7-Day Canadian Shield Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Canadian Shield tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCanadian Shield travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Churchill Itinerary, incl. Winnipeg and Polar Bear Point

  

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  • Day 1

    Winnipeg

    Your Arctic adventure starts in Manitoba's capital. Check into your hotel for the evening orientation meeting. Pack your cold-weather gear tonight. Churchill can get extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -30°F (-34°C) during peak bear season from October to November.

    
  • Day 2

    Winnipeg to Churchill

    Take an early morning flight to Churchill (2.5 hours). Get ready for your first blast of subarctic air. In the afternoon, a town tour introduces you to Churchill's unique polar bear culture. Stop at the Itsanitaq Museum to explore local Inuit history and traditional artwork that tells stories of life in the North.

    
  • Day 3

    Churchill & Lodge Transfer

    Experience dog sledding in the morning. Wear plenty of layers since you'll be sitting still on the sled. Visit Parks Canada's visitor center in the afternoon before taking the Tundra Buggy to your remote lodge. The 5-mile ride to Polar Bear Point takes about 45 minutes on bumpy terrain. Keep your camera ready.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Tundra Buggy Lodge

    Spend two full days exploring the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in a Tundra Buggy. These vehicles come with outdoor viewing platforms and heated interiors. You'll see the most bears in October and November as they gather to wait for Hudson Bay to freeze. Head out early for the best light and most active bears. The isolated lodge location is perfect for viewing the northern lights when weather permits. Bring a tripod if you want to photograph the aurora. A recent visitor shared: "Watching a curious bear inspect our lodge at breakfast was incredible—they really do come right up to the reinforced windows!"

    
  • Day 6

    Final Tundra Day & Return

    One more day looking for bears, arctic foxes, and ptarmigan across the tundra. Fly back to Winnipeg in the evening. Try to get a window seat on the left side for possible views of the tundra and Hudson Bay.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Leave Winnipeg whenever suits your schedule. Most people find that a week gives them enough time to see Churchill's wildlife while allowing for potential weather delays, which happen often up north.

    

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• 6 Day Manitoba Itinerary, incl. Winnipeg and Churchill

  A 6-day Canadian Shield tour from Winnipeg to Churchill offers 3 full days of northern adventures including beluga watching, Tundra Buggy© excursions, and Prince of Wales Fort tours. Guests stay 2 nights at Lakeview Signature Winnipeg and 3 nights in Churchill.

  

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  • Day 1

    Winnipeg

    Start in Winnipeg and explore The Forks historic site and market. Have a welcome dinner in the evening and get to bed early since tomorrow starts before dawn. Pack layers for summer because Churchill evenings can be cold at 40°F/4°C.

    
  • Day 2

    Winnipeg to Churchill

    Fly to Churchill early morning (2.5 hours). Take a town tour to get familiar with this small Hudson Bay community of 900 people. Visit Parks Canada to learn about the local ecosystem. Hotels in Churchill are basic but clean.

    
  • Day 3

    Churchill

    Start with dog carting in the morning followed by beluga watching. Over 3,000 belugas visit the Churchill River in July and August. You'll get incredibly close to these white whales during the three-hour boat tour. In the afternoon walk around Prince of Wales Fort. The ground is uneven so wear good shoes.

    
  • Day 4

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area

    Spend a full day exploring in a Tundra Buggy. Summer brings fewer polar bears but lots of wildflowers. You might see arctic foxes or caribou. Bring binoculars since wildlife viewing distances can vary.

    
  • Day 5

    Churchill River & Return

    Take a morning Zodiac ride to see belugas up close. A recent visitor said: "The beluga calves were so playful coming right up to our boat. The water is cold but the supplied floatation suits keep you completely warm." Fly back to Winnipeg in the evening.

    
  • Day 6

    Departure

    The tour ends in Winnipeg. If you have a late flight check out the Manitoba Museum.

    

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• 5 Day Algonquin Park Itinerary, incl. Kioshkokowi Lake and Manitou Lake

  The pristine waters of Canadian Shield stretch from Kioshkokowi Lake to Kawawaymog Lake in this five-day adventure. Highlights include portages around scenic rapids, camping on Red Pine points, swimming at waterfalls, and wildlife viewing along the Amable du Fond River.

  

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  • Day 1

    Kioshkokowi Lake

    Plan to start at Access Point #1 around 12:30 PM. If you're coming from Toronto leave early to avoid morning traffic. You'll begin paddling at Kiosk Lake which is great for beginners to practice their technique. Pack quick-dry clothes and water shoes since you'll probably get wet during your first attempts. Look for campsites on Red Pine points. They protect better against wind than beach sites.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Amable du Fond River & Manitou Lake

    You'll paddle the Amable du Fond River system which includes several portages. The longest is 1,355m so make sure your portage pack fits well. The best camping spots on Manitou Lake are on the eastern shore. The morning sun hits there first and keeps tents drier. One experienced paddler shared: "The portages were tough but manageable - just take your time and make multiple trips if needed."

    
  • Days 4-5

    North Tea Lake to Kawawaymog

    On your way to North Tea Lake you'll find a waterfall that's perfect for swimming. Bring water shoes since the rocks get slippery. Look for moose and herons along the Amable du Fond especially during early paddles. You'll finish at Access Point #1 around lunch on day 5. Always pack rain gear since the weather in northern Algonquin can change quickly.

    

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