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Canada: Polar Bears, Beluga Whales, and Arctic WildlifeHigh up in the Canadian subarctic, in the kingdom of the mighty Polar Bear, an area called the "Land of Little Sticks" gives birth to the untamed Seal River. The estuary of this wild, remote, albeit accessible river abounds with a fascinating array of flora and fauna. On the Arctic shores of the Hudson Bay, our exclusive wilderness lodge caters to your every personal need in an environment as untamed and wild as any on earth.
Whales, whales, whales!!! Dozens, hundreds, thousands of beautiful white whales. Puffing, splashing, blowing, squealing everywhere you look; your senses barely able to absorb this incredible display; one of the last great wildlife spectacles on the planet. The Heritage Lodge on Seal River makes its home on a small rocky peninsula in the heart of a vast wilderness, where you can experience a truly spectacular environment. Sitting out on the deck watching the Arctic sunset, it is hard to imagine the struggle for survival that life used to be on these rugged shores. As you walk quietly through remnants of ancient Dene and Inuit hunting camps you will gain an appreciation for the tenacity of these people who traversed this land without the convenience of modern transportation and communication systems. Despite its primitive surroundings, the lodge is equipped with all 20th century comforts to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Our friendly, family owned operation will pamper you with first class lodgings combined with the finest in northern cuisine. Our gourmet meals win rave reviews from all our guests and have recently been published in a best-selling cookbook.
Its strategic location allows for hours of viewing and photo opportunities right on site. Our exclusive use of this area guarantees you a high quality Canadian adventure. For the more adventurous we offer day and overnight treks, sea kayaking and canoe trips either self guided or all inclusive. Our winter adventures have you traveling by dogsled and snowmobiles, building igloos under the northern lights and staying in tents, igloos or lodges. |
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Detailed ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Churchill, polar bear capital of the world. If coming in by air you might be lucky enough to see the "bear patrol" escorting one of our great white bears off the runway. Guests arriving by train have reported sightings of bears, caribou, fox and wolves, so keep those camera ready. Our representative will be there to greet you at the airport or train station and introduce you to the tour. We then whisk you out to the charter plane base where you will be flown to our exclusive lodge on a fantastic aerial adventure along the Hudson Bay coast. Be prepared for spectacular sightings of huge pods of whales, bird life, seals, caribou and of course the great Ice Bears. The Seal River Estuary is a favorite summer haunt for these huge, white bears, where they can be seen swimming or basking near the water's edge. Your hosts, Mike and Jeanne Reimer will introduce you to the lodge program and get you settled into your room. Day 2 to 5: Over the next few days your guide will lead you on a variety of wilderness adventures in tune with the rhythm of the land and sea. You will learn to interpret the movements of wildlife according to their schedule as it relates to winds, tides, temperature, food supply, etc. The following will be part of the program but expect much more...
Day 6: After another hearty lodge breakfast it is time for one last walk on the tundra before packing. Have cameras ready again for the return flight to Churchill as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots. Last minute souvenir shopping at one of the specialty shops in Churchill. Transfers to the airport or train station for your return home. |
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Synopsis
Length: 6 days
Land cost: $2995 US plus tax Airfare to Churchill: Dependent on city of origin. Lodge accommodations are luxurious by Arctic standards. Beautifully decorated viewing lounges are complimented by well appointed bedrooms. The lodge is equipped with full bathrooms, hot and cold running water and generated electricity. Towels and bedding are supplied. Meals are gourmet and we do cook for special needs as required, please advise ahead of time. See our "What to Bring" list for specialty items to include in your packing. People arrive with a wide range of physical abilities and interests, we will have optional activities for those wishing not to join in a particular tour. Travel by air is provided by Calm Air and travel by train is provided by Via Rail, combinations of the two can be arranged for a "complete" trip experience. Our Climate / Environment:The logde sits on the edge of the vast northern plain called the Arctic Tundra. The weather is dominated by the chilling effects of the frozen inland sea, known as the Hudson Bay, just meters from our doorstep. Ice free for only a couple of months each year, this natural "refrigeration" unit sees to it that our summer temperatures average about 12C. Temperatures can vary wildly, as in any arctic environment, depending on wind direction. Bugs! Yes, there are bugs, our ecosystem needs them, but with some proper precautions they are easily manageable. Most of our hikes are on breezy ridges (caribou trails) which means fewer bugs. What to Bring basics:General:Camera, binoculars, indoor shoes or slippers, personal items, notebook, sunscreen and sunglasses. Clothing:Layers are best. Fleece or wool sweater with waterproof 3\4 length hooded jacket will protect you on the coldest days. Rainpants, waterproof boots, gloves and wide brim hat should round out your outerwear. Light long sleeve shirts for the hot sunny days. (Temperatures can vary from 5C to 30C in a few hours!) Bug juice and bug jackets can be purchased at the lodge or bring along, we can recommend best types. You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.
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