Bénédicte, specialist in North American journeys, returns from a week-long scouting trip in Manitoba, Canada. Here are her first impressions, accompanied by striking images with a distinctly autumnal mood:
The purpose of this trip was to discover the Nanuk Bear Lodge, the newest addition from the Churchill Wild group, with whom we have worked for several years, and to encounter polar bears in September. These trips are essential for us, as they allow us to verify how our clients are welcomed, looked after and accompanied on site, and how our partners respond in case of a problem. And believe me, they have thought of everything!
Approaching the animals (black bears, polar bears, wolves…) was also a recurring theme of this trip.
High-End Services
The Nanuk Bear Lodge is completely isolated and accessible only by plane.
The atmosphere there is “maritime”, a little rugged at times, but nothing is lacking, and everything has been designed for optimal comfort in such a remote place. Even down to a pair of slippers to sit comfortably by the fire while observing the animals, which, I should note, are not fed by the lodge in any way.
The environment has been respected, not altered in any way.
Flying over Wapusk National Park
The team is extremely kind; the guides are highly competent and available around the clock, waking you up at night if there is wildlife to observe or a northern lights display. As for the food, everything is cooked fresh each day based on the day’s surprise deliveries, including the bread, and it is full of flavour.
Everyone puts their heart into making the stay unforgettable, and it is!
From Churchill, we take a small 8-seater plane and, depending on the winds, the flight takes between 1h and 1h20.
This leg alone is a rewarding experience in itself, and the observation begins during the low-altitude flyover.
The animals are very easily spotted.
Bear Territory
We are in polar bear territory, but for some time now black bears have also been appearing. They readily prowl around the lodge, which is remarkably designed for wildlife observation.
Wolves, caribou and moose (harder to spot, but they are there) can also be observed, along with a great number of birds.
Each season has its own share of surprises!
I would tend to say that to observe more active bears, it is preferable to go in late September or early October, when temperatures drop significantly. But this year (from May to September), not a single week went by without sightings.
As for myself, besides observing the bears, I witnessed the goose migration against a magnificent autumnal backdrop.
A deep sense of serenity emanates from these remote places, and one wonders where life comes from, seeing nothing around for as far as the eye can see. My only regret: not having seen a wolf…
What I remember most is the thrill of standing on foot, 10m from a polar bear with only a small stream between it and us, when it suddenly rose up, looked at us, then turned and ran off.
Believe me, it is far better that it be the bear who chooses to make a run for it!
