Birds, Bears and Belugas Feature #1:
We see polar bears in the summer! As part of the vast coastal "polar bear waiting room", they provide fantastic viewing opportunities for us while they wile away the summer waiting for fall, sea ice and the return to their hunting grounds. The bears, like people, are interested in the belugas as well (though for slightly different reasons) and we’ve witnessed them attempting to hunt the whales from coastal rocks. The scent of the gourmet meals that you enjoy while you visit us might be part of the reason they visit so consistently (but don't feed the bears!). Whatever the reason, you will be thrilled by this unique adventure.
Birds, Bears and Belugas Feature #2:
Thousands of beluga whales congregate in the Hudson Bay each summer, you will see one, you will see a dozen, you will see and hear hundreds of beluga whales both from the air on the flight to and from the lodge and also on our boat tours in the Seal River Estuary.
Birds, Bears and Belugas Feature #3:
You can actually swim with the belugas! We have dry suits for your use and we’ll suit you up with a full snorkel set so that you can see them up close and personal. Belugas are among the friendliest of whales and are just as curious about people as people are about them.
Birds, Bears and Belugas Feature #4:
This is a soft adventure highly conducive to family participation and at a convenient time as children are out of school for the summer. This means that you and your family are able to experience polar bears, land's largest carnivore, in their natural habitat TOGETHER.
2010 Dates: July 16-23, July 21-28, July 26- August 2, July 31- August 7, August 5-12 , August 10-17 and August 16-23.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
Inclusions:
- Return airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill
- Return aerial transfers from Churchill to the lodge and all necessary ground transfers
- One night in Churchill, five nights at the Lodge, and one night in Winnipeg
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners
- All activities while at the Lodge.
Price: $7295 CAD* per person plus applicable taxes (6% for non-residents and 8.5% for Canadians), for children 5 to 12 we offer a child rate of $6565
* A $1500 CAD single supplement will apply for single travelers who are not willing to share their room with another same-sex single traveler (or if none are available).
BIRDS, BEARS & BELUGAS ADVENTURE ITINERARY
8 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS
Seal River Heritage Lodge & Churchill Package
Seal River Heritage Lodge, located 60 beautiful kilometers by air from Churchill, Manitoba, will be your home away from home for this exciting week. Known as the Polar Bear capital of the world, this area is also the best place to see large congregations of beluga whales as thousands of them calve in the protection of the Hudson Bay each summer. Both bears and whales, along with the thousands of birds, will be in your backyard-literally. Seem a lofty claim? See for yourself at a e-gallery as created by one of our guests in 2006: http://maldon.smugmug.com/gallery/2312064.
Day 1
Arrive in Churchill by air. Our expert staff will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for the evening, the Aurora Inn (www.aurora-inn.mb.ca).
You will have a choice of Churchill restaurants for dinner and will be provided with a $30.00 dinner voucher. Participating restaurants will be listed on the voucher. You should also have some time to walk around town and get your 'bear'ings. You will have some time to spend in Churchill on your departure day so take note of those shops you missed and want to visit when you return.
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!
Days 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 two 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.
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.
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.
Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening and we hope to see you back at one of our Eco-Lodges for some more bear viewing very soon! Upon your arrival into Winnipeg collect your bags and head off to your hotel for the evening. The Four Points Sheraton is conveniently located at the airport.
Day 8
Today you will have breakfast at your hotel in Winnipeg and then begin your journey home.
Inclusions: All accommodations required within the package dates as well as return airfare from Winnipeg to Churchill are included in the cited price. Meal inclusions are as follows:
| Day |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
| Included Meals |
D |
L, D |
B, L, D |
B, L, D |
B, L, D |
B, L, D |
B |
B |
Legend:
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
“This place is amazing! I don’t want to go home. We had about 7 bears on our first day and lost count overall. Plenty of belugas – especially underwater! Loads of birds & awesome food! My only complaint is the boxes to put your comments in aren’t big enough!..Andy & Terry are brilliant…”
Sam Gore, Berkshire, England
Nicola, Maria, Meg and Alessia Kettlitz of Vancouver, BC
“There Once Were 2 Guides Oh So Merry
Everyone Loved Andy And Terry
We Saw Belugas And Bears,
Caribou And Hares
Now Fond Memories Of Them We Will Carry.”
Dixie Schwanke of Nanaimo, BC
“A Magical Experience. Polar bears on land and sea every day. Whales to stroke!! Food excelllent.
William and Sue Hoare of Aberfeldy, United Kingdom
Paula Curtin of Big Timber, Montana, USA
“Thank you for 2 wonderful weeks – Much better than our very high expectations! Awesome everything!!
Peter and Frances Money of Toronto, On
"A great family vacation on the shores of the Hudson Bay which included tundra hiking, bird watching and seeing many caribou. In addition, we had a most incredible beluga whale encounter! All this with great guides and gourmet food created an unforgettable vacation for the entire family."
Abby Glassberg, Columbia, Maryland
Seal River Heritage Lodge is your base for both our Birds, Bears, and Belugas and Great Ice Bear Photo Safari. Strategically built on the shores of the Hudson Bay, near the Seal River estuary, it is home to some of the best whale watching in the world. The Seal River estuary, a short 8km boat ride from the lodge, is summer home to thousands of beluga whales. Because of its distance from Churchill (a 60 kms and 30 minute flight), guests at Seal River Heritage Lodge can also see the bay’s infamous polar bears and a host of other wildlife on the Birds, Bears, and Belugas summer excursion, making it one-of-a-kind.
Because of Seal's popularity in the summer, it was decided that it would also be home for the exciting Fire and Ice adventure. The geography is prime for the igloo building, dog sledding, and ice photography this trip features.
Access: By Air only, Float plane, wheel plane or helicopter.
Location: 60 kilometers north of Churchill, Manitoba on the Hudson Bay coast near the mouth of Seal River.
Features:
- A viewing tower to take in the expansive tundra landscape and its wild inhabitants
- Cozy common area with fireplace for evening wind down
- 8 double, triple or quad rooms each with their own private bathroom
- Full service gourmet meals
- electricity 24 hours a day, every day
- Natural gas and wood heat
- Library with maps
- Gift Shop
- Radio/Telephone
Birds, Bears and Belugas (Summer):
Again, layers are best. Fleece or wool sweater with waterproof 3\4 length hooded jacket will protect you on the coldest days. Rainpants, waterproof boots, gloves and wide brim hat should round out your outerwear. Light long sleeve shirts for the hot sunny days. (Temperatures can vary from 5C to 30C in a few hours!) Bug juice and bug jackets can be purchased at the lodge or bring along, we can recommend best types.
Churchill Wild Newsletter
