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Located on the Hudson Bay coast, 250 kilometres from Churchill, this lodge offers unparalleled access to polar bears, wolves, moose and other wildlife. You’ll stay in cosy cabins with en suite bathrooms, and enjoy hearty meals in the main lodge. You’ll also have the chance to explore the stunning landscape on foot or by 4×4, accompanied by expert guides. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
What sets Nanuk apart from other polar bear lodges is its location. It’s situated in an uninhabited area twice the size of Switzerland, where wildlife is largely undisturbed by humans. This means you can get closer to the animals and observe their natural behaviour. You’ll also have the opportunity to see different types of polar bears, from mothers with cubs to large males. And unlike other lodges, Nanuk operates in both summer and autumn, giving you more flexibility and variety.
Nanuk is surrounded by the vast and rugged wilderness of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, a wetland that serves as part of the migration route for polar bears heading south. The lodge overlooks the tidal flats and plains of Hudson Bay, where polar bears congregate during the summer and early autumn. The area is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including wolves, black bears, moose, caribou and birds.
Nanuk is a rustic and comfortable lodge that blends in with its natural environment. The four heated cabins are spacious and cosy, with twin beds, en suite bathrooms and large windows. The main lodge has a fireplace, a library, a dining room and a lounge area where you can relax and share stories with other guests. The lodge also has viewing towers and platforms where you can watch wildlife from a safe distance.
Sustainability
Nanuk is committed to sustainability and conservation. The lodge uses solar power and generators for electricity, and recycles water and waste. The lodge also supports local communities by employing local staff and guides, and sourcing food locally. Nanuk is part of Churchill Wild, a family-owned company that has been operating polar bear safaris for over 25 years. Churchill Wild is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), and follows strict guidelines to minimise environmental impact and respect wildlife.
Nanuk strives to have a positive impact on the local community and empower them to protect their natural heritage. The lodge works closely with the York Factory First Nation, whose traditional territory encompasses the area where Nanuk is located. The lodge provides employment opportunities for local people, especially young people who are interested in becoming guides or wildlife monitors. The lodge also supports local initiatives such as the Polar Bear Alert Program, which aims to reduce human-bear conflicts and promote coexistence.
Rooms
Nanuk has four cabins that can accommodate up to 16 guests. Each cabin has two twin beds with duvets and pillows, an en suite bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, and a large window overlooking the bay. The cabins are heated by electric baseboard heaters and have ceiling fans for ventilation. The cabins are simple but comfortable, with wooden floors and walls, and rustic furniture.
Food and drink
The food at Nanuk is hearty and delicious, prepared by a professional chef using fresh and local ingredients. You’ll enjoy three meals a day in the dining room of the main lodge, where you’ll also find snacks and drinks throughout the day. The menu features dishes such as roast beef, salmon, chicken pot pie, pasta, salads, soups and desserts. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste some local delicacies such as bannock (a type of bread), caribou stew and Arctic char.
Things to do
The main activity at Nanuk is wildlife viewing, especially polar bears and wolves. You’ll have the chance to see them on foot or by 4x4, accompanied by expert guides who will share their knowledge and stories with you. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area, and visit some historical sites such as the York Factory National Historic Site, a former fur trading post. Depending on the season, you might also be able to see the northern lights, kayak with beluga whales, or go fishing.
Wider region
Nanuk is located in Manitoba, a province in central Canada that boasts diverse landscapes, rich culture and abundant wildlife. Manitoba is known as the “polar bear capital of the world”, as it hosts the largest concentration of polar bears in Hudson Bay. It’s also home to other iconic animals such as beluga whales, wolves, bison and birds. Manitoba has a vibrant history and heritage, influenced by its Indigenous peoples, European settlers and immigrants. You can explore its museums, art galleries, festivals and markets in its capital city Winnipeg or in smaller towns such as Churchill.
Kids
Nanuk is suitable for families with children aged 8 and above, who are interested in wildlife and nature. The lodge offers family-friendly activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking and fishing. The lodge also provides educational programs for children, such as presentations, games and crafts. The lodge has a family cabin that can accommodate up to four people, with two twin beds and a bunk bed.
Getting there
The easiest way to get to Nanuk is by flying to Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba. From there, you can take a charter flight to Churchill, a small town on the Hudson Bay coast. The flight takes about 2.5 hours and operates on specific dates. From Churchill, you’ll take another charter flight to Nanuk, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The flight offers spectacular views of the landscape and wildlife below.
- Wildlife protection or rescue
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Local or organic food
- Wildlife
- Snow or ice
- Restaurant
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Family
- Lodge
- Wildlife watching
