| Embark on a journey of
exploration and adventure at Seal River
Heritage Lodge near Churchill,
Manitoba, one of the original New World
arrival points of the Old World Explorers.
Known as the Polar Bear capital of the
world, this area is also the best place in
the world to see Beluga Whales in great
numbers in their natural habitat.
Lodge accommodations are comfortable.
Viewing lounges are complimented by well
appointed bedrooms. The lodge is equipped
with full bathrooms, hot and cold running
water and generated electricity. Meals are
gourmet and we do cook for special needs as
required, please advise ahead of time. See
ask us about our “What to Bring” list for
specialty items to include in your packing.
People arrive with a wide range of physical
abilities and interests; we will have
optional activities for those wishing not to
join in a particular tour.
Day 1: Check in at the Four Points
Sheraton, Winnipeg Airport.
Day 2: Arrive in Churchill by air. Our expert staff will greet you at
the airport and escort you
to Landing Lake where a breathtaking aerial
tour of the winding Hudson Bay coast will
lead you to your home for the next 6 days-
Seal River Heritage Lodge. Be prepared to
see huge pods of whales, countless birds, as
well as caribou and of course, the
magnificent Ice Bears. The Seal River
Estuary is a summer favorite for these
goliaths and they are regularly seen
swimming or basking near the water’s edge.
Upon your arrival, your hosts, Mike and
Jeanne Reimer and their children, a true
(and thus rare) Churchillian family, will
provide a tour of the lodge and get you
settled into your room. A thorough
orientation on travel in polar bear country
will be provided prior to any outings.
After a full-course lunch Churchill
Wild-style, you will experience the coast
for the first time. The combination of
diversity and sheer natural elegance will
amaze you. Ensure your camera battery is
charged! You will be eager to document each
and every moment in this extraordinary and
rare ecosystem.
Your first day at the lodge will end with
the first of many gourmet full-course meals
and a cozy fireplace for evening wind down.
Relax, recharge and get a good rest because
you have 6 amazing days to go!
Day 3-6: In the coming days, your
gourmet breakfasts will be served at 8:00
a.m. and the tour of the day will typically
depart the lodge at 9:30 a.m. Depending on
both weather and group interest, you will
enjoy the following activities:
Marine Tours- Tides and weather
permitting we will do at least three
expeditions by boat to view beluga whales,
seals, seabirds, and polar bears. Marine
tours are conducted in large, 12-person
zodiacs powered by Mercury’s clean burning 4
stroke outboards and fully equipped with two
way radios, safety gear, floatation jackets
for each passenger, and a hydrophone so that
you can listen to the whale songs. Each
expedition is a half day in order to
coordinate with the high tides. Both
refreshments and lunch will be served
aboard. Expect to see hundreds of whales per
outing! Beluga whales are very curious and
social and will investigate our presence
with a bold courage expressed by few other
creatures. Getting up-close and personal
with these awesome creatures has been
life-changing for many guests.
Trekking/Walking Tours- These are a
daily part of the program and they range
from short jaunts to photograph a passing
caribou perhaps, to day trips with a pack
lunch. There is no better way to experience
the sheer vastness of the Arctic’s flora and
fauna. Nesting bird life, fox dens, wild
flowers, and caribou are just a few of the
sights you will take in. When polar bears
are sighted, your guide will advise you on
the best way to maintain a safe viewing
distance.
Coast by Buggy- See the Hudson Bay
coast on our custom made Tundra Tracker. A
day trip in one of these vehicles allows us
to cover a lot of shoreline while searching
out wildlife. Lunch is a picnic en route. We
provide ample time for exploration and
photography of the trail.
Whale Swim and exploration by zodiac-
Take to the bay for the ultimate plunge and
join the belugas in their watery world. Dry
suits will be provided to offset the chill
of the Hudson Bay.
Ocean Paddles- We have several sea
kayaks and canoes on site for your use at
any time. Perfect tranquility with only the
sound
of your dipping paddle and the “sea
canaries” is truly awe-inspiring!
Aurora Watching- Yes, you can enjoy
the greatest light show on earth in summer
especially in the latter part of our season.
The northern skies are a perfect ballroom
for the aurora but remember, the aurora are
best photographed with a tripod so if you
have one, bring it along.
Bird Watching- Over 150 species of
birds visit this area and our expert guides
can help you locate and identify a wide
variety of these – chances are you will add
several “lifers” to your book.
Photo Presentations and Lectures –
From lectures on “Travelling in Bear
Country” to “Wildlife of the Arctic,” our
own northern
adventurers will regale you with photos and
stories. These conversations provide you the
opportunity to learn about the Arctic
wildlife, landscape, and people.
Rest and Relaxation- Should you
decide that curling up by the fireplace with
a good book or enjoying a hot drink and
sharing stories with your fellow adventurers
is what you need, you can feel free to do
that too.
Generally by 4:00 p.m. we are back at the
Lodge for hot or cold drinks and appetizers.
Your full course and delectable dinners are
served at 7:00 p.m. after which, the
fireplace is almost always central. Ian and
his team will give informative lectures and
slide presentations as well as initiate a
discussion about the activities for the
following day. Bedtime is at your leisure.
The entire Lodge area is patrolled for polar
bears all night by one of our night watchmen
so be prepared to have your sleep cut short
by a nocturnal visit by one of the great Ice
Bears (or by one of our dazzling displays of
northern lights!).
Day 7: After another hearty lodge
breakfast, it is time for one last walk on
the coast before packing. Have cameras ready
again for the return flight to Churchill as
it affords excellent opportunities for great
aerial shots. You will arrive in Churchill
and we’ll transfer you to your hotel for the
evening, the Aurora Inn (www.aurora-inn.mb.ca/)
where you will check in and drop your bags.
Your afternoon is then free for browsing the
shops and exhibits of Churchill. We
recommend Nature 1st Tours and
Transportation (www.nature1sttours.ca/)
should you prefer a guided tour of the area.
Local places such as Cape Merry, the Port of
Churchill, the Eskimo Museum, the Polar Bear
Holding Compound (otherwise known as the
Polar Bear Jail), as well as the Parks
Canada exhibit are all of great interest.
Helicopter tours are also available via
Hudson Bay Helicopters who can be reached at
info@hudsonbayheli.com or by phone at
204-675-2576. Lunch and dinner are on your
own this day. A list of local restaurants
are featured on page 26 of your Adventure
Album (which will be provided for you
pre-departure) to assist you in making your
decision.
Day 8: You will return to Winnipeg by
air today, and upon arrival, check into the
Four Points Sheraton Winnipeg Airport.
Day 9: Your tour concludes upon
check out of your hotel. |
