Photo by Yan Verschueren
Polar Bears of Churchill
26 October - 3 November, 2013
In October, in Canada's Arctic on the shores of Hudson Bay, the world's southernmost populations of polar bears congregate waiting for the bay to freeze. Once the ice forms, the bears can reach seals, their favorite prey. The port community of Churchill is located on the bears' migration route. Visitors at this time of year have the unique opportunity to view this magnificent animal in its natural habitat, a world-class wildlife experience.
Our program originates in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Travel to Churchill is by train (there are no roads into Churchill). (One day polar bear viewing adventures aboard the Tundra Buggy® are also available. Click here for information)
Features
• Two full days of bear viewing from our Tundra Buggy®. An outside back platform and openable windows afford excellent photo opportunities. In 28 years of operating these tours we have always seen bears, usually close-up. The bears are curious and frequently come up to the Buggy to "check us out.
Photo by Richard Day courtesy of Frontiers North
• Learn about life in Churchill on the edge of the Arctic from a local resident.
• "Meet the people" program featuring a Métis storyteller and Churchill resident who will talk about her experiences growing up as a trapper's daughter.
• Visit Oak Hammock Marsh Preserve near Winnipeg to view migratory waterfowl.
• Travel by train from Winnipeg to Churchill, 1000 miles north, affording a leisurely view of northern Manitoba with the transition from prairie farmlands to the largest undeveloped boreal forest in the world, to the roadless tundra near Hudson Bay. Recalling an earlier era, the train consist includes sleeping cars and dining car serving meals prepared on board.
• Optional Experience Winnipeg program, 25-26 October. Delve into the hidden mysteries of Winnipeg. Visit the Exchange District, setting for many Hollywood movies; unlock the occult symbols in the Manitoba Capitol's architecture; discover the story of master spy, Intrepid, who was instrumental in the establishment of America's CIA, and was the basis for Ian Fleming's James Bond. Meet local residents, John & Elma Gerbrandt, and enjoy dinner with them in their home in the rural village of Grunthal.
Fare for 2013 (in Canadian or U.S. dollars) $3095 to $3695 per person based on type of sleeping car accommodation selected. Single occupancy is available for an additional charge of $325. Fares include all transportation from Winnipeg and return, overnight accommodation (4 nights on the train, 4 nights in hotels), 2 full days of bear watching from the Tundra Buggy®, 13 meals, "Meet the People" program; Churchill and vicinity sightseeing. Not included: travel to Winnipeg, some meals, gratuities, Experience Winnipeg program.
View train sleeping car accommodations
Additional details on the Experience Winnipeg program
View a photo scrapbook from our 2012 "Polar Bears of Churchill" program
Daily Itinerary summary
Day 1, Saturday, 26 October: Guests arrive in Winnipeg. Lodging at Victoria Inn near the airport.
Day 2: Visit Oak Hammock Marsh conservation area to view migratory waterfowl in morning; afternoon begin our train journey to Churchill
Day 3: We leave the train this morning and catch up with up further up the line late this afternoon. Off-train activities include Pisew Falls, Paint Lake, the northern boreal forest, and a visit to Thompson, Manitoba's third largest, and northernmost city.
Day 4: Arrive Churchill this morning. Guided Churchill and vicinity tour, including visit to the Polar Bear "jail" where you will see the massive traps used to trap bears which venture into town, Cape Merry, the town's inukchuk overlooking Hudson Bay, the port facilities, and an insight into life in a town on the edge of the arctic. There is also free time for shopping, or a visit to the renowned Eskimo Museum with its outstanding collection of Inuit carvings. Lodging at Tundra Inn next two nights.
Day 5: Full day of bear watching on the Tundra Buggy. This evening listen to Métis storyteller, Myrtle DeMeulles describe her experiences of growing up on the Arctic.
Day 6: Encore day of bear watching on the Tundra Buggy. Time for last minute shopping before departing on the train this evening
Day 7: Travel through the northern Boreal Forest and see portions of the line that we missed while off the train on day 3.
Day 8: Return to Winnipeg this afternoon. Lodging at Victoria Inn.
Day 9: Guests depart Winnipeg.
One day Tundra Buggy® adventures are available on 30 and 31 October. Click here for details.
Photo by Yan Verschueren