Beluga & Bears

11 days London to London

Enjoy a fantastic opportunity to see Beluga Whales and Black Bears on the same adventure. Each spring the ice breaks up in the Churchill River and as the waters warm up, the Beluga whales migrate into the river's warmer waters, spending the months of July and August feeding upon crustaceans. Therefore, summer is the best time to visit Churchill, when you can snorkel, kayak, and hike, embark on Tundra Buggy Adventures and, of course, whale watch. Churchill offers other attractions such as the Eskimo Museum, Parks Canada facility and the town complex; with plenty of souvenir shops where visitors can buy Inuit wall hangings and stone carvings.

Daily excursions to search for Black Bear will operate from the Riding Mountain Guest Ranch, sitting in 291 hectares close to Riding Mountain National Park. Riding Mountain National Park is a vibrant wilderness set high above the prairie in a landscape of rolling aspen and spruce forests, wildflower-filled meadows, crystal-clear streams and a profusion of lakes and wetlands. Wildlife includes Black Bear, bison, moose, coyote, wolf and beaver and numerous bird species. This short stay on a private ranch run by wildlife enthusiasts offers daily wildlife safaris, bear-viewing hides and optional horse-riding - you may of course extend your stay here if you wish!

Day 1. Arrive Winnipeg

Transfer to Inn at the Forks, a luxury hotel located at this National Historic site, Winnipeg's most popular tourist attraction, where you will stay overnight.

Day 2. Winnipeg and Riding Mountain National Park [B, L, D]

After breakfast embark upon a City of Winnipeg tour, visiting many of the city's historical landmarks. In the afternoon visit the Fort Whyte Nature Centre; over 243 hectares of prairie, lakes, forest and wetlands, including a 28 hectare Bison Prairie. Before being collected by Jim Irwin from Riding Mountain Guest Ranch and transferring out to the ranch.

Days 3 & 4. Two nights at the Riding Mountain Guest Ranch [B, L, D]

Search for Black Bears and enjoy all the activities the ranch has to offer.

Day 5. Transfer to Winnipeg, and onward to Churchill. [B, D]

After a short town orientation, check into the Tundra Inn, where you will stay for three nights. All meals will be taken at a Churchill restaurant.

Day 6. Interact with Beluga Whales [B, L, D]

After breakfast enjoy a guided two hour snorkelling, kayaking or whale watching expedition with Zodiacs. After lunch you will take a bus tour of Churchill.

Day 7. Belugas and the Tundra Buggy [B, L, D]

Today a chance to experience another activity whether it is kayaking, snorkelling or whale watching. After lunch transfer to a Tundra Buggy launch and a half day Tundra Buggy tour, followed by a barbeque picnic dinner.

Day 8. Beluga Whale experience [B, L, D]

Spend a final morning snorkelling, kayaking or whale watching. After lunch, enjoy a Parks Canada Video presentation and learn more about the history, wildlife and culture of the Churchill area. Following dinner you will be transferred to the Via Rail station and join the train that will be your home for the next two nights. Depart Churchill at 8.30pm

Day 9. Via Rail Churchill to Winnipeg [B, L, D]

Day on the train with a view of some spectacular scenery.

Days 10 & 11. Homeward [B]

Arrive Winnipeg between 9 and 9.30am in time to catch your afternoon flight back to the UK.