This 9-day subarctic expedition journeys deep into Canada’s last pristine wilderness from the vast, treeless tundra of the Barren Lands to the rugged coast of Hudson Bay. Beginning and ending in Winnipeg, the trip centers around exclusive stays at Seal River Heritage Lodge and Schmok Lake Tundra Camp. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers, this itinerary offers rare, ground-level encounters with polar bears, Arctic foxes, and migrating caribou, alongside glamping in remote subarctic landscapes and potential evening views of the Northern Lights.
Your Arctic adventure begins in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel and settle in. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and adventure specialist for a group welcome dinner and orientation meeting to review gear, safety guidelines, and flight logistics for your upcoming flight north. Overnight in Winnipeg.
Board an early morning charter flight from Winnipeg north to the subarctic hub of Churchill. Upon landing, transfer directly to a small bush plane for a scenic flight northwest along the Hudson Bay coastline to Seal River Heritage Lodge or Schmok Lake Tundra Camp. Keep your eyes open during flight for polar bears, caribou, and beluga whales in the coastal waters below. Arrive at your destination, check into your accommodation, receive a mandatory safety briefing, and head out for an introductory tundra orientation walk. Overnight at Seal River Heritage Lodge or Schmok Lake Tundra Camp.
Spend five dedicated days split between Seal River Heritage Lodge on the Hudson Bay coast and the remote Schmok Lake Tundra Camp in the Barren Lands. At Seal River Heritage Lodge, embark on daily guided walking excursions along the coastline directly in the path of polar bears awaiting winter ice. Watch for Arctic foxes, snowshoe hares, sik-siks (Arctic ground squirrels), and migratory shorebirds. At Schmok Lake, experience two days of remote "glamping" in heated tundra tents near the Nunavut border, walking along ancient migration routes of the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd while learning about subarctic flora, fauna, and local Inuit heritage. Evenings feature gourmet lodge dining, fireside discussions, and night sky viewing for the Northern Lights. Overnights at Seal River Heritage Lodge and Schmok Lake Tundra Camp.
After breakfast, board a morning bush plane transfer back to Churchill. Store your luggage in town and enjoy free time exploring local cultural and historical sites, such as the Itsanitaq Museum, Cape Merry historic site, the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, and the famous Polar Bear Holding Facility. In the evening, board your return flight south to Winnipeg and check into your airport hotel. Overnight in Winnipeg.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Transfer to Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport for your homebound flight or onward travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Late summer to early autumn (August to September) is the ideal season for this specific itinerary. During this window, you get a rare combination of tundra wildlife activities: polar bears roaming the Hudson Bay coast, the caribou migration through the Barren Lands, golden autumn tundra foliage, and dark night skies that allow for Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing.
Yes, safety is the top priority. On-the-ground walking safaris are led by professional, highly experienced Arctic wilderness guides who carry non-lethal deterrents (such as bear bangers and deterrent sprays) and understand bear behavior intimately. Small group sizes ensure strict safety protocols are maintained at all times, keeping a respectful distance from wildlife.
Guests should be in good general health and comfortable walking on uneven, spongy, or rocky terrain for 3 to 8 kilometers (2 to 5 miles) per day. While the terrain is mostly flat, tundra hummocks and wetland areas require stable balance and comfortable, broken-in waterproof rubber boots.
Subarctic weather can change rapidly. Essential packing includes high-quality waterproof rubber boots (muck boots) for walking on wet tundra, moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating fleece or down jacket, a windproof and waterproof outer shell, warm gloves, a beanie, polarized sunglasses, and a sturdy camera with extra batteries (cold weather drains battery life faster).
Yes, round-trip flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, as well as the bush plane air transfers connecting Churchill to Seal River Heritage Lodge and Schmok Lake Tundra Camp, are included in the core trip package. Guests only need to arrange their personal long-distance airfare into Winnipeg.
