Polar safari to meet bears mothers and their cubs

Immerse yourself in the world’s largest polar bear denning region for one of the rarest wildlife experiences on a polar bear photo safari! Be one of the select few who witnesses newborn polar bear cubs and mothers, safely, at a close range. Feel the exhilaration as the cubs take their first steps in the snow as their mothers introduce them to the world.

With unique, heated vehicles, this lodge-based expedition provides unprecedented and comfortable access to denning habitats. Enjoy shimmering Northern Lights at night after days of observing and photographing precious moments between polar bear mothers and their cubs.

DAY 1 | WINNIPEG

Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba and transfer to an airport hotel. Once settled into your hotel, join your Arctic Kingdom Expedition Leader and become acquainted with your travel companions. Clothing swap out will be at 7 PM followed by a briefing at 8 PM served with complimentary appetizers and a drink.

DAY 2 | WINNIPEG / CHURCHILL

This adventure begins with an early morning flight to Churchill, Manitoba. On arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, you will visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre and Polar Bears International, for educational talks about Wapusk National Park and the Polar Bears you will encounter. Group dinner to follow. After dinner, transfer to the train station where you will board the evening train to Chesnaye, then transfer to the Newborn Polar Bear Cub Lodge, assisted by your expedition Leader.

DAY 3 – 10 | WILDLIFE WATCHING

Spend these days witnessing the grace and majesty of mother polar bears in their natural habitat while their cubs tumble and explore. On snowmobiles, guides will scout the polar bear’s dens in advance.

When they find their dens, they radio the location to the heated, tracked vans offering unprecedented and comfortable access to denning habitats. On some days, we’ll enjoy visits to known denning locations, while on other days, we may seek new, unknown dens. Travel time from the lodge to the dens will vary, but you can generally expect a 20 to 60 minute or more drive. Wildlife viewing, including caribou and ptarmigan, is also possible.

Enjoy hot dinners at the lodge, and if the conditions are right, watch the dancing Northern Lights at night.

DAY 11 | CHURCHILL

Transfer back to Churchill where you will receive a town tour followed by a group lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day in Churchill and spend the night before your flight to Winnipeg the next day.

DAY 12 | CHURCHILL / WINNIPEG

Depending on your flight time, spend the day in Churchill before flying out to Winnipeg. Overnighting at the Grand Winnipeg Hotel.

DAY 13 | WINNIPEG

Depart Winnipeg for home.

ACCOMMODATION

A refurbished naval communications base, the Newborn Polar Bear Cub Lodge stands almost 100 m/ 300’ on top of an old beach ridge, located just south of Churchill, Manitoba. Isolated in the middle of the tundra, the lodge is as self-sufficient and “off grid”. This rustic lodge provides some of the world’s best access to polar bear mothers and newborn cubs in Wapusk National Park.

• Single, double and quad rooms are available
• Wood-burning fireplace in the central lounge
• A sauna is available, but please note showers are not available, due to remote location
• Electric power provided by onsite generators