Your exclusive wildlife adventure will take place on the coast of Hudson Bay, within the Cape Tatnam Wildlife Management Area, an area so remote that it hasn't changed for thousands of years, and boasts one of the most pristine wilderness areas left in the world.
The high concentration of mother bears and cubs in this region make this tour truly one of a kind; these are wild polar bears living the way they have lived since time began.
Day 1 - Anticipation begins! You will arrive in Winnipeg on your own travel arrangements and overnight at the Four Points Sheraton located at the airport where your adventure with us begins.
Day 2 - The adventure begins! You will depart Winnipeg for Gillam early in the morning on Calm Air International. Upon arrival in Gillam you will transfer to a private charter for your one hour flight to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. You may have some great opportunities for aerial photography during the flight so make sure you have your cameras ready. Upon arrival at the Lodge you will receive a tour and be shown to your room to get settled. Check out our library which includes local maps and information as well as our gift shop. Lunch is served shortly after your arrival, and you will be given an orientation on your stay in polar bear country. This day includes an interpretive walk on the inland Palsa Bogs, Tundra Ponds and Taiga Forest. Appetizers and cocktails are served at 6:00 pm and your gourmet dinner is served at 7:00 pm. After dinner there will be an informative lecture or slide show presentation. Lights are out at 10:00 pm - this is when the generator is turned off. If it is a clear night you will have the chance to view the Aurora Borealis (northern lights). (L,D)
Days 3 to 5 - Nature trekking, Polar Bears and Pristine Photography!
During the rest of your stay your gourmet breakfast will generally be served at 8:00 am and your outings will begin at about 9:30 am. If there are bears near the Lodge (this happens often!) the tour may be delayed to take advantage of the photo and observation opportunities. There is the option available for anyone to stay behind to take photos of the wildlife around the Lodge and relax. Daily outings rotate through the following;
An ATV coastal tour to the tidal flats and Hudson Bay shoreline, including a viewing of the historic vessel the 'Mooswa'. Lunch and a tea boil are served around the campfire.
A full day photo tour to the coast of Hudson Bay to photograph the polar bears and other abundant wildlife in their unique landscape. Lunch and a tea boil are served around the campfire. After lunch you will explore the river deltas and coastal eskers.
Staying close to the Lodge to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves as the day unfolds to photograph the King of the Arctic. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the Arctic environment. Lunch is served at the Lodge on this day. Appetizers and cocktails are served at 6:00 pm and your gourmet dinner is served at 7:00 pm. After dinner there will be an informative lecture, slide show presentation, or informal visiting. Aurora Borealis viewing after dark if conditions are optimal. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - The last chance to watch the wildlife because this morning you will pack your gear and get ready to head home. Lunch will be served at the Lodge today and your charter for Gillam will leave afterwards. You will depart Gillam for Winnipeg on Calm Air late in the afternoon. You arrive in Winnipeg early in the evening and will again overnight at the Four Points Sheraton by the airport. (B,L)
Day 7 - Homeward Bound! Today you will fly home on your own travel arrangements, marking the end of your adventure with Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. This is a very unique program and is sure to be the trip of a lifetime. The owners and staff routinely deal with the unique situations that arise from having polar bears in such close proximity with humans. There is an overwhelming abundance of wildlife in the area to photograph and enjoy. There is a variety of migratory birds including geese, wolves and moose. It is very common during the season to record over 400 bears passing by the Lodge. Our daily record from 2005 is 17 bears around the Lodge in just 9 hours. Photo opportunities present themselves often from inside the 8 foot buffalo fence, with bears as close as 3 feet away. Come and join us on what is sure to be an adventure to remember. (B)
