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Manitoba

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

Program No. 6290RJ
Learn about the ecosystems of Hudson Bay from a polar bear expert, enjoying lectures and seeing unique Arctic species in their natural habitat.

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At a Glance

As autumn fades, the polar bears of Hudson Bay gather to await the sea ice that signals winter’s return. Alongside a leading authority on this precious population, journey onto the tundra aboard specially fitted vehicles to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Lectures, field trips and museum visits will help you understand not only the life of the polar bear, but also the challenges of global climate change, local conservation issues and the future of the arctic ecosystem.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on frozen terrain.

What You'll Learn

  • Take part in a dog sled adventure and observe Arctic fox, snowy owl, and other Arctic species.
  • Examine research and conservation efforts conducted by the new International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.
  • Go behind the scenes at the Manitoba Museum to view pieces from the Inuit collection and discover the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

General Notes

This program stays in unique accommodations. Be sure to review the Lodging description for the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. If you enroll in a Single room, it is only available for the two hotels in Winnipeg but not in Churchill.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Martyn Obbard
Dr. Martyn Obbard is a research scientist for the Canadian government and a professor of environmental and life sciences at Trent University. He has spent much of his career studying the effect of sea ice distribution and duration and its effect on polar bears. His current project includes researching polar bear populations including the Southern Hudson Bay, one of the most southerly polar bear populations in the world. Dr. Obbard remains active with the International Union for Conservation of Nature polar bear specialist group.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Martyn Obbard
Martyn Obbard View biography
Dr. Martyn Obbard is a research scientist for the Canadian government and a professor of environmental and life sciences at Trent University. He has spent much of his career studying the effect of sea ice distribution and duration and its effect on polar bears. His current project includes researching polar bear populations including the Southern Hudson Bay, one of the most southerly polar bear populations in the world. Dr. Obbard remains active with the International Union for Conservation of Nature polar bear specialist group.
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Meals
21 Meals
8 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
  • Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
  • Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024
  • Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
2 nights
Winnipeg
One of the city's most recognizable structures and a national historic site, The Fort Garry has defined the Winnipeg skyline for over 100 years. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway decided to build The Fort Garry when it completed the link between its east and west lines. Since 1913, this former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway hotel has stood as a symbol of Winnipeg's importance as a North American transportation hub and of the prairie city's affinity for old world elegance. Hotel amenities include valet parking, 24-hour room service, concierge service, bell service, a business centre, complimentary laptops for Internet access at the front desk, a fully equipped fitness center with indoor pool, whirlpool, jogging track, and steam room, Ten Spa, and Yoga Classes. The Gallery & Gift Shop is open around the clock for confectionaries and grab-n-go snacks, while the Palm Lounge is the place to relax with live jazz nightly and light culinary fare. Each of our guest rooms feature 10-foot ceilings with Turkish cotton towels and bathrobes; fine Italian linens, a feather mattress, down duvets and pillows and deluxe beauty products. Enjoy complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and free local calls; 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, and cookie delivery to your room or suite! Other amenities include a daily national newspaper, individual climate control, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, alarm clock, and Evian water.
5 nights
Churchill
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 facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the 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. The Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. The facility is Polar bear resistant with window bars and security lighting.
1 night
Winnipeg
The Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport is situated moments from Winnipeg's vibrant Polo Park shopping mall.
2 nights
Winnipeg
One of the city's most recognizable structures and a national historic site, The Fort Garry has defined the Winnipeg skyline for over 100 years. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway decided to build The Fort Garry when it completed the link between its east and west lines. Since 1913, this former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway hotel has stood as a symbol of Winnipeg's importance as a North American transportation hub and of the prairie city's affinity for old world elegance. Hotel amenities include valet parking, 24-hour room service, concierge service, bell service, a business centre, complimentary laptops for Internet access at the front desk, a fully equipped fitness center with indoor pool, whirlpool, jogging track, and steam room, Ten Spa, and Yoga Classes. The Gallery & Gift Shop is open around the clock for confectionaries and grab-n-go snacks, while the Palm Lounge is the place to relax with live jazz nightly and light culinary fare. Each of our guest rooms feature 10-foot ceilings with Turkish cotton towels and bathrobes; fine Italian linens, a feather mattress, down duvets and pillows and deluxe beauty products. Enjoy complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and free local calls; 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, and cookie delivery to your room or suite! Other amenities include a daily national newspaper, individual climate control, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, alarm clock, and Evian water.
5 nights
Churchill
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 facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the 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. The Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. The facility is Polar bear resistant with window bars and security lighting.
1 night
Winnipeg
The Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport is situated moments from Winnipeg's vibrant Polo Park shopping mall.





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