Arctic & Alaska

Polar Bear Photo Safari (Seal River Heritage Lodge)

8 Days. From AUD $22,661pp.
Small Guided Groups
Details

Overview

This safari is a must-do for professional and aspiring photographers. Photographic subjects include polar bears, Arctic fox and Arctic hare while stunning sea ice adds to the experience. The landscape changes daily as ice starts to form along the shoreline, and early morning light reflecting off the freshly fallen snow makes for beautiful images. Anticipating the northern lights adds to the adventure.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Daily, guided hikes across the tundra to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife,up-close-and-personal, in their natural habitat.
  • Indulging your taste buds with our tundra-inspired cuisine, complemented by selectCanadian wines.
  • Sky gazing! Our geographical location beneath the Aurora Oval offers the opportunity to enjoythe greatest light show on earth from within the lodge or out in our secure compound.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Anticipation Builds During Your Overnight Stay in Winnipeg
  • Day 2: The Adventure Begins!
  • Day 3 to 6: Nature Trekking, Polar Bears, and Magnificent Photography
  • Day 7: Back to Winnipeg
  • Day 8: Homeward Bound

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: 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 a representative.

Dinner included.

Day 2: 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 Seal River Heritage 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. A thorough orientation on travelling in polar bear country will be provided prior to your first outings.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3 to 6: 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.

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Homeward Bound

After a restful sleep you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.

DatesFromAdditional
01 Nov 2026 - 08 Nov 2026AUD$22661ppContact us
15 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026AUD$22661ppContact us

** Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.

** Single supplements may apply

Suggested Accommodation
CityAccommodation
Winnipeg The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel or similar
Churchill Seal River Heritage Lodge or similar

What's included?

  • Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba
  • Roundtrip airfare between Churchill and Seal River Heritage Lodge
  • Two nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg
  • Four nights’ lodge accommodations
  • All meals, excursions and guide services while in Churchill and at the Lodge
  • All alcoholic beverages – Canadian wines and beers
  • Winter gear*

*The winter gear we provide is designed to fit guests from child to adult.  Boot sizes larger than a men’s size 13 or a very small child are customized sizes that we do not provide. Additionally, guests over 6’4” may be required to bring their own gear as we may not have clothing sizes to fit.

What's not?

  • Taxes and Gratuities

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

Polar Bear Photo Safari (Seal River Heritage Lodge)

8 Days. From AUD $22,661pp.