Canada’s Big Five Safari Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Winnipeg

Arrive in Winnipeg and check into a hotel conveniently located just across the street from the airport. After settling in, there is some free time to relax before heading to a welcome dinner. During the dinner, participants meet their Guide and fellow tour members.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Winnipeg
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Wildlife Safari in Riding Mountain National Park

After an early breakfast, the group departs Winnipeg for a scenic 3.5hr drive to Riding Mountain National Park. The journey begins with a stop in Neepawa, Manitoba, where guests visit Farmery Estate Brewery for a tour and enjoy lunch at their popular on-site food truck. Continuing through the vast prairie grasslands, the landscape transitions to the rolling hills of the Manitoba Escarpment as the group approaches Riding Mountain National Park via the historic East Gate.

Once inside the park, there’s an introduction to the area before heading out on an evening wildlife drive, offering the first opportunity to spot moose, black bears, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The day ends with a stay at the charming accommodation located in the heart of downtown Wasagaming, a picturesque townsite within the park.
Overnight Location: Lakehouse Boutique Hotel in Wasagaming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Lake Audy Bison Enclosure

After breakfast the group embarks on a morning wildlife drive through Riding Mountain National Park, searching for black bears, moose, deer, and more. Following the drive, you will enjoy a walking tour of Wasagaming’s charming streets.

In the afternoon, we board The Martese for a cruise on Clear Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters. Later, we head to the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure to visit a herd of plains bison and learn about the history of the enclosure, the bison, and their significance to the area.
Overnight Location: Lakehouse Boutique Hotel in Wasagaming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Wildlife drive through Riding Mountain National Park

The day begins with one final morning wildlife drive through Riding Mountain National Park, offering a last chance to spot wildlife. This is followed by an interpretive hike through Ominik Marsh, where guests can learn about the local ecosystem.

After breakfast, the group will board the bus for the return trip to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for the night, preparing for the early morning flight to Churchill, where the next adventure awaits.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Winnipeg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Churchill Adventure Begins

After an early breakfast, the group boards a flight to Churchill for an exciting day ahead. Upon arrival, the first activity is a Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. The Tundra Buggy driver and Interpretive Guide share fascinating information about the geological and natural history of the tundra, while the group enjoys stunning landscapes and observes a variety of bird species and wildlife.

A picnic lunch is enjoyed on the Tundra Buggy, with opportunities to photograph wildlife along the way. There’s even a chance to spot a summer polar bear cooling off in the waters of Hudson Bay. After the Tundra Buggy tour, the group has free time to relax and explore Churchill’s shops and restaurants.
Overnight Location: Overnight at Churchill hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Beluga Whales and Prince of Wales Fort Tour

After breakfast, the group explores Churchill, visiting key points of interest, including a stop at the “Polar Bear Jail” – Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility. The adventure continues with a boat tour into the Churchill River estuary, where you encounter curious beluga whales.

Next, you will visit Prince of Wales Fort for a guided tour of Canada’s northernmost stone fort. The day concludes with a thrilling dog sledding experience through the boreal forest with a local musher, learning about the history of dog sledding. You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and have the evening free to explore local streets and pubs, or relax in the hotel.
Overnight Location: Overnight at Churchill hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Last Day in Churchill

On the final day in Churchill, the group enjoys one last beluga whale experience with a thrilling three-hour Zodiac tour in the Churchill River. As the boat jets around the river estuary, dozens of whales surface just meters away, swimming under and around the boat. The curious belugas are drawn to the bubbles created by the boat’s motor, following us in our wake as we capture stunning photos of them.

After the whale tour, the group visits the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, where exhibits showcase Churchill’s history, including wildlife dioramas and displays on the fur trade. Next, the group heads to the Itsanitaq Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Inuit artifacts, honoring the region’s Indigenous roots. The day concludes with a flight back to Winnipeg.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Winnipeg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Departure Day

The adventure comes to a close as the group prepares to head home, carrying memories of an unforgettable wildlife safari.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: None