Thank you to Malina Saval and Pasadena Magazine for publishing my article, “Luxury Meets Wilderness on This Canadian Arctic Safari With Polar Bears and Beluga Whales: A Magical Arctic Safari Features Singing Beluga Whales and Playful Polar Bears” in the print May/June 2025 Summer Travel issue about my walking safari with polar bears with Churchill Wild.
There are few places on Earth where you can walk alongside polar bears, glide through waters filled with thousands of beluga whales, and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Arctic tundra. Churchill Wild offers exactly that—an extraordinary safari experience in the Canadian wilderness. It’s a place where luxury meets adventure in one of the most remote and breathtaking environments imaginable, an idyllic haven in which wilderness hums with life.
Churchill Wild is more than just a trip—it’s an experience that changes you. The untamed beauty, the deep respect for the land and its wildlife, and the rare privilege of stepping into the Arctic wilderness leave a lasting imprint.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting Churchill Wild twice, experiencing both the company’s Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge and Seal River Heritage Lodge. Each visit was a testament to the careful planning and deep respect for wildlife that define Churchill Wild’s expeditions. Unlike traditional Arctic tours that rely on vehicles to spot wildlife from a distance, Churchill Wild’s lodges offer something entirely unique: the opportunity to walk in the very same landscapes as polar bears, accompanied by expert guides who ensure safety while providing an unforgettable connection to nature.
At Seal River Heritage Lodge, the adventure began the moment I arrived. This remote eco-lodge, accessible only by bush plane, is perched on the edge of Hudson Bay, where the tundra meets the sea. Within hours of settling in, I was out on foot with our guides, spotting polar bears as they wandered along the shoreline, curiously sniffng the air in our direction.
There is nothing quite like standing in the open tundra with a polar bear just a few hundred feet away. The encounters are not rushed; they unfold naturally as the bears move through their environment. With experienced guides leading the way, every step is carefully considered, ensuring both safety and an unparalleled wildlife experience. Watching these magnificent creatures up close was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Churchill Wild’s expert guides ensure every interaction is both safe and unforgettable, reading the bears’ body language and maintaining a respectful distance. The experience is humbling—seeing these majestic animals amble across the landscape, powerful yet graceful, completely unbothered by our presence.
As if polar bears weren’t enough, Seal River offers another unforgettable spectacle: thousands of beluga whales congregating in the bay each summer. Boarding a Zodiac, I found myself surrounded by these playful, curious creatures, their white bodies gliding through the icy water. Some swam alongside us, while others rolled and breached as if putting on a private show. The belugas’ vocalizations—clicks, whistles, and chirps—create an underwater symphony that feels almost otherworldly.
Belugas are known for their vocal nature, and as the guide dipped a hydrophone into the water, I was greeted by an orchestra of sounds—almost as if they were speaking directly to us. Some swam right up to the boat, turning their heads to make eye contact, their curiosity as evident as our own. The experience was pure magic, a rare and intimate moment in nature that left me in awe.
Despite its remote location, Seal River Heritage Lodge offers a level of comfort that is both surprising and deeply appreciated. Gourmet meals, cozy accommodations, and warm hospitality make the lodge feel like an oasis in the Arctic wilderness. After a day of hiking and wildlife encounters, gathering around the fireplace with fellow travelers to share stories of the day’s adventures added to the sense of camaraderie and wonder.
Churchill Wild’s expeditions are about more than just wildlife sightings; they’re about experiencing the Arctic in a way that few people ever do. Walking safaris allow for a profound connection to the land and its inhabitants, while the lodge’s remote setting ensures a sense of solitude and exclusivity. Expert guides bring deep knowledge and passion, transforming every outing into an educational and thrilling experience.
For those seeking an adventure that combines luxury with the raw beauty of the Arctic, Churchill Wild offers an unparalleled opportunity. Whether it’s watching a polar bear roam the tundra, listening to the haunting songs of beluga whales, or trekking across the landscape with nothing but the sounds of nature around you, this is a journey that stays with you long after you’ve left.
CLICK here for the PDF of this article in Pasadena Magazine
READ MORE:
Birds, Bears, and Belugas Safari with Churchill Wild Seal River Lodge 2024
- VIDEOS: Churchill Wild Polar Bear Safari 2024 at Seal River Heritage Lodge Aug 8-17, 2024
- We Said Go Travel
- Polar Bear Encounters and Northern Wonders: Adventures with Churchill Wild
- Where the Wild Meets the Arctic: A Churchill Wild Safari Experience
- Soapstone and Stories: Uncovering Winnipeg’s Artistic and Cultural Heart
- Churchill Wild
- Reels and Reels of Polar Bears by Churchill Wild with Lisa’s videos from 2024 visit at Seal River Lodge
- The Magic of Nanuk. History, Memories and Photos by Churchill Wild
- “Lisa Ellen Niver, the founder of WeSaidGoTravel, also wrote a series of articles on walking with polar bears at Nanuk for different publications, after her visit. “
Walking with Polar Bears and Wolves at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge 2018
- USA Today 10Best: Clear your mind in these open spaces made for exploring
- HUFF POST PERSONAL: ‘My Octopus Teacher’ Was Mesmerizing But There’s 1 Thing That Deeply Troubled Me“When I was walking in the Canadian wilderness with tour operator Churchill Wild to see wolves and polar bears…“
- Ms. Magazine:
- We Said Go Travel
- Part One: Do You Want to Walk with Polar Bears? and on JJ
- Part Two: Are You Ready for an Adventure? Walk with Polar Bears & on JJ
- Part Three: How Do You Get To Churchill Wild? & on JJ
- Are You Ready to Discover Wonderful Winnipeg? and on JJ
- Tell Me More About Walking with Polar Bears
- VIDEOS: Nanuk Lodge Video Playlist
- Facebook album from Nanuk Lodge
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