Wild Canada: Belugas & Bears
See polar bears playing in fireweed, bison roaming the tundra, plus scores of beluga whales who make this far northern outpost their summer home. A summer wildlife adventure you’ll always remember.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
18
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Manitoba: Drink It In
Set out on a summer wildlife adventure through Canada’s remote and stunningly scenic northern frontier — a wild kingdom of ocean and tundra harboring whales, polar bears, and the enduring legacy of the Hudson Bay fur trappers. Float among friendly, playful beluga whales at the mouth of the Churchill River and listen for their distinctive chirping. Step back in time at FortWhyte, where you see imposing American bison up close and witness the daily routines of early prairie settlers, all adding up to an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • Meet a local dog musher and his pack for a sled ride along a nearby forest trail.
• Join locals for an exclusive session in the indigenous craft of charcoal wildlife drawing.
• Let expert guides handle the details as you relax and enjoy.
SPECIAL OFFER
Rates:
From $6,795 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Ask us for 2024dates.
July & August
Hover here for specific dates
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Local Community
Funds healthcare projects in local communities
Education
Provides schooling opportunities for local children
Conservation
Supports habitat conservation efforts across the globe
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Winnipeg, Canada
Arrive in Winnipeg, where you are transferred to your hotel. Gather tonight for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Fairmont Winnipeg
Day 2- Winnipeg Wildlife Encounters
Begin your day at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, going behind the scenes for an up-close perspective of its exhibits. Get an insider’s look at the research facilities as well, learning about critical efforts underway to help the Canadian polar bear population. Afterward, tour bustling Winnipeg, capital of the prairie province of Manitoba. Enjoy lunch at leisure before journeying to FortWhyte Alive, where you encounter mighty bison and learn how they influenced local history. Then, paddle a voyageur canoe used by fur trappers; explore a Plains Cree tipi; and step into a one-room sod house, where you sip wild bush tea and taste bannock cooked over a campfire.
Accommodation: Fairmont Winnipeg
Day 3 - Mighty Bears & Dog Sleds
Fly by charter air to Churchill on the shores of Hudson Bay. Check in to your rustic, hand-built lodge. After lunch, a local expert reveals Churchill’s intriguing heritage. See the cargo aircraft wreck of “Miss Piggy,” and visit a local polar bear hotspot for a sense of what it’s like to have wild bears at your doorstep. Later, head to the nearby boreal forest to meet a local dog musher and his pack. After learning about this time-honored form of transportation, take a spin along a forest trail. This evening, learn to capture professional quality images on a smartphone camera with tips from an expert wildlife photographer.
Accommodation: Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 4 - Plying Hudson Bay
Embark on an extended boat cruise on Hudson Bay, keeping a close watch for elusive polar bears, beluga whales and other exciting wildlife. If conditions allow, disembark to explore the bears’ summer habitat on foot. Return to Churchill for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 5 - Churchill - Indigenous Craft Session
Cross the Churchill River to the Prince of Wales Fort, a former outpost of the Hudson’s Bay Company. During the summer, the waters here are home to thousands of beluga whales; thrill to up-close views of these friendly mammals from a sturdy Zodiac. Later, join a local collective for an indigenous craft session exclusively for A&K guests with members of the community.
Accommodation: Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 6 - Churchill, Belugas Up Close
Today, a massive Arctic Crawler super-bus carries you into the wilderness in comfort and safety. Keep watch for eagles, bears and other wildlife. Then, view the wreck of the ‘Ithaca,’ which ran aground just offshore during a 1961 storm. Experience beluga whales again, this time by kayaking or floating on a personal inflatable raft among these gentle giants. Tonight, feast on a hearty meal at your lodge.
Accommodation: Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 7 - Winnipeg, Subarctic Wonders
Visit the Churchill Northern Studies Center, where you learn about the role it played during the Cold War-era space race and hear about crucial scientific research being conducted today. A charter flight returns you to Winnipeg. This evening, visit Dalnavert House, built by Hugh John Macdonald, son of Canada’s first prime minister and the then-premier of Manitoba. Enjoy a private tour and reception before sitting down to a special farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Fairmont Winnipeg
Day 8 - Depart Winnipeg
Transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.
Internal Air: Economy class from $995
Winnipeg/Churchill/Winnipeg
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 12 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 6:00 p.m. on Day 1.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 7.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Program Note: This journey entails sites with limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges, widely varying temperatures and lodging in basic accommodations.
Rates
Questions?
Seeing beluga whales is a dream of mine! And when I first saw a polar bear, my eyes got teary. I hope you get to do this!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel/ship in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure, services of Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners, local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide.
Marco Polo Additional Inclusions:
Travelling Bell Boy Service is provided; however, because of security regulations, this service may be limited at airports, rail stations and points of embarkation for cruises. Traveller’s Valet includes laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during journey (excludes Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions). Dry cleaning is not included. Breakfast in Bed service is included on select days up to two times per journey (limitations may apply for safari journeys).
