Across the tundra catch your first thrilling glimpse, a polar bear standing on his hind legs, massive head held high. He is one of hundreds of these magnificent creatures who have journeyed to this icy bay, driven by an instinct for survival as nature performs another miracle. Travel to the remote wilderness of northern Manitoba and be one of the few who have witnessed the majestic and endangered ‘Lords of the Arctic’ in their natural environment.

• Travelling - 1
  

  Fly to Winnipeg. Your Specialist Guide will be on hand throughout the tour. You will stay in Winnipeg for an overnight stay.

• Exploring the city - 2
  

  Spend the morning in Winnipeg exploring on your own. Maybe visit the Manitoba Museum for an introduction to the history of the province; discover the world’s largest collection of Inuit art at the WAG; or just stroll the streets and view the original turn-of-thecentury architecture, a rich testament to the boom years of fur trading. Ask your Specialist Guide for recommendations.

• Fly to the Hudson Bay - 2
  

  An afternoon flight takes you to the far north of Manitoba. Your destination is the remote town and port of Churchill, located on the southern shores of the Hudson Bay, and your base for the next three nights. This is one of the last great wilderness areas in the world. An expert naturalist guide will join you to run through the exciting programme. Their experience and knowledge will ensure your visit here is a real adventure. Polar bears will certainly be a talking point at a special welcome dinner this evening.

• An introduction to the polar bear - 3
  

  Every autumn, hundreds of polar bears congregate along the west shore of the Hudson Bay, close to the sleepy town of Churchill. Male and non-pregnant female polar bears wait for the moment when the bay freezes and they can venture out on the sea ice to hunt fat and protein rich seals. In the spring, when the ice melts, the bears are prepared for their long fast, having stored enough fat reserves to see them through the summer.

  The polar bear is a spectacular creature. The male of the species can grow to more than 1,300lbs and when standing can exceed 10ft. Don’t let their massive size fool you - these yellow bears can move with surprising speed and agility and walk on thinner ice than a human thanks to their weight distribution. Skilled hunters, the bears can pick up a scent over 18 miles away and detect the presence of seals under 3ft of snow and ice. Each massive paw can measure up to 12 inches and a huge seal will be killed with just one swipe. The polar bear has no natural enemies and consequently no fear.

• A day on the Tundra - 3
  

  Anticipation and excitement mounts ahead of a day in the freezing wilderness. Climb aboard the Tundra Vehicle. These specially designed, heated vehicles have huge tyres and large windows with unobstructed views for your first unforgettable sighting of polar bears in the wild. Drive out across the ice where these magnificent animals may just be ambling across the snowy wasteland or snoozing in the cold sun. As you draw closer they start to playfully spar before strolling into the icy waters of the sea to cool down. A nibble on some seaweed provides a ‘mid-seal’ snack. Perhaps play starts again and two polar bears stand on their hind legs pawing each other. One tires, sits down and then rolls on his back, just like a giant teddy bear. The other tugs at the ear of his opponent but stalks off bored with the lack of response. He spots the Tundra Vehicle and lumbers over, pigeon-toed, then stands. Suddenly you see a massive ivory head, a coal-black nose presses against the window, the scent of you and your picnic lunch too much to resist. As you watch from the safety of the Tundra Vehicle other polar bears stroll across the ice and a small group forms by the vehicle. For a few moments the roles of nature are reversed, you are the caged animal, and the polar bears inquisitive observers.

  As with all natural events of this kind, no guarantees can be given on the number of animals that may be seen, but the chance to see these awesome creatures in their natural habitat is certainly an experience to be cherished.

• A day in town - 4
  

  Although the polar bears are the star attraction there is plenty to see in the town of Churchill. Spend the morning exploring with your Specialist Guide and the afternoon is then at leisure. Visit the historic gun batteries of Cape Merry, the Parks Canada display at the local railway station and the only Arctic grain terminal at the port. Hear of past maritime adventure at the wrecked hull of the ore ship ‘Ithaca’ and learn the history of explorers from the Hudson’s Bay Company. Browse around exhibits at the Eskimo Museum, also a great spot to buy local carvings, paintings and prints. On a clear night you may witness the Northern Lights rippling overhead, a swirling curtain of blues, greens and whites (this is not guaranteed). Or you may choose to take an optional dog sled or helicopter ride.

• Back to the bears - 5
  

  Spend a second day on the tundra observing the natural phenomena of the polar bears. Your Specialist Guide may point out other wildlife of the wilderness; look out for Arctic hare and fox as well as ptarmigans and snowy owls. This evening join your Specialist Guide and travelling companions for a farewell dinner and tales of wildlife adventure before returning by air to Winnipeg for an overnight stay.

• Winnipeg/UK - 6 to 7
  

  Fly back to the UK via Toronto, arriving on Day 7.

Accommodation

Accommodation throughout your holiday will be in comfortable, medium grade hotels. You will stay in the Forks in Winnipeg or The Hilton Suites at the Winnipeg Airport. In Churchill you will stay at the Lazy Bear Lodge.

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 6:25 am

Includes

Not Included