Canada’s World Renowned Polar Bear Capital

Friday 06 November

An evening departure on Air New Zealand, cross the dateline, early evening arrival in Chicago and transfer to our central hotel.

Welcome to Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, with a population of nearly three million people. The City covers an area of 60,000 hectares and sits 176 meters (578 feet) above sea level on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. It’s extensive parklands, including 3,000 hectares of city parks attract an estimated 86 million visitors annually.

Saturday 07 November

This morning we have a guided city tour that will include admission to one of the tall tower observation decks. Some free time in Michigan Ave. ‘The Magnificent Mile’ boasts more than 460 retailers, including popular brands; major department stores; international luxury labels and designers; and three vertical shopping centers

Sunday 08 November

This morning we transfer to O’Hare airport for a mid-morning on arrival we transfer flight to Winnipeg. On arrival we transfer to our central city hotel. Rest of day free.

Winnipeg - Gateway to the West, situated where three rivers meet and the prairies begin, Manitoba’s capital it was the heart of the fur trade in its earlier days. A population of around 750000, it considers 

Monday 09 November

Today will begin with a highlights of the city tour. Afternoon free to explore. This evening we join our Frontiers North Guide for a Welcome Dinner.

Did you Know

That the childhood character Winnie the Pooh was named after a bear at the Winnipeg Zoo? And if you love caviar, Winnipeg exports over 25,000 pounds of award winning caviar to some of the world’s top restaurants.

Tuesday 10 November

We meet for breakfast before checking in at the train station for an early afternoon departure to Churchill. Overnight on the train. The next two days we travel through three different biospheres including the prairie grasslands, boreal forest of the Canadian Shield, and last but not least the tundra of northern Manitoba.

VIA Rail Sleeper Class:  Cabins are designed for two people. During the day they are the seating area and fold down into single beds for the evening. Each cabin includes a private washroom with toilet and sink. Each sleeper car has one shared shower. Meals are included

Wednesday 11 November

Full day on board the train with a chance to stretch your legs in Thompson, a major stop on the route Overnight on the train.

Thursday 12 November

Enjoy an early-morning breakfast on board before finally arriving in Churchill. Upon arrival we have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Itsanitaq Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of Inuit art in the world. Free time this afternoon to see Churchill, or view the surrounding area’s wildlife from a different point of view by booking an exciting one hour

helicopter tour. Dinner is at a local restaurant and the evening can be spent exploring Churchill’s authentic shops, enjoying a beverage at the local pub or relaxing at the hotel.

Friday 13 November

Following an early morning breakfast, we will depart for our first full-day Tundra Buggy adventure exploring the Churchill Wildlife Management Area on a network of established trails in search of polar bears, arctic fox, ptarmigan and other sub-arctic wildlife. Lunch and refreshments will be served on board. We will return to Churchill for dinner at a local restaurant before finishing the day with a presentation from a local resident on the culture, history, wildlife and lifestyle of the Churchill area.

Saturday 14 November

This morning we will be transferred beyond the town limits to Churchill’s boreal forest to enjoy an interpretive program paired with a thrilling dog sled excursion. Hosted by a local Churchill resident and dog sledding expert, guests will learn about the history associated with dog sledding as well as enjoy a mile-long ride on a custom-built sled behind a strong team of huskies. Back to town for lunch before making a stop at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, located in Churchill’s historic train station where we will step back in time during an interpretive program about Churchill’s human and natural history.

Sunday 15 November

After breakfast transfer to the Tundra Buggy dock for a second and final fullday adventure. After a day of exploring the tundra, bid farewell to Churchill as we transfer directly to the airport for an evening flight back to Winnipeg. A light meal will be served. Upon arrival in Winnipeg overnight at Winnipeg’s international airport.

Monday 16 November

Mid - morning departure from Winnipeg, change planes at Calgary to arrive early evening at Los Angeles airport, change planes, depart on Air New Zealand

Tuesday 17 November

Wednesday 18 November

Early morning arrival at Auckland airport