Begin today’s exploration of Winnipeg with a visit to the Manitoba Museum which houses a dynamic collection of artifacts and historical recreations, including a full sized replica of the Nonsuch whose 1668 voyage led to the founding of the Hudson Bay Company. In the afternoon visit Fort Whyte Alive, a multi-faceted facility dedicated to educating visitors on conservation and sustainability. Encompassing over 640 acres of prairie, lakes, forest, and wetlands, Fort Whyte features Manitoba’s largest freshwater aquarium within its 10,000 square foot interpretive center. Afterward visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo, a Winnipeg landmark established in 1904 and home to 300 different species that account for over 1,500 specimens. INN AT THE FORKS.

Wing your way to Churchill in the rugged wilds of northeastern Manitoba. This small town of some 800 full-time residents occupies a peninsula embraced by the Churchill River and the Hudson Bay. Occupied for centuries by indigenous peoples, the first Europeans took advantage of its location and used it as a fur trading post as well as a whaling community. With the decline of the fur trade and whaling, Churchill has continued to avail itself of its locale owing to its proximity to the traditional migration route of the polar bear. From October through mid-November, nearly 1,000 bears journey from their summer ranges along the bay south of Churchill up to the capes for their annual hunt for seals. This is also when females den to give birth to their cubs. Pregnant females make their way to nearby Wapusk National Park to spend the winter, emerging each spring with 1-2 cubs, on average. This pageant of massives has been known to parade through the town itself as they move toward winter feeding grounds where they will spend the entire winter on the ice of the frozen Hudson Bay. In 1978 the Churchill Wildlife Management Area was established to protect the polar bear. When you arrive in Churchill, you will visit historical points of interest such as Cape Merry, the Polar Bear Holding Facility, and the Itsanitaq Museum, formerly known as the Eskimo Museum, dedicated to the history of the Inuit and life in the Arctic, which includes an exquisite collection of historical Inuit art. After dinner, weather permitting, you will partake in an excursion to witness a light show, courtesy of the Aurora Borealis.

There’s no better way to spy polar bears than from the comfort and safety of a Tundra Buggy. From the vantage point of these large vehicles, which can sit some 15 feet off of the ground, you will spend the next two days creeping along the ice sheets as you observe the “Lords of the Arctic”. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, learn more about the ecology of the bears as well as about many of the other unique species that reside here, including the arctic fox and its cousin, the red fox. A Polar Bears International ambassador will join you on board one of the days for an in-depth discussion about polar bears and their habitat. For birders, close to 150 avian species congregate in Churchill each fall, including the snow bunting, Hoary Redpoll, Snowy Owl, Golden Plover, Snow Goose, sandpiper and Gyrfalcon. You may also spot the heart-warming Ross’s Gull or the Willow Ptarmigan, whose plumage changes from summer brown to winter white. In the twilight, return to the warmth and comfort of your inn. Your comfortable inn is located within steps of Churchill’s restaurants, bars, shopping and recreation facilities. It offers quality accommodation with northern hospitality and private facilities. Enjoy a night cap and presentation on the Lords of the Arctic by a Polar Bears International representative before calling it a night. TUNDRA INN or similar.

Today you will have a chance to visit the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre for an educational presentation about the history of Churchill, and join an authentic northern dog sled team for an exhilarating ride on a custom made sled. You will also have some free time to explore the town of Churchill and enjoy the activities you select. For those interested in a bird’s eye view of polar bears, arctic foxes, moose, caribou and wolves, an optional helicopter ride (at additional cost) is available with an experienced northern aviator. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Winnipeg, where a lovely farewell reception awaits you at your hotel. THE GRAND WINNIPEG AIRPORT HOTEL.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your Arctic adventure as you head to the airport, bringing with you the memories of this special place.