2026 – A Summer Adventure in Churchill
Ultimate Belugas & Bears Adventure
Wild Encounters in the True North
Immersive Adventure in the Heart of Huddson Bayy
Imagine the curious eyes of an adorable melon-headed Beluga whale surfacing right up to greet you, as if communicating, “Welcome to the Beluga capital of the world, my friend!”
… or listening to singing from “mommy’s darlings”, the Beluga calves. This is what adventure dreams are made of. Our past groups loved visiting Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, in winter. Now we visit the polar bears’ habitat in the summer, along with plenty of other unique marine life at sea and wildlife on land. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime connection with nature.
With 60,000 belugas filling Hudson Bay and polar bears leaving the melting sea ice, summer is an amazing time to visit Churchill! On our 7-day adventure, experienced naturalist guides will take you to wild places that offer the best opportunities to see polar bears, belugas, Arctic silhouettes, seals, over 200 nesting or migrating bird species, and more.
We head into Hudson Bay aboard our new Canadian Coast Guard, Arctic Ocean-certified vessel, the Matonabee. Onboard together, we explore one of the more remote polar bear viewing areas. You may see the bears swimming or sunbathing on the shore. Weather permitting, we may have the privilege of walking where the polar bears roam. Look for ptarmigan, Arctic fox, sika deer, and marine birds.
Along the shoreline, hundreds of Beluga whales come to feed, mate, and give birth in the warm, shallow coastal waters. Our Beluga boat tour will focus on viewing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat in the Churchill River and into the Hudson Bay as they feed on schools of Arctic char and Brook Trout. Beluga Aqua Gliding (TM), and kayaking with the whales are available as optional activities to get up close and personal with these magnificent marine mammals, as well as dog sledding on wheels. Then we’ll go ashore for a walking tour of the historic Prince of Wales Fort.
Enjoy the Churchill Heritage Tour that takes you into the surrounding area to explore various historic sites. These include Cape Merry of the “polar bear jail”, the wreckage of the famous ghost Ithica shipwreck, and many other sites that make Churchill the town it is today.
At the trip’s end, experience our summer Tundra Tour in the extraordinary Arctic Crawler™ to view the stunning subarctic landscape. These are the same vehicles for the winter tours. After a delectable dinner, you may catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the summer skies. It’s a short season of just July and August here when the locals love to celebrate.
This isn’t your average summer getaway. It’s a deep dive into the raw beauty of Canada’s north, where the air is crisp, the locals friendly, and the landscapes are almost impossible to describe. Pack your sense of wonder. We’ll take care of the rest. Our private AFS Arctic vacation is based on 20 participants. This Holy Grail tour is Big adventure and Large fun with ultimate thrills for our AFS Explorers to indulge in ultimate wonders.
Summer Adventure includes:
- 4 nights’ accommodations at the Lazy Bear Lodge
- 2 nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg
- Round-trip airfare from Winnipeg to Churchill and return
- 6–8 hour Hudson Bay Coastal Tour by boat with the opportunity to view polar bears
- 3–4 hour Summer Tundra Tour
- 3-hour zodiac tour to see our friendly beluga whales and the Prince of Wales Fort
- 2–3 hour Churchill Heritage Tour of the Churchill area, including historic Cape Merry and the outside of the Polar Bear Jail
- Breakfasts, lunch and dinner at Lazy Bear.
- Guide services in Churchill
- Courtesy shuttle service between the airport and the Lodge upon arrival and departure
July 14
Welcome to Winnipeg, Capital of Manitoba
Land starts July 14 in the afternoon. Flight round-trip USA to Winnipeg on United, Delta, Air Canada and more. On arrival, check in to hotel. Some may want to arrive a day early to explore the museums, breweries, a trolley tour, spas, and the new Leaf, a biodome featuring exquisite gardens. The city is a vibrant hub where prairie charm meets metropolitan energy. Explore the stately architecture of the Exchange District, stroll the leafy pathways along the Assiniboine River, or sample the culinary scene at The Forks Market. In summer, Winnipeg is alive with festivals, outdoor patios, and a friendly spirit that makes every visitor feel at home. Settle in and get a taste of Winnipeg’s welcoming Prairie Spirit—no scheduled activities, just time to wander and unwind.
Overnight
Tucked right where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers join forces, The Forks is Winnipeg’s go-to spot for anyone looking to soak up the city’s best. Think local shops, Indigenous history, and some of the most mouthwatering eats in town — all steps from wide-open prairie views you won’t find anywhere else.
Step inside and you’ll feel it: a vibe that’s both welcoming and seriously upscale. Everywhere you look, there’s a bit of artistry, whether you’re digging into prairie-inspired plates at SMITH, unwinding at Riverstone Spa, or sinking into the custom details of your room or suite.
If you’re hunting for a hotel in Winnipeg that nails comfort and style, you just found it. This is where the city comes alive — and trust me, once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.
July 15
Winnipeg to Chuchill
After breakfast, we check out of your Winnipeg hotel this morning and transfer to the airport. Board our 2-hour included flight north to Churchill, gateway to the subarctic.
Churchill, Canada, sits perched on the edge of Hudson Bay where the boreal forest meets the Arctic tundra. Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is also home to thousands of beluga whales in summer and a rich Indigenous history. The town is remote, rugged, and impossibly captivating—perfect for adventure-seekers and wildlife lovers alike.
Arrive in Churchill and check in at the fabulous Lazy Bear Lodge, your home base for adventure. Later, join the Churchill Heritage Tour: visit storied Cape Merry, take in sweeping Hudson Bay views, and see the infamous ‘Polar Bear Jail’—plus other local sites that reveal Churchill’s rich past (tour duration: approximately 2–3 hours). If free time allows, explore the shops, museums, cafes, and more.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge
July 16
Hudson Bay Coastal Tour in Search of Polar Bears
Fuel up for a full day on the water with our expert guides who are passionate about these home waters and conservation. This tour is globally recognized as an award-winning experience, including National Geographic and Lonely Planet. Board the Matonabee vessel for the Hudson Bay Coastal Tour, searching for polar bears roaming the shore and a cast of arctic wildlife—seals, arctic foxes, and whales. The unique vessel of 59 guests is specifically designed for polar bear and whale viewing both from above the water and underwater windows. The ever-changing tundra landscape is always dramatic, so keep your camera ready (tour duration: approximately 6–8 hours).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight:Lazy Bear Lodge
July 17
Beluga Whale Boat Tour & Fort Tour
Embark on a unique adventure by thrilling zodiacs, gliding among pods of beluga whales as they surface and play in the summer waters. Observe these fascinating creatures up close in their natural habitat. The gentle giants of the sea are not just playful but blessed with the gift of song–whistling, chirping, clicking, and clinging. They can even mimic other sounds. They are the most vocal whales in the world. Belugas generally travel in family pods of 10. You’ll learn many facts like – they can weigh up to 3000 pounds, can dive 1900 feet, can reach 20 feet in length and swim 13 mph, and this is the only whale on earth with a flexible neck – the better to look up to you in your watercraft!
Continue to the historic Prince of Wales Fort for a guided walking tour—hear tales of explorers and fur traders while surrounded by sweeping bay vistas (tour duration: approximately 3 hours).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge
July 18
Optional Adventures
Today is flexible for adventure seekers and those wanting to soak up more of Churchill’s spirit. Your local team will assist. Weather, tides, and schedules permitting, you might kayak with belugas, try Beluga AquaGliding™, or experience the thrill of summer dog mushing on wheels. Or simply explore the town, visit museums, or relax at the lodge. Later that evening, after a delectable supper, depending on weather and cloud coverage, it may be possible to see the Northern Lights.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge
July 19
Tundra Tour & Return to Winnipeg
Check out of Lazy Bear Lodge and head out for a final adventure: a Summer Tundra Tour aboard the custom Arctic Crawler™. Journey into the wilds to spot wildlife and learn about the fragile tundra ecosystem (tour duration: approximately 3–4 hours). The summer Tundra Tour on one of our brand-new, custom-built, state-of-the-art Arctic Crawlers™ tundra vehicles with all the modern amenities, including spacious viewing decks and USB ports, to view the beautiful landscape.
The Tundra Tour at Lazy Bear Lodge offers an exciting exploration of the unique ecosystems found in the Canadian Arctic. Guided by experts, participants traverse the stunning tundra landscapes, observing a diverse array of wildlife. The tour includes informative discussions about the region’s flora and fauna, as well as insights into the impact of climate change on these delicate ecosystems. Guests have opportunities to photograph the breathtaking views and unique wildlife interactions. This immersive experience not only highlights the beauty of the tundra but also fosters a greater appreciation for the importance of conservation in this remarkable environment.
Afterward, enjoy the courtesy shuttle back to the airport for your return flight to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, check into your Winnipeg hotel for a restful night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Inn at the Forks Hotel
July 20
Winnipeg
Enjoy a final breakfast, then check out of your hotel at leisure. Depart with unforgettable memories of your northern adventure.
More About Churchill
Churchill is famous for its Beluga Whales and Polar Bears. The sociable and fun-loving Beluga visit the area in the thousands in July and August. These majestic white mammals are not only beautiful but are known as “sea canaries” for their musical chirps, clicks, and whirs—and they can mimic other sounds too! Plus, they are friendly and curious and will even try to swim up to boats to check out the action. Come on up to Churchill this summer and see for yourself!And, of course, there are the Polar Bears. These unique white bears live on sea ice and come to the coast in summer to rest or take a dip in the chilly waters to cool themselves off. In fall, they gather together on the shore eagerly waiting for the sea ice to form so they can return home. It’s worth a trip to Churchill to visit these amazing creatures by boat in summer or on the tundra in fall.Other unique northern animals can also be seen in the Churchill area, like Arctic Hares, Snowshoe Hares, Arctic Foxes and Moose. While rare, the area even has some bats, mink (ermine) and lynx, among others. If you love birds, spring and summer are the ideal time to visit the Great White North–in fact, the Arctic is known around the world as a “birders’ paradise” with over 225 species in the region. From June to September, you can see species like gulls, ducks, loons and falcons. Just a few of the many varieties include, among others: Long-tailed Ducks, Common Eiders, Pacific and Red-Throated Loons, Ross’s and Bonaparte’s Gulls, and Little Gulls, Gyrfalcons (the largest in the world), and Merlin falcons.Many of nature’s aviators are even named after the North like Tundra Swans, Northern Shrike, Lapland Longspurs, and Hudsonian Godwit. And in the fall, you can also observe Willow Ptarmigans, Snowy Owls and Snow Geese.
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, is a top location to view the many species of exotic arctic wildlife. Lazy Bear Expeditions offers tundra expeditions and Hudson Bay coastal tours in summer or fall, which give you a chance not only to meet the Belugas and the Bears but also to see the many other animal and bird habitats of the Great White North.
Trip Tips
AFS Belugas & Bears Travel Trip Tips 2026
Prepare to be thrilled on a once-in-a-lifetime discovery of Churchill and the wonders of Hudson Bay. Summer is an amazing time to visit when the sea ice melts, with wildlife migrations drawing up to 60,000 beluga whales and polar bears. You’ll get incredible photos from our Arctic vessel on this vacation of pure Canadian magic.
We have a wonderful group of 28 travel lovers. I know everyone but three of you. Welcome to our new travelers. Salanda is thrilled to lead you. Connect now on your private Facebook group page to get to know each other. More emails will come as we near departure.
Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addenda will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.
Payment – We partner with WeTravel for secure, fee-free electronic check payments. Simply follow their instructions. Credit card payments incur a processing fee. Alternatively, you can pay by check without mailing it: make it out to AFS, take a photo, and text it to 770-432-8225. We’ll process the payment at no extra charge.
- 50% of FINAL DUE JAN 15, 2026 & FINAL PAYMENT DUE MAR 31 Wetravel is our data management company, it allows you to pay by check electronically but their bank stated to charge a 1% fee. To pay without a fee, write a check to AFS, and mail to 3709 Mapleshade Drive SW, Gainesville, GA 30504.
- Credit cards are still assessed a processing fee at the time of purchase. 2.9% for Visa and MC and 3.9% for Amex.
Trip Prep:
- Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
- Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
- Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
- All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure
Fitness level – Moderate walks and activities daily. You should be able to walk one mile in 20 minutes.
Know your limits! Please be respectful of your fellow AFS Travelers and consider choosing an itinerary that is conducive to your needs so you can thoroughly enjoy your trip!
If you have concerns, text your name at 770-432-8225 to discuss. AFS trips are generally soft adventures with moderate activity. Our trips are large fun and can be active.
All tours involve walking, at times extensive with uneven pavement. As we age, we think we can do what we used to do but discover on the trip an activity is too strenuous and are slowing down the entire group.
(If you think you need something tamer, check out Eldertreks – they specialize in trips for older folks. We cannot be responsible for booking a trip beyond your skill level and physical stamina. AFS is all about having a good time.)
General Air Info – Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins. Always download and use your airline’s app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number. Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Read more at www.tpg.com for best cards.
Many say they want to fly business class but don’t realize fare range from $4K to $9K. We do have two good contacts that can get sometimes get seats near half cost. Email Ali at [email protected].
Group Air – None. Min 16 seats required, but people prefer doing own air now. Sometimes we offer group air but find few people book sometimes find better rates on own direct from hometown. This provides you better flexibility to go early or extend at trip end. I know we will not meet the minimum required to make a group booking since this is a small group.
Important Trip Air Dates: JULY 14 official beginning of tour – JULY 20 end of services. Fly in July 13 or 14.
Air is easy round-trip USA to Winnipeg Canada – Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG). Dozens of airlines fly USA to Winnipeg. Consider United, American, Alaska, Air Canada and more. Many flights fly via Chicago or Minneapolis.
Doing Own Air – We like Google Flights … Put Winnipeg in your fare alerts! Let others in your group know what you were doing on your private Facebook page. 3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems. Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you. Stopovers are great to add on own. If you need help air with the economy seat, our guy Delhi can help; email [email protected] with your exact air dates, destination, passport name, and details with birthdate. Your trip leader will be collecting you’re air schedules three weeks prior to departure.
About Airport Transfers – We may offer one common group airport transfer based on majority of flight arrival times if we meet a minimum number people arriving the same time. Due to the complexity of managing individual flight schedules, and with people arriving on different days and times it’s impossible to provide a group transfer. We’ll collect everyone’s flight information through a form, arrival transfers will only be available if we have a minimum of 10 people arriving at similar times.
AFS can always arrange a private airport transfer for you. Travelers arriving outside this group transfer windows will need to arrange their own transportation to the hotel via taxi or Uber. This shift aligns with current industry standards, as most major tour companies have already moved to having travelers arrange their own arrival transfers. Like our industry peers, we’ve found this to be the most practical solution for everyone involved. Rest assured, we will still provide a return transfer to the airport on the final day of the tour. As we get closer to the departure date, we’ll send you a form to collect your exact flight details, which we’ll need for coordinating both potential arrival transfers and your guaranteed departure transfer.
Meet Up With Group – On July 14, a time will be set to meet the group at the hotel for a briefing. More on this later.
One week out – Google weather in Churchill a week prior departure – should be in the 64° for a high and a low of 50°.
Travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, Downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry at home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get Global Entry.
Baggage – Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale. Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on. Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag. This is a simple trip to pack for with casual summer clothes to layer
Lazy Bear Lodge’s Must Have List
- 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
- Wind breaker/sweatshirt/fall jacket for possible cool days, waterproof jacket and pants
- Small waterproof bag or dry bag (to bring your items on the zodiac/boat)
- Hiking shoes or runners
- Thermal underclothing, a toque (a close-fitting hat covering your ears), mittens or gloves for the tours
- 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
Electric – Same as USA. Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. The property has hairdryers.
Money Matters – Always bring some cash! You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $200 cash should suffice. Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Amateur tourists may get currency in USA before they leave not knowing that they are losing at least 20%, no need for this. Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your PIN number when entering.
Master Card and Visa widely accepted. Amex rarely accepted. Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases. Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.)
- Currency Exchange Rate $1 = 1.40 CAD
Gratuities – please note that you need to bring $95 in cash in denominations of five and $10 to give to your GTL Salanda on day one. She will disperse gratuities as required throughout. Unlike other trips, on this one we are not collecting in advance. Discretionary tips help ensure a good relationship and the only thing we travelers leave behind is our reputation.
Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly. All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed. Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room. If you use a porter, please tip. For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff.
Communication – Internet is available. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad. Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate. Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.
Safety – Avoiding Hackers on Vacation. Thieves not only want your money but also your data. Change passwords often. Check device security settings before you leave for your trip. Back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data using a virtual VPN. Since 1989, your safety is our primary concern. Our local teams are experts, constantly monitoring any issues with your destinations. They can access real-time safety issues and will keep us informed if necessary.
Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask. Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame!
Websites of Interest:
For official tourism information about Churchill, Canada, you can visit:
– Explore Churchill: This is the official tourism website for the town of Churchill. It provides comprehensive information on attractions, activities (including polar bear and beluga tours), accommodations, and travel tips. Link: https://www.explorechurchill.com
Chewing – Here are the top three iconic Canadian foods:
- Poutine: A dish from Quebec featuring fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
- Butter Tarts: A classic Canadian dessert made with a flaky pastry shell filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs.
- Maple Syrup: Canada produces a significant portion of the world’s pure maple syrup, commonly used as a sweetener for pancakes and waffles.
Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel. If you’re going early and we used to stay in the same hotel, the best price independently you can find is on the hotels website.
Roommates – Single supplements have significantly increased in price– if available at all. Save money and buy yourself an awesome local gift. We all live alone, but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching. 99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night. The best option is to invite a friend. Note, kindness begets kindness. Many of our seasoned travelers bring headsets to drown out any excess noise. We share rooms only to sleep at night. Please understand if the AFS room list ends up with unbalanced gender, and forces a single room, we will offer it to all in group. If all decline, we split the added forced cost single room. If you were the last to book we may have to remove you from the trip unless you share in the supplement cost.
Optionals – We will offer two optional tours for you. Full details will be sent, and we’ll get a headcount later. 1. Kayaking with whales, 200 Canadian, around $140 US or 2. Beluga Aqua Gliding at 260 Canadian, around $185 US
Amending tour pre-or post-trip – We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination. If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc. Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip. Please understand that we are a group tour organizer and do not have the time or resources sources to arrange private vacations for individuals.
Private Facebook Group Page – The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour. The link can be found in your WeTravel welcome letter after your initial deposit. (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)
Emergency Contact –AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/ More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.
Cancellation Policy – At Adventures For Solo Travelers (AFS), we understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may require you to cancel your tour. We have established the following cancellation policy to provide clarity and fairness to all our travelers; thus keeping in line with other tour operators and global suppliers today. See website for details
Travel Insurance – While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation. Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com. CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) covers most things but expensive. Note that no company covers for fear.
- Preexisting conditions – If you would like the security of travel insurance and have a pre-existing condition (elderly parent, medical, etc.), you must purchase insurance within 15 days from your initial trip deposit in order to assure full coverage. The trip cost can be amended or adjusted as needed after your initial purchase (eg. like adding an air ticket cost later). You can buy travel insurance at any time, just know that there may be some possible limitations if purchased outside the 15 day period. We like TravelSafe, Allianz or Seven Corners.
- Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online
AFS Group Etiquette –When you’re happy, we’re happy. Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur.
- Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups of travel lovers, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel. In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK: Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.
Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit. If you have a problem during a trip, talk to your trip leader. If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience. Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude. Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness. Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.
Pricing
Deposit: $500 (after Aug 1, 2025, this is non-refundable). 50% balance due Jan 15, 2026, final due May 5, 2026
LAND PRICE: Early bird rate…$6495 per person, twin share (9065 CAD$). After Oct 1, the price will be $6695 according to the terms of the lodge.
Includes GST, PFT Canadian taxes subject to change until final payment for group ($524 in total tax).
Pre-paid gratuities of around $100 will be added to the invoice later, as it depends on group size. We have determined that $95 per person is the optimum amount and this has been added to everyone’s invoice.
The USD price is determined using Canadian prices that may be subject to currency fluctuations until final payment. Based on a minimum of 20 participants. Please note: The July 8, 2025 trip is priced based on an exchange rate of $1 USD = 1.40 CAD. We reserve the right to adjust pricing if there are significant fluctuations in the exchange rate. We anticipate 18 to 20 participants. Under 17, there may not be an AFS GTL accompanying you, but you’ll be in great hands with our local experts. Single supplements are extremely limited. Text 770-432-8225 your name for pricing for a Churchill single room, if available.
Includes: four nights accommodation at Lazy Bear Lodge. Two nights’ accommodation in Winnipeg. Round-trip airfare from Winnipeg to Churchill. 6 to 8 hour tour Hudson Bay coastal tour by boat to view polar bears. 3 to 4 hour summer tundra tour. 3 hour zodiac tour to see friendly belugas and the Prince of Wales Fort. 3 hour Churchill heritage tour of the Churchill area including Cape Merry. Breakfast included each morning. Lunch and dinner are included each day at Lazy Bear Lodge. Naturalist guide services. Courtesy shuttle in Churchill between airport and lodge upon arrival and departure.
Not included- International air from USA.
Please understand that nature and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead, and things can change. Modifications may be made. All rooms are run of house.