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Belugas & Bears by Train

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Relish in a fresh perspective on the arctic tundra with this summertime journey to Churchill, Manitoba, a playground for polar bears, beluga whales, and nature lovers alike.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
8 days From $4,250 per person
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2023 Tour code: PP-BBBR-23

About the tour

Churchill, Manitoba, is beloved as the world's polar bear capital, but as the season's change and the ground begins its annual thaw, it becomes a whole new world. The tundra explodes with colorful blooms, and the frozen waters warm, welcoming marine life to come and play. Experience this awakening for yourself this summer. This tour takes a roundtrip course from Winnipeg on an eight-day exploration of northern Canada's beautiful scenery. Your trip begins with a two-night rail journey through Manitoba aboard VIA Rail's Winnipeg-Churchill train. In Churchill, enjoy a tour of the region by bus and beluga whale-watching cruises along the Churchill River. The serene boreal forest is enchanting, especially when you experience it aboard a dog cart. Further, enjoy a tundra wildlife adventure aboard a 10-foot-tall Tundra Buggy in search of wildflowers bursting into their summer brilliance and animals, such as polar bears and arctic foxes, exploring their natural habitats. After immersing yourself in Churchill's nature and wildlife, your vacation concludes with a return flight to Winnipeg. 

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Winnipeg

Arrive into Winnipeg on your own and check into your hotel. You have a free day to explore Winnipeg before an evening meet and greet. Overnight Winnipeg.

Day 2 - The Train Voyage Begins

Explore the area before you board VIA Rail this afternoon to travel more than 1,000 miles north through Manitoba toward Hudson Bay. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Day on Train

Continue your journey toward Churchill and enjoy the incredible scenery outside your window. Today you'll have a long stop in Thompson, the "Hub of the North" before continuing your rail journey. Overnight train. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Churchill Adventure Begins, Beluga Whale and Prince of Wales Fort

Wake up in the subarctic as Churchill greets you on your morning arrival. Start the day on an area tour of the town of Churchill. Explore Churchill further before your boat tour of the Churchill River and the interpretive walking tour of Prince of Wales Fort later that day. Overnight at Churchill hotel. 

*Activities on Days 4-7 will vary based on departure 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Dog Carting and Beluga Whale Zodiac Tour

Enjoy a local dog carting experience through the forest and learn about dog sledding and its history during the interpretive program. Explore on your own that afternoon and opt to visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre and admire the detailed wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits. There is also time to see Churchill's Itsanitaq Museum, home to one of the most extensive Inuit Art collections globally. Meet the rest of the tour group later that day for a Zodiac boat tour on the Churchill River to look for pods of whales. Overnight at Churchill hotel. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Tundra Buggy Adventure

Board a Tundra Buggy in the morning and go on a search for wildlife. Possible sightings include polar bears, arctic foxes, hares and many variations of the local plants and flowers. Overnight at Churchill hotel. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Depart Churchill

The morning is free to explore Churchill. This afternoon you will be transferred back to the Churchill airport for your included flight to Winnipeg. Upon arrival in Winnipeg check into your hotel. Overnight Winnipeg. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Depart Winnipeg

Depart Winnipeg at your leisure.

Additional information

Please Note

August 12 departure is an independent tour
July 29 departure includes an interpretive guide

Itineraries will vary based on whether you're travelling independently or on a locally hosted departure.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Train

VIA Rail's Winnipeg – Churchill
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