Departures:
10/17/2013 10/21/2013 10/25/2013 10/29/2013 11/02/2013 11/06/2013 11/10/2013
Ship(s):
Trip Highlights:
Immerse yourself in the tundra and explore from a comfortable rolling hotel (Tundra Lodge) that is ideally positioned for viewing polar bears.
Summary: Join an adventure that promises total immersion in a spectacular tundra environment! Stay at the Great White Bear Tundra Lodge, situated outside of Churchill on the tundra itself. As evening falls, only a select few travelers remain in the domain of the polar bear to watch the solitude and serenity of sunset intensify across the barren landscape. Enjoy incomparable polar bear viewing at all times of the day and night, in an exclusive small-group setting. Your lodge is a "train" of connected single rooms and dining and lounge areas. And, because itís on wheels, it is sure to be situated in the best bear-viewing area each season.
Arrive in Winnipeg and transfer to the historic Fort Garry Hotel. Meet for an orientation dinner with your Expedition Leader this evening.
Day 2: Winnipeg to Churchill / Tundra Lodge
Fly to Churchill and transfer to the Tundra Lodge by tundra vehicle, watching for Arctic wildlife against the vast white landscape along the way. A presentation on polar bears by one of your Expedition Leaders provides an enlightening introduction to your Far North adventure. Dinner is served at the Tundra Lodge, where you may see polar bears wandering outside your windows.
Days 3 - 5: Tundra Lodge
The Tundra Lodge is strategically positioned at the beginning of each season in the best area for bear viewing. Inquisitive bears often approach the lodge, which features rows of windows and fenced observation decks to accommodate your own curiosity. You can spend hours watching them interact, delighted by their antics and rugged beauty. You may see mothers with cubs, and young adult males play-fighting. Your unique location, combined with half-day excursions in special all-terrain tundra vehicles, affords the best possible wildlife experience in the Churchill area.
In addition to polar bears, you may see caribou, Arctic fox, Arctic hare, ptarmigan, and snowy owls. At the end of each exhilarating day, retire to your cozy accommodations for dinner and presentations. In the light cast by your lodge across the frozen tundra, look for the illuminated eyes of animals. And if you are fortunate to have a clear night, the north's spectacular natural light show may appear as darkness descends. Churchill has some of the world's most concentrated aurora borealis activity.
Day 6: Churchill / Winnipeg
This morning, you depart the tundra and head back into Churchill for your flight to Winnipeg. Depending on flight schedules, you may have time for some last-minute exploration of this frontier town, originally a Northwest Company fur trading post, with a chance to pick up native handcrafts at the Arctic Trading Company. There is also an opportunity for optional dog-sled excursions and helicopter flights over the tundra. Enjoy a farewell lunch in Churchill or dinner together in Winnipeg.
Day 7: Winnipeg / Home
After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for flights home.
Departure dates subject to change. Please contact ExpeditionTrips to confirm departure schedule before purchasing air tickets.
The Tundra Lodge:
This facility is a remarkable rolling hotel that is positioned at the beginning of the season in an area known for having lots of bears around. It has 32 rooms, each being a single compartment similar to a room on a train. There are 3 general toilets and 2 showers. The lounge and dining areas have sliding windows, perfect for bear viewing and photography. The Tundra Lodge provides an extremely comfortable and private northern expedition experience.
Included:
R/T flight from Winnipeg to Churchill; accommodations; all meals (except either lunch or dinner on your final day in Churchill); wine with meals; services of professional Expedition Leaders and assistants; some gratuities; all activities/entrance fees; evening wildlife and cultural presentations; all taxes and service charges; complimentary boots and parkas for use during trip.
Not Included:
Travel to and from Winnipeg; lunch or dinner on your final day in Churchill; alcoholic beverages (except wine with meals); some gratuities; travel insurance; items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, etc.).
Available Extensions:
Please contact ExpeditionTrips for rates and details on extending your trip.
Extra Day in Winnipeg (pre-trip):
Includes: Airport transfers; hotel accommodations; breakfast and lunch; guided tour of Winnipeg; guided tour of the Manitoba Museum; entrance fees.
Northern Helicopter Option:
View the Northís wildlife, scenery, and pre-Dorset tent rings and archaeological sites from a unique aerial perspective.
Dog Sledding Option:
Experience the thrill of gliding through the boreal wilderness behind a team of sled dogs!
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.