At a Glance
Ignite your imagination with an adventure beneath the aurora borealis. Especially curated for the northern light's enthusiast, this extraordinary itinerary offers an unmatched expedition into Churchill’s northern lights. Journey on an 8-day expedition for the ultimate aurora viewing and photography opportunities in one of the best places on Earth. From Tundra Buggy experiences, photo workshop to an exclusively remote pop-up dinner experience, submerge into the dancing skies and incredible culture of Canada’s North led by a Photo Specialist.
Witness one of the seven natural wonders of the world where your journey begins with an overnight in Winnipeg for a morning flight to Churchill, Manitoba. Located directly beneath the auroral oval, this remote community is regarded as one of the best places on Earth to experience the dazzling aurora borealis. Churchill’s proximity ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights’ accommodation in hotels on a twin share
- Meals as specified in itinerary
- All transport transfers from Winnipeg and Churchill
- Return air between Winnipeg and Churchill
- Photo Specialist Guide
- Churchill & Area Tour
- Dan’s Diner Culinary Experience
- Dog sledding
- Forest Excursion
- Itsanitaq Museum
- Manitoba Museum Program
- Parks Canada Visitor Centre
- Polar Bear International House
- Photo Workshop
- Snowshoe Trek
- Thanadelthur Lounge
- Tundra Buggy Adventure
- Winnipeg Planetarium
Itinerary
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You’ll arrive into Winnipeg and make your own way to Inn at The Forks Hotel, conveniently located across the street from the airport. Spend time relaxing in your hotel before gathering together for an evening meet and greet hosted by your Photo Specialist Guide. Bask in the anticipation and celebration as you mingle with the rest of your travel companions and are given an itinerary brief for your epic adventure ahead. |
Inn At The Forks Hotel
Dinner |
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a shuttle to the Manitoba Museum, renowned for its vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich history and culture. Step back in its time as you marvel at planetarium shows and science gallery exhibits. Begin with a planetarium presentation where you’ll engage in an interactive tour of the Winnipeg night sky. A sense of a guided ‘nature walk’ of the stars showcasing current constellations, planets and the spectacular northern lights. Embark on a cultural immersion with an interactive program focused on the Inuit People of the North. Delve deeper into a knowledge and understanding of the traditional lifestyles of the Inuit people. Enjoy a delightful lunch before exploring more into the museum with a guided tour. Shuttle back to the hotel before a gathering together for a lovely dinner. |
Inn At The Forks HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy a quick delicious breakfast to go before transferring to the airport for a morning flight to Churchill. Upon landing, spend time exploring the town uncovering its eclectic culture and history from museums, unique shops and delectable regional cuisine. Engage in an introductory photography workshop led by your Photo Specialist as they present some northern lights photography tips in preparation for your night of northern lights viewing. This evening, your journey culminates with your first pursue of the northern lights adventure! Escape the lights of town in search for the aurora borealis viewing opportunity. Journey to a modern-style yurt nestled away in the boreal forest. Be captivated as you experience the sights of the night sky light up before you, an epic wonder to cherish a lifetime. The illuminated yurt and surrounding treetops give you staggering northern lights photography opportunities and vantage points. |
Tundra Inn, Polar Inn or Aurora InnBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, delve into the history and culture of this remote town. Embark on a Churchill and surrounding area guided bus adventure as you journey to local historical points of interest. Explore the Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility, known by locals as ‘Polar Bear Jail’. An intriguing glimpse where polar bears that are considered troublesome or dangerous are isolated before they can be relocated. Enjoy a delicious lunch before calling into the Parks Canada Visitor Centre where you’ll uncover in-depth displays unveiling the remarkable history of Churchill through wildlife diorama and exhibits that portray the history of the fur trade in the area. This evening you are in for a spectacular treat! Journey onboard the official Tundra Buggy across the frozen Churchill River to the remote and unique Dan’s Diner experience at 58 degrees North latitude. You’ll be surrounded by wilderness beneath the northern lights. and indulge in an exquisitely curated multi course menu that features regional and local fare in its pop-up restaurant. An immersive and surreal experience, dine with skylights and panoramic windows for the best northern light viewing. Spend time basking in the magnificence with time to relax at the lounge mingling with other fellow travelers or step outside for unobstructed 360 degrees’ views of the tundra and northern lights. Later, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Churchill. |
Tundra Inn, Polar Inn or Aurora InnBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Delve deeper into the delights of the northern culture with a journey to Wapusk Adventures and engage in a dog sledding program. Be treated to a true piece of northern culture with an exhilarating mile long dog sled through the boreal forest with an area dog musher. Learn about the Métis culture, the history of dog sledding and its importance to the northern communities. This evening engage in another extraordinary northern lights adventure. From Churchill, journey back on board the Tundra Buggy across the frozen Churchill River, only this time it is to the secluded Frontier’s Thanadelthur Lounge. Gain an ultimate view of the northern lights from inside by peering through the panoramic wall to ceiling windows or step outside onto the rooftop observation deck for unobstructed views. Savour the night late into its hours viewing and photographing to your heart’s desire as the northern lights dance above you. |
Tundra Inn, Polar Inn or Aurora InnBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, feel the exhilaration and enjoy the solace of an interpretive snowshoeing adventure through Churchill’s boreal forest. Come evening, delve into your final moments of the northern lights. Journey to Wapusk Adventure where a teepee aways with a warming fire. A wonderful opportunity to share stories and discuss nighttime photography with like-minded travelers as the glowing fire lights the traditional structure within. Leave tonight being mind-blown of such a surreal adventure you have had thus far. |
Tundra Inn, Polar Inn or Aurora InnBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Spend the day delving deeper into the history and culture of the remote town of Churchill. Relish your inner historian, at the Itsanitaq Museum, home to an enormous collection of Inuit artifacts honouring the Indigenous roots of Churchill. Call into the Polar Bears International House and gain insight into polar bear research, climate change and more by a Polar Bear International Ambassador. Gain further insight into polar bear conservation effort at the Interpretive Centre. You’ll be transferred back to Churchill Airport for your return flight to Winnipeg. You’ll stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, conveniently located across the airport. Unwind in your spacious ensuite rooms or refresh with a dip in the indoor pool before a final dinner together celebrating an incredible once in a lifetime adventure. |
Four Points by Sheraton HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
This morning, bid farewell to an incredible adventure filled with memories and photos reflecting an incredible northern lights expedition. 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. |
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Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is from 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.
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).
Capacity: A Tundra Buggy can hold up to 40-passengers, however our Interpretive and Specialist Guided multi-day packages have a lower maximum capacity to allow for more room
Features: Tundra Buggies are large vehicles that can safely maneuver the rough terrain of the tundra, while still allowing our guests to have amazing wildlife viewing opportunities.
The tires on each Tundra Buggy vehicle are 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) high and 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) wide, and sit on 63.5 centimeter (25 inch) rims. A wide-bodied enclosure sits on top of the wheels and provides even more height, security, comfort and ability for guests to move around to view and photograph wildlife. The average male polar bear is 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) tall when standing on its hind legs. The window opening for viewing on the Tundra Buggy is just over 3 meters (10 feet) above the ground. This means that even the tallest average bear can stand vertically on the side of the Buggy and guests will remain safely out of reach.
Engine: Tundra Buggies have a 235 horse power International DT 466 engine, often found in highway semi-trailers. It is geared through an Allison Transmission and then geared through the differentials and planetaries on the hubs. The Buggies are full-time four-wheel drive and have the capability to lock the differentials if needed.
Wildlife on The Tundra: Although you can see polar bears in the area as early as June, the prime time to see polar bears in their natural habitat is during October and November when the polar bear population around Churchill is at its highest. It is possible to see polar bears in the summer during our Tundra Buggy excursions, but our main focus at this time of year is the landscape, plant life and other northern wildlife, including birds. Every day on the tundra is a little different but our guests most often spot: polar bears, arctic fox, red fox, ptarmigan, snow geese, gyrfalcons, snowy owls and a plethora of other birds and wildlife that call the Churchill Wildlife Management Area home.
Lunch & Refreshments: All guests will enjoy a light meal and refreshments during their Tundra Buggy excursion. The lunch may include homemade soup, sandwiches, and cookies. Canned soda is available on board, as well as water, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea (but don’t forget to bring your own reusable mug and/or water bottle).
Bathroom: there is a single-use bathroom located near the back of the Tundra Buggy
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 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 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 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 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 a minimum of 4 walkers are 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.
