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Explore one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife at Manitoba on this incredibly inspiring 8 days’ expedition. A voyage from the dense forest Riding Mountain National Park to the colorful tundra of Churchill, pursue Canada’s Big Five Safari on zodiac cruise, wildlife drives, a tundra buggy experience to dog carting and more.
Your ultimate wildlife safari begins in Winnipeg, the geographic centre of North America. With a small intimate group of a maximum of 18 people, venture overland to the spectacular Riding Mountain National Park where the boreal forest, meadows and lakes, lofty height and deep gorges of Manitoba are home to moose, black bears, a captive bison herd and more. Embark on thrilling morning and evening wildlife drives as you photograph and witness the amazing wildlife that call this place ...
Your ultimate wildlife safari begins in Winnipeg, the geographic centre of North America. With a small intimate group of a maximum of 18 people, venture overland to the spectacular Riding Mountain National Park where the boreal forest, meadows and lakes, lofty height and deep gorges of Manitoba are home to moose, black bears, a captive bison herd and more. Embark on thrilling morning and evening wildlife drives as you photograph and witness the amazing wildlife that call this place home. Journey on interpretive hikes to a boat ride on Clear Lake delving deeper into the wonders of the region. You’ll fly north to Churchill, where boreal forest gives way to the rugged tundra and northern waterways. Get up close and personal as you set out by boat and zodiac cruise in pursue of inquisitive beluga whales. On land, peruse the cultural museum, embark on an exhilarating dog cart ride and explore the colourful fauna and fauna of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of the majestic polar bear on a Tundra Buggy Experience.
The highlight of your trip is the Tundra Buggy Experience. Specially designed for the northern landscape, these all-terrain vehicles take you to exclusive access to the best locations in the Churchill area to safely experience and photograph wildlife offering an unparalleled experience. Venturing on a network of established trails in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, the Tundra Buggy takes you to the heart of polar bear country, where bears and other subarctic wildlife roam. A truly unique experience in some of Churchill’s most remote and exclusive areas.
Your wildlife safari includes 7 nights' accommodation on a twin share basis with return transfers from and to Winnipeg and Churchill. All meals and activities specified in itinerary are inclusive as well as interpretive guides.
Create a thematic journey that will leave you in awe of Manitoba’s biodiversity. Escape to extraordinary corners where wildlife, culture and history come alive and where stunning landscapes leave an impression that will not be forgotten. Journey into a part of the world that not many people will have the chance to see.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Red Centre. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points
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You’ll arrive into Winnipeg and make your own way to Winnipeg Hotel, conveniently located across the street from the airport. Spend time relaxing in your hotel before gathering together for an evening meet and greet hosted by your tour representative. Bask in the anticipation and celebration as you mingle with the rest of your travel companions and are given an itinerary brief for your epic adventure ahead.
Enjoy an early breakfast before a three-and-a-half-hour bus transfer to the spectacular Riding Mountain National Park. Along the way, visit Farmery Estate Brewery for a tour and tantalize your taste buds with a delicious lunch at their onsite food truck.
Continue the drive through the prairie grasslands to the rolling hills of Manitoba Escarpment arriving at Riding Mountain National Park via the historic East Gate. Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a diverse and enthralling wilderness that is home to some of Manitoba and Canada’s most iconic wildlife. Be captivated by its wonders on a thrilling evening wildlife safari adventure. Your first glimpse and chance in search for moose, black bear, a captive bison herd and other incredible wildlife that call this place home. This 3,000 sq. km. park atop the Manitoba Escarpment protects three ecosystems: the grasslands, upland boreal and eastern deciduous forests. Along the way, explore the bold boreal forests, expanses of meadows and lakes, lofty height and deep gorges.
You’ll stay at the serene Lakehouse Boutique Hotel located in the heart of downtown Wasagaming, a town site inside the national park. Stay in one of just 15 newly redesigned guest rooms boating a sleek cabin vibe. Soak in the wilderness from its patio, unwind in the hot tub or cozy up on front of the crackling fire at the lounge.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before another day in pursue for some incredible wildlife. Board the bus and embark on a riveting morning wildlife drive in Riding Mountain National Park. Experience the contrast from a morning and evening safari, capturing a different perspective of the park’s wonders in all its glory. Delve deeper in pursue of more black bears, moose, deer and so much more! After, set out on foot for a picturesque walking adventure of Wasagaming’s historic town site and charming streets where you’ll explore provincial heritage sites, shops and restaurants.
Come afternoon, step aboard The Martese for a serene cruise through Clear Lake, a natural spring-fed lake. Marvel at the clarity of the water where you can see the sand and pebbles sitting beneath the water as you sit back relax and learn more about the Riding National Park.
This evening, excite yourself for another wildlife drive in the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, a captive herd of approximate 40 plains bison! Gain insight into the history and importance of the bison in North America and learn about the reintroduction of these once absent mammals back into their native prairie land. Tonight, enjoy your last night in the tranquility of the Lakehouse Hotel.
Venture on a final morning wildlife drive through the spectacular Riding Mountain National Park in search of wolf, lynx and other Canadian wildlife before taking on an interpretive hike through the scenic wetlands of Ominik Marsh. Collide with bulrushes to beavers and marvel at the pristine landscapes you listen to the marsh come alive.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before boarding the bus for a return to Winnipeg. Spend time unwinding at the hotel before your morning flight to Churchill tomorrow.
Savour a delectable breakfast before an early morning flight to Churchill for an adventure packed day!
Upon landing, embark on a Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Situated along the coast of the Hudson Bay, the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) is at the intersection of three distinct eco-zones: arctic marine, subarctic tundra and boreal forest. A thrilling adventure, be captivated by the striking colourful landscapes and spot an array of species of birds and other wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the Tundra Buggy while photographing fascinating wildlife as your view. You will have the lucky chance to see a summer polar bear cooling itself in the waters of the Hudson Bay.
After an incredible Tundra Buggy adventure, spend time relaxing and exploring Churchill’s quaint shops and restaurants. Spend the evening unwinding at your hotel in your ensuite rooms.
This morning, embark on a Churchill and area adventure as you explore an exploratory drive past of various interest points. Stop by Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility, known by locals as ‘Polar Bear Jail’. You’ll visit Polar Bears International House and gain insight into polar bear research, climate change and more by a Polar Bear International Ambassador. Delve deeper into polar bear conservation effort at the Interpretive Centre.
Your journey culminates with your first beluga whale experience! Embark on a boat adventure into the pristine Churchill River estuary where thousands of beluga whales gather to feed on small fish and give birth. Engage in some whale watching and marvel at the sight of being in the middle of a pod of whales. Visit the Prince of Wales Fort, the oldest most northerly stone fort in the country for an interpretive walking expedition.
Next, journey to Wapusk Adventures for an exhilarating dog cart ride and interpretive program with an area dog musher. Plunge into a mile-long dog cart, on wheels, through the boreal forest and learn the history of dog sledding and its importance to the northern communities.
This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, indulge in a pint at the pub or relax at the hotel guest lounge sharing stories with your fellow travelers.
Savour one last adventure in search for beluga whales. Get up close and personal to the beluga whales on a three-hour zodiac cruise in the Churchill River. Meander amongst the river estuary and admire dozens of whales surfacing just metres away and swimming around the boat. With great photo opportunities, marvel at pods of whales that seemingly pop endlessly around you.
Journey to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre where you’ll uncover in-depth displays unveiling the remarkable history of Churchill through wildlife diorama and exhibits that portray the history of the fur trade in the area. Relish your inner historian, at the Itsanitaq Museum, home to an enormous collection of Inuit artifacts honouring the Indigenous roots of Churchill.
End the day with a transfer to the airport for your return flight to Winnipeg. Make your way to your hotel, conveniently located across the airport, and spend the rest of the evening unwinding.
This morning, bid farewell to an incredible adventure filled with memories and photos reflecting an incredible wildlife safari in Manitoba. Depart Winnipeg at your own leisure for your onward journey.
Please contact us for group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
- The departure and finish point is Winnipeg
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Winnipeg. The closest major airport is Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and is 8 km from the center of Winnipeg.
Manitoba has a moderately dry climate with sharp seasonal temperature changes. Winter temperatures of about −40 °F (−40 °C) may occasionally occur in any part of the province, and summer days of 100 °F (38 °C) are not unusual in the southern regions.
During the month of June and August you are most likely to experience good days with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F). The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of -11°C (12°F).
Capacity: A Tundra Buggy can hold up to 40-passengers, however our Interpretive and Specialist Guided multi-day packages have a lower maximum capacity to allow for more room
Features: Tundra Buggies are large vehicles that can safely maneuver the rough terrain of the tundra, while still allowing our guests to have amazing wildlife viewing opportunities.
The tires on each Tundra Buggy vehicle are 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) high and 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) wide, and sit on 63.5 centimeter (25 inch) rims. A wide-bodied enclosure sits on top of the wheels and provides even more height, security, comfort and ability for guests to move around to view and photograph wildlife. The average male polar bear is 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) tall when standing on its hind legs. The window opening for viewing on the Tundra Buggy is just over 3 meters (10 feet) above the ground. This means that even the tallest average bear can stand vertically on the side of the Buggy and guests will remain safely out of reach.
Engine: Tundra Buggies have a 235 horse power International DT 466 engine, often found in highway semi-trailers. It is geared through an Allison Transmission and then geared through the differentials and planetaries on the hubs. The Buggies are full-time four-wheel drive and have the capability to lock the differentials if needed.
Wildlife on The Tundra: Although you can see polar bears in the area as early as June, the prime time to see polar bears in their natural habitat is during October and November when the polar bear population around Churchill is at its highest. It is possible to see polar bears in the summer during our Tundra Buggy excursions, but our main focus at this time of year is the landscape, plant life and other northern wildlife, including birds. Every day on the tundra is a little different but our guests most often spot: polar bears, arctic fox, red fox, ptarmigan, snow geese, gyrfalcons, snowy owls and a plethora of other birds and wildlife that call the Churchill Wildlife Management Area home.
Lunch & Refreshments: All guests will enjoy a light meal and refreshments during their Tundra Buggy excursion. The lunch may include homemade soup, sandwiches, and cookies. Canned soda is available on board, as well as water, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea (but don’t forget to bring your own reusable mug and/or water bottle).
Bathroom: there is a single-use bathroom located near the back of the Tundra Buggy
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.