Ride the rails to see the Whales
Round-trip from Winnipeg - 7 days - 6 nights group tour
July 2023 (Actual Dates TBD)
Round trip from Winnipeg, Manitoba travelling to Churchill, Manitoba by rail our guests on this trip will experience the heritage, amazing wildlife and culture of northern Manitoba. This 7 day 6 night tour features travel in sleeping accommodation on the train and 2 nights in Churchill’s only all amenity hotel. The tour highlights includes the Beluga Whale Watching, heritage tours of the town and area, visit to Fort Prince of Wales, Presentation on building the Port of Churchill Grain Elevator, Parks Canada restored train station Interpretive Centre, Cape Merry Historic Site, Eskimo Museum and additional experiences. There will also be a tour along the shore of Hudson Bay with a local heritage and wildlife guide and a birding expert to talk about the local bird population and watch for the rarely seen Ross Gull. Again, round trip on the train, guests will enjoy freshly prepared meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) inclusive of the tour. Package includes hotel stays, rail trips, transfers, Day Tours, Beluga Boat Tour, heritage attractions and cultural presentations, most meals, detailed tour information kit and more as follows.
WHAT THE TOUR INCLUDES:
Day 1
Mid-morning we will meet at Winnipeg's Union Station to check our bags prior to boarding and our scheduled departure from Winnipeg on VIA’s train WINNIPEG TO CHURCHILL TRAIN that is also locally known as the HUDSON BAY. Onboard our guests will enjoy a Bon Voyage reception and enjoy the passing scenery of the prairies, Riding Mountain National Park, stunning prairie vistas and also travel thought the aptly named communities like Grandview, Mb. Guest will enjoy lunch and dinner onboard the train and overnight in the sleeping car accommodation you booked as part of the tour.
Day 2
This morning awake to different views of boreal forests continuing north through isolated communities only accessible by this train. Make sure you have your camera ready as the train passes bird sanctuaries and large lakes and vast forests along the way. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be prepared and enjoyed on the train. There will also be heritage discussions and presentations onboard the train for the group. There may even be some time to stretch your legs in Thompson Manitoba where we have planned a tour of this Northern City and a visit to the Heritage North Museum here before returning to the train and our journey North.. Overnight again on the train.
Day 3
This morning the view outside your window on the train has changed again as you overlook the Tundra as you get closer to the shores of Hudson Bay. Arrive in Churchill to be greeted and taken on a special tour of the town and Arctic Coast region (and your luggage will be transferred to your hotel) to learn the heritage of this unique northern community. Our guests will also enjoy a guided visit to the renowned Eskimo Museum to view their outstanding collection of Inuit carvings and other creations personally given by the museum's curator. This evening a special welcome dinner has been planned for the group to enjoy before those on the tour will overnight at the Churchill hotel looking after our group.
DAY 4
After enjoying a full breakfast in the hotel. A better part of the morning will be enjoying the boat tour on the Churchill River to view the Beluga Whales and the opposite shoreline walk (with excellent Parks Canada interpreters) to see the Fort Prince of Wales NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE before returning to town. There will also be time to visit the restored railway station and Parks Canada Interpretive Centre for a planned presentation on the Fur Trade and its connection to the area. Enjoy Dinner again as part of the package and again overnight in Churchill.
DAY 5
This morning again enjoy breakfast in the hotel then enjoy some free time in Churchill to shop the Gift Shops along Kelsey Avenue or take part in an optional dog sled tour. In the afternoon the group will tour the region and shoreline of Hudson Bay, with local residents passionate about their community, to learn more about the areas history and more wildlife viewing opportunities - including looking for the rarely seen Ross Gull. There will be a farewell to Churchill supper this evening prior to boarding and travelling south on VIA’s train locally known as the HUDSON BAY in your reserved sleeping car accommodation. Overnight on the train.
DAY 6
Travel day on the southbound train. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be prepared by the VIA Chef and enjoyed on the train. Make sure you have your camera ready as you cross high above the Nelson River among other sights enjoyed from the train. Overnight on the train
DAY 7
Awake this morning to the view outside your window of the fertile fields of the Red River valley. Both Breakfast and Lunch will be enjoyed on the train before the train's scheduled late afternoon arrival back in Winnipeg.
Pricing Details:
*** 2023 Pricing Coming Soon ***
CONTACT US to RESERVE your space by EMAIL or in North America call toll free 1-866-704-3528
Additional Notes:
- A $250.00 per person deposit is required to hold space and can be processed with Visa MasterCard.
- Early Bookings receive priority.
- Balance of tour cost to be paid approx. 46 days before departure.
- Price above is shown in Canadian Dollars prior to 5% GST.
- Minimum of 10 people must reserve so a guide can join the group.
- Additional pre-tour and post tour hotel stays in Winnipeg are recommended and we can book these at our partner hotel across the street from the train station.
- Not be responsible for late bookings if train or hotel space is sold out, highly recommend reserving early guaranteeing your travel dates.
- Complete itineraries and travel information kit featuring hotel check inn vouchers will not be sent in advance.
- Questions can be answered by emailing us or call toll free 1-866-704-3528.
Let our knowledge of Canada’s world renowned rail journey work for you. Those who reserve with us receive an industry leading detailed travel information kit with route guides, tickets, well located hotels, a variety of attractions, sights and activities, maps, travel info and more. Our detailed final itinerary has hints and suggestions for the benefit of your trip that we have learned over the years in our experience and listening to our customers. We look forward to sharing our passion for Canada by rail when you travel with us…