AAA Arizona - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

Imagine observing first-hand one of nature's most fascinating events: Each fall, scores of polar bears gather before the winter freeze near Churchill, along the shores of Hudson Bay, to begin their annual hunt for seals. You'll soon come to realize that all the images you’ve seen in books, posters and on television don’t do these Lords of the Arctic justice.

Led by expert guides and naturalists, view polar bears from specially-equipped Polar Buggies during two day-long outings and one evening journey to the tundra. With no more than 15 people per 30-passenger buggy, everyone has window seats and plenty of room to store gear. Observe young males play-fight, mother bears cautiously exploring with their cubs at their sides, and solitary adults lumbering across the tundra. For nighttime viewings, you’ll also dine aboard the vehicle while you have a chance to see the northern lights shimmering above the bears.

In recent years, as your guide explains, polar bear numbers have declined largely because of habitat and climate change. Grateful to see them in the wild before Manitoba’s bear population slides toward extinction, you’ll want to grab your camera and capture images of these magnificent animals while you can. In fact, new for this tour in 2010 are five departures** with a special emphasis on learning to create stunning nature photography.

Price includes:
• 6 nights hotel accommodations: 2 nights in Winnipeg and 4 nights in Churchill
• Round-trip flights between Winnipeg and Churchill
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (Day 6 will be either lunch or dinner)
• Two days of daytime bear viewing and one nighttime bear viewing
• Services of a professional guide
• Evening presentations on wildlife and culture
• Full-day tour of Churchill
• All entrance fees, permits and parks fees
• Round-trip airport/hotel transfers within Canada
• Taxes and service charges

**Note: These specialized departures start from $5,095 per person. Ask your AAA Vacation Specialist for details about this exciting enhanced itinerary.

Limitations and Restrictions *Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Due to the event's "festive" environment, this tour is not recommended for children. Single supplement may apply. Unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement and vary by provider. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member benefit is per person and applies to first and second traveler only. Member benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or cancelled subject to the travel providers policies. Black out dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of publication, but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance.

Note: This tour is not advised for children.

Day 1 - Arrive in Winnipeg
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for an informal dinner and orientation at 7:00 p.m.
Accommodation: Fort Garry Hotel - 1 night

Day 2 - Winnipeg / Churchill
This morning, fly to Churchill. In the evening, enjoy a fascinating presentation on polar bears and their northern environs presented by one of the program leaders or scientists.
Accommodation: Churchill Hotel - 4 nights

Days 3 & 4 - Polar Bear Viewing
These two days will be spent on tundra vehicles (Polar Buggies) viewing bears and other wildlife. Travel from the hotel by coach to the staging area, where the specially designed tundra vehicles are stored. The program leader will begin the nature interpretation, telling you all about how these remarkable animals thrive in such a harsh environment. From the warmth and comfort of the vehicle (maximum 15 travelers in tundra vehicles that have a 30-passenger capacity ensures window seats and gear storage in comfort) you may see mothers and cubs as well as young adult males play-fighting. This interaction of the animals is fascinating and the tour leader will make sure you see as much as possible. Return to town late each afternoon. In the evenings, gather for an presentations on wildlife or local cultures.

Day 5 - Churchill Tour / Evening on the Tundra
Today, take a full-day tour of historic Churchill and then head out to the tundra in the evening for nighttime bear viewing and dinner on the vehicle. During our daytime exploration, you may have the opportunity to travel to Cape Merry where Arctic fox and Arctic hare tend to appear. When conditions are right, the nighttime tundra excursion provides one of the most exhilarating travel experiences possible - a rare chance to view the northern lights away from the glare of town. Amid the seclusion and darkness of the sub-arctic tundra, the lights begin as white streaks across the northern sky, then begin to dance and flicker in myriad of colors, creating a captivating natural light show.

Day 6 - Churchill / Winnipeg
Depending on flight schedules, we may have some free time this morning to explore Churchill and shop for Arctic souvenirs or to participate in an optional helicopter or dog sledding excursion** before returning to Winnipeg. Enjoy either a farewell lunch in Churchill or a final dinner together in Winnipeg.
**Note: Optional activities are at additional price.
Accommodation: Fort Garry Hotel - 1 night

Day 7 - Depart Winnipeg
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.