Churchill, Manitoba is the Polar Bear Capitol of the World and is the only human settlement where polar bears can be observed in the wild. The very best time to see the bears is during the small window between mid-October and mid-November when the migrating bears make their way to the shores of the Hudson Bay and wait there for the Bay to freeze so they can continue their migration onto the ice pack.
This 8-day rail journey puts you in the heart of this natural phenomenon. Beginning in Winnipeg, make the two day rail journey north to Churchill where you will be surrounded by the beauty of northern wildlife including the polar bears annual migration ritual, frozen tundra, and Churchill’s storied history.
Day 1 - Arrive Winnipeg
Arrive in the capital of Manitoba this morning. Take a taxi to your hotel with the afternoon at your leisure to explore the city. There is much to see and do! Visit St. Boniface Museum or the Manitoba Museum, acquire a ticket to the ballet, theater, or a musical event, and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many fine restaurants. Overnight Delta Winnipeg
Day 2 VIA Rail to Churchill
The city of Churchill is accessible only by plane or train. Transfer to the rail station late this morning to board your 12:05 pm VIA Rail train for the overnight journey north to Churchill. Settle into your first-class accommodations onboard the train and watch as the Manitoba landscape changes from prairie to forest to lakes and, finally, tundra. Overnight train.
Day 3 - 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 4 - Welcome to Churchill
Arrive in Churchill this morning. You’ll be met at the railway station by a local tour guide. Enjoy a city tour including popular points of interests. Be sure to bundle up because some of your tour will be outdoors. After your city sightseeing, you will be transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Churchill.
Day 5 - Tundra Buggy
Today begins your two-day adventure on the tundra observing the polar bears in their natural surroundings. Polar bears tip the scales at more than 1,300 pounds and stand 10 feet tall. Thanks to the special Tundra Buggy, you can be within a few feet of a bear and be completely safe. This full-day excursion on the tundra is like none other! Overnight Churchill.
Day 6 - On the Tundra
Day 2 of your excursion on the tundra finds you safely ensconced in the Tundra Buggy just feet away from the polar bears. Polar bears can smell a seal from 20 miles away. While no one can predict when and where a bear will appear, one would think that anything that can smell a seal from 20 miles away would find a Tundra Buggy full of people pretty interesting. Take full advantage of your up close and personal experience with these beautiful animals.
Day 7 - Dog Sledding Excursion
While the polar bears make their way to the shores of the Hudson Bay, you will enjoy one of the most exciting winter activities in the tundra: a half-day of dog sledding! You’ll be pulled on a custom-made sled by a strong team of huskies. In addition to this exhilarating ride, your excursion includes a slide show of Arctic and Antarctic dog sled travel. At the conclusion of your excursion, you’ll be transferred to the Churchill airport for your flight to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, which is conveniently located next to the airport. Overnight Sheraton Four Points Winnipeg.
Day 8 - Winnipeg
Few people have experienced what you have in the past 7 days. As you join this elite club of travelers, cherish your memories of your polar bear experience as you return to the airport for your flight home. Or, you may elect to extend your stay in Winnipeg to continue your vacation.
Rates are in US Dollars, per person, double occupancy.
