Birds, Bears and Belugas is one of our most beloved safaris. Operating in an extremely exclusive rural areas for a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey this unique experience takes place during the beautiful Arctic summer when the bears are pristinely white after coming off the ice, the belugas are plentiful and the weather is balmy.

During this Canadian Signature Experience, you’ll spend five nights at Seal River Heritage Lodge enjoying tundra treks and marine programs. As with all Learning Journeys programs, this expedition take place only with the utmost ethical wildlife viewing. This means, we do not disrupt the animal’s normal behavior or habitat.

Birds, Bears and Belugas Summer Safari

July 11, 2022 days and July 18, 2022 nights

DAY 1: The Adventure Begins!

Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel, The Grand by Lakeview at the Winnipeg Airport.

DAY 2: Arctic Frontier Arrival

Head to Churchill by air where one of our expert staff will meet you at the airport and provide you with instructions for the morning transfers.

DAY 3 - 5: Tundra Trekking, Polar Bears and Priceless Photography

After breakfast, head out for either a marine tour or hike. Lunch will typically be back at the lodge, unless your guides take you on an ATV excursion further down the coast. Marine tours are tide-dependent, so scheduled mealtimes may be adjusted to accommodate whale watching.

DAY 7: Historic Churchill Exploration

After one last 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.

DAY 8: Homeward Bound

After a restful sleep, pack your bags for your flight home.

Why Learning Journeys?

At Learning Journeys we believe in a new kind of vacation. Our unique journeys help you explore and develop your skills and interest, travel the world, give back to the community and ultimately re-connect with yourself.

The destinations are chosen specifically to make practicing that skill more accessible, and more fun. Typical skills offered are health and wellness, cooking, photography, art, birding and wildlife, language study, architecture, music, dance and more. Programs range from beginner to professional certification. You will even have the opportunity to attend off the beaten path festivals in your specific area of interest which will take your learning immersion to new heights!

Brand Pillars

Transformation

The quest for knowledge as we open our hearts and minds to new experiences can transform us. As we see the world through the eyes of others, the communities we visit and touch are also transformed. This cycle of positive change is at the heart of every Learning Journeys experience.

Education

Learning Journeys is designed to nurture that ember of curiosity inside you into a flame of life-long discovery. Continued learning ensures continued growth, whether pursuing any number of interests that intrigue you or a passion you have honed over the years.

Exploration

Truly, the world is your classroom. Exploring the rich and varied cultures of the destinations you visit multiplies the value of your educational pursuits, and the exploration of yourself. The journey itself – to a new place and new you – is what truly matters.

Self-reflection

Through reflection, we bring learning to life. Pausing from the chaos of our daily lives allows us to sort through experiences to create meaning, from which we learn more deeply about ourselves. Understanding what truly moves us leads to rich and profound actions that shape our lives.

Community service and sustainability is at the core of the Learning Journeys mission. In addition to hands-on interactive classes, we work in the local communities, helping to improve lives and our planet. Destinations are chosen for their exceptional beauty, abundant wildlife, accessibility to expert practitioners, and generally fun places to visit! The destinations are near and far-North America, Latin and South America, Europe, India, Asia, Australia and more.

Finally, just as you remember specific meals from a trip taken many years ago, your ability to recall information is enhanced when combined with a unique setting. “Learning Journeys” are an excellent value for money and an investment.

Departure

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 Birds, Bears and Belugas is one of our most beloved safaris. Operating in an extremely exclusive rural areas for a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey this unique experience takes place during the beautiful Arctic summer when the bears are pristinely white after coming off the ice, the belugas are plentiful and the weather is balmy. 
 During this Canadian Signature Experience, you’ll spend five nights at Seal River Heritage Lodge enjoying tundra treks and marine programs. As with all Learning Journeys programs, this expedition take place only with the utmost ethical wildlife viewing. This means, we do not disrupt the animal’s normal behavior or habitat. 

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What You Will Learn/Do

Why We Love This Traveling Classroom

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 Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies Seal River Heritage Lodge. Located near the Seal River Estuary, this Lodge 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 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. 

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How This Program Benefits The Local Community

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 Ethical Wildlife Viewing 
 Local tour guides 
 Green Operations 
 Education to promote conservation 

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DAY 1: The Adventure Begins!

Meet the rest of your group during an orientation dinner hosted by a Learning Journeys Representative.

Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight in Winnipeg

DAY 2: Arctic Frontier Arrival

Your adventure begins with an aerial flight over the Hudson Bay coast en-route to your home for the next six days, the Seal River Heritage Lodge.

Look out for pods of whales, birds, and of course, the magnificent ice bears. The Seal River Estuary is a summer favorite for these goliaths, and they are regularly seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge.

Upon your arrival, your hosts will give you a tour of the lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation about travel in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings.

After lunch, you’ll experience the coast for the first time. Make sure your camera batteries are charged!

Back at the lodge, enjoy an appetizer hour followed by another of our signature meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff.

Learning Experience: Photography on the coast, informative lecture
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Overnight in Seal River Heritage Lodge

DAY 3 - 5: Tundra Trekking, Polar Bears and Priceless Photography

Relive the excitement of the day during the daily appetizer hour before sitting down to dinner, then top up your glass of wine and settle in for the evening’s presentation.

Bedtime is at your leisure. We monitor the lodge area all night so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by us with an alert that we have a nocturnal visit from one of the great ice bears or that the northern lights are putting on a show.

Learning Experience: Guided Expeditions, Whale Watching (tide-dependent), informative lecture.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Seal River Heritage Lodge

DAY 7: Historic Churchill Exploration

Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of our tour guides exploring the town and surrounding area, learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military base. Your tour will include stops at 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.

Learning Experience: Historic Churchill guided journey
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in The Grand Hotel

DAY 8: Homeward Bound

Program Registration Fees

All itinerary prices are listed in USD

Per person for Single Standard $11,500.00

Per person for Standard $12,500.00

Program Departure Dates:

Services Included

Program Type

Adventure Learning

Ancient Traditions

Arts-Crafts-Textile

Birding and Wildlife

Bucket List Learning

Dance

Fashion

Gastronomy

Genealogy

Language

Music

Photography

Unplugged Learning

Wellness and Spirituality

Wine and Spirits

Woman's Focused

Writing and Literature

Learning Level

Explore an Interest

Pursue a Passion

Change My Life!

Activity Level

Difficult

What You Will Learn/Do

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 select Canadian wines.

Sky gazing! Our location beneath the auroral oval offers nearly 300 nights of aurora viewing each year. If conditions permit, you will be able to enjoy the greatest light show on earth from within the lodge or out in our secure compound. There is a low to moderate chance of seeing the lights on this safari.

Educational evening presentations by our lodge managers or naturalist guides about our Arctic ecosystems, landscape and lifestyle.

Traveling further afield on one of our half or full-day ATV tours. Our low-impact tundra vehicles give you access to areas up and down the coast.

Zodiac tours to view beluga whales near the mouth of the Seal River estuary where they congregate by the thousands in the summer months.

Why This Program Is Unique

Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies Seal River Heritage Lodge. Located near the Seal River Estuary, this Lodge 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 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.

How This Program Benefits The Local Community

Ethical Wildlife Viewing

Local tour guides

Green Operations

Education to promote conservation

Program Itinerary

Start/Finish City:

Open All Days

DAY 1: The Adventure Begins!

Meet the rest of your group during an orientation dinner hosted by a Learning Journeys Representative. Meals Included: Dinner Overnight in Winnipeg

DAY 2: Arctic Frontier Arrival

Your adventure begins with an aerial flight over the Hudson Bay coast en-route to your home for the next six days, the Seal River Heritage Lodge. Look out for pods of whales, birds, and of course, the magnificent ice bears. The Seal River Estuary is a summer favorite for these goliaths, and they are regularly seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge. Upon your arrival, your hosts will give you a tour of the lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation about travel in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings. After lunch, you’ll experience the coast for the first time. Make sure your camera batteries are charged! Back at the lodge, enjoy an appetizer hour followed by another of our signature meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff. Learning Experience: Photography on the coast, informative lecture Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner Overnight in Seal River Heritage Lodge

DAY 3 - 5: Tundra Trekking, Polar Bears and Priceless Photography

Relive the excitement of the day during the daily appetizer hour before sitting down to dinner, then top up your glass of wine and settle in for the evening’s presentation. Bedtime is at your leisure. We monitor the lodge area all night so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by us with an alert that we have a nocturnal visit from one of the great ice bears or that the northern lights are putting on a show. Learning Experience: Guided Expeditions, Whale Watching (tide-dependent), informative lecture. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight in Seal River Heritage Lodge

DAY 7: Historic Churchill Exploration

Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of our tour guides exploring the town and surrounding area, learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military base. Your tour will include stops at 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. Learning Experience: Historic Churchill guided journey Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight in The Grand Hotel

DAY 8: Homeward Bound

Program Registration Fees

2022 Departures & Fees 11 Departures

Date	Double Occupancy	Single Supplement
July 06, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
July 11, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
July 11, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
July 11, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
July 16, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
July 21, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
July 26, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
July 31, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
August 05, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
August 10, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person
August 15, 2022 Reserve Online	$12,500.00 Per Person	$11,500.00 Per Person

Dates & Fees: View 2022

Final pricing will be displayed on the summary page.

Services Included

- Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba - Roundtrip airfare between Churchill and Seal River Heritage Lodge - Two nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg - Five nights’ lodge accommodations - All meals, excursions, and guide services while in Churchill and at the Lodge - Program taxes - Excursion gear* - The equipment we provide at the Lodge (rain gear, rubber boots, and gear for use during marine excursions) 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.

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Birds, Bears and Belugas Summer Safari

Program Overview

Birds, Bears and Belugas Summer Safari

Your Curriculum

DAY 1: The Adventure Begins!

DAY 2: Arctic Frontier Arrival

DAY 3 - 5: Tundra Trekking, Polar Bears and Priceless Photography

DAY 7: Historic Churchill Exploration

DAY 8: Homeward Bound

Why Learning Journeys?

Brand Pillars

Transformation

Education

Exploration

Self-reflection

Departure

What You Will Learn/Do

Why We Love This Traveling Classroom

How This Program Benefits The Local Community

Program

DAY 1: The Adventure Begins!

DAY 2: Arctic Frontier Arrival

DAY 3 - 5: Tundra Trekking, Polar Bears and Priceless Photography

DAY 7: Historic Churchill Exploration

DAY 8: Homeward Bound

Program Registration Fees

Services Included

Program Type

Learning Level

Activity Level

What You Will Learn/Do

Why This Program Is Unique

How This Program Benefits The Local Community

Program Itinerary

DAY 1: The Adventure Begins!

DAY 2: Arctic Frontier Arrival

DAY 3 - 5: Tundra Trekking, Polar Bears and Priceless Photography

DAY 7: Historic Churchill Exploration

DAY 8: Homeward Bound

Program Registration Fees

Services Included

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