Polar Bears & Beluga Whales

Locations: Winnipeg; Churchill, Manitoba; Prince of Wales Fort; Hudson Bay Coast
Trip Lecturer: Dr. Chrissy McAllister
Trip Dates: July 27–August 2, 2021; Winnipeg pre-tour: July 25–27
Trip Cost: Starting at $5,495 per person for a double occupancy (shared) room
Trip Capacity: Maximum of 39 guests
Registration Deadline: February 2, 2021
Final Payment Deadline: March 29, 2021

Trip Overview

Head to Canada to discover the beauty and wildness of Churchill, Manitoba, where the Hudson Bay hosts polar bears in the fall, some of whom are still visible in summer. The main stars at this time of year, however, are the 60,000+ beluga whales who feed, mate, and give birth in the area’s shallow waters. You'll also see a wide variety of other wildlife and meet the local people, whose pioneering spirits and welcoming smiles await you.

Here are a few highlights:

• A private reception and three-course welcome dinner at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo, along with a presentation on polar bears
• A stay at the iconic Lazy Bear Lodge, hand-built by local pioneer Wally Daudrich from stone and reclaimed boreal forest timbers
• Exploration of Churchill’s waterfront area, including visits to the sites of Miss Piggy Plane Wreck, Polar Bear “Jail,” and Cape Merry
• An extended tour aboard a custom-designed viewing boat to spot beluga whales, seals, a multitude of birds, and perhaps a few polar bears
• The opportunity, aboard Zodiac boats, to view pods of friendly beluga whales and other wildlife up close
• A tundra tour aboard an Arctic Crawler to observe wildlife and vegetation
• Visit with an energetic team of sled dogs and their experienced handler before climbing into a dog cart for your own exciting ride

The trip includes the following:

• Six nights’ hotel and lodge accommodations
• Six breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners, including a special welcome reception/dinner and a farewell reception
• All excursion transportation and entry fees
• Full guiding services from an Orbridge expedition leader and a local naturalist
• Lectures by Principia’s Dr. Chrissy McAllister
• All gratuities

The trip and optional pre-tour do not include the following:

• Trip insurance and passenger travel protection plan*
• Domestic, international, and internal airfare
• Transfers and luggage handling fees (except in connection with scheduled group flights)
• Costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas
• Airport transfers outside of designated arrival/departure times
• Excess baggage charges
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
• Optional activities not on the itinerary 

*Travel insurance is offered by Professional Travel Services (PTS) upon request. PTS can also provide assistance making air reservations. Orbridge, our travel partner, strongly recommends purchasing travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. In addition, we recommend that you consider obtaining a policy (or policies) that will cover some or all of your losses associated with damage to or loss of luggage or personal effects. If you are interested in purchasing travel and cancellation insurance, please contact Professional Travel Services at 855.828.0776 immediately after booking your reservation.

Optional Winnipeg Pre-Tour

Enjoy additional days in Winnipeg ahead of the main trip. Experience the award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, featuring playful polar bears and a host of arctic animals. Visit Winnipeg’s architectural marvel, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Explore the Manitoba Museum and enjoy a guided tour.

The pre-tour includes the following:

• Two nights' accommodations at Inn at the Forks or similar lodging
• Two breakfasts and one lunch
• Admission to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights for a half-day guided tour
• Admission to Manitoba Museum for the Flora and Fauna of the North program
• Admission to Assiniboine Park Zoo for a guided Journey to Churchill tour
• Luggage porterage
• Airport transfer for guests arriving during the suggested times

Meet Your Trip Lecturer

Dr. Chrissy McAllister is professor of biology at Principia College and head of its Math and Natural Sciences Unit. Her courses focus on botany, plant ecology, and conservation genetics, and she maintains active research programs in these fields.

A big proponent of Principia's study abroad programs, McAllister has led numerous programs to New Zealand, Yellowstone National Park, and Dominica.