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BEGINS IN: CHURCHILL, MANITOBA

Lords of the North: Ecology of Hudson Bay's Polar Bears

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Program #6290RJ

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8 Days | 7 Nights
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Oct 23 — Oct 30, 2013

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Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: This full-service hotel is located in downtown Winnipeg near Centennial Concert Hall, The Forks, MTS Centre and the Winnipeg Convention Center. With exemplary service, thoughtful amenities and a prime location, Humphry Inn & Suites has you covered for superior hotel accommodations in Winnipeg.

Contact info:
260 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A9 Canada
phone: 877-486-7479
web: www.humphryinn.com/

Room amenities: Workspace with desk, office chair and phone and high-speed Internet access. Coffeemakers with complimentary coffee and tea, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and cable TV. Microwaves and refrigerators in every room.

Facility amenities: Heated indoor salt water pool, large whirlpool spa and steam room, fitness center, gift shop & convenience store. Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access and complimentary newspaper. The facility offers a 24-hour business center with computer, printer, copy and fax services; a 24-hour lobby coffee bar and 24-hour laundry facility.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Contact hotel for rates
Contact hotel directly for current rates and availability.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day One: Wednesday, October 23 - Independent Arrivals/Introductions 
Afternoon: ARRIVALS: Arrivals and independent transfers to the program hotel. Please note that rooms are usually available in mid afternoon.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.

Lodging: Humphry Inn & Suites

Meals Included: Dinner
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Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: This full-service hotel is located in downtown Winnipeg near Centennial Concert Hall, The Forks, MTS Centre and the Winnipeg Convention Center. With exemplary service, thoughtful amenities and a prime location, Humphry Inn & Suites has you covered for superior hotel accommodations in Winnipeg.

Contact info:
260 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A9 Canada
phone: 877-486-7479
web: www.humphryinn.com/

Room amenities: Workspace with desk, office chair and phone and high-speed Internet access. Coffeemakers with complimentary coffee and tea, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and cable TV. Microwaves and refrigerators in every room.

Facility amenities: Heated indoor salt water pool, large whirlpool spa and steam room, fitness center, gift shop & convenience store. Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access and complimentary newspaper. The facility offers a 24-hour business center with computer, printer, copy and fax services; a 24-hour lobby coffee bar and 24-hour laundry facility.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Contact hotel for rates
Contact hotel directly for current rates and availability.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Two: Thursday, October 24 - Manitoba Museum/Canadian Museum for Human Rights 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Manitoba Museum. Visit the Manitoba Museum for an in-depth study of the region's natural history and an introduction to the vast subarctic region of Northern Manitoba. Exhibits will illustrate important clues for our future, especially about the effects of climate change and how our native plant and animal species will respond to a new environment.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Canadian Museum for Human Rights. See the state-of-the-art design of the new Museum followed by an architectural tour of the Museum grounds. The Museum will be a powerful symbol of Canada's unwavering commitment to recognizing, promoting, and celebrating human rights. It will be the largest human rights center in the world, an international symbol that will celebrate Canada as a country that is now one of the most inclusive and understanding in the world. The Museum will examine world events and encourage action and vigilance around the globe. It will be grounded in the Canadian experience from our social history to Aboriginal concepts of peace and justice and the enshrinement of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms into our Constitution. Participants will also learn about the Inuit experience and the Inuit Land Claims Agreement in the North.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Humphry Inn & Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Field Station

 Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students. The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures. Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Contact info:
1 Launch Road
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Canada
phone: 204-675-2307
web: www.churchillscience.ca

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season. Rooms are gender specific, although husbands and wives can sometimes be accommodated in one room during slow periods.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria. SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Separate female and male washrooms are equipped with toilets, sinks, and private showers.

Day Three: Friday, October 25 - International Polar Bear Conservation Centre/Flight to... 
International Polar Bear Conservation Centre/Flight to Churchill/Introduction to Polar Bears

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION and FIELD TRIP: International Polar Bear Conservation Center (IPBCC). Meet a representative from the IPBCC who will discuss the new International Polar Bear Conservation Center and the Journey to Churchill exhibit that is currently under development. As the sea ice continues to diminish, scientists anticipate an increased number of polar bears in need of help. Hear about how the Centre is preparing for the challenges ahead and the unique and invaluable role it will play in establishing and coordinating polar bear rescue efforts. This role includes transitioning orphan polar bear cubs to life as animal ambassadors, actively participating in education of visitors to polar bears and polar bear conservation, and conducting research that assists in the conservation of polar bears in the wild. The IPBCC and Journey to Churchill are world class developments that will bring together researchers and the public towards the common goal of maintaining healthy Arctic ecosystems.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: FLIGHT TO CHURCHILL & CHECK-IN: Arrive in Churchill during the late afternoon. Check-in to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre followed by a group safety briefing and orientation.

Afternoon: ORIENTATION: Enjoy an interpretive walk around the property and an orientation of the building and a natural history video before dinner.

Dinner: Dinner at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Evening: PRESENTATION: Polar Bears. The evening program begins at 7:30 p.m. with a welcome and an introductory lecture on polar bears. Learn about the polar bear population in Churchill, polar marine ecology, and marine mammals. Hear about research and studies of the population of polar bears in western Hudson Bay in relation to climatic change.

Lodging: Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Field Station

 Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students. The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures. Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Contact info:
1 Launch Road
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Canada
phone: 204-675-2307
web: www.churchillscience.ca

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season. Rooms are gender specific, although husbands and wives can sometimes be accommodated in one room during slow periods.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria. SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Separate female and male washrooms are equipped with toilets, sinks, and private showers.

Day Four: Saturday, October 26 - Polar Bear Viewing/Brown Bears 
Breakfast: Breakfast at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Polar Bear Viewing. Travel out onto the tundra to view polar bears from specially designed tundra vehicles - the trip is six hours in duration. The vehicle is pretty large, so when it is not moving there is enough space to walk around and go on the back deck to take pictures. We will have our lunch on board with hot cocoa and coffee and there are washroom facilities on board.

Lunch: Lunch onboard the Tundra Vehicle.

Afternoon: Polar bear viewing continues during the afternoon.

Dinner: Dinner at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Evening: PRESENTATION: Brown Bears. Enjoy an evening lecture on brown bears (cousins to the polar bear).

Lodging: Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Field Station

 Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students. The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures. Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Contact info:
1 Launch Road
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Canada
phone: 204-675-2307
web: www.churchillscience.ca

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season. Rooms are gender specific, although husbands and wives can sometimes be accommodated in one room during slow periods.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria. SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Separate female and male washrooms are equipped with toilets, sinks, and private showers.

Day Five: Sunday, October 27 - Current Research/Dogsledding/Polar Bear Conservation Issues 
Breakfast: Breakfast at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Morning: PRESENTATION: This morning's talk highlights the current research at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Lunch: Lunch at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Afternoon: EXCURSION: Dogsledding. Afternoon dogsledding excursion into the boreal forest. Dress warmly, moderate amount of walking/standing. Warming hut and outhouse on site.

Dinner: Dinner at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Evening: PRESENTATION: Polar Bear Conservation Issues. This evening's lecture focusses on polar bear conservation issues.

Lodging: Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Field Station

 Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students. The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures. Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Contact info:
1 Launch Road
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Canada
phone: 204-675-2307
web: www.churchillscience.ca

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season. Rooms are gender specific, although husbands and wives can sometimes be accommodated in one room during slow periods.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria. SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Separate female and male washrooms are equipped with toilets, sinks, and private showers.

Day Six: Monday, October 28 - Polar Bear Viewing/Aboriginal Heritage 
Breakfast: Breakfast at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Polar Bear Viewing. Another fun-filled day of polar bear viewing on the tundra.

Lunch: Lunch on the Tundra Vehicle.

Afternoon: Field trip continues - polar bear viewing and interpretation on habitats, species behavior and conservation issues.

Dinner: Dinner at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Evening: PRESENTATION: Aboriginal Heritage. This evening's lecture is by a local aboriginal elder.

Lodging: Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Field Station

 Description: Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment rentals, and logistical support to scientific researchers working on a diverse range of topics of interest to northern science. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students. The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures. Active biological research station. Polar bear resistant facility with window bars and security lighting.

Contact info:
1 Launch Road
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Canada
phone: 204-675-2307
web: www.churchillscience.ca

Room amenities: Each room accommodates up to four guests in two bunk beds (upper and lower). Guests with mobility concerns may request a lower bunk. There is individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves and individual reading lamps. The dorm is often filled to capacity during the summer research season and the fall polar bear season. Rooms are gender specific, although husbands and wives can sometimes be accommodated in one room during slow periods.

Facility amenities: The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. Bunk-bed dormitories with two to four guests per room, shared washrooms (separated by gender) with private showers. High-speed internet, fitness room, gift shop and library. Clean, modern facilities in a new state-of-the-art green building. Scenic views from all rooms. Second floor outdoor deck for safely watching wildlife and northern lights. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with guests and visiting scientists in the on-site cafeteria. SPECIAL MEALS NOTE: Gluten free and most other special dietary requests can be accommodated at the CNSC with advance notice.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Separate female and male washrooms are equipped with toilets, sinks, and private showers.

Day Seven: Tuesday, October 29 - Town of Churchill/Eskimo Museum/Farewell Social 
Breakfast: Breakfast at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Town of Churchill. Travel by bus in and around the town of Churchill for an area visit. Watch out for arctic foxes and arctic hares!

Lunch: Lunch in the town of Churchill at participants' own expense. The cost is approximately $10-15 USD.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Eskimo Museum & Interpretive Site. Spend the afternoon in Churchill, Manitoba - Polar Bear Capital of the World. Visit the Eskimo museum, home to one of the oldest and most comprehensive collection of Inuit artifacts and sculpture in Canada. The Museum is dedicated to advancing knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Northern culture and history with an emphasis on the Canadian Inuit.

Dinner: Dinner at Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Evening: PRESENTATION: Lively group discussion on polar bears and their challenges for the future. FAREWELL EVENING: Farewell festivities to follow feature wine and traditional food tasting including arctic char, caribou and homemade bannock served with locally made jams and jellies.

Lodging: Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Eight: Wednesday, October 30 - Flight to Winnipeg/Independent Departures 
Breakfast: Breakfast at Churchill Northern Studies Centre. Optional walk and video prior to departing for the airport for our flight back to Winnipeg.

Morning: FLIGHT TO WINNIPEG: Our flight back to Winnipeg leaves Churchill at 11:00 a.m. Approximate arrival time at Winnipeg International Airport is 2:00 p.m. Independent departures from Winnipeg.

Meals Included: Breakfast
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•7 nights of accommodations
•19 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
•7 Expert-led lectures
•8 Field trips
•2 Flights during the program
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