Churchill’s Polar Bears & the Canadian Arctic to New York - Cruise & Land Journey

Welcome to Winnipeg, known as “Canada’s Gateway to the West”. Your journey of wonder begins with a relaxing and luxurious stay at the Fairmont hotel. In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome dinner.

Depart Winnipeg early in the morning for Churchill, a remote subarctic port town in northern Manitoba. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by our expert staff and transferred to a private charter for a one-hour flight to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, your home for the next three nights. Keep your camera ready during the journey - wildlife sightings are often common en route.

Once at the lodge, your hosts will provide a warm welcome. After lunch, you’ll receive a full orientation on staying in polar bear country before setting out on your first afternoon excursion along the coastline in search of the majestic “Great Ice Bear”.

Evenings at Nanuk are as memorable as the days. After returning from the tundra, relax with appetiser hour and indulge in one of our signature tundra-inspired dinners. The night may feature an engaging presentation from a knowledgeable local guide, deepening your understanding of the region’s wildlife and environment. On clear nights, you might even be treated to the breathtaking spectacle of the northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

Begin the morning with a hearty breakfast as your guide shares the day’s plan. If polar bears are spotted near the lodge, the schedule may shift to allow you to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments right outside your door.

Afterward, choose to stay in the lodge or set out on an unforgettable excursion along the tidal flats and Hudson Bay shoreline, travelling by foot and specially outfitted all-terrain vehicles. With routes chosen according to conditions, you’ll have plenty of time to photograph polar bears in their natural environment, as well as other remarkable wildlife that inhabit this rugged coastal ecosystem.

As evening falls, return to the lodge for a warm meal and the chance to unwind by the fire.

Another delicious breakfast prepares you for the day’s excursions. This time, your journey may take you inland to explore the winding river deltas and vast beach ridges that define this untouched region. Wildlife photography opportunities abound, from possible polar bear sightings roaming the landscape to the delicate details of the tundra itself. For those who prefer a slower pace, staying close to the lodge offers equally rewarding chances to observe and photograph bears and other animals that frequent the surrounding wilderness.

In the evening, enjoy another of the lodge’s signature dinners before gathering for an engaging presentation led by your local guide. With luck, the aurora borealis may once again provide the perfect finale to your day.

After a final hearty breakfast at the lodge, board your air transfer back to Churchill. Keep your camera ready for the return flight, which often provides spectacular aerial views of the landscape below.

Once in Churchill, enjoy a guided exploration of this fascinating northern town, known for its history as both a seaport and a military base. Highlights include the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail, along with striking murals created during the 2016 SeaWalls festival that bring the town’s streets to life.

Your day concludes at the Churchill wharf, where your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht awaits. Step aboard and be greeted with a glass of champagne as you settle into your spacious suite. Later, meet your fellow guests in the Scenic Lounge Bar for a welcome toast, followed by an engaging introductory presentation from the Polar Discovery Team, who will outline the exciting excursions that lie ahead on your unforgettable journey.

Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill is famously known as the "polar bear capital of the world."  With its rugged streets and vast, sweeping landscapes, offers a sense of being at the edge of the world. Surrounded by the untamed beauty of the northern wilderness, it’s the stark solitude and endless expanses that make this remarkable destination truly captivating. 

In the evening, share your travel notes with your new friends over dinner in one of up to 10 all-inclusive dining experiences on board your Discovery Yacht.   

Where Hudson Strait meets the northeastern Hudson Bay, the remote Digges Islands rise with dramatic rocky cliffs, creating the perfect sanctuary for seabirds. This untamed wilderness is also home to thriving walrus colonies and the majestic polar bear. As we navigate the waters by zodiac, we’ll keep watch for these incredible Arctic icons, always from a safe and respectful distance, but close enough for an unforgettable encounter.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather permitting, embark on thrilling Zodiac excursions with the expert Discovery Team. 

Cap Wolstenholme, a striking stretch of cliffs along Nunavik’s Hudson Strait, features a sheer, towering rampart on its western side. In summer, this dramatic headland transforms into a bustling nesting ground for swarms of thick-billed murres. 

Sail to Erik Cove, surrounded by towering cliffs and floating icebergs, presenting a breathtaking and pristine landscape. Watch for seals, whales and a wide variety of seabirds in this wildlife haven. There’s also the possibility of spotting polar bears. 

Scenic Discovery:
Both destinations are perfect for exploring by Zodiac, offering access to unique ecosystems and opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife in their natural habitats.  

Today, prepare for an unforgettable experience as your Discovery Yacht journeys through Saglek Fjord, a hidden Arctic paradise nestled in the rugged wilderness of Newfoundland. Known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine waters, and untouched landscapes, this remote fjord offers a unique opportunity to explore the raw beauty of Canada’s northern coastline. Keep your eyes peeled for abundant wildlife, from playful seals to soaring seabirds, and immerse yourself in the natural splendour of one of the world’s most pristine environments. This expedition is a true escape into nature. 

Experience the charm of Rigolet, a picturesque town with a deep Inuit heritage on Labrador’s North coast. Engage with local artisans, learn about traditional craftsmanship. For wildlife lovers, this is a dream destination, and keep watch for wildlife, including whales and Arctic foxes, as you explore this fascinating region. 

Nestled on Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony is a charming town with a rich maritime heritage. It served as the base for the Grenfell Mission, established in the early 20th century to provide medical services to remote communities. The town's coastal waters are renowned for whale watching opportunities, offering sightings of majestic marine mammals during their migratory seasons. Additionally, the nearby L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the only known Norse village in North America, dating back to around 1000 AD. 

Old meets new in the province's capital (metro-area population a little more than 200,000), with modern office buildings surrounded by heritage shops and colorful row houses. St. John's mixes English and Irish influences, Victorian architecture and modern convenience, and traditional music and rock and roll into a heady brew. The arts scene is lively, but overall the city moves at a relaxed pace.For centuries, Newfoundland was the largest supplier of salt cod in the world, and St. John's Harbour was the center of the trade. As early as 1627, the merchants of Water Street—then known as the Lower Path—were doing a thriving business buying fish, selling goods, and supplying alcohol to soldiers and sailors.

Welcome to St. John's, the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrated as North America's oldest city. Its downtown area is characterized by brightly coloured heritage buildings lining Water and Duckworth Streets, housing an array of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. A visit to Signal Hill National Historic Site offers panoramic views of the city and harbour. This historic landmark is where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. 

Surrounded by natural treasures and glorious seascapes, Halifax is an attractive and vibrant hub with noteworthy historic and modern architecture, great dining and shopping, and a lively nightlife and festival scene. The old city manages to feel both hip and historic. Previous generations had the foresight to preserve the cultural and architectural integrity of the city, yet students from five local universities keep it lively and current. It's a perfect starting point to any tour of the Atlantic provinces, but even if you don't venture beyond its boundaries, you will get a real taste of the region.It was Halifax’s natural harbor—the second largest in the world after Sydney, Australia’s—that first drew the British here in 1749, and today most major sites are conveniently located either along it or on the Citadel-crowned hill overlooking it. That’s good news for visitors because this city actually covers quite a bit of ground.Since amalgamating with Dartmouth (directly across the harbor) and several suburbs in 1996, Halifax has been absorbed into the Halifax Regional Municipality, and the HRM, as it is known, has around 415,000 residents. That may not sound like a lot by U.S. standards, but it makes Nova Scotia’s capital the most significant Canadian urban center east of Montréal.There's easy access to the water, and despite being the focal point of a busy commercial port, Halifax Harbour doubles as a playground, with one of the world's longest downtown boardwalks. It's a place where container ships, commuter ferries, cruise ships, and tour boats compete for space, and where workaday tugs and fishing vessels tie up beside glitzy yachts. Like Halifax as a whole, the harbor represents a blend of the traditional and the contemporary.

Halifax, Nova Scotia's dynamic capital, has long been tied to the sea. It has one of the largest and deepest ice-free harbours in the world and has been an important military and commercial port for more than 250 years. Today, you can learn about its rich cultural heritage through the city’s many museums and historical sites. Wander through bustling downtown streets and picturesque waterfronts, savouring maritime delights and charming cafes. A late departure gives you time to sample the city’s famed live music scene, which takes over historic pubs and cosy venues every night of the week.   

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

Cruise past the iconic Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline as you cruise into New York. From the bright lights of Broadway to leafy Central Park and the glitzy boutiques of Fifth Avenue, the Big Apple is an unmissable experience. 

Spend the afternoon exploring this global city. Walk the bustling streets of Lower Manhattan's financial district, the charming corners of Greenwich Village, and uncover New York's tapestry of culture, culinary delights, and architectural splendour. In the metropolis that never sleeps, there's something for everyone. Return for your final night on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. 

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

Your unforgettable Expedition Voyage ends today in New York City. Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your 6-star Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew and new friends who have shared this remarkable journey with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of New York City after 12:00 PM.

Due to strict luggage capacity limits on the charter flight, all guests are required to travel with a pack down bag for essential items only. Any excess luggage will be securely stored at the Churchill Wild offices in Churchill for the duration of your stay at the Nanuk Lodge.

#Senses Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Helicopter not operational in Canada and the US. Submersible not operational in the US. 

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.