Polar Bears and Beluga Whales

7 days from £5,200pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Manitoba

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Places visited

Embark on an unforgettable summer adventure to the splendid isolation of Churchill in Canada’s Manitoba province, one of the best places in the world to see polar bears and beluga whales up close.

Known as the polar bear capital, Churchill is a uniquely spellbinding place where bears gather on the shoreline of Hudson Bay. The world’s largest land carnivores can be viewed up close in safety from boats and specialist tundra vehicles. The region is also home to more than 50,000 beluga whales, and in summer they swim up the Churchill River to feed and give birth.

This tour begins in Manitoba’s capital Winnipeg before flying up to Lazy Bear Lodge in Churchill. Embark on a cultural and heritage tour, visiting Cape Merry, the polar bear holding facility and wreckage of the famous plane, “Miss Piggy”.

The next day, take a full-day Hudson Bay Coastal Tour on the Matonabee, the only arctic cruising vessel with underwater viewing windows. View polar bears along the coast of Hudson Bay and river estuaries.

The following day is all about beluga whales. Take a three-hour boat tour in search of these playful, friendly creatures, then visit historic Prince of Wales Fort. You then have a day in Churchill to explore the town independently or opt for an excursion to see more beluga whales in Hudson Bay and the Churchill River, including kayaking or ‘aqua-gliding’ on a floating mat tethered to a boat.

Finish your time in Churchill with a tundra tour on an all-terrain vehicle before flying back to Winnipeg.

This tour is available in July and August only.

Various excursions are included in Churchill including a Cultural and Heritage Tour, Hudson Bay Coastal Tour, Beluga Whale Boat Tour and Arctic Crawler Tundra Tour.

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Outline itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Winnipeg

Day 2Winnipeg to Churchill, Cultural and Heritage Tour

Day 3Hudson Bay Coastal Boat Tour

Day 4Beluga Whale Boat Tour

Day 5Optional beluga whales tours and free time in Churchill

Day 6Arctic Crawler Tundra Tour and return to Winnipeg

Day 7Tour ends in Winnipeg

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Things to Do

Aqua-gliding with Beluga Whales

Kayaking with Beluga Whales

Places to Stay

Winnipeg

Inn at the Forks

Churchill

Lazy Bear Lodge

Winnipeg

Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel

Our expert's opinion

“Churchill offers one of top wildlife viewing experiences in the world – an amazing place where polar bears often outnumber people. It’s incredible to watch tender moments between a mama bear and her cubs – but from the safety of a boat or vehicle as these bears are famously fierce!”

Dominique Kotsias - Product Manager

Dominique caught the North America travel bug when she was in her late teens and has travelled extensively throughout the USA and Canada, particularly drawn to the countries' outstanding natural beauty and wildlife. With over 10 years of product and marketing experience in North America, Dominique’s passion for the destination is infectious.

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