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Polar Bears of Churchill

Various dates between October 22 - November 17, 2013

FNA for Churchill

Prices are cash/cheque discounted; please find credit card prices in the terms and conditions paragraph: Payment Schedule and Rates

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Explore with us the world-famous town of Churchill, Manitoba, The Polar Bear Capital of the World, where there are as many polar bears as there are people. The small seaport is located on the western shore of Hudson Bay, accessible only by train, boat or plane. In the summer thousands of beluga come to the mouth of the Churchill River, and in the fall, as Hudson Bay freezes over, great white polar bears arrive en masse fresh from their summers spent inland. Our Churchill experience is about getting out on the tundra to see all the incredible arctic wildlife that abounds at this time of year. This includes ptarmigan, arctic fox and, of course, the mighty polar bear. Well spend two days on the open deck of a Tundra Buggy, along the shores of Hudson Bay, safely getting up close to polar bears in the wild bringing us face to face with these magnificent animals! Led by an expert interpretive guide this adventure includes an exploration of the town and surrounding area, along with visits to the Eskimo Museum, home to the largest collection of Inuit artifacts in the North. Youll also get out on a dog sled through the beautiful boreal forest, and learn first hand the role and importance dog sledding has in northern culture.

Trip Details
Price: $5,349 USD + HST. Single supplement: $725 USD + HST Flights: Independent flights to/from Winnipeg. Group flights to/from Churchill from Winnipeg included. Min Group #: 2 Max Group #: 22 Fitness Level: Easy Tour Starts & Ends: Winnipeg, MB

Whats Included:
Meals from breakfast on Day 2 to Dinner on plane day 5 Return flight from Winnipeg to Churchill 2 nights at Winnipeg Hotel 3 nights in Churchill Hotel Dog-Sledding Tundra Buggy Adventure

Whats Not Included:

Independent flights to and from Winnipeg Travel Insurance (Medical & Evacuation Insurance is mandatory) Items of a personal nature Alcoholic Beverages Helicopter tour Expenses incurred due to itinerary changes beyond our control Gratuities

Highlights
Up-close encounters with the magnificent polar bear (from the comfort of your tundra buggy) Chance to see other arctic wildlife, including ptarmigan and arctic fox on the tundra

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Cultural interpretation tour of Churchill and surrounding area Enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled Visit the Eskimo Museum, among the Worlds finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and artifacts

Your Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival into Winnipeg Arrive at leisure to Winnipeg. Overnight at the Four Points Sheraton at the Winnipeg airport. Downtown Winnipeg is only about 15 minutes away by taxi for those interested in exploring! In the evening well have a welcome event and orientation. Day 2 Winnipeg to Churchill In the early morning there will be coffee and snacks in the lobby at the hotel and a repeat of the orientation for those that arrived late the night before. Well head to the airport to catch our 7am flight, with breakfast on the plane. Well take a guided bus tour of Churchills local and historical points of interest, including such attractions as Cape Merry the Port of Churchill and the Manitoba Conservations Polar Bear Holding Facility (weather permitting). After lunch we may visit the Eskimo Museum which contains one of Canadas finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and artifacts dating from pre-Dorset,

FNA for Churchill

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Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times. The rest of the day is free to check-in to your hotel and relax. Or take in a 1-hour Helicopter ride. Day 3 Polar Bears from the Tundra Buggy Well spend the day in a world-famous Tundra Buggy, with our exceptionally knowledgeable guide, viewing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife from mere metres away. All of the Tundra Buggies are furnished with dualpane frost-free windows and contain propane heating systems that closely resemble a cozy fireplace, with real flame (behind glass). While bear-watching, your hosts will provide picnic style lunches and refreshments, so all you have to do is enjoy the view. Overnight Churchill Hotel. Day 4 Dog Sledding and Parks Canada After breakfast its time to don your cold-weather gear as its mushing time! Hosted by a local resident and dog sledding expert, well learn the history of dog sledding in Northern Canada. Enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled (or cart, weather permitting). Join the mushers for hot chocolate and freshly made bannock after your ride and share their personal stories of their dog sledding adventures. Well visit Parks Canada Interpretive Center. Here, 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. Youll leave chock-full of natural and historical information from the Churchill region. Overnight at Churchill Hotel. Day 5 Tundra Buggy and Winnipeg Early breakfast and full day Tundra Buggy and polar bear watching tour with lunch on the Buggy. In the evening well fly back to Winnipeg, having dinner on the plane. Overnight at Four Points Sheraton.

PLEASE NOTE: This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather, sea and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.