Arctic Watch
Embark on an unforgettable Arctic safari and spot iconic Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat, including polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and beluga whales.
Polar Bear Photography Safari
Polar Bear Photography Safari
Region
Churchill Area, Manitoba
Location
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
Availability
October - November 2021 & 2022
EXPERIENCE TYPE
Remote, Wilderness, Adventure, Active, Arctic Circle, Wildlife
Experience overview
Embark on one of the world’s premier photographic safaris, providing discerning photographers the opportunity to experience rare ground-level access to polar bears in the pristine, untouched wilderness of northern Manitoba. Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is located in prime polar bear habitat, on the shores of the Hudson Bay which enjoys an exceptional number of clear night skies for northern lights photography. With unlimited time to explore the tundra by foot, you’ll be rewarded with incredible shots of polar bears, wolves, Arctic fox, ptarmigan, gyrfalcon and moose against a spectacular backdrop of snow and ice.
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Highlights
Ground-Level Polar Bear Photography
Traverse the Arctic tundra on foot to capture incredible images of these Arctic giants at eye-level.
Remote Luxury at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
Ensconce yourself in the remote comforts of the lodge and can look forward to delicious tundra-inspired food and wine as you watch for curious bears from the expansive windows.
Your Guides
Established by long time Arctic adventurers and Canadian Geographic Fellows, Mike and Jeanne Reimer, Churchill Wild’s pioneering programs are safely led by skilled naturalist guides with backgrounds in polar bear behavior, biology, and photography.
Exclusive Location
The remoteness of Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge provides you with exclusive access to one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world. There is no other human presence within 100 miles!
Suggested Itinerary
Duration
7 Days
Best During
Late Fall
Starting From
CAD $14,900 per adult
Day 1 - Arrive in Winnipeg
Your journey begins with a luxury transfer from your home to your nearest airport. Upon arrival in Winnipeg, check into The Grand by Lakeview Winnipeg Airport Hotel just steps from the terminal. Here you’ll meet your fellow guests and enjoy a hosted orientation dinner by a Churchill Wild representative.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 2 - Fly to a Remote Churchill Wilderness Lodge
Fly from Winnipeg to the northerly town of Churchill on a scheduled flight. In Churchill, you will board a smaller fixed wing aircraft charter to take you to Nanuk Lodge – situated on the shores of the Hudson Bay. This exciting 90-minute flight takes you over Wapusk National Park as well as the historic York Factory. Keep a sharp eye en-route for wildlife, you may catch your first glimpse of a polar bear.
Upon arrival at the lodge, meet your hosts and receive your first orientation and information session. Your guides are experts in their field – and will ensure your safety throughout your adventure.
This afternoon, against a stunning backdrop of ice and snow, set out on the tundra for your first polar bear photography session. Along the shores of the Hudson Bay, the bears forage and prowl, waiting for the opportunity to hunt seals as sea-ice slowly forms. Most of your expeditions are on foot, providing the opportunity to capture shots intimately from ground-level with minimal disruption. Your sessions will always be unrushed allowing you to take your time over this rare experience.
Later at Nanuk Lodge, share the day’s photos over appetizers and a delicious, northern-inspired dinner. Sip wine next to the fireplace and enjoy evening presentations by staff, or simply watch from the expansive picture windows for curious bears approaching the building. If you’re lucky, you may witness the Aurora Borealis dancing across the Arctic night sky. Throughout the night, staff monitor the tundra and skies, and will rouse you if the lights or a nocturnal polar bear appear.
Overnight at Nanuk Lodge.
Upon arrival at the lodge, meet your hosts and receive your first orientation and information session. Your guides are experts in their field – and will ensure your safety throughout your adventure.
This afternoon, against a stunning backdrop of ice and snow, set out on the tundra for your first polar bear photography session. Along the shores of the Hudson Bay, the bears forage and prowl, waiting for the opportunity to hunt seals as sea-ice slowly forms. Most of your expeditions are on foot, providing the opportunity to capture shots intimately from ground-level with minimal disruption. Your sessions will always be unrushed allowing you to take your time over this rare experience.
Later at Nanuk Lodge, share the day’s photos over appetizers and a delicious, northern-inspired dinner. Sip wine next to the fireplace and enjoy evening presentations by staff, or simply watch from the expansive picture windows for curious bears approaching the building. If you’re lucky, you may witness the Aurora Borealis dancing across the Arctic night sky. Throughout the night, staff monitor the tundra and skies, and will rouse you if the lights or a nocturnal polar bear appear.
Overnight at Nanuk Lodge.
Days 3 – 5 – Trekking the Tundra to Photograph Polar Bears
Each morning discuss the day’s plans over a hearty breakfast, then hike out for another eye-level photography session. With help from your guides, learn to read polar bear behavior and capture incredible shots of your experience. Each day includes a morning and afternoon session with lunch back at the lodge. Mealtimes will often be adjusted to accommodate ideal light conditions and wildlife opportunities – ensuring you don’t miss a thing. As you travel across the tundra, wolves, moose, Arctic fox, ptarmigan, gyrfalcon, and snowy owl are some of the other types of wildlife you may encounter.
Overnight at Nanuk Lodge.
Overnight at Nanuk Lodge.
Day 6 – Explore the Town of Churchill, then Back to Winnipeg
After a final breakfast with your lodge hosts, fly back to the town of Churchill. Have your camera ready for the great aerial shots along the way.
Back in Churchill, spend the day exploring the town with a guide, learning about its fascinating history as a seaport and ex-military base. Visit the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear holding facility, then hunt for last-minute souvenirs before a final group dinner. After a flight back to Winnipeg this evening, spend a final night at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Back in Churchill, spend the day exploring the town with a guide, learning about its fascinating history as a seaport and ex-military base. Visit the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear holding facility, then hunt for last-minute souvenirs before a final group dinner. After a flight back to Winnipeg this evening, spend a final night at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 7 – Depart from Winnipeg
Get ready to share your incredible photographs with friends and family back home, as you check out of your Winnipeg Airport hotel and board your flight. Upon arrival at your home airport, a driver will be waiting to return you home in comfort.
The True North Collection Difference
- Door to door service for our guests
- Exclusive access to Canada’s premier polar bear areas
- Seamless support throughout your journey from our legendary destination specialists and concierge team
- Hand picked suppliers and experiences from our decades of experience in Canadian travel
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
Churchill, MB
R0B 0E0
Churchill Wild, Manitoba, Credit Ian Johnson
Courtesy of Churchill Wild photo by Richard Voliva
Wolf at Churchill Wild, Credit Robert Postma
Included in your adventure:
- Private airport transfers between your home and nearest International Airport
- 2 nights of accommodation at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel
- Commercial flights between Winnipeg and Churchill
- Charter flights between Churchill and Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
- 4 nights at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, in a private room
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners
- Beer and a selection of Canadian wines
- Fully guided, daily excursions to photograph polar bears and other rare arctic wildlife
- Evening presentations or slideshows at the lodge
- Churchill town tour
- Services of support staff and lodge hosts throughout your journey
- Winter clothing
About your accommodation:
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge: 250 km southeast of Churchill, Manitoba the remote Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge sits on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by an expanse of Arctic tundra and Boreal forest. This rich ecosystem affords visitors incredible wildlife experiences – often right from the lodge windows. Stay in one of eight private guest rooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. The property features a dining area with panoramic views of Hudson Bay plus cozy fireplace lounge – an ideal place to sip wine and enjoy evening presentations. Delicious, tundra-inspired meals paired with northern hospitality make this oasis in the Arctic wilderness feel like home. Perimeter fencing and 24-hour patrol ensure safety is first and foremost during your stay at Nanuk.
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel: Just steps away from the Winnipeg Airport Terminal, The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel is a perfect start to your adventure. During your stay, thoughtful amenities such as in-room iPads, beautifully appointed accommodation, and personal attention will ensure your gateway nights are effortless and relaxing.
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