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Independent VIA Rail Tours
Winter Rail Tours
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Polar Bear Tundra Experience - 7 Day Tour
Churchill is a small, northern community with a lot of character; you won't find one of the big-chain hotels here that you might find in a larger center. You will, however, find warm, down-home hospitality and clean, comfortable hotels with all the amenities. Staying in town will allow you to walk to and from the different venues, spend some time on your own, and perhaps meet some of the locals. This well-rounded vacation combines polar bear viewing with activities in and around the community of Churchill. Learn about the history and culture of Churchill as well as experience the beautiful polar bears! On days that have a Tundra Buggy Adventure scheduled, participants will be transferred from town to the Tundra Buggy Launch where you will board a Buggy and begin your search for wildlife. The Buggy meanders over a system of established trails, stopping at leisure to enjoy the scenery, search for wildlife, and take photos. When daylight begins to fade, we'll head back to the Launch and transfer back to town.
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- Rail transportation aboard VIA Rail’s Hudson Bay Service from Winnipeg to Churchill (2 nights on train)
- Hotel accommodations for 4 nights
- 11 meals
- Sightseeing and Tundra Buggy Adventures
- Services of a specialist or interpretive guide
Day 1 - Arrive Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg, where your polar bear adventure begins. Early this afternoon, depart Winnipeg aboard VIA Rail’s Hudson Bay train bound for Churchill. Overnight on train.
Day 2 - En Route to Churchill
As the train continues its 1,000+ mile rail journey north, traveling along tracks built in 1929 over permafrost and muskeg, sit back and relax, enjoy the unspoiled scenery, read a book, grab a bite to eat in the Dining car, and meet your fellow travelers. Stretch your legs during a stop in Thompson this afternoon. Considered the “Hub of the North,” it is recognized as the regional trade and service center of northern Manitoba. Overnight train.
Day 3 - Welcome to Churchill
Early this morning the train arrives in Churchill. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of the area including local and historic points of interest including Cape Merry, Port of Churchill and Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility*. You will also visit to the Eskimo Museum, containing one of Canada’s finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and artifacts dating from pre-Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times. This evening enjoy a slide presentation by a local photographer. Relax and soak up years of northern experience through stories and photos. Overnight Churchill. (L, D)
Day 4 - Tundra Buggy
The entire day is spent in a Tundra Buggy with your knowledgeable guide, viewing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. This is the best way to have an intimate encounter with a wild polar bear! All Tundra Buggies are furnished with dual-pane frost-free windows and contain propane heating systems that resemble a cozy fireplace. Overnight Churchill. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Churchill Area Sightseeing
This morning attend a cultural arts program. This afternoon we will visit the Parks Canada Interpretive Center to take a walk back in time viewing detailed and exciting wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits. View a series of videos on the history, culture, and wildlife of the area. Later, embark on an exciting dog sledding excursion hosted by a local resident and dog sledding expert! You’ll learn about the history of dog sledding in Northern Canada and enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled. Join the musher’s for hot chocolate and freshly made bannock after your ride. Overnight Churchill. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Adventures on the Tundra
Another day for adventures in a Tundra Buggy with your knowledgeable guide, viewing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. This evening, head to the airport for your return flight to Winnipeg. Overnight Winnipeg. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Tour Conclusion
Your polar bear adventure ends today.
Prices are land-only, per person. Prices are correct at the time this web page is published; however, are subject to change.
Taxes are not included in tour price. Prices are in US Dollars based on the exchange rate of February 1, 2013.
*Weather permitting
Call 877-929-7245 today to book your Polar Bears and Tundra Experience vacation.
ANF
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