Seal River Heritage Lodge

Seal River Heritage Lodge is located 65 kilometres north of Churchill, Manitoba. Built on the shores of Hudson Bay, near the Seal River estuary, it is home to some of the best whale and polar bear watching in the world.

The lodge is only accessible by float plane or helicopter, and has exclusive access to the surrounding wildlife. The Hudson Bay estuary, a short eight-kilometre boat ride from the lodge, is home to thousands of beluga whales in summer.

Once you are checked in to the lodge, you can take advantage of lovely sitting rooms, cosy fireplaces, expansive picture window and modern amenities. There will be other members enjoying the experience with you (maximum 16 guests).

You will be served full-service gourmet meals which are so good they have even produced their own cookbook; try almond crusted Arctic char or jalapeno goose breasts. The guides are all experts in their field, and include photographers, biologists and polar bear experts, with whom you won't just watch, you will learn.

The remoteness and complete lack of tourist traffic ensures that the wildlife is relaxed in your presence. There is also a viewing tower to take in the expansive tundra landscape and its wild inhabitants.

In the evenings you will have plenty of opportunities to relax around the fireplace, enjoy a glass of wine and recount your day's experiences with the other guests. Whilst the lodge is very remote, it has electricity for eight hours a day, and also uses natural gas and wood heat to keep you warm. There is a gift shop and a library, with wildlife information and maps. Many guests regard their stay here as life changing.

Polar bears can be seen in the Seal River area throughout much of the summer. The bears, like people, are interested in the belugas (though for slightly different reasons) and they've been seen attempting to hunt the whales from coastal rocks.

Polar bears are often found around Seal River Heritage Lodge — there is a theory that it might be the smell of the chef's cooking? Whatever the reason, you will undoubtedly be awestruck.

Belugas are among the friendliest of whales and are just as curious about people as people are about them. Together, this forms one of the most unique and thrilling wildlife experiences in the world.

OUR RATING: Simple