Holiday Overview
Experience an unforgettable Polar Bear Photo Safari at Seal River Heritage Lodge, perfectly timed during peak polar bear season in October and November. Widely regarded as a must-do adventure for both professional and aspiring photographers, this unique experience places you right on the shores of Hudson Bay, in the heart of untouched Arctic wilderness. Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to capture incredible ground-level images of polar bears as they gather along the coastline, waiting for the bay to freeze before beginning their annual seal hunt.
Ideally positioned along the renowned “polar bear highway,” the lodge offers exceptional wildlife encounters, often just steps from your door. Each day, venture out on foot with expert guides to explore the dramatic Arctic landscape in search of these magnificent animals—though you may not need to travel far. Back at the lodge, expansive picture windows provide sweeping views across Hudson Bay, where polar bears are frequently seen wandering right up to the lodge itself, offering truly intimate and unforgettable photography moments.
*Excludes international flights from the UK, speak to our Canada Experts for more details.
Polar Bear Photo Safari at Seal Heritage River Lodge includes:
- 2 Nights at a Winnipeg Airport Hotel
- 4 Nights at Seal River Heritage Lodge
- Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg, Churchill and the Lodges
- Activities as noted in the itinerary
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
- Winter gear rental - Winter parka, insulated pants, insulated winter boots.
Day 1 - Arrive Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at the choice hotel, The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview. At 19.00 a dinner will be held at the hotel, where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist. You will need your rest for your early morning departure to Churchill.
Meals included: dinner
Featured accommodation
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel
Day 2 - Winnipeg to Churchill
Arrive in Churchill by air, where one of the expert staff will meet you at the airport and provide you with instructions regarding your morning transfer. You will then be transferred by fixed-wing aircraft to the Lodge. This scenic flight takes you along the Hudson Bay coast over historic waterways and landmarks on your way to Canada’s most exclusive polar bear viewing properties. Keep a sharp eye en route for caribou, seals, wolves and of course the “Great Ice Bears”.
Upon your arrival, your hosts will provide a tour of the Lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation on travelling in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings. Then it’s time to assemble all those priceless cameras, hard drives, and tripods and start burning some serious gigabytes!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3 - Seal River Lodge
Wake up in the heart of polar bear country, ready for a full day in the field. After breakfast around 08:00, head out with expert guides to explore the rugged Arctic landscape on foot, seeking out incredible ground-level photography opportunities of polar bears and other wildlife. The lodge’s prime shoreline setting offers stunning backdrops of snow, ice, and Hudson Bay. Lunch is flexible and taken as opportunities allow, ensuring you don’t miss a moment. As evening approaches, enjoy appetizers at 18:00 followed by dinner at 19:00. Later, unwind by the fire, review your images, or take in an informative talk before turning in at your leisure.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 - Seal River Lodge
Another immersive day focused on wildlife photography. With bears often roaming close to the lodge, you may not have to venture far for remarkable encounters. Meals are adapted around wildlife sightings, so expect your day to be shaped by the best photographic moments. Capture striking images against dramatic Arctic scenery, with the sea and tundra providing ever-changing backdrops. In the evening, gather with fellow guests to share stories and images from the day, or step outside for a chance to photograph the northern lights under clear Arctic skies.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 - Seal River Lodge
Continue exploring on foot with your guides, tracking polar bears along the “polar bear highway” and capturing those last unforgettable shots. The lodge remains a fantastic vantage point, with bears sometimes wandering right up to the windows. As always, the schedule remains flexible to maximise photography opportunities. After a final evening of dining, storytelling, and possibly one more northern lights display, rest easy or stay alert knowing the area is patrolled overnight, and a surprise nocturnal polar bear sighting is always possible.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 - Churchill to Winniepeg
After another hearty breakfast it’s time to pack for the flight back to Churchill, say good-byes and snap a few more pictures. After another exciting aerial tour, you’ll arrive in Churchill, where your bags will be stored for you until your flight back to Winnipeg later in the day. You are then free to explore and wine and dine in this frontier community at your leisure. We recommend local places such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, the Itsanitaq Museum, as well as the Parks Canada exhibit, all of which are of great interest. Dog-sledding and helicopter charters fit nicely into this afternoon if you’re so inclined.
After dinner you will meet up with the expeditor and you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight back to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and look to your right. The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview is only a two minute walk away.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Featured accommodation
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel
Day 7 - Final Day
After a wonderful sleep full of polar bear dreams you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel
Located beside Winnipeg’s James A. Richardson Airport the Grand Winnipeg offers guest a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Seal River Heritage Lodge, Churchill, MB
Set on the remote shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Seal River Heritage Lodge offers one of Canada’s most extraordinary wilderness experiences. Located in the heart of polar bear country, this intimate eco-lodge provides front-row access to some of the Arctic’s most iconic wildlife, including polar bears, wolves, arctic foxes, and beluga whales. Accessible only by air, the lodge combines rugged adventure with warm hospitality, offering comfortable accommodation, expert guides, and a truly off-the-grid experience in an untouched natural environment.
Image Gallery
Polar Bear
Seal River Lodge
Polar Bear Tour
Polar Bear Photo Safari at Seal River Lodge
Polar Bear
Arctic Fox
Seal River Lodge
Caribou
Seal River Lodge, Lounge
Northern Lights
Polar Bear at Seal River Lodge
Pine Marten
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2026, 2027 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada Adventure Holidays
Circling the Midnight Sun - Baffin Island and Greenland
- 15 Nights
- Ottawa
- Iqaluit
- Frobisher Bay
- Kitigtung (Lady Franklin Island)
- Southeast Baffin Island
- Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung)
- Cumberland Peninsula
- Davis Strait
- Western Greenland
- Ilulissat
- Sisimiut Coast
- Toronto
Canada Adventure Holidays
Into the Northwest Passage
- 20 Nights
- Toronto
- Nuuk
- Sisimiut Coast
- Ilulissat
- Western Greenland
- Davis Strait
- High Arctic
- Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and Devon Island
- Beechey Island
- Peel Sound
- Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
- Kitikmeot Region
- Yellowknife
- Vancouver