Canadian Shield Tours & Trips
Imagine experiencing true wilderness, from snowshoeing to lookouts, torch-lit broomball on frozen lakes, and a sauna after cold days. Head to Churchill and spot polar bears, enjoy Tundra Buggy, dog sledding through Manitoba, and peer at the Northern Lights glittering above. Check out Yellowknife’s frontier vibes, Itsanitaq Museum, ice roads, arctic char. Canada is calling!
Excellent
- Choose from 32 Canadian Shield tours
- 41 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- C
Christina • traveled in February
Absolutely one of the best winter experiences me and my husband have been on! While it may seem expensive to some, you absolutely get what you pay for and more. Remember, it's an experience! A rustic charming log cabin in the middle of nowhere, with the chance to detach from the world as we know it and step back in time a little. It has a huge fireplace which makes the place cosy and warm, charming decor, a great living and dining area, beautiful location, and a group of people who will make it a memorable stay. There is a wood-fired sauna to relax at the end of a long day. Our guides Mauricio and Laramie, and cook Sage, absolutely made it feel like a family. They were so friendly, knowledgable and super encouraging on some of the challenges the activities may present! The food was exceptional, all fresh, home-made and filling, we were never hungry, and there was always a freshly baked snack and hot chocolate or tea/coffee on hand to warm up! Everything was well organised from the pickup in Toronto, to the activities, to the bus back! First day was snow-shoeing, a beautiful 2hrs getting to know the area, and the downhil stretch was the most fun I've had in the snow since I was a kid!! The 2nd day was cross country skiing - having never skied before we were nervous but Mauricio taught us well and kept the moral up, even when it got hard! But it was such an acheivement and we loved every minute. The afternoon you have the option to do more of either activity and we took a short hike across the lake to an IGLOO/Ice hut - so cool! A few of the kids went down the luge! The evenings were always so wonderful, there were games, campfire stories, broomball if you fancy/its not too cold! The final day was the dog-sledding provided by an external company, however, it was super awesome! Mushing is hard work but super fun! All in all I couldn't recommend this enough and we will be back, perhaps with friends or for the canoeing trip/summer stay! Whether you're Canadian looking to see the best your country can offer, and experience something different, or if you're a tourist wanting to experience a true Canadian winter weekend - it's an absolute must! Thank you all, and thank you John, for creating a dream adventure for all to experience!
Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure - DL
Dominique • traveled in July, 2025
We were two Belgian families with no experience both with canoeing and camping, but our guide Mason ('amazing Mason') took us under his wings. It resulted in a great trip (good food, nice views and some adventure). Thanks a lot!
Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip - A
andrée • traveled in August
Very satisfied. Two small points that, although good, could be improved: 1. list of equipment sent beforehand was generic. Temperatures were in the the range of 25-27 and we were told to bring hat and gloves ! 2. Food at times was a problem especially lunch. Although we knew it was not included, finding where to buy and where to go in the evening for dinner was at times a challenge.
Arctic Summer Explorer | Road to the Arctic Sea
The best Canadian Shield tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCanadian Shield travel expert at TourRadar
- Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure
- Arctic Summer Explorer | Road to the Arctic Sea
- Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip
- Arctic Winter Explorer | Ice Road to the Arctic Sea
- Yellowknife and the Northern Lights
- Explore The Magical Auroras Of Yellowknife
- Northern Lights Photo Adventure in Churchill Manitoba
- Yellowknife Explorer: Culture by Day, Aurora by Night
- Beluga Whales in Churchill Manitoba
- Autumn Lodge Safari in Polar Bear Country
Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The activities were really fun but there's no forced participation. Sage cooked the most amazing food, I was eating veggie and it was all delicious.”
Jessica, traveled in March
The crystalline waters of Surprise Lake await in northwest Algonquin Park. Paddle past ancient rock formations at Otter Bay, and ascend to Lookout Bluff's panoramic vistas. Rustic log cabins provide comfort while expert guides share geological insights.
Duration 3 days Destinations Algonquin Provincial Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Voyageur Quest From
- NZ$906+$116 upfront costs
Arctic Summer Explorer | Road to the Arctic Sea
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Arctic Adventure was incredible for me. As a Canadian - the history, the First Nation communities, the scenery.”
Sandra, traveled in August
Gold Rush history comes alive on the route from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Pass Five Finger Rapids, try gold panning at Bonanza Creek, and step into historic sites including Jack London's cabin and Dredge #4. Frontier accommodations and expert historical interpretation included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Whitehorse, Dawson City, Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk Age Range Ages 7+ Operator Arctic Range Adventure From
- NZ$6,118
Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It resulted in a great trip (good food, nice views and some adventure).”
Dominique, traveled in June
Pristine waters of Algonquin Park's northwest corner beckon paddlers. Glide through hidden bogs spotting moose and herons, sleep under starlit skies, and master wilderness skills. Professional guides offer paddling instruction and prepare gourmet meals.
Duration 3 days Destinations Algonquin Provincial Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Voyageur Quest From
- NZ$856+$106 upfront costs
Arctic Winter Explorer | Ice Road to the Arctic Sea
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All I hoped for to travel by road from Whitehorse to Inuvik and on to the Arctic Ocean.”
PHYLLIS, traveled in February
Ancient landscapes stretch from Whitehorse to the Arctic Ocean. The Ogilvie Mountains, untouched during the last Ice Age, rise alongside traditional First Nations trading routes.
Duration 8 days Destinations Whitehorse, Dawson City, Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk Age Range Ages 7+ Operator Arctic Range Adventure From
- NZ$5,872
Yellowknife and the Northern Lights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Explorer Hotel was very good and a convenient location for pickups & some walking to downtown.”
Pamela, traveled in January
Aurora viewing from heated teepees at Aurora Village anchors this Yellowknife adventure. The Prince of Wales Heritage Centre, historic Oldtown district, and local delicacies at Bullocks Bistro fill days between nightly aurora watches.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yellowknife Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Landsby From
- NZ$1,991
Northern lights dance above Indian Hunting Tent Valley Camp in Yellowknife. Walk Big Slave Lake's shoreline, visit the historic Pilot Monument, and learn about Indigenous hunting traditions while taking in the northern landscape.
Duration 3 days Destinations Yellowknife Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $1,186
10% Off- NZ$1,067You save $119
Northern Lights Photo Adventure in Churchill Manitoba
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Well organized - everything worked great.”
Shelley, traveled in January
Northern lights illuminate this 8-day route from Winnipeg to Churchill. Manitoba Museum's Planetarium, traditional dog sledding at Wapusk Adventures, and gourmet dining under the aurora at Dan's Diner create unforgettable memories. Accommodations at Inn at the Forks included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Winnipeg, Churchill Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Frontiers North Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$11,295
Duration 4 days Destinations Yellowknife Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Landsby From
10% Off- NZ$1,423
Belugas breach in Churchill River during this summer expedition from Winnipeg. Wildlife viewing via Tundra Buggy© and visits to Prince of Wales Fort fill your days. Stays at Lakeview Signature Winnipeg and Churchill hotels include expert-guided experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Winnipeg, Churchill Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Frontiers North Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$11,362
Prestigious Hudson Bay lodges anchor this Manitoba wilderness experience. Guided safaris reveal polar bears, wolves, and caribou in their natural habitat. Charter flights showcase York Factory and pristine coastline, with comfortable lodging and gourmet meals.
Duration 11 days Destinations Winnipeg, Churchill Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- NZ$41,608
What our customers ask about Canadian Shield Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights during a general tour of the Canadian Shield Country Region?
The Canadian Shield Region contains natural wonders that draw visitors year-round. Algonquin Provincial Park features more than 2,400 lakes and abundant wildlife viewing spots. Churchill along Hudson Bay has earned its reputation as the polar bear capital while Yellowknife offers clear views of the Northern Lights. Visitors can stay at places like the Algonquin Log Cabin Lodge and explore quiet waters like Surprise Lake through guided canoe trips and hiking paths. A recent TourRadar traveler shared "What a great trip... we saw 25 polar bears!" during their Churchill visit.
When is the best time to visit the Canadian Shield Country Region?
Each season in the Canadian Shield brings different natural displays. Summer (June-August) sees peak wildlife activity with thousands of beluga whales gathering in Churchill River and wildflowers dotting the tundra. Winter delivers prime Northern Lights viewing especially around Churchill. A TourRadar traveler described their experience: "The Arctic Adventure was incredible for me. As a Canadian - the history the First Nation communities the scenery - stepping into the Arctic Ocean being in Tuktoyaktuk etc."
What types of accommodation are available in the Canadian Shield Region?
The region offers places to stay that fit different travel styles. Urban options include the Lakeview Signature by Wyndham in Winnipeg while wilderness seekers can book the River Heritage Lodge or Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge both recognized as "Unique Lodges of the World" by National Geographic. For polar bear viewing the Tundra Inn in Churchill provides specialized facilities. As one visitor noted: "The lodges while rustic in some areas provided a perfect base for our Arctic adventure."
What wildlife encounters are possible during a general tour of the Canadian Shield Region?
Wildlife watching opportunities span from polar bears to black bears moose wolves and beavers. Algonquin Provincial Park alone houses over 3,000 moose and 2,000 black bears. Churchill's waters welcome beluga whales each summer. One excited visitor reported: "Day 1 we learned so much and got to see a polar bear flown out of jail! Day 2 we saw 25 polar bears!"
What's the best way to see polar bears in the Canadian Shield Region?
Churchill's Tundra Buggy tours provide safe reliable polar bear viewing especially from October through November. Early bears appear in July and August. The Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge offers ground-level viewing experiences. A TourRadar participant noted: "The polar bear viewing experiences were incredible and felt very safe with our experienced guides."
How long should I plan to stay in the Canadian Shield Region?
Most visitors spend between 6 and 11 days exploring the region. Popular trips include the 6-day "Belugas Bears and Blooms" tour and the longer 11-day "Autumn Lodge Safari in Polar Bear Country." These timeframes let visitors fully experience the wildlife and cultural sites. One traveler confirmed: "The itinerary was well-planned giving us enough time to really experience each location."