the community. (B)
Overnight Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 7
Your day of adventure begins! You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the launch site to board a chartered Tundra Buggy, your home for the day. Each fall, the extraordinary "King of the Arctic" prowls along the coast of the Hudson Bay, anxiously waiting for the sea ice to form. Throughout the day you will travel across the tundra in search of the polar bears, experiencing their natural, sub-Arctic habitat. The driver/guide is trained to maneuver this vehicle into position for the best photo opportunities. A hearty lunch will be served onboard. You will return to town at dusk, and will be transferred to the VIA Rail for departure this evening. (B,L)
Overnight VIA Rail
Day 8
Enjoy a day on the train to relax and perhaps catch a glimpse of the spectacular Northern Lights.
Overnight VIA Rail
Day 9
Arrive in Winnipeg this morning, and transfer to the Winnipeg Downtowner for your overnight stay.
Overnight Winnipeg Downtowner
Day 10
Your tour concludes upon check out of the hostel this morning.
Please note, VIA Rail's schedule is subject to change. We strongly recommend that you confirm details prior to departure. Change fees may apply.
