Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) · Tailor-made rail vacation with wildlife lodge stays

Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing

15-day Canadian rail and lodge trip for grizzly and polar bear viewing

Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing, a rail journey with Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada)

Canadian Train Vacations, operated through Fresh Tracks Canada, runs this 15-day wildlife trip from Vancouver to Churchill, Manitoba. The days build around two guided wildlife stays rather than constant travel: a float plane carries the group to Knight Inlet Lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest for two days of guided grizzly bear viewing, with kayaking, hiking or a boat tour of Knight Inlet offered alongside it. Back in Vancouver, the group boards VIA Rail's The Canadian for an overnight rail journey past Mount Robson and Jasper to Winnipeg, then flies north into polar bear territory at Churchill for Tundra Buggy outings, dogsledding and a cultural presentation. Guiding is provided only at the two wildlife stops; time in Vancouver and Winnipeg is independent, arranged with local expert planning. It suits travellers whose priority is close wildlife viewing in remote lodges, with one signature rail crossing of the Canadian Rockies and Prairies built in rather than a trip centered on the train.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only two nights (day 7 into day 8, and day 8 into day 9) are spent aboard The Canadian; the rest of the 15-day trip travels by float plane, scheduled flights, and coach between Vancouver, the wildlife lodges, and Churchill.
  • Guided activities are provided only at Knight Inlet Lodge and in Churchill; time in Vancouver and Winnipeg is independent, with local-expert planning from Fresh Tracks Canada rather than a full-time guide.
  • The operator's own description notes that space on this trip is limited, and the evidence does not list specific departure dates.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver

    Welcome to our hometown, a famously lovely west coast city surrounded by mountains and the ocean.

  2. Day 2overnight: Campbell River

    Fly to Campbell River

    Fly from Vancouver to Campbell River, a busy oceanside community on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

  3. Day 3overnight: Knight Inlet Lodge

    Float plane to the Great Bear Rainforest

    A thrilling, 30-minute float plane flight takes you to Glendale Cove and Knight Inlet Lodge. After a welcome orientation, head out for your first guided grizzly bear viewing activity; up to 40 bears can be within 6 miles of the lodge at this time of year.

  4. Day 4overnight: Knight Inlet Lodge

    View grizzly bears

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for another day of guided adventures. Activity options include kayaking, hiking, or a scenic boat tour of Knight Inlet, in addition to more guided grizzly bear viewing.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vancouver

    Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver

    Get up early to soak in the fresh wilderness air. Today, you fly back to Campbell River and Vancouver.

  6. Day 6overnight: Vancouver

    Explore Vancouver

    Explore Vancouver, a coastal city on the mainland of British Columbia. Options: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour, Whistler Day Tour, Vancouver and the North Shore Tour.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard train

    VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

    Board The Canadian train in Vancouver and begin your journey east through British Columbia's Fraser Valley.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard train

    VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

    As you head northeast through the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta, see Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, then pass by Jasper. In the evening, the train winds towards Edmonton.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Winnipeg

    VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg

    Make your way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Arrive in Winnipeg late this evening.

  10. Day 10overnight: Winnipeg

    Explore Winnipeg

    Explore Winnipeg at your leisure before checking in for your polar bear adventure. Winnipeg Highlights Tour; meet your group and guides; suggested winter clothing rental (extra cost).

  11. Day 11overnight: Churchill

    Fly north into polar bear territory

    Travel from Winnipeg to the remote town of Churchill on the Hudson Bay. Churchill Town and Area Tour, Polar Bears International House, Parks Canada Centre visit.

  12. Day 12overnight: Churchill

    View polar bears up close

    Board a Tundra Buggy and start searching for polar bears. Cultural presentation.

  13. Day 13overnight: Churchill

    Dogsledding in Churchill

    Go dogsledding today, an authentic northern way of getting around. Itsanitaq Museum visit.

  14. Day 14overnight: Winnipeg

    Another Tundra Buggy adventure

    Head out for another exciting day on the Tundra, searching for polar bears, then fly back to Winnipeg.

  15. Day 15

    Depart with fond memories

    Much too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A 30-minute float plane flight brings the group to Glendale Cove and Knight Inlet Lodge for the first guided grizzly bear viewing activity.
  • Day 7The Canadian is boarded in Vancouver, beginning an overnight rail journey east through the Fraser Valley.
  • Day 8The Canadian passes Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, then Jasper, as it crosses British Columbia and Alberta toward Edmonton.
  • Day 12A Tundra Buggy takes the group out to search for polar bears near Churchill on Hudson Bay.
  • Day 13The day includes dogsledding in Churchill, described as an authentic northern way of getting around.

Included

  • Hotel accommodation
  • Meals onboard the train
  • Unique guided activities such as dogsledding, cultural tours and more
  • Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
  • Electronic travel documentation package
  • Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one overnight segment. The group boards VIA Rail's The Canadian in Vancouver and travels in a Sleeper Plus cabin to Winnipeg, spending two nights onboard.
What wildlife will I see?
The trip is built around guided grizzly bear viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest and guided polar bear viewing from a Tundra Buggy near Churchill on Hudson Bay.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Guided activities are provided at Knight Inlet Lodge and in Churchill; travel elsewhere, including time in Vancouver and Winnipeg, is independent with local expert planning from Fresh Tracks Canada.
Which hotels are used?
Knight Inlet Lodge in Glendale Cove, British Columbia; the Lakeview Signature Hotel in Winnipeg; and the Tundra Inn in Churchill.
What is included?
Hotel accommodation, meals onboard the train, guided activities such as dogsledding and cultural tours, airport transportation timed with flights, and Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support.
How much walking or activity is involved?
Day 4 at Knight Inlet Lodge offers optional kayaking, hiking, or a boat tour alongside guided bear viewing, and Churchill includes a day of dogsledding.

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