Journey to Fireweed Island

The world’s only location where arctic wildflowers and polar bears coexist is found on the western shore of Hudson Bay, where warm jet streams converge with the Bay’s icy cold waters.
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Join us on our Journey to Fireweed Island All-Inclusive Adventure for a life-changing experience and the chance to watch, photograph and otherwise witness polar bears and belugas in their raw, natural habitat! We are excited to announce the delivery of our new one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing vessel—the Matonabee—a uniquely designed arctic cruise ship featuring multiple below water level viewing areas! This stunning new vessel delivers opportunities to take in beluga whales and polar bears in ways never before offered...to a destination never before offered! Journey to Fireweed Island is truly a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list-topping adventure.
Your Journey Starts
Season:
Late July - Early August (limited dates)
Duration:
6 Nights
Location:
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Adventure Plans & Activities

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Day 1

WInnipeg

Upon arrival, make your own way to the Winnipeg hotel. Free day to explore Winnipeg

Day 2

Winnipeg to Churchill

Check out from Winnipeg hotel. Group transfer included to the airport if designated hotel is included

Flight from Winnipeg to Churchill

Check-in at Lazy Bear Lodge

Churchill Heritage Tour, includes exploring Cape Merry and an outside tour of the 'Polar Bear Jail' among many other historic sites (approx. 2-3 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Specialty Coffees

Day 3

Journey to Fireweed Island

Full day Journey to Fireweed Island Boat Tour adventure via the Hudson Bay aboard the new Matonabee vessel. Anticipate viewing Polar bears and other arctic wildlife

Professional photographer available

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Specialty Coffees

Day 4

Beluga Whale Boat Tour/Fort Tour

Beluga Whale Boat Tour/Fort Tour to see Beluga Whales in the water and walking tour of the historic Prince of Wales Fort (approx. 3 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Specialty Coffees

Day 5

Kayaking, Beluga AquaGliding™ & Dog Mushing

Kayaking (approx. 3 hours) - all equipment provided

Beluga AquaGliding™ (approx. 3 hours) - all equipment provided

Optional tour of dog mushing (on wheels) can be taken this day or any of the other days (additional fee payable in Churchill if tour is taken)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Specialty Coffees

Day 6

Summer Tundra Tour & travel to Winnipeg

Check-out from Lazy Bear Lodge

Summer Tundra Tour on our Arctic Crawler™ (approx. 3 hours, professional photographer available)

Transfer to airport to depart for Winnipeg

Flight from Churchill to Winnipeg

Check-in at Winnipeg hotel

Day 7

Winnipeg

Check-out from Winnipeg hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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On your journey to Fireweed Island, you'll most likely be met with an audible aquatic greeting from the always-beautiful and abundant beluga whales—the 'canaries of the sea'. Whether you're relaxing in the Matonabee's comfortable salon, enjoying your favourite made-to-order latte, or down in the 'Windows to Sea' underwater viewing lounges, you'll see why Journey to Fireweed island is truly the adventure of a lifetime! Watch beluga whales hunt for schools of Capelin as they chase them from the top waters to the bottom of the Matonabee's underwater ocean view. Take in a polar bears or other arctic wildlife in their natural, raw underwater environment.

Throughout this coastal journey, we may encounter other tundra/coastal wildlife that Samuel Hearne and his Chipewyan guide Matonabee did back in the 1770's, such as the Pacific Loon, Ptarmigan, Arctic Hare, Arctic Fox, Caribou and a plethora of wildflowers.

Galley-equipped to serve you meals inside its spacious main salon, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best food Lazy Bear has to offer! In this all-inclusive package, you'll get it all! Whether you're taking in the quaint, rustic charm of Lazy Bear Café or out on tour aboard the Matonabee, you'll enjoy all your delicious meals, desserts and specialty coffees at (or provided by) Lazy Bear.

Tour the historic Prince of Wales Fort—an old haunt of Samuel Hearne and Matonabee. Sit in comfort on your Cultural and Heritage Tour as we take you to visit historic Cape Merry. Enjoy an outside tour of the ‘Polar Bear Jail’ where polar bears that wander into town are held, awaiting their return to the wild.

You will also visit the famous plane crash site of 'Miss Piggy', and many other historic spots that make Churchill the charming little seaside town it is today. While on this tour, you may walk around and take pictures or remain on the bus. Love photography? Learn some great tips and tricks from the professional photographer who will be present for the tour.

And, for those who can't get enough activity, we also offer complimentary kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™, allowing you to spend even more time with the beluga whales as you go kayaking or partake in our exclusive Beluga AquaGliding™ adventure!

What Our Adventure offers

Four nights at the Lazy Bear Lodge and two nights in Winnipeg (one pre- and one post-adventure)

Group transfer from the designated Winnipeg hotel to the airport on Day 2

Shuttle service in Churchill included upon arrival and departure

Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill

Journey to Fireweed Island Boat Tour (aboard the Matonabee with 'Windows to Sea' underwater viewing available)

Beluga Whale Boat and Prince of Wales Fort Tour

Churchill Heritage tour

Summer Arctic Crawler™ Tour into the exclusive Churchill Wildlife Management Area (trail conditions permitting)

Professional Tour Guide over the 5 days in Churchill.

Beluga AquaGliding™ and kayaking

Professional photographer resource available on the Matonabee and Arctic Crawler™ Tours

All meals included (Includes specialty coffees from our coffee bars at Lazy Bear Lodge and aboard the Matonabee)

I loved my entire experience in Churchill and a big part of that was staying at Lazy Bear Lodge. All the staff were lovely and a big thank you to Deacon and his family (who own lodge) who were excellent hosts. Deacon was my group’s guide and we had a great time out on the bay with the Belugas and out on the tundra buggy looking for polar bears (we spotted a mum and her baby).

I think the highlight for me was the coziness of the interior wood decor and the food. The meals were hearty and local. I tried arctic char, elk, and other local delicacies while there and the portions were generous and featured good variety of vegetables. My favourite was the polar bear shaped scones served at breakfast.

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Adventure Dates & Prices

3 – 9

August, 2024

7 – 13

August, 2024

Please check for current availability prior to booking flights to Winnipeg.

Journey to Fireweed Island

Season:
Late July - Early August (limited dates)
Location:
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Duration:
6 Nights
$10,250
CAD
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Additional Info

Age Requirement:

Our Journey to Fireweed Island boat tour is recommended for ages 10 & up. Kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™ are recommended for ages 10 & up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Physical Rating:

Moderate: Moderate walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.

Notes

  • Per person, based on double occupancy, single supplement add $2,000 CDN.


- All rates are Canadian funds.
- All price are subject to applicable taxes.
* Prices subject to change.

Travel Packing Checklist

Things you must have
T-shirts and shorts for the summer weather days
Loose fitting clothing, long socks, closed-toed shoes and a long-sleeved shirt and pants for cooler days or bug days
A wind breaker/sweatshirt/fall jacket for possible cool days, waterproof jacket and pants
Hiking shoes or runners
Thermal under clothing, a toque (a close fitting hat covering your ears), mittens or gloves for the boat tours
A good shade hat, sun glasses, binoculars, camera
It is wise to bring a good bug spray that contains DEET as a main ingredient
Spare batteries for each camera type you bring
Charging cords for laptops, cell phones, tablets.
We also recommend bringing along a small carry-on bag with your absolute necessities just in case your luggage makes it to Churchill after you do

Expeditioners Toolkit:

Got questions? We've got answers. From packing tips to expedition details, find everything you need to prepare for your Arctic adventure.
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How is this tour different from the Ultimate Bears & Belugas Summer Adventure?

This tour will take you to Fireweed Island where you will have the opportunity to disembark the boat on a zodiac and safely walk where the polar bears roam.

You will benefit from having a professional photographer available during the Matonabee boat tour and the Arctic Crawler™ tour.

Kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™ are included on this exclusive adventure.

All meals, beverages and specialty coffees are included at (or provided by) the Lazy Bear Café and aboard the Matonabee.

Are there age restrictions for the Journey to Fireweed Island All-Inclusive Adventure?

Our Journey to Fireweed Island All-Inclusive Adventure is recommended for ages 10 & up.Kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™ are recommended for ages 10 years & up.

What is a single supplement fee?

A single supplement fee covers the loss of income by the lodge when one single person occupies a room. That person pays a premium as room availability is limited during our operating seasons.

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What are the bugs like in Churchill during mid to late summer?

Each summer is different for bugs. In years of little rain we hardly notice them. Early summer seems, in general, to have more bugs. Later in midsummer and late summer there generally are fewer bugs. Good bug spray that contains 'Deet' as a main ingredient works best. Some guests will bring a bug jacket or screen hat. But if you have loose fitting clothing, long socks, closed toe shoes and a long sleeved repertoire of clothing, along with your favorite bug lotion/spray, you will be well prepared.

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Are there any additional tours or interesting activities in Churchill?

Besides kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™, summer months offer ample hiking opportunities on some tours as well as summer Dog Carting. You will also have opportunities to do helicopter tours, visit the Parks Canada center at the Churchill train station where they provide films, slideshows and lectures to visitors and see the Itsanitaq Museum.

What type of planes will we be flying in from Winnipeg to Churchill and return?

Your flight between Winnipeg and Churchill will be with Calm-air on either a chartered or regular flight (either an ATR 42 or ATR 72). Further instructions will be provided upon booking and/or with your travel documents.

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What are the typical temperatures in Churchill in July and August?

The temperatures in July and August can range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 Fahrenheit).

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What payment types are accepted?

Winnipeg Office: For Reservations in Winnipeg we accept Visa and MasterCard. All payments are charged in Canadian Funds. If applicable, funds will be converted to US Funds by your credit card company at the exchange rate they use at the time of processing.

‍At The Lodge: Lazy Bear Expeditions, Lodge & Café accept Visa, MasterCard, Debit and cash.

‍US credit card or debit: US and Canadian currencies are accepted. All payments are charged in Canadian Funds and converted to US Funds by your bank or credit card company at the exchange rate they use at the time of processing.

‍Cash: It is best to bring Canadian Funds because US Funds are accepted at par with Canadian currency.

What does Lazy Bear supply?

Life jackets are provided for all boat tours.
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Wet suits are provided for optional tours of kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™ if taken. Neoprene boots and snorkel masks are also provided for AquaGliding.

What should I pack for this summer trip?

The weather in the summer can vary quite significantly. It can feel like summer and fall in the same day so both summer and fall clothing are recommended. We recommend packing the following:

  • T-shirts and shorts for the summer weather days
  • Loose fitting clothing, long socks, closed-toed shoes and a long-sleeved shirt and pants for cooler days or bug days
  • A wind breaker/sweatshirt/fall jacket for possible cool days, waterproof jacket and pants
  • Hiking shoes or runners. Stay away from sandals in case of bug days
  • Thermal under clothing, a touque (a close fitting hat covering your ears), mittens or gloves for the boat tours
  • A good shade hat, sun glasses, binoculars, camera
  • It is wise to bring a good bug spray that contains DEET as a main ingredient
  • Spare batteries for each camera type you bring
  • Charging cords for laptops, cell phones, tablets
  • We also recommend bringing along a small carry-on bag with your absolute necessities just in case your luggage makes it to Churchill after you do

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