Get set for the ultimate Canadian wildlife adventure in Churchill, the Polar bear capital of the world! This six day exclusive small group tour allows you to get up close and personal with the largest bear in the world and the Arctic’s top predator. Enjoy two full day excursions on a specially-designed Tundra Buggy exploring the subarctic landscape in search of these magnificent creatures and other wildlife. Take a thrilling dog sled ride, spend an evening with a local trapper to hear stories of life in the north and learn first-hand of the challenges the bears face in a warming climate from species experts. This is a journey that few will experience in their lifetime and the ultimate way to see polar bears in their natural habitat.

Discover magical mischief and spellbinding surroundings as you commemorate Halloween at sea. Thrills and chills await you at every turn, thanks to not-so-scary activities, eerie entertainment and bewitching décor—including a magical Halloween tree. Even more spooky surprises await you on board! Be sure to pack your favourite costumes and get ready for happy haunts.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• Economy class flight from Sydney to Winnipeg, return from New York City
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Winnipeg
• 5 night Ultimate Polar Bear Discovery small group escorted tour, Winnipeg return
• Includes accommodation, select meals, charter flights from Winnipeg to Churchill, transfers & more
• Economy class flight from Winnipeg to New York City
• 5 nights 4-star accommodation in New York City
• Tenements, Tales & Tastes tour
• 2 hour Central Park bike rental
• 4 night Halloween cruise onboard Disney Dream, New York return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Select private transfers
• Port charges, prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise & airline taxes

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 20 October – 04 November 2023

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Ultimate Polar Bear Discovery

Inclusions:

• 1 night accommodation at Fairmont Winnipeg in a Fairmont Room
• 3 nights accommodation in Churchill at Aurora Inn or similar
• 1 night accommodation at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Hotel in a Guest Room
• Group welcome drink and tour briefing
• Private guided tour of the Journey to Churchill exhibit at Assiniboine Conservation Park
• Exclusive cocktail reception in the underwater viewing tunnels at Gateway to the Arctic
• Exclusive welcome dinner held at the Aurora Borealis Theatre, Assiniboine Conservation Park
• Return charter flights from Winnipeg to Churchill
• Two full day excursions on a private Tundra Buggy, accompanied by a species expert on the second day
• Churchill town tour
• Cultural presentation by a local trapper
• Visit to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre
• Private tour of Polar Bear International House, hosted by a species expert
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Transfers as specified in the itinerary
• Hosted by a local interpretive guide
• Small Group Travel – maximum 16 guests

Itinerary:

Day 1: Saturday – Welcome to Winnipeg

You’ll be welcomed on arrival at the airport by your local host and transferred to the Fairmont, Winnipeg’s premier hotel.

Meet your fellow adventurers over a welcome drink in the Lounge, where your host will brief you on the upcoming activities.  Your adventure begins at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy for a private guided tour of the award-winning ‘Journey to Churchill’ exhibit, the most comprehensive northern species exhibit of its kind in the world. Afterwards, enjoy a private cocktail reception in the Gateway to the Arctic, where you are afforded the rare opportunity to observe polar bears and seals swimming below the surface of the water, from underwater viewing tunnels.

Enjoy a special welcome dinner held at the Aurora Borealis Theatre before returning to the hotel.

Overnight: Fairmont Winnipeg

Meals: Canapes and dinner

Day 2: Sunday – Explore Churchill 

After an early morning breakfast, transfer to a private hangar for your chartered flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, located on the shores of Hudson Bay. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the area visiting local and historical points of interest such as Cape Merry, Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility and the Inukshuk at town beach, weather permitting.

Step back in time at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre while viewing detailed wildlife dioramas and learning the remarkable history of the fur trade. View a series of videos on the history, culture and wildlife of the area

This afternoon is free to explore Churchill or perhaps take an optional one-hour helicopter excursion. Enjoy an exclusive tour of Polar Bears International (PBI) House and learn about polar bear conservation and research from a PBI species experts, before dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: The Aurora Inn Churchill or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Monday - Tundra Buggy® Adventure

Enjoy an early morning breakfast in town before departing for the first full-day Tundra Buggy® adventure. Explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) in search of polar bears, arctic fox, ptarmigan and other subarctic wildlife. Venturing on a network of established trails, the Tundra Buggy takes you to the best locations in the CWMA to view and photograph the subarctic tundra.

A delicious picnic lunch will be served on board the Tundra Buggy as you watch and photograph the wildlife.

Return to Churchill this evening for a hearty dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards, hear stories from a local trapper on life in the north through the four distinct and beautiful seasons of Churchill before returning to the hotel.

Overnight: The Aurora Inn Churchill or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Tuesday – Dog sledding excursion

Today, travel beyond the town limits to Churchill’s boreal forest to enjoy an interpretive program paired with a thrilling dog sled excursion. Hosted by a local Churchill resident and dog sledding expert, learn about the traditional and modern Métis lifestyle as well as the history associated with dog sledding. Get to know your team of dogs before embarking on a mile long sled ride through the beautiful boreal forest. Afterwards, return to town for lunch.

Tonight, after dinner at a local restaurant spend a free evening to explore Churchill’s authentic shops, enjoy a beer at the local pub, or relax at the hotel.

Overnight: The Aurora Inn Churchill or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Wednesday - Tundra Buggy® Adventure

Today, enjoy an intimate encounter with a wild polar bear from your private Tundra Buggy on the final full-day adventure. You’ll be accompanied by a Polar Bears International species expert who will impart their knowledge of polar bears and their habitat.

After a day exploring the tundra, transfer directly to Churchill Airport for an evening flight to Winnipeg. A light meal will be served on board. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Hilton Winnipeg Airport Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Thursday – Farewell

Farewell your fellow travellers over breakfast, before transferring to Winnipeg Airport where your Ultimate Polar Bear Discovery tour concludes.

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise Itinerary: