The Birds, Bears, and Belugas Safari with Churchill Wild is a rare and incredible opportunity, with only around 8,000 adventurers having experienced this breathtaking walking safari in over 33 years. Nestled at the Seal River Heritage Lodge, our journey brought us face-to-face with Hudson Bay’s extraordinary wildlife, including polar bears, beluga whales, and a diverse array of birds—all under the expert guidance of Churchill Wild’s ethical wildlife viewing principles.
Our days often began with sightings that seemed surreal. One morning, while enjoying breakfast, we looked up to see a polar bear wandering across the rocks just outside the dining room window. Walking safaris here are a signature Churchill Wild experience, allowing us to explore on foot, led by guides who emphasize respectful distances, minimal impact, and sustainable practices. Wearing the sturdy rubber boots Churchill Wild provided, we trekked through the tundra in single file, moving quietly to observe these majestic creatures without disturbing them.
A highlight of the trip was spotting a mother polar bear and her two cubs at the mouth of the Seal River. The family strolled across the rocks, taking occasional dips to cool off—a magical sight that underscored the beauty and power of these Arctic giants. On another day, from the zodiac, we marveled at the sheer number of beluga whales swimming and playing in Hudson Bay, their calls echoing through the water. Known as the ‘canaries of the sea,’ belugas gather here in the tens of thousands each summer, making Hudson Bay one of the best places in the world to witness these vocal, social animals.
Our guides—Jess, Luke, and Terry—were an essential part of this experience, sharing their expertise and passion for the wildlife and landscape. They led us on day trips out to spots like Jack’s Cabin by ATV, where we picnicked and spotted enormous polar bear tracks and even an arctic hare. Their keen eyes made each outing special, with new sights each day, whether from the lodge windows, during a peaceful hike, or from a zodiac out on the water.
With Churchill Wild, every day felt like a gift from nature. The remote location, extraordinary wildlife, and commitment to responsible tourism made this journey unforgettable—a unique blend of adventure, learning, and awe in one of the world’s last true wildernesses.
We were walking and hoping to see polar bears in their natural environment, guided by Churchill Wild‘s commitment to ethical wildlife viewing. Traveling on foot, we maintained a respectful distance, minimized noise, and ensured no impact on the bears—no drones, never feeding wildlife, and green operations all the way. Wearing the rubber boots provided by Churchill Wild, we navigated the uneven, changing terrain in single file through this beautiful area. In August, a bug net hat or jacket is a must! It was incredible to be in the wild with the polar bears and see their tracks up close.
An unforgettable sight at the mouth of the Seal River—watching a polar bear mom with her two cubs walking across the rocks! We also saw them swimming, cooling off in the water and just being their adorable selves. Moments like these make you truly appreciate the wild beauty of nature. Terry, one of our three incredible guides, spotted them while we were watching an enormous number of beluga whales from our zodiac boat adventure. Birds, Bears, and Belugas safari at Seal River Heritage Lodge.
Had an absolutely magical experience watching this mother polar bear and her two cubs on the rocks in Seal River from our zodiac boat, right after seeing thousands of beluga whales! Our two zodiacs were the only boats in the water, making the experience even more special and serene. Churchill Wild truly offers something unforgettable!
Polar bears everywhere! One morning at Seal River Heritage Lodge, we watched a polar bear stroll over the rocks right outside the dining room window during breakfast. You never know when you’ll get that thrilling knock on your door—‘There’s a bear in the lobby!’ or ‘Wake up to see the Northern Lights!’ This exclusive remote lodge offers so many incredible viewing opportunities. Every day brings something new, whether on our walks from the lodge or from the water on the zodiacs. Being up close with these apex predators is beyond awesome!
I absolutely loved our walking safari with the polar bears at Seal River Heritage Lodge with Churchill Wild! Our three incredible guides—Jess, Luke, and Terry—made this experience unforgettable. The lodge is wonderful, the food is fantastic, and the team is exceptional. We saw so many polar bears in so many different settings! On this day, we explored all around the lodge, spotting polar bears in the tall grass, along the riverbed, and across diverse landscapes. And yes, we finally learned the answer to the classic question, ‘Why did the polar bear cross the road?’
Did you know there are around 100,000 beluga whales on our planet? Every summer, 25-50% of them gather in Hudson Bay, making it one of the best places to see these incredible creatures. Belugas can be found in five countries: Canada, Greenland/Denmark, Svalbard/Norway, Alaska/USA, and Russia. These 14-foot-long, white whales are often called the ‘canaries of the sea’ because of their vocalizations. We were lucky enough to witness thousands of them swimming by, playing, and hear their beautiful sounds through a hydrophone. It’s truly an unforgettable experience!
Had an awesome full-day touring adventure from Seal River Lodge by ATV out to Jack’s Cabin! We enjoyed a picnic, spotted giant polar bear tracks, and even saw an arctic hare. We followed our formation for viewing and saw a polar bear in the distance—got some great photos! Some days we walk from the lodge, others we’re on the zodiac boat, and this day was all about the ATV. Such a fun day filled with adventure and new friends. Our talented guides made the experience unforgettable—just the best!
READ MORE:
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