At Seal River Heritage Lodge with Churchill Wild, the journey is far more than an adventure—it’s an immersion into the raw beauty and mystery of the Arctic wilderness, where every day holds unexpected wonders. Waking up to the Aurora Borealis at 3 a.m. is a dream for many travelers, yet here it’s a reality. Moments later, with barely a few hours of sleep, we were again out on the viewing platforms as a young female polar bear wandered close, moving between the platforms, her impressive 600-pound frame backlit by the morning glow. It’s moments like these that highlight Churchill Wild’s commitment to sharing intimate encounters with wildlife while ensuring respectful, ethical viewing.
Our days on the tundra blur the lines between excitement and reverence. Seeing these bears on foot, each step taken in rubber boots over spongy moss and rocky paths, is a reminder of the natural power and unpredictability that defines the Arctic. As Jess, one of our incredible guides, likened it to a ‘Big 5’ safari in Africa, each sighting felt as rare and monumental—walking with polar bears through this raw landscape is a thrilling privilege few have ever experienced. The lodge’s remote location is central to Churchill Wild’s approach; surrounded by wilderness, we’re both visitors and guardians, maintaining a low footprint to preserve the land for generations.
Exploring Thule Point brought an unexpected journey back in time. The Thule people, ancestors of the modern Inuit, lived here until the 1400s, surviving Arctic winters with sophisticated tools and ingenuity. Our guide, Luke, showed us the ancient rock circles once used to anchor their tents against the winds, a glimpse into a time when survival depended on incredible adaptation. Standing on spongy peat and learning about the Thule’s toggling harpoon and hunting methods, we were reminded of the resilience these people had in a landscape where resources were scarce and the winters long. Today, seeing how these techniques transformed with the Inuit culture adds a depth of history to the Churchill experience.
Our adventures continued to the water, where the thrill of a zodiac boat ride through Hudson Bay provided another unforgettable perspective. With thousands of belugas around, their melodic songs streamed through our hydrophone, creating an atmosphere of pure Arctic magic. Capping off the day with an exhilarating plunge into Seal River, we took part in an ancient tradition, reminiscent of the cold-water immersions of Scandinavian and Russian cultures, believed to rejuvenate the body and mind. As we leapt into the water, the initial chill was invigorating, a true rite of passage that complemented our immersion in the wild.
Returning to Churchill, the gateway to the sub-Arctic, was a cultural contrast—a big little town where the Hudson’s Bay Company once launched the fur trade into Europe. Here, the history feels as rugged as the tundra itself, a place that endures through both its people and traditions. As our journey wound down, the juxtaposition of wilderness and history enriched our perspective, leaving us in awe of the Arctic’s fragile beauty and timeless allure.
At Seal River Heritage Lodge, the adventure never stops—day or night! We were awakened at 3am for an incredible Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing, and again at 7:15am to spot a female sub-adult polar bear close to the lodge. We watched for nearly three hours as she ambled near us from two of the outdoor viewing platforms with our experienced wildlife guides. Did you know that female polar bears average around 600 pounds but can reach up to 1,000 pounds? They generally live about 30 years and have two cubs every three years. This place truly captures the magic of the wild!
Took the ultimate Arctic plunge by jumping into Seal River from our zodiac with Jess and Shayna at the end of our boat trip after we saw all the Beluga Whales!! You can hear them singing through the hydrophone. Surprisingly, the water for our plunge wasn’t as icy as I expected—an exhilarating and refreshing experience that I’ll never forget. This tradition of cold-water immersion has roots in ancient Scandinavian and Russian cultures, where it was believed to boost health and resilience. Today, it’s a thrilling adventure and a rite of passage for many. Churchill Wild truly knows how to make every moment an adventure!
Walking alongside polar bears on a safari with Churchill Wild is an extraordinary experience that few have had the chance to do! Since 1994, Churchill Wild has pioneered this unique adventure, offering safaris from three remote lodges during a short season. In fact, only about 8,000 people have ever had the privilege to walk in the wild with these majestic creatures. Trekking in rubber boots across all types of terrain feels like scuba diving in a vast ocean—you never know what incredible wildlife you might encounter. Just like seeking out the Big 5 in Africa, there’s something truly awe-inspiring about walking near these apex predators in their natural habitat. It’s an adventure like no other, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.
Exploring Thule Point with Churchill Wild was a breathtaking adventure into Arctic history and nature! The Thule people, who migrated across the Arctic Bridge, used ingenious tools like the toggling harpoon for whaling and thrived here until the 1400s. Their hunting of bowhead whales diminished with the onset of the Little Ice Age, which made large whales scarce and led to the transition from Thule to Inuit culture.
We saw ancient rock circles that once anchored their fur-covered tents against the relentless Arctic winds, and walked on the spongy peat they used for insulation. Our guides, Luke and Jess, brought this ancient world to life with their insights, including Luke demonstrating the permafrost layer by reaching into a small pond. Imagining how the Thule survived such harsh conditions is truly awe-inspiring.
Experiencing the stunning sunset, Northern Lights, and sunrise at Seal River Heritage Lodge was absolutely breathtaking! From the vibrant colors of the sunset to the magical aurora borealis and the serene beauty of the sunrise, it was a travel experience like no other. Moments like these remind me why travel is the best!
Starting an incredible journey with Churchill Wild! Just left Winnipeg on Calm Air, heading to Seal River Heritage Lodge. From the Adventure Air caravan plane, I could already spot polar bears and hundreds of beluga whales—such an awe-inspiring sight! This trip is called “Birds, Bears, and Belugas,” and on day 1, I’ve already seen them all. I can’t wait to share more of this bucket list adventure with you!
Remembering an incredible morning at Seal River Heritage Lodge! From the dining room window, I had a front-row seat to a spectacular polar bear encounter. Two magnificent bears met right in front of the lodge—one wandered to the other side, giving us all a breathtaking show. Whether it’s watching from the porch, while enjoying breakfast, or on a boat safari, this place offers unparalleled views of these majestic creatures. Some days, you can spot them during a walk or even from the comfort of your table! Seal River Heritage Lodge truly is a special place, blending rustic luxury and wildlife in the most extraordinary way. I’m still in awe of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Leaving Seal River Heritage Lodge with Churchill Wild was the start of an epic journey back to Los Angeles—4 flights over 2 days from this remote, rustic lodge. Part 1: We took an ATV ride from the lodge to the landing strip, then a charter flight back to Churchill. The aerial views were incredible—we spotted polar bears, beluga whales, and even a wolf thanks to Jason, our sharp-eyed pilot. We also caught a glimpse of the Dymond Lake Ecolodge from above. What a way to start the journey home!
After our incredible adventures—walking safaris, zodiac boat rides, and time at the remote lodge—arriving in Churchill felt like stepping into a big little city. We took a car ride around town, and it was almost surreal to see other people besides our group!
Churchill, with its deep history as a trading post and military base, is fascinating. Established in 1717 by the Hudson’s Bay Company, it became a key hub for the fur trade, connecting European markets with the riches of the Arctic. Over the centuries, this small town has evolved, but it still holds onto its rugged, adventurous spirit. Exploring the town after being immersed in the wild was a perfect way to wrap up our journey. This bucket list trip has been beyond memorable!
READ MORE:
Birds, Bears, and Belugas Safari with Churchill Wild Seal River Lodge 2024
Walking with Polar Bears and Wolves at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge 2018
