Canadian Arctic Polar Bear Discovery - Cruise & Land Journey: 22 days Winnipeg to Montreal

Welcome to Winnipeg, known as “Canada’s Gateway to the West”. Your journey of wonder begins with a relaxing and luxurious stay at the Fairmont hotel. In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome dinner.

Depart Winnipeg early in the morning for Churchill, a remote subarctic port town in northern Manitoba. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by our expert staff and transferred to a private charter for a one-hour flight to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, your home for the next three nights. Keep your camera ready during the journey - wildlife sightings are often common en route.

Once at the lodge, your hosts will provide a warm welcome. After lunch, you’ll receive a full orientation on staying in polar bear country before setting out on your first afternoon excursion along the coastline in search of the majestic “Great Ice Bear”.

Evenings at Nanuk are as memorable as the days. After returning from the tundra, relax with appetiser hour and indulge in one of our signature tundra-inspired dinners. The night may feature an engaging presentation from a knowledgeable local guide, deepening your understanding of the region’s wildlife and environment. On clear nights, you might even be treated to the breathtaking spectacle of the northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

Begin the morning with a hearty breakfast as your guide shares the day’s plan. If polar bears are spotted near the lodge, the schedule may shift to allow you to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments right outside your door. Afterward, choose to stay in the lodge or set out on an unforgettable excursion along the tidal flats and Hudson Bay shoreline, travelling by foot and specially outfitted all-terrain vehicles. With routes chosen according to conditions, you’ll have plenty of time to photograph polar bears in their natural environment, as well as other remarkable wildlife that inhabit this rugged coastal ecosystem.

As evening falls, return to the lodge for a warm meal and the chance to unwind by the fire.

Another delicious breakfast prepares you for the day’s excursions. This time, your journey may take you inland to explore the winding river deltas and vast beach ridges that define this untouched region. Wildlife photography opportunities abound, from possible polar bear sightings roaming the landscape to the delicate details of the tundra itself. For those who prefer a slower pace, staying close to the lodge offers equally rewarding chances to observe and photograph bears and other animals that frequent the surrounding wilderness.

In the evening, enjoy another of the lodge’s signature dinners before gathering for an engaging presentation led by your local guide. With luck, the aurora borealis may provide the perfect finale to your day.

Each day unfolds with new promise as your guide leads you through this untamed realm in specialized all-terrain vehicles designed to navigate the intricate maze of waterways along the southern Hudson Bay coastline. Here, polar bears share the stage with black bears emerging from forest shadows, wolves that can appear on a whim, and moose wading through channels rich with migratory birdlife. Every wildlife encounter happens at ground level, offering a perspective that transforms observation into intimacy.

As evening light paints the sky in impossible colours, return to the lodge’s welcoming embrace. Over delicious tundra-inspired cuisine inspired by the North, watch the wildlife through floor-to-ceiling windows. When darkness finally claims the sky, step onto the viewing deck where the aurora borealis might emerge one last time to dance above this convergence of worlds.

After a final hearty breakfast at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, bid farewell to this remote wilderness haven and board your air transfer back to Churchill. On arrival, enjoy a guided exploration of this unique northern town, gaining a sense of its character and polar bear heritage before heading to the wharf. Here, your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht awaits; step on board to a welcome glass of Champagne, settle into your spacious suite and join your fellow guests in the Scenic Lounge Bar for a toast to the Arctic adventures ahead.

Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill is famously known as the "polar bear capital of the world”. With its rugged streets and vast, sweeping landscapes, it offers a sense of being at the edge of the world. Surrounded by the untamed beauty of the northern wilderness, it’s the stark solitude and endless expanses that make this remarkable destination truly captivating.

In the evening, share your travel notes with your new friends over dinner in one of up to 10 all-inclusive culinary experiences on board your Scenic Discovery Yacht.

As your Scenic Discovery Yacht sails through Hudson Bay, start your day with a rejuvenating spa treatment# or a guided stretch in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio.

Whilst navigating its serene yet rugged waters, you might catch a glimpse of a beluga whale, Arctic seal or the elusive polar bear as they swim alongside the yacht, making for an unforgettable experience.

Join the evening recap, where your Discovery Leader will share exciting details about the upcoming days as your Scenic Discovery Yacht explores the Nunavut region.

Tonight, perhaps choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap delivered by your butler.

Where Hudson Strait meets the northeastern Hudson Bay, the remote Digges Islands rise with dramatic rocky cliffs, creating the perfect sanctuary for seabirds. This untamed wilderness is also home to thriving walrus colonies and the majestic polar bear. As we navigate the waters by Zodiac, we’ll keep watch for these incredible Arctic icons, always from a safe and respectful distance, but close enough for an unforgettable encounter

Scenic Discovery:
Weather permitting, embark on thrilling Zodiac excursions with the expert Discovery Team.

Cap Wolstenholme, a striking stretch of cliffs along Nunavik’s Hudson Strait, features a sheer, towering rampart on its western side. In summer, this dramatic headland transforms into a bustling nesting ground for swarms of thick-billed murres.

Sail on to Erik Cove, surrounded by towering cliffs and floating icebergs, presenting a strikingly pristine landscape. Watch for seals, whales and a wide variety of seabirds in this wildlife haven. There’s also the possibility of spotting polar bears in the distance.

Scenic Discovery:
Both destinations are perfect for exploring by Zodiac, offering access to unique ecosystems and opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife in their natural habitats. Subject to weather and local authorities’ approvals, you may have the opportunity to set out with the Discovery Team.

After a busy start to your Arctic journey, some relaxation could be on the menu today. Curl up with a book or your binoculars on the cabanas on Deck 10, join a Pilates class or guided stretching session in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio, or enjoy a long lunch with new friends at Azure Bar & Café.

Join engaging lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre and be captivated by the expertise and enthusiasm of the Discovery Team as they share their profound knowledge and passion for this region, offering invaluable insights and fostering a deeper connection to this extraordinary environment.

The Button Islands are known for their rugged, ice-covered terrain and vast wilderness, offering a rare glimpse into the untouched beauty of the Arctic. They are located in the southernmost part of Nunavut, Canada and is named after Sir Thomas Button, an English explorer who is best known for his Arctic expeditions in the early 17th-century. Their isolation makes them a sanctuary for wildlife, from seabirds to polar bears and marine mammals, making it a perfect destination for eco-tourism.

The Captain and Discovery Leader, weather permitting, will navigate you through these incredible landscapes, providing unique opportunities to explore and learn about some of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.

Located in northern Labrador, Saglek Fjord is the gateway to the breathtaking Torngat Mountains National Park, an untouched wilderness rich in Inuit history. Weather permitting, the Captain and Discovery Leader will navigate you through this remote landscape, offering unique opportunities to explore towering fjords, jagged peaks, and vast tundra, some of Canada’s most awe-inspiring and remote wilderness.

Start your day in ultimate comfort with breakfast delivered to your suite by your butler, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely morning as we sail through the vast and tranquil Arctic waters on our way to Rigolet, Newfoundland and Labrador. Take in the sweeping scenery of the open sea, where the horizon meets the untouched wilderness of this remarkable region.

Throughout the day, the Discovery Team will host engaging lectures on the region’s fascinating history, wildlife, and geography. Learn about the unique Arctic ecosystems, the Inuit culture, and the environmental challenges faced in preserving these remote landscapes.

As dusk falls, the hardest decision you have to make is which direction to wander. Elements is the main dining experience, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s Asian Fusion, which also comes with a Sushi & Saké Bar and private Night Market+ experience. Journey to France at Lumière+ complete with a champagne bar, or dine in the privacy of your suite, choosing from a comprehensive 24-hour menu.

Experience the charm of Rigolet, a picturesque town with a deep Inuit heritage on Labrador’s North coast. Engage with local artisans, learn about traditional craftsmanship. For wildlife lovers, this is a dream destination. Keep watch for wildlife, including whales and Arctic foxes, as you explore this fascinating region.

Nestled on Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony is a charming town with a rich maritime heritage. It served as the base for the Grenfell Mission, established in the early 20th century to provide medical services to remote communities. The town's coastal waters are renowned for whale watching opportunities, offering sightings of majestic marine mammals during their migratory seasons. Additionally, the nearby L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, a World Heritage-listed site, marks the only known Norse village in North America, dating back to around 1000 AD.

Welcome to St. John's, the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrated as North America's oldest city. Its downtown area is characterised by brightly coloured heritage buildings lining Water and Duckworth Streets, housing an array of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. A visit to Signal Hill National Historic Site offers panoramic views of the city and harbour. This historic landmark is where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.

Once back on board, pause for a barista-made coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges, or curl up with a book in the Observation Lounge library as the views unfold outside. Later tonight, settle into the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to savour your preferred nightcap, from one of over 130 aged whiskeys to a carefully selected glass of wine.

Just 25 kilometres off the coast of Canada, the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago offers a unique slice of France in North America. The colourful houses evoke a Scandinavian charm, while the islands rich culture is waiting to be discovered through its quirky museums. This destination is a true haven for nature lovers, where you can endlessly explore the stunning landscapes that lie between land and sea, all whilst keeping an eye out for seals, humpback whales, and migratory birds.

After days of exploration, spend time relaxing in your spacious suite. A sea day on board your Scenic Discovery Yacht provides the perfect opportunity to relax, socialise with fellow guests and watch stunning environments pass by.

Visit the bridge, made accessible through the Captain’s open bridge policy. Guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of a Scenic Discovery Yacht.

Make sure you book a treatment# at the tranquil Senses Spa before your journey ends. Perhaps an ESPA facial or massage or an alternative therapy including Ayurvedic massage.

Baie-Comeau sits on the St. Lawrence River, where the water meets forested shoreline and open sky. The town offers broad river views and a calm, small-town atmosphere.

Surrounded by woods and rugged scenery, Baie-Comeau serves as a stepping stone into Québec’s Côte-Nord region. Strolling the waterfront or nearby trails, you can appreciate the quiet and the unspoiled character of this stretch of Canadian coast.

Check the Daily Wonder to join another engaging lecture with the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre, where experts bring the region’s wildlife, landscapes and history vividly to life.

Considered the cradle of French America, Québec City is a World Heritage-listed fortified city founded in 1608. Step through more than 400 years of history in its charming cobblestone Old Town set within gates, towers and ramparts complete with cannons.

Perched atop the headland inside is the century-old Chateau Frontenac, which now houses the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Frontenac hotel and Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral. The 425-metre wooden boardwalk Dufferin Terrace, which is frequented by street entertainers, has views over St Lawrence River and the Lower Town.

Your Expediton Voyage ends today in Montréal. Savour one last sumptuous breakfast on board your ultra-luxury 6-star Scenic Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew and new friends who have shared this remarkable journey with you. As you disembark, know you have created unforgettable memories.

Please book your flight to depart out of Montreal after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions.
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.

Helicopter not in operation in Canada.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.