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| Day 1 |
Arrive in
Churchill by air or train. Our expert staff will greet
you at the airport or train station and escort you to
the Aurora Inn, your hotel for the evening (www.aurora-inn.mb.ca).
All meals are on your own this day. A list of local
restaurants are featured in your travel documents to
assist you in making your dining decisions. You should
also have some time to take a walk around town and get
your 'bear'ings which will give you a chance to plan
your afternoon in Churchill on your departure day. |
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Overnight Churchill |
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| Day 2 |
After breakfast, our representative will
arrive at the hotel to escort you to Landing Lake where
your adventure begins with a breathtaking aerial tour of
the winding Hudson Bay coast enroute to your home for
the next 6 days- Seal River Heritage Lodge. Be prepared
to see huge pods of whales, countless birds, as well as
caribou and of course, the magnificent Ice Bears. The
Seal River Estuary is a summer favorite for these
goliaths and they are regularly seen swimming or basking
near the water’s edge. Upon your arrival, your hosts,
Mike and Jeanne Reimer and their children, a true (and
thus rare) Churchillian family, will provide a tour of
the lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough
orientation on travel in polar bear country will be
provided prior to any outings.
After a
full-course lunch Churchill Wild-style, you will
experience the coast for the first time. The combination
of diversity and sheer natural elegance will amaze you.
Ensure your camera battery is charged as if you’re like
previous Churchill Wild guests, you will be eager to
document each and every moment in this extraordinary and
rare ecosystem.
Your first day at the lodge will be rounded out by the
first of many gourmet full-course meals and a cozy
fireplace for evening wind down. Relax, recharge and
get a good rest because you have 5 amazing days to go!
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Overnight Seal
River Heritage Lodge |
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| Day 3 - 6 |
In the
coming days, your gourmet breakfasts will be served at
8:00 a.m. and the tour of the day will typically depart
the lodge at 9:30 a.m. Depending on both weather and
group interest, you will enjoy the following activities:
Marine Tours - Tides
and weather permitting we will do at least three
expeditions by boat to view beluga whales, seals,
seabirds, and polar bears. Marine tours are conducted
in large, nine-man inflatable boats, fully equipped with
two way radios, safety gear, floatation jackets for each
passenger, and a hydrophone so that you can listen to
the whale songs. Each expedition is a half day in order
to coordinate with the high tides. Both refreshments
and lunch will be served aboard. Expect to see hundreds
of whales per outing! Beluga whales are very curious
and social and will investigate our presence with a bold
courage expressed by few other creatures. Getting
up-close and personal with these awesome creatures has
been life-changing for many Churchill Wild guests.
Trekking/Walking Tours -
These are a daily part of the program and they
range from short jaunts to photograph a passing caribou
perhaps, to day trips with a pack lunch. There is no
better way to experience the sheer vastness of the
Arctic’s flora and fauna. Nesting bird life, fox dens,
wild flowers, and caribou are just a few of the sights
you will take in. When polar bears are sighted, your
guide will advise you about the best way to maintain a
safe viewing distance.
Coast by Buggy- See the Hudson Bay coast on our
custom made Tundra Tracker. A day trip in one of these
vehicles allows us to cover a lot of shoreline while
searching out wildlife. Lunch is a picnic en route. We
provide ample time for exploration and photography of
the trail.
Whale Swim and exploration by
zodiac - Take to the bay for the ultimate plunge
and join the belugas in their watery world. Dry suits
will be provided to offset the chill of the Hudson Bay.
Wildlife Photography
Workshops – In order to maximize this
once-in-a-lifetime adventure, one of your guides is a
professional wildlife photographer and he will provide
you with casual workshops and professional advice as you
shoot.
Ocean Paddles - We
have several sea kayaks and canoes on site for your use
at any time. Perfect tranquility with only the sound of
your dipping paddle and the “sea canaries” is truly
awe-inspiring!
Aurora Watching - Yes,
you can enjoy the greatest light show on earth in summer
especially in the latter part of our season. The
northern skies are a perfect ballroom for the aurora but
remember, the aurora are best photographed with a tripod
so if you have one, bring it along.
Bird Watching – 150
species of birds visit this area and our expert guides
can help you locate and identify a wide variety of these
– chances are you will add several “lifers” to your
book.
Photo Presentations and
Lectures – From lectures on “Travelling in Bear
Country” to “Wildlife of the Arctic,” our own northern
adventurers will regale you with photos and stories.
These conversations provide you the opportunity to learn
about the Arctic wildlife, landscape, and people.
Rest and Relaxation –
Should you decide that curling up by the fireplace with
a good book or enjoying a hot drink and sharing stories
with your fellow adventurers is what you need, you can
feel free to do that too. |
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Overnight Seal
River Heritage Lodge |
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| Day 7 |
After another hearty lodge breakfast, we
will begin air transfers back to Churchill. Have cameras
ready again for the return flight as it affords
excellent opportunities for great aerial shots. Today is
your last day in the Churchill region. Your flight south
to Winnipeg will take place at some point today and we
hope to see you back at one of our eco-lodges for some
more bear viewing very soon!
Upon your return to Churchill, our representative will
store your baggage. The balance of the day is then free
for browsing the shops and exhibits of Churchill. We
recommend Nature 1st Tours and Transportation
(www.nature1sttours.ca/) should you prefer a guided tour
of the area. Local places such as Cape Merry, the Port
of Churchill, the Eskimo Museum, the Polar Bear Holding
Compound (otherwise known as the Polar Bear Jail), as
well as the Parks Canada exhibit are all of great
interest. Helicopter tours are also available via Hudson
Bay Helicopters who can be reached at info@hudsonbayheli.com
or by phone at 204-675-2576.
Lunch and dinner are on your own this
day. Please refer to the Adventure Album for
suggestions. |
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Overnight Churchill |
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