Polar Bear Watching
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Located on the western shore of
Hudson Bay and not accessible by road lies the small northern seaport of
Churchill, Manitoba, often referred to as the "polar bear capital of the
world".
Our packages allow you to view polar bears from the remarkable Tundra
Buggies - the most comfortable and safe way to experience polar bears in
their natural environment.
On days that have a Tundra Buggy Adventure scheduled, you will be
transferred from town to the Tundra Buggy Launch to board a Buggy and begin
your search for wildlife. The Buggy meanders over a system of established
trails, stopping at leisure to enjoy the scenery, search for wildlife, and
take photos. When daylight begins to fade, you head back to the Launch to be
transferred back to town and your hotel.
We offer two
tours to see the Polar Bears:
The Enthusiast Hotel Tours
Our Enthusiast Programs are designed not only see the
magnificent Lord of the Arctic, Manitoba's polar bears, but also to
experience the history and culture of the region. Led by very knowledgeable
guides, Enthusiast program itineraries include activities other than bear
watching, such as a town and area tour, entrance to the Eskimo Museum and
Parks Canada facility and a private slide presentation. Either dog sledding
or a cultural-arts program is included.
Another exciting component of the tours is the choice of
transportation to & from Churchill. The most popular way is by round trip
air from Winnipeg or you can choose to travel one-way by VIA Rail.
Enthusiast programs include the largest selection of
available activities and are the best way to experience the wildlife as well
as the 'wild' life in Churchill!
These hotel based Adventures are based in Churchill, a
small, northern community with a lot of character; you won't find one of the
big-chain hotels here that you might find in a larger centre. You will,
however, find warm, down-home hospitality and clean, comfortable hotels with
all the amenities. Staying in town will allow you to walk to and from the
different venues, spend some time on your own, and perhaps meet some of the
locals. (Choose from a 6 or 7 day tour)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Winnipeg
Overnight in a Winnipeg hotel
Day 2 -
Winnipeg to Churchill Take an early flight to Churchill. Depart for town and
area tour, and visit to Eskimo Museum.
Day 3 & 4 -
Polar Bear Viewing Days spent in a Tundra Buggy with knowledgeable guide,
viewing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife
Day 5 -
Churchill to Winnipeg Some free time before taking an afternoon flight to
Winnipeg. Overnight in a Winnipeg hotel.
Day 6 - End of Tour Tour ends
with the check out from your hotel.
A 7 day tour is available which follows the same
itinerary as above but includes an extra night and more free time in
Churchill. No additional time is spent viewing the bears.
Price includes
-
2 nights accommodation in Winnipeg
-
3 nights hotel accommodation in
Churchill
-
Return airfare Winnipeg to
Churchill
-
2 full days of bear viewing on a
Tundra Buggy
-
Churchill tour
-
Entrance to the Eskimo Museum
-
Slide presentation
-
Dog sledding excursion
Prices per person
|
2005 Dates: |
Twin |
Single |
|
October 11, 15 |
£1,809 |
£2,089 |
|
October 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 29
|
£1,669 |
£1,949 |
|
November 3, 7 |
£1,669 |
£1,949 |
IMPORTANT NOTE
You will need to take warm, insulated and waterproof
clothing that can be worn in layers.
The weather conditions play a major role in all activities
in the north and therefore, tour schedules are subject to change at any
time. In the event of any flight delays, changes in tours or cancellations,
expenses will be borne by the traveller.
Refunds cannot be guaranteed.
The TUNDRA BUGGY LODGE TOUR
Wake up on the Tundra, right next to the bears!
The most rewarding way to experience the polar bears of Churchill is to
immerse yourself in their environment; from the moment you wake up,
throughout the day and into the endless winter nights.
The best way to accomplish this is a stay at the world famous Tundra
Buggy Lodge. Although it's mobile, each fall for the last 20+ years the
Lodge has been transported out and assembled in the best location for 'round
the clock' bear viewing.
While the guests that prefer to stay in a Churchill-based hotel are
transferred from town to the Wildlife Management Area where the Lodge is
situated, Lodge guests have a chance to slowly enjoy their morning coffee,
right in the bear's playground. When Lodge-guests awake, and if the
conditions are right, you can often experience polar bears emerging from
their snow blankets, tucked gently around them during the night by Mother
Nature. A stay at Tundra Buggy Lodge is truly an unforgettable experience.
The Tundra Buggy Lodge is comprised of a number of specialized vehicles.
When fully assembled on the tundra, the Lodge is almost one hundred meters
long. Hitched together are two sleeper cars (housing 18 and 20 guests
respectively), the lounge car, dining car, and two utility cars.
Photographers are encouraged to utilize open decks between buggies as raised
shooting platforms. Set-up your tri-pod and wait for that perfect shot of
two sparring male bears that you'll be proud to share with your family and
friends back home.
Tundra Buggy Lodge Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Winnipeg Arrive Winnipeg. Overnight at an airport
hotel.
Day 2 - Winnipeg to Churchill. Early morning flight to Churchill.
After getting acquainted to the town, take part in one of the activities
included in the program before heading out to the Tundra Buggy departure
area. Enjoy a slow trek to the lodge, watching for wildlife along the way.
Overnight Tundra Buggy Lodge.
Day 3 & 4 - Tundra Buggy Lodge. During the next two days, after
breakfast you'll spend time out on the tundra, away from the lodge-
searching for Polar Bears and other wildlife. Enjoy delicious home cooked
meals, evening presentations and socialising during the evenings. Watch the
night sky for Northern Lights. Overnight at the Lodge
Day 5 - Churchill. After breakfast you'll leave the lodge to take
part in your last Tundra Buggy expedition, meandering our way slowly back to
the launch to transfer back to town. Overnight in a Churchill hotel.
Day 6 - Churchill to Winnipeg. Activities in and around town.
Transfer to airport for departure back to Winnipeg. Overnight Winnipeg
hotel.
Day 7 - End of Tour Your tour ends with the check out from your
hotel.
Price includes
- 2 nights accommodation in Winnipeg
- 3 nights in the Tundra Buggy Lodge
- 1 night in Churchill (excluding Oct 30 tour)
- Return airfare Winnipeg to Churchill
- 3 full days of bear viewing on a Tundra Buggy
- Churchill tour
- Entrance to the Eskimo Museum
- Dog sledding excursion
Prices per person
|
2005 Dates: |
Twin |
Single |
|
October 13, 19 |
£2,495 |
£2,635 |
|
October 30* |
£2,445 |
£2,515 |
|
November 6 |
£2,495 |
£2,635 |
|
*Departure
is a 6 day tour with one less night spent in Churchill |
IMPORTANT NOTE
You will need to take warm, insulated and waterproof clothing that can be
worn in layers. The weather conditions play a major role in all activities
in the north and therefore, tour schedules are subject to change at any
time. In the event of any flight delays, changes in tours or cancellations,
expenses will be borne by the traveller. Refunds cannot be guaranteed.
We act as agents for 1st Class Holidays ATOL
5421 on all the above trips
Return to Shenfield Travel's main
Wildlife page
|