Western Canada

Assiniboine Park Zoo

Located in beautiful Assiniboine Park, the Zoo is home to over 180 animal species representing different parts of the world. The real highlight here is the award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit that showcases many northern species, including the polar bear. The Zoo is home to The Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre whose main purpose is to “remain a centre of global influence in polar bear conservation.”  

The Leaf

Also located in Assiniboine Park, The Leaf is Canada’s first major horticultural project in over 25 years. The outside space covers over 30 acres and features six gardens. The unique indoor space is divided into four distinct biomes and is home to plant varieties from across the globe, a butterfly garden, and Canada’s largest indoor waterfall. 

Churchill Heritage Tour

Beginning with the arrival of indigenous groups, followed by European settlement and the famous Hudon’s Bay trading post, the town of Churchill, Manitoba, is steeped in rich history. Led by a local guide, the Churchill Heritage Tour visits historical and interesting sites in Churchill and the surrounding area. Tour the town, see a polar bear jail (and maybe even an inmate), travel into Wapusk National Park of Canada, visit Cape Merry Historical Site, and the “Miss Piggy” plane crash.

Tundra Tour

Permission to enter Wapusk National Park of Canada is only available through licensed tour operators with granted access. Travel into this protected land onboard a washroom-equipped, specially-built tundra vehicle with indoor and outdoor viewing areas.

Dog Mushing Experience

Dogs have always played an important role in the north and were one of the main ways of travel in the winter. Hear the yelps of excitement as you experience a 1-mile dog sled ride.

Discover an Iconic Canadian Species

As soon as you step off the plane in Winnipeg, be immersed in the world of polar bears! See world-leading research centres, learn how humans interact with bears, and even visit a polar bear jail. Did you know 60% of the earth's polar bears live in Canada? From early October through November, these marvelous creatures gather and wait for the ice to form on Hudson Bay. This occurrence allows an amazing opportunity to journey onto Hudson Bay and see the bears in their natural environment. Few people have granted access, but our partners out west have their own custom-built equipment to do this.

Learn about Artic Living 

Early records show that nomadic Arctic people arrived in Churchill around the year 1000, with Europeans arriving in the 1600s. Since then, the population has only grown to 900 permanent residents. The low population allows you to dive deep into the community, where you will learn about what it takes to live up North. Experience a dog mushing ride and travel on what was the only form of transportation until the 20th century. 

No Roads Lead Here

Churchill is a remote area in Northern Manitoba where the only way to access the town is by train or plane. Planning a vacation like this on your own is doable but our tour is the complete package with air, accommodations, most meals, and attractions included, providing you with stress-free planning.

• Roundtrip airfare from Toronto to Winnipeg
• Airport transfers 
• Roundtrip airfare from Churchill to Winnipeg 
• Our unique Connections Program
• Private coach transportation
• 5 nights of accommodation
• 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
• Local professional guides and all park passes and entry fees for included highlights
• Services of a Tours in Canada Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include HST. See Terms & Conditions - Prices.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Assiniboine Park Zoo ft. Journey to Churchill: a Canadian Signature Adventure
• The Leaf: Biomes
• Churchill Heritage Tour including the polar bear jail, Town of Churchill, Cape Merry Historical Site, & Miss Piggy Crash site
• Arctic Crawler Tundra Tour – 2 days on the tundra
• Dog Mushing Experience

Day 1: Fly to Winnipeg, Assiniboine Zoo, The Leaf

Set your clock back one hour and prepare for an amazing adventure as you arrive in Winnipeg to meet your tour director. Once the group has gathered, travel to the Assiniboine Park Zoo for an exclusive tour of the Journey to Churchill exhibit. Join an animal care team member for a tour of the 10-acre exhibit, learn about different Arctic species, visit the Sea Ice Passage underwater viewing tunnels to see the polar bears frolicking in the waters, and watch the northern lights dancing across the Aurora Borealis Theatre. This immersive tour is considered a Signature Canadian Experience, and a sure highlight will be a behind-the-scenes tour of the laboratories of the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (LIPBCC), where you will learn about polar bear conservation and the work being done in zoos to help the species. Located nearby is The Leaf, an astonishing indoor horticultural attraction that features four distinct biomes showcasing a diverse collection of plant life. Take time to wander each biosphere and marvel at the displays. Afterward, transfer to your boutique hotel and take time to settle in and freshen up. Once ready, gather as a group and head out for dinner at a restaurant specializing in farm-to-table meals. 

Stay: Inn at the Forks, Winnipeg, MB

Nights: 1 

Meals: D

Day 2: Fly to Churchill

After breakfast, board the plane for a 2.5 hour flight to Churchill, Manitoba. Upon arrival and after lunch, enjoy the first half of a Heritage Tour of Churchill. Finish the tour at Lazy Bear Acres, your home base for the next three nights. 

Stay: Lazy Bear Lodge, Churchill, MB

Nights: 3

Meals: B, L, D 

Day 3: Tundra Tour, Dog Mushing Experience 

Today is the day you have been waiting for. After breakfast, board an Arctic Crawler and journey to the polar bear gathering spot on Hudson Bay, a protected ecosystem that only permitted vehicles can access. Get your cameras ready; it won’t be long until these curious creatures venture over to say hello. Keep that adrenaline flowing as you embark on a dog sledding expedition. Learn the history of this means of transportation and how the dogs are trained. Return to Lazy Bear Lodge and warm up by the fire before your group dinner.  

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Tundra Tour

Keep your eyes open today for the animals you may have missed yesterday, including the Arctic and red fox, Arctic hare, caribou, and more, as you journey back out into the protected, open tundra for another chance to meet the majestic polar bears. 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Churchill Heritage Tour, Back to Winnipeg 

After breakfast and check out, depart for the second half of the Churchill Heritage Tour. After lunch, transfer to the Churchill airport and fly back to Winnipeg. After hotel check in and time to freshen up, rejoin the group for an included farewell dinner. 

Stay: The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, Winnipeg, MB 

Nights: 1 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Travel Home

After breakfast, depart for the Winnipeg airport for the journey home. Remember to adjust your clocks as you arrive back in Toronto. 

Meals: B

Inn at the Forks, Winnipeg, MB (1 night)

Named after where it is situated on the Assiniboine and Red Rivers, the Inn at the Forks is an upscale, luxury hotel located conveniently near downtown Winnipeg. The rooms are comfortable offering spectacular views of the water. There is an onsite fitness facility, restaurants, and spa.

Lazy Bear Lodge, Churchill, MB (3 nights)

The Lazy Bear Lodge is a unique log cabin that provides warmth and welcome as soon as you walk in. Priding themselves on sustainability, it was built with 90% reclaimed materials including windows from an old Hudson Bay trading post. They also have a 100% organic greenhouse onsite that supplies fruits and veggies to their Lazy Bear Café, which also serves custom Indigenous dishes. Each room has comfortable beds, a private shower, and wifi. 

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, Winnipeg, MB (1 night)

This perfect stopover hotel features rooms with king or queen size beds, a Keurig coffee maker with Starbucks pods, and power stations for charging personal devices. There is an onsite restaurant and fitness centre.

This tour includes round trip airfare from Toronto and our Connections Program, making it easier to get to the airport. Land only pricing is available and other flight arrangements can be made.  Prices will be adjusted accordingly.

This tour is a trip of a lifetime to see the polar bear capital, Churchill Manitoba. The typical temperature in November is -5℃ to -20℃. It will be important to have warm boots with good grip and appropriate clothing for cold weather. More specific packing items will be sent in a ticket package. 

Churchill, Manitoba has on average 300 days of Northern Lights. 

There may be some walking on snow and ice. Guests need to have good mobility to climb into the Arctic Crawler.

This tour requires a minimum number of 10 people to secure space. To facilitate minimum numbers, please book by February 2, 2024.  A 40% deposit is due at the time of booking, 30% is due on April 1st and the final payment is due on July 11, 2024. All payments are non-refundable once paid. If minimum numbers are not met all deposits will be refunded in full.

This tour starts and ends in Winnipeg, so with our Connections Program, we could welcome guests to join us from anywhere in the world!  Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre- and post-tour accommodation options.