A Marco Polo Journey
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Set out on a summer wildlife adventure through Canada’s northern reaches, witnessing beluga whales as they gather at the mouth of the Churchill River, searching for magnificent polar bears on shore and discovering the history of the Hudson Bay fur trappers.
Highlights
- Explore Winnipeg, Hudson Bay and Churchill on a fascinating adventure, discovering native flora and fauna, local conservation efforts, and the area’s rich history during interactive encounters
- Witness beluga whales up close as they gather at the mouth of the Churchill River
- Embark on a coastal tour of Hudson Bay in search of polar bears in their summer habitat
- Partake in an exclusive cooking class with a local chef
- Step back in time at Fort Whyte, where you see imposing American bison up close, paddle a canoe once used by fur trappers and witness the daily routines of early prairie settlers
- Tour the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, located on an important early rocket base
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Winnipeg, Canada
Arrive in Winnipeg, where you are transferred to your hotel. Gather tonight for a welcome dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Fairmont Winnipeg
Day 2
Winnipeg | Wildlife Encounters
Begin your day at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, going behind the scenes for an up-close perspective of its exhibits. Get an insider’s look at the research facilities as well, learning about critical efforts underway to help the Canadian polar bear population. Afterward, tour bustling Winnipeg, capital of the prairie province of Manitoba. Enjoy lunch at leisure before journeying to FortWhyte Alive, where you encounter mighty bison and learn how they influenced local history. Then, paddle a voyageur canoe used by fur trappers; explore a Plains Cree tipi; and step into a one-room sod house, where you sip wild bush tea and taste bannock cooked over a campfire.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fairmont Winnipeg
Day 3
Churchill | Mighty Bears & Sled Dogs
Fly by charter air to Churchill on the shores of Hudson Bay. Check into your rustic lodge, constructed by hand with trees salvaged from a forest fire. After lunch, a local expert reveals Churchill’s intriguing heritage. See the cargo aircraft wreck of “Miss Piggy,” and visit the “polar bear jail” for a sense of what it’s like to have wild bears at your doorstep. Later, head to the nearby boreal forest to meet a local dog musher and his pack. After learning about this time-honoured form of transportation, take a spin along a forest trail. This evening, learn to capture professional quality images on a smartphone camera with tips from an expert wildlife photographer.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 4
Hudson Bay | Plying Hudson Bay
This morning, embark on an extended boat trip cruising Hudson Bay. Keep close watch as your captain tries to locate elusive polar bears, beluga whales and other wildlife along the coast and in the water. If conditions allow, disembark to explore the bear’s summer habitat on foot. Return to Churchill for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 5
Churchill | Interactive Cooking Class
Cross the Churchill River to the Prince of Wales Fort, a former outpost of the Hudson’s Bay Company. During the summer, the waters here are home to thousands of beluga whales; thrill to up-close views of these friendly mammals from a sturdy Zodiac. Later, join your lodge’s chef to discover abundant local fish during a hands-on cooking class.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 6
Churchill | Belugas Up Close
Today, a massive Arctic Crawler super-bus carries you into the wilderness in comfort and safety. Keep watch for eagles, bears and other wildlife. Then, view the wreck of the ‘Ithaca,’ which ran aground just offshore during a 1961 storm. Experience beluga whales again, this time by kayaking or floating on a personal inflatable raft among these gentle giants. Tonight, feast on a hearty meal at your lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lazy Bear Lodge
Day 7
Winnipeg | Subarctic Wonders
Visit the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, where you learn about the role it played during the Cold War-era space race and hear about crucial scientific research being conducted today. A charter flight returns you to Winnipeg. This evening, visit Dalnavert House, built by Hugh John Macdonald, son of Canada’s first prime minister and the then-premier of Manitoba. Enjoy a private tour and reception before sitting down to a special farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Fairmont Winnipeg
Day 8
Depart Winnipeg
Transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey Details
- This journey contains some active elements.
- Minimum age is 12 years.
- First group event: welcome briefing at 6:00 p.m. on Day 1.
- Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 7.
- Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Program Note: This journey entails sites with limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges, widely varying temperatures and lodging in basic accommodations.
Departures & Rates
Availability on any product or journey shown here is not specific to a category of travel and may not denote availability at the cheapest ‘From’ price. For real time availability, talk to your travel agent.
Single Supplement on request. Internal air is included.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
