AAA Arizona - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

A faint glow appears on the horizon. Slowly, soft curtains of colorful streamers dance and shimmer across the northern sky. The colors bend and weave and slowly begin to fade. The night sky darkens again. You have just witnessed a display of awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.

Journey to Churchill, Manitoba and experience this spectacular phenomenon first-hand. Churchill is one of the best places in Canada to witness the Northern Lights as it lies directly beneath the auroral oval - the circle of latitude where the northern lights occur more than 300 nights per year. Along with your fellow travelers (18 guests maximum) you’ll view the Aurora Borealis in its winter brilliance from the observation deck of a comfortable Tundra Buggy. Perfect for watching the Arctic sky, the buggies are spacious, heated and have onboard washroom facilities.

Even better, before setting out for evening viewing in Churchill, you’ll get photography tips on how best to capture images of the Northern Lights with your camera at a private photography workshop at Manitoba Museum’s planetarium in Winnipeg. Other highlights include a snowshoeing trek through the tundra, a dog sledding ride, learning about local wildlife and Inuit culture through interactive presentations, and visiting local attractions such as Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility and the Eskimo Museum, which houses one of Canada's finest collections of Inuit artifacts.

Price includes:
• 7 nights accommodations: 3 nights in Winnipeg and 4 nights in Churchill
• Daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
• Visits to Manitoba Museum and Planetarium (with photography workshop) and Eskimo Museum
• City tour of Churchill
• 4 nights of Northern Lights viewing from a Tundra Buggy
• Afternoon snowshoe trek through boreal forest
• Dog sledding ride hosted by a local resident and dog sledding expert
• Presentations on local wildlife and Inuit culture, including a “Way of the North” discussion on sustainable living with a First Nations elder
• Airport/hotel transfers in Churchill
• All Government and Provincial taxes (GST & PST)

Limitations and Restrictions *Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Single supplement may apply. Unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. 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. Fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement and vary by provider.

Note: Additional pre-tour and post-tour nights in Winnipeg can be added, subject to availability. Inquire at time of booking.

Day 1 - Arrive Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg and transfer on your own to check-in to your hotel. Later, enjoy a “Meet and Greet” event with your fellow travelers at the hotel’s lounge.
Accommodation: Inn at the Forks (or similar) - 2 nights

Day 2 - Winnipeg
Visit the Manitoba Museum and Planetarium and participate in an introductory photography clinic. Get tips on how to best capture the perfect images of the Northern Lights in a night setting with your own camera. Guests will also view award-winning dioramas and take part in an interactive program lead by Museum Interpreters that illustrates the traditional lifestyles of the Inuit people.

Day 3 - Winnipeg / Churchill
After breakfast, depart Winnipeg and fly to Churchill. Upon arrival, embark on a tour that includes a visit to the Eskimo Museum which houses one of Canada's finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and artifacts dating from pre-Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times. See and visit other local and historical points of interest surrounding Churchill, including such attractions as Cape Merry, Port of Churchill and Manitoba Conservation's Polar Bear Holding Facility. The evening Tundra Buggy tour for Northern Lights viewing will follow (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Tundra Inn (or similar) - 4 nights

Day 4 - Snowshoeing & Northern Lights
After breakfast, enjoy cultural presentations on the region’s history, people and environment. In the afternoon, embark on a snowshoeing trek through Churchill's boreal forest, tundra and marine ecosystems. The evening consists of viewing and photographing the Northern Lights (weather permitting) from the comfort of the Tundra Buggy.

Days 5 & 6 - Cultural Presentations / Dog Sledding Program / Northern Lights
Proceed to the Parks Canada Presentation Center after breakfast at the hotel. Here you will see films about the history, culture and wildlife in Churchill. Over the next two days, participate in daily activities involving local Inuit culture and wildlife presentations. Enjoy a dog sledding excursion hosted by a local resident and dog sledding expert. Meet the team of friendly dogs, hear stories, and learn dog handling techniques. Each night, enjoy extensive Northern Lights viewings (weather permitting) from a Tundra Buggy.

Day 7 - Churchill / Winnipeg
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Winnipeg.
Accommodation: Sheraton Four Points Hotel (or similar) - 1 night

Day 8 - Depart Winnipeg
Depart Winnipeg at your leisure.