Polar bear mothers and newborn cubs
February and March
From 12 days / 11 nights – from £12,750 per person
Theme safari
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary atmosphere of the Canadian Arctic at the time when the polar bears start leaving their hibernation dens and watch the young cubs take their first steps and play in the snow.
The highlights of this trip are the following:
– stay for over a week in the area of Wapusk National Park, which is the largest known hibernation area of polar bears, maximizing your chances to observe bears and cubs safely and at distances sometimes less than 50 metres
– enjoy unique conditions in the world, reserved for only a few dozen people each year, that allow you to observe and photograph the young polar bears in their natural habitat
– admire from the top of an open hill the northern lights, which are present most nights in this clean environment free from air or light pollution
– explore the hibernation area conveniently, thanks to specialist track vehicles that allow you to cover long distances in a warm and comfortable setting
– enjoy the hospitality, the cordiality and the simple, rustic yet restful atmosphere of your lodge, tranquilly based in the middle of the tundra
An exceptional experience for a very limited number of participants every year!
“Polar bears : Mother and playful cub“ by Gesser Images
“Northern Lights over Manitoba“ by Gesser Images
Day 1: Flight London – Winnipeg
Departure from Europe and arrival at Winnipeg at the end of the day.
Transfer to The Grand hotel at Winnipeg Airport for the night. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2: From Winnipeg to Churchill
Breakfast and departure from your hotel for the 10:15am flight to Churchill (Manitoba). Arrival around 12:45pm for an afternoon of acclimatation to the polar climate after the rental of your special “low temperature“ equipment (optional).
Nuit at the Seaport Hotel. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 3: From Churchill to Chesnaye
Morning and first part of the afternoon of (free) visit of the town and its interesting Itsanitaq museum dedicated to the Inuit culture, and (free) lunch in town.
Preparation of your departure, transfer to the railway station early evening and departure by train for a trip till the stop on demand at Chesnaye where you will be greeted by the driver/guides of the lodge who will transfer you to Watchee Lodge in specialist track vehicles.
Night at Watchee Lodge. Full board & activities included.
Day 4 to day 9 (in the case of a trip with a 6-day stay on the toundra): Exploration of the hibernation and denning area of Wapusk National Park
These days are dedicated to polar bears: research, observation and photography of polar bears, in this region rich in hibernation dens, with a main objective of tracking and finding bear mothers with young cubs.
Weather conditions permitting, most evenings are devoted to the observation and the photography of aurora borealis (Northern Lights) that are often present and easy to observe from the vicinity of the lodge.
Night at Watchee Lodge. Full board & activities included.
Day 10: From Chesnaye to Churchill
Departure from the lodge around 06:00 and transfer, on the specialist track vehicles, to the railway stop on request of Chesnaye to board the train to Churchill.
Free lunch and dinner.
Return of any “low temperature“ equipment rented.
Nuit at the Seaport Hotel. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 11: From Churchill to Winnipeg
Departure from the lodge by mid morning and transfer to Churchill airport for the 1:45pm flight to Winnipeg. Arrival arround 4:15pm, and end of the afternoon relaxing or visiting the town (on own account).
Transfer to The Grand hotel at Winnipeg Airport for the night. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 12: Departure from Winnipeg
Departure from Winnipeg and arrival in Europe the following morning.
Indicative price:
On the basis of 2 participants sharing a twin or double room in Winnipeg and a twin or quadruple room at Watchee Lodge:
. from £ 12,750 / person for a 12 days / 11 nights trip including 8 days on the tundra
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
The final budget will be communicated after establishing a personalised quotation that will depend on the exchange rates at the time.
Notice:
We personally have spent several weeks at Watchee Lodge and we observed polar bears and cubs every week of our stay, though not necessarily every day.
Weather conditions however have an impact on the possibility of finding traces of polar bears and track them for close observation. They also impact the behavior of animals.
It is not possible for us to guarantee a bear watching during your stay.
In the case of very adverse conditions such as strong blizzard or snowfall reducing visibility to a few metres, the daily excursions may be cancelled.
In all cases, participants cannot claim any refund or compensation.
– Scheduled flight from Winnipeg to Churchill and return
– All transfers to and from Churchill airport and railway station, as well as the train journey between Churchill and Chesnaye and return, and the transports on specialist track vehicles
– 2 nights at Winnipeg at The Grand (3***/4****) hotel or equivalent. Single, double or twin room with breakfast
– 2 nights at Churchill at the Seaport Hotel (2**/3***) hotel or equivalent. Double or twin room with breakfast
– 9, 10 or 12 nights at the Watchee Lodge. Twin or quadruple room, shared grooming rooms. Full board.
– All the activities proposed by Watchee Lodge
– International flights to Winnipeg and return
– Travel or Insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks and any additional insurance)
– Visas to be purchased at arrival in Canada
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as “free” in the itinerary
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
. Rental of “low temperature“ equipment in Churchill (boots, salopette and parka): Please consult us.
