VISUALLY STUNNING WILDLIFE SAFARI IN THE ARCTIC SUMMER: POLAR BEARS & NORTHERN LIGHTS IN 2 REMOTE ECOLODGES DIRECTLY ON HUDSON BAY

from/to Winnipeg

11 days (10 nights)

Maximum 16 people

English-speaking
11 days / 10 nights lodge safari to Hudson Bay | Experience polar bears and the Northern Lights in two remote ecolodges during the intense Arctic summer
+++ 5% discount for bookings made by May 31, 2026 +++
Some trips fill you with awe twice over. On this impressive lodge expedition, you will experience eleven eventful days in two of the most fascinating regions of the Arctic. Each of them shows you the short, bright summer, when Hudson Bay sheds its icy coat and life literally explodes after a long hibernation, from its own unique perspective.
Your journey begins with four nights at Seal River Heritage Lodge, where polar bears roam the coastline in their bright summer coats after the hunting season. Close encounters with these impressive animals at eye level will give you an intuitive understanding of the fascination of the North. Beneath the water's surface, thousands of beluga whales transform the Seal River estuary into a natural amphitheater. On Zodiac trips, you glide silently between the white sea creatures. Meanwhile, their haunting songs reach your ears via hydrophones like messages from another world. When the curious gaze of the belugas meets yours, you recognize intelligence and playfulness in their eyes.
A breathtaking 90-minute flight then takes you further south over York Factory, where the history of the North is etched into the landscape at the former Hudson's Bay Company trading post. At Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, a whole new natural stage unfolds: here, where the boreal forest meets the wild coast, polar bears share the vibrant landscape with wolves that suddenly emerge from the edge of the forest. If you hear rustling in the lush green bushes, it is often a black bear or moose. Or a polar hare may suddenly hop across the open tundra.
Each lodge offers its own unique perspective on the untamed transformation of the Arctic – complemented by tundra-inspired cuisine and exciting evening lectures that give you an even deeper understanding of this complex ecosystem. Special tundra vehicles and experienced guides ensure unforgettable wildlife viewing at both locations. Each day, you add a new piece to your authentic picture of the North.
Summer nights in the Arctic bathe everything in an unreal light: you encounter the sun, which barely sets. On some clear nights, the first shimmering veils of the Northern Lights dance across the sky – a magical start to your Northern Lights journey.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Getting there
On request, we can book your flights and pre- and post-programs individually in a package deal.
Please feel free to contact us!
Entry and safety information:
The U.S. Department of State provides the following information for travel to Canada.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay overnight in two extremely remote lodges right on Hudson Bay, enjoying rustic luxury in the heart of the natural polar bear habitat.
- Look directly into the intelligent eyes of beluga whales on a boat tour across Hudson Bay
- Northern Lights: The geographical location beneath the Aurora Oval offers the opportunity to enjoy the world's largest light show from the lodge or from safe terrain, even in summer.
- Daily guided hikes through the tundra and along Hudson Bay to observe polar bears and other Arctic wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
- Tundra-inspired cuisine, complemented by selected Canadian wines
- Informative evening lectures and presentations by the lodge manager or local nature guides about the Arctic-
e ecosystem
itinerary
Day 1: Anticipation & get-together in Winnipeg
Your journey begins in Winnipeg, where you will spend a restful night at our preferred hotel, The Grand by Lakeview, located right at the airport.
Beforehand, you will get to know your fellow travelers over dinner and receive initial information about the itinerary for your upcoming expedition into the wilderness.
Day 2: By seaplane to Seal River Heritage Lodge
Well rested, you will first fly to Churchill today. You will be expected there and will receive all the relevant details for your connecting flight to Seal River Heritage Lodge. The short scenic flight will take you over the impressive expanse of Hudson Bay before you finally reach your remote accommodation. After a warm welcome from your hosts and guides, you will check into your room and have some time to settle in peacefully in the secluded atmosphere of the lodge.
Afterwards, a freshly prepared lunch awaits you before your guides explain the most important rules of conduct for safe encounters with polar bears. Immediately afterwards, you will set off on your first hike through the Arctic landscape.
Days 3 to 5: Traveling through polar bear country
Every morning after a hearty hot breakfast, your guides will present the day's itinerary. As a rule, exciting excursions along the coast await you both in the morning and in the afternoon, during which you will follow in the footsteps of the majestic polar bears.
Back at the lodge, you will first enjoy a selection of delicious appetizers before being served a characteristic tundra-inspired dinner.
If polar bears are spotted in the immediate vicinity of the lodge, the planned tours can be flexibly rescheduled to offer you the best photo opportunities and intense encounters right at the protective fence. Since the lodge is staffed at all times, you also have the option of simply staying on site to photograph the surrounding wildlife from the lodge or to take in the untouched nature at your leisure.
Your experienced guides and the lodge staff round off the evenings with entertaining lectures or informative slide shows. When the sky is clear, you also have a good chance of witnessing one of nature's most fascinating spectacles—the spectacular Northern Lights, which dance across the sky particularly frequently in this region.
Days 6 to 9: Even more Arctic wildlife around Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
After saying goodbye to Seal River Heritage Lodge, you will continue on to your home for the next four nights – Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. This is located around 250 kilometers southeast of Churchill, and during the approximately 90-minute charter flight, you will fly over York Factory, once an important center of the historic fur trade. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will once again receive a warm welcome and have the opportunity to settle into your room.
At Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, you can also expect impressive encounters with Arctic wildlife. The region surrounding the lodge captivates visitors with its extraordinary biodiversity: in addition to polar bears , black bears, wolves, moose, and countless migratory and coastal birds also live here.
The daily excursions usually take you along the coast, to the tidal flats, and to the shores of Hudson Bay. You will explore the landscape both on foot and in our specially equipped all-terrain vehicles, which are ideally suited to the rough terrain.
The exact route varies depending on weather conditions and animal sightings. You will always have plenty of time to take lots of photos of the polar bears and the many other wild animals in this unique environment.
Your evenings at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge will be similar to those at Seal River Heritage Lodge —with plenty of time to relax, chat, and enjoy exciting presentations by your guides. And if you want to experience the fascinating Northern Lights in the middle of the night, just let your guides know—they will be happy to wake you up as soon as the magical sky lights appear!
Day 10: Sightseeing in Churchill & return flight to Winnipeg
After another hearty breakfast at the lodge, you will fly back to Churchill. Keep your camera handy—the return flight offers another excellent opportunity to take impressive aerial photos of the Arctic landscape.
Back in Churchill, you will spend the day with a local guide who will show you around the town and give you fascinating insights into Churchill's eventful history as a port town and former military base. During the tour, you will visit the Parks Canada exhibition, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the famous Polar Bear Jail, among other places.
Your guide will also show you some of the impressive murals that were created in 2016 as part of the SeaWalls Mural Festival. Before the farewell dinner, you will have time to browse the charming little shops on your own and find a souvenir or two.
In the evening, you will take your return flight to Winnipeg. After landing, collect your luggage, leave the arrivals hall, and return directly to The Grand Hotel.
Day 11: Goodbye Arctic – Journey home
On the flight home, you will have time to reflect on the many new impressions and moving moments of your journey to the heart of the Arctic.
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
PLEASE NOTE: The daily itineraries described here are for your guidance only. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, but also in order to respond to current circumstances regarding wildlife viewing. The expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is of utmost importance when traveling in unspoiled nature.
Further information
You will stay here: Seal River Heritage Lodge | 4 nights
60 km northwest of Churchill
Your cozy lodge awaits you right on the seemingly endless coastline of Hudson Bay—the perfect starting point for the first stage of your Arctic expedition. The secluded Seal River Heritage Lodge is located not far from the mouth of the Seal River and, far away from civilization, offers an excellent place to observe polar bears in their natural environment.
The secure outdoor area offers ideal opportunities for impressive wildlife photography and fascinating photos of the northern lights. The observation tower with its elevated platform in particular offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness.
The accommodation has eight double rooms with private bathrooms, which are deliberately located at a sufficient distance from the common areas so that you can retreat in peace at any time.
In the cozy lounge, the warming fireplace invites you to relax—whether with a glass of Canadian wine or an exciting book from the lodge's well-stocked library.
SUSTAINABILITY is a top priority here: the lodge is powered by solar energy and uses greywater recycling and biodegradable cleaning and hygiene products. Consistent waste management is also one of the Ecolodge's environmental measures.



You will stay here: Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge | 4 nights
The Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge has rustic charm and is one of the exclusive National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
Only a few meters separate the lodge from the untouched Arctic coastal landscape of Hudson Bay. If you let your gaze wander into the distance, you will discover the vast boreal coniferous forest that blends endlessly into the landscape. Majestic polar bears and curious wildlife such as moose and black bears occasionally roam past the lodge – these fascinating encounters can be experienced up close through the secure fence. On many evenings, the colorful northern lights dance across the sky, which can be wonderfully observed from the sheltered outdoor area.
The lodge offers a total of eight comfortable guest rooms with private bathrooms, spread across two wings and directly connected to the main building. In the inviting sitting areas with panoramic windows, you can enjoy the impressive view of the untamed Hudson Bay. After eventful hours in the tundra, the lounge with its crackling fireplace invites you to relax – whether with convivial conversations or exciting lectures by local guides.



Ethical wildlife viewing
The coastline of Hudson Bay is pure, untouched wilderness and the natural habitat of many wild animals such as polar bears, wolves, caribou, black bears, and arctic foxes. The adjacent Arctic bays are home to seals, ringed seals, and even beluga whales during the summer months. The combination of the three surrounding ecosystems—Hudson Bay, taiga, and tundra—creates a true paradise for cold-loving creatures.
An untouched corner of the world where nature is still allowed to be natural.
What is ethical wildlife viewing?
Ethical wildlife viewing involves observing wild animals in their natural habitat without disturbing or influencing their instinctive behavior.
In practice, you must therefore observe the following principles:
Getting around on foot:
- The excursions are usually conducted on foot in order to approach the wild animals quietly and unobtrusively. Although this means covering long distances on foot, it is the only way to protect the rich ecosystem with your small footprint.
Keep your distance: Better safe than sorry
- Cute and fluffy are definitely adjectives that can be used to describe polar bears. However, they are the largest land-based predators on earth and can quickly feel threatened. To ensure the safety of these frosty predators and your own, you must maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters. If a curious polar bear does stray into your vicinity, the guides have various deterrent measures at their disposal to safely de-escalate the situation.
Noise reduction:
- Psst! Polar bears are very sensitive to noise and are startled even by the simple creaking of wood.
As soon as a polar bear approaches the lodge, you should remain calm and, for example, turn off the sound of the shutter when taking photos. This way, both you and your wild visitors can enjoy the experience undisturbed.
No drones:
- As tempting as it may sound to film these majestic animals from high above, you should refrain from using them. Flying drones are a visual and acoustic stimulus for polar animals and expose them to avoidable stress.
No perfume:
- Polar bears have highly sensitive noses and can detect smells from miles away. To avoid irritating the bears, you should therefore refrain from wearing perfume.
Do not feed wild animals:
- Feeding wild animals can trigger a dependency on humans and, in extreme cases, can even be fatal.
Please read!
You travel to the untouched Arctic regions of Canada to observe the majestic wildlife. Our mission is to offer you safaris that have minimal impact on the environment and wildlife. The safety of travelers and the integrity of the animals are our top priorities.
To ensure this, our customers travel in small groups and are accompanied by experienced nature guides. The daily program is flexible and depends on the current movements of the wild animals, the tides, and the weather.
inventia and our local partner accept no liability for unforeseen events ("force majeure") that affect the sighting of wild animals in their natural environment. Although our travel itineraries and content are the result of many years of experience, we cannot guarantee the extent or diversity of animal sightings.
Weather conditions, population density, behavior patterns, and migrations of other wildlife are some factors that can influence the behavior and activity of animals. Therefore, there is a possibility that the desired wildlife may not be sighted. While this is unlikely, it is not impossible.
Due to the remote location of your destination in the Arctic, flight irregularities are possible due to rapidly changing weather conditions. It is important to remain flexible on this type of expedition trip. We will always arrange alternatives for you.
Be aware that traveling to remote regions of Canada can involve risky activities such as polar bear encounters, which pose risks to your health. These experiences are vastly different from visits to the zoo or Disney World. Please follow the instructions of our local partners and guides at all times. Any deviation from these instructions is at your own risk.
Similarly, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. We cannot guarantee that they will appear.
DATES & PRICES
August 20, 2026 – August 30, 2026
from €22,804 €21,663 per person
11 days/10 nights
Summer in the Arctic | Lodge duo safari to see polar bears and the Northern Lights
Winnipeg Winnipeg
A heart for solo travelers: shared rooms available
5% discount for bookings made by May 31, 2026
August 24, 2026 – September 3, 2026
from €22,804 €21,663 per person
11 days/10 nights
Summer in the Arctic | Lodge duo safari to see polar bears and the Northern Lights
Winnipeg Winnipeg
A heart for solo travelers: shared rooms available
5% discount for bookings made by May 31, 2026
August 18, 2027 – August 28, 2027
From €23,987 €22,787 per person
11 days/10 nights
Summer in the Arctic | Lodge duo safari to see polar bears and the Northern Lights
Winnipeg Winnipeg
A heart for solo travelers: shared rooms available
5% discount for bookings made by May 31, 2026
August 22, 2027 – September 1, 2027
From €23,987 €22,787 per person
11 days/10 nights
Summer in the Arctic | Lodge duo safari to see polar bears and the Northern Lights
Winnipeg Winnipeg
A heart for solo travelers: shared rooms available
5% discount for bookings made by May 31, 2026
August 26, 2027 – September 5, 2027
From €23,987 €22,787 per person
11 days/10 nights
Summer in the Arctic | Lodge duo safari to see polar bears and the Northern Lights
Winnipeg Winnipeg
A heart for solo travelers: shared rooms available
One shared women's room still available
5% discount for bookings made by May 31, 2026
appointment
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personal data
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Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
Information
Included services:
- Round-trip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill
- All transfers between Churchill, Seal River Heritage Lodge, and Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge by seaplane
- 10 nights: 2 nights at The Grand by Lakeview Hotel in Winnipeg, 4 nights at Seal River Heritage Lodge, and 4 nights at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
- Meals: 1 dinner, 9 full board meals
- Full-time, knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide and nature guide
- All excursions and guided tours in Churchill and around the lodges
- A Zodiac tour on Hudson Bay
Not included in the price:
- Long-haul flight from Germany to Winnipeg and back
- Tips / Gratuity: approx. CAD 900 (approx. € 600) per person
- Personal expenses
- Health insurance with emergency repatriation (required)
- Luggage and travel cancellation insurance (highly recommended)
Information about your trip:
- Maximum number of participants: 16
- The probability of seeing polar bears and the northern lights is very high, but not guaranteed.
- No experience or prior knowledge is required for this trip, as you will be accompanied by experienced guides at all times.
- A basic level of fitness and mobility is required.
- A passion for adventure is a must
Polar Bears and Belugas Lodge Salon Churchill Wildlife ©️Jad Davenport
Cozy lounge with panoramic windows offering a direct view of the polar bears
Polar bears and belugas_Lodge rooms_Churchill wildlife_©️Scott Zielke
Cozy room at the Boutique Heritage Lodge
Polar bears and belugas_Lodge dining room_Churchill wildlife_©️Scott Zielke
Lodge restaurant with a view of the polar bears
Polar bears, belugas, birds_Culinary Lodge_credit Ian McCausland
Snack buffet at the lodge in the afternoon after returning from the tours
Polar bears, belugas, birds, beluga whales, courtesy of Churchill Wild, photo credit Henrick Egede-Lassen
Singing beluga whales in Hudson Bay
Polar bears, beluga whales, birds_Sik Sik_Courtesy of Churchill Wild, photo credit Chris Murphy
Sik sik in the Arctic tundra
Arctic discoveries Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge Polar bear in the grass Robert Postma Churchill wildlife
A polar bear basks in the tundra | © Robert Postma
Arctic discoveries Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge Bird's-eye view Churchill wildlife
The Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
Arctic discoveries Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge Shared meal Jad Davenport Churchill wildlife
Cozy dining area at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge | © Jad Davenport | Churchill Wild
Arctic discoveries Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge_hallway_Scott Zielke_Churchill wildlife
Hallway with panoramic windows at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge | © Scott Zielke
Arctic discoveries Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge_Northern Lights_Charles Glatzer_Churchill wildlife
Northern lights above your lodge | © Charles Glatzer
Polar bears, belugas, birds, willowherb, Churchill wildlife ©️Xie Jianguo
Arctic bird couple amidst blooming willowherbs
Arctic discoveries Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge Black Wolf Doreen Booth Churchill wildlife
A wolf emerges from the vegetation | © Doreen Booth
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