At a Glance
Discover the magic of the Far North on an enrapturing adventure of southern Hudson Bay and its spectacular wildlife. Kayak with beluga whales and hike the tundra for up close encounters with arctic wildlife while discovering the ecosystems and history of Churchill. Traverse gorgeous landscapes, witness spectacular wildlife, learn captivating history, taste mouth-watering locally-inspired cuisines, unwind at one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, and experience the wonders and beauty of the Arctic on this 9-day Arctic walk & kayak safari.
Your spectacular adventure begins with an overnight in Winnipeg, where you'll uncover the Manitoba Museum, a great introduction to the wildlife and history of the Arctic region to begin your adventure. Next morning, fly to Churchill and meet your expediter where your thrilling adventures begin with multiple ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 8 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
- Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba
- Roundtrip airfare between Churchill and Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
- All meals as specified
- Excursions, activities and guide services while in Churchill and at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
Itinerary
Arrive in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba. In this city where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, you will have an overnight at the charmingly boutique, The Grand by Lakeview, conveniently located at the Winnipeg airport. To begin your northern Manitoba experience and build the anticipation of your thrilling adventure, you’ll be shuttled to the Manitoba Museum. Gain insight into the Inuit culture and northern Manitoba and tap into the wildlife and history of the Arctic region as you explore the Arctic Gallery. Bask in the unforgettable fascinations this destination offers, with a number of interactive exhibits and displays, including a recreated Arctic research station and a multimedia experience that stimulates the northern lights. Learn about traditional hunting and fishing techniques and immerse in the unique cultures of the Inuit, Dene and other indigenous people of the Arctic. A highlight here is the Nonsuch, the full-scale replica of the Hudson Bay Company’s ship. Come evening, retreat back at the hotel where a delicious dinner awaits featuring a selection of delicacies crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Then, gather together for a short orientation and bask in the anticipation and celebration as you mingle with the rest of your travel companions. |
Enjoy a delightful breakfast before a flight to Churchill where you’ll be greeted by our expediter on arrival, who will transfer you to your hotel, your home base for the next few days. You’ll stay at the charming family run oasis at the Polar Inn, located on the edge of the Arctic near the Hudson Bay. Unwind in your cosy ensuite rooms, soak in the fresh air at the serene lush courtyard or lounge on the beautiful outside timber frame front deck. Indulge in a hearty brunch while your local guide introduces you to the itinerary for the two days you'll spend in Churchill for your epic adventure ahead. Spend your days venturing on several historical and marine excursions in this historic port town. From kayaking with beluga whales in the Churchill River, estuary tours to touring the Prince of Wales Fort while beluga watching from the boat. Excursion times for your Churchill adventures may vary with the tides to maximize your time with the belugas. |
Begin day four with a scenic flight from Churchill over the coastal flats of the Bay before arriving at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, situated next to pristine Arctic waters on Hudson Bay with Canada’s Boreal Forest. Marvel at the diverse ecosystem surrounding the lodge where Canadian icons like polar bears, black bears, wolves and moose that meander pass and call this place home. Home to an intimate of just 8 guest rooms, unwind in your cosy ensuite rooms or mingle in the communal dining room or lounge area that overlooks the stunning Bay. |
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Each day here, begins with a hearty breakfast before embarking on your adventures ahead where all depend on weather and ground conditions. Lunch is served at the Lodge or out on the land. Your daily adventures may include the following:
- Coastal exploration to the rolling flats and Hudson Bay shore by walking and using our specially outfitted all-terrain vehicles. Routes will vary, but you will have ample time to photograph polar bears and other gorgeous wildlife in this unique environment. - Exploration of the river deltas and wide beach ridges, or stay close to the lodge to exploit opportunities to photograph the polar bears and other wildlife. In between adventures, unwind from the day's excitement during appetizer hour. Come evenings, indulge in a chef-prepared dinner affair highlighting tundra-inspired cuisine boasting local ingredients and recipes from bestselling Blueberries and Polar Bears cookbook series. Dine with paired hand selected Canadian wines and finish with mouth-watering desserts. After, enjoy an informative lecture, slide show presentation, or free time. Churchill Wild staff will monitor Aurora Borealis after dark and provide a gentle wake-up call to ensure you take advantage of all opportunities to behold and photograph this picturesque Arctic phenomenon.
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After another delightful Lodge breakfast, you'll fly back to Churchill. Ensure to get your cameras ready for the scenic return flight, as you will have many opportunities to take stunning aerial shots. Upon arrival, spend the day exploring Churchill and the neighbouring area with a tour guide and learn about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military town. Along the way, you’ll visit the Parks Canada exhibit, the itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail. En route, marvel at murals that were commissioned in 2016 as part of the SeaWalls mural festival that your guide will point out. Before convening for a group dinner, spend free time to shop for last-minute souvenirs at the unique gift stores in Churchill. Come evening, fly south to Winnipeg and retreat back to where it all began at The Grand Hotel, conveniently located at Winnipeg airport. |
This morning, bid farewell to an incredible adventure filled with memories and photos reflecting an incredible arctic wildlife safari. Depart Winnipeg at your own leisure for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Winnipeg
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Winnipeg. The closest major airport is Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and is 8 km from the center of Winnipeg.
- Moderate 5-10 km of walking most days
Churchill, Manitoba has a moderately dry climate with sharp seasonal temperature changes. Winter temperatures of about −40 °F (−40 °C) may occasionally occur in any part of the province, and summer days of 100 °F (38 °C) are not unusual in the southern regions. During the month of June and August you are most likely to experience good days with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F). The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of -11°C (12°F).
- Single guests can sign up to share a room with another person of the same gender at the regular rate per person based on double occupancy. If a single guest prefers to have a private room option we also have a single private room rate as listed above. This rate guarantees a private room at the Lodge as well as at the hotels required within the package.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.