Join us for an extraordinary photography tour at a unique lodge nestled in the heart of the Arctic, where you’ll have the unparalleled opportunity to walk alongside polar bears in their natural habitat. This small group experience is designed for those who wish to capture the majestic beauty of these incredible creatures from a ground-level perspective, far removed from the usual tundra buggies.

As you venture out with our expert guides, you’ll learn how to approach these magnificent animals safely and ethically, ensuring both their comfort and your photographic success. With limited participants, you’ll receive personalized guidance, allowing you to hone your skills while forging unforgettable connections with the wildlife around you.

After each exhilarating day, return to the cozy embrace of our lodge, where stunning views and warm hospitality await. Share your experiences and favorite shots with fellow photographers over delicious meals, all while the breathtaking Arctic landscape serves as your backdrop. From the vast tundra to the enchanting dance of the northern lights, this journey promises to fill your camera and your heart with memories that will last a lifetime.

Join us for an adventure unlike any other, where the wild meets the art of photography in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings.

Led by Art Wolfe
Limited to 8 participants
Moderate hiking involved

Transportation and Accommodation

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Winnipeg, Canada.
• As part of our tour we have secured rooms at a local hotel in Winnipeg for Oct 20th and 25th, which is covered by your tour fee. Upon registration you will download a PDF that includes the hotel information.

Itinerary

Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.

Day 1 Oct 20 ANTICIPATION BUILDS DURING YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY IN WINNIPEG

Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel, The Grand by Lakeview at the Winnipeg Airport. Your winter gear fitting and collection will take place at 5 pm prior to meeting the rest of your group at an orientation dinner hosted by our tour coordinator’s  representative.

• Winter parkas, snow pants, and boots are provided by the lodge as part of the tour fee. You can bring your own if you prefer.
• Meet and greet at 7pm orientation dinner at restaurant in Winnipeg. Everyone can introduce themselves, and Art will give a brief description of the upcoming tour. (D)

Day 2 Oct 21 THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

Arrive in Churchill by air where our expediter will meet you at the airport. You will then be transferred by fixed wing aircraft to our lodge. This exciting flight takes you out over the historic Churchill River, and then northwest up the rugged Hudson Bay coast. Keep a sharp eye en-route for wildlife including the ‘Great Ice Bears’.

Upon arrival, your hosts will provide a tour of the lodge and get you settled into your room. You will have an orientation once the whole group has arrived at the lodge where you will learn about traveling in polar bear country. Then you will head out for your first hike! (B, L, D)

Days 3-5 Oct 22-24 NATURE TREKKING, POLAR BEARS AND MAGNIFICENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Each morning your guides will outline a plan for the day’s excursion, and after a hearty breakfast, you’ll head out, cameras in hand, in search of wildlife. This safari caters to the wildlife photographer dedicated to documenting Arctic wildlife, up-close-and-personal, so mealtimes will often be adjusted to take advantage of the encounter taking place. Your photos will have stunning backdrops with the sea and/or snowy landscapes surrounding the Lodge.

There are two excursions per day – morning and afternoon. These treks are comfortably paced and are geared towards viewing and on the ground photo opportunities. Our guides are very knowledgeable about the area so be sure to ask questions! Your guides can appreciate the need to get many great shots so if you are having a great day with good light & weather you may be late getting back for your meals!

Scroll through the day’s photos during appetizer hour before enjoying one of our signature dinners. Then, top up your wine glass and head to the lounge, cozy up in front of the fireplace and enjoy a presentation by one of our team members.

Bedtime is at your leisure and you can rest easy knowing you won’t miss out on anything. Our staff monitor the compound and skies and will rouse you if the aurora or a nocturnal polar bear make an appearance. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Oct 25 BACK TO WINNIPEG

After another hearty Lodge breakfast, we will begin air transfers back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots.

Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of our tour guides exploring the town and surrounding, learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military base. Your tour will include stops such as the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail. Along the way, your guide will point out murals that were commissioned in 2016 as part of the SeaWalls mural festival. Before a group dinner, your guide will give you free time to shop for last-minute souvenirs at the unique gift stores in Churchill.

Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to The Grand Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Oct 26

After a restful sleep, pack up as it’s time to prepare for your flight home today.

About The Lodge

Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies our home base throughout the tour, a veritable oasis on the tundra and one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Located near the Seal River Estuary, this property is in a prime location for observing polar bears as they wander the coast during summer and fall, waiting for the Bay to freeze, and for viewing beluga whales in July and August.

The fenced-in compound, viewing platforms and tower lend themselves to unique photography opportunities for northern lights and the wildlife that approach to check out the sights, sounds and smells of the Lodge.

Our cozy lounge, complete with fireplace and large picture windows overlooking the Bay, is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine, sharing photos or talking with new friends.

Services Included

• Expedition with 6 nights accommodations provided
  
• All meals as listed on the itinerary
• Flexible Itineraries Based on Your Interests
• Private field instruction with Art Wolfe
• Portfolio reviews, lectures, and educational programs
• Air and Ground Transfers between Winnipeg and our Lodge
• Winter pants, boots, and parka provided
• Comprehensive informational packet
• Shared accommodations unless single supplement requested. (very limited)

*Note: We will make every effort to connect you with a roommate should you like to share a room. However, if we’re unable to make a match, the single supplement will apply.

Services Not Included

• Any international Airfare, travel insurance or medical insurance. (health insurance is mandatory and travel insurance is highly recommended)
• Anything not mentioned in inclusion above.
• Tipping to accompanying guide at lodge.
• Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like acts of god, natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.