Arctic to Saint Lawrence: Polar Bear Country, Wild Coasts & Historic Cities.
Welcome to Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba and a cultural gateway to Canada’s great plains, where historic architecture, prairie spirit and a thriving arts scene come together. On arrival, settle into the Fairmont Winnipeg and enjoy time to relax before this remarkable land journey begins.
This evening, meet your fellow guests and Scenic Tour Director for a welcome dinner, the perfect introduction to the experiences ahead.
Fly this morning from Winnipeg to Churchill, a remote subarctic town on the edge of Hudson Bay. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the local lodge team and transferred by private charter to Seal River Heritage Lodge, located around 60 kilometres north of Churchill on a striking stretch of tundra coastline.
After lunch and an orientation for exploring in polar bear country, set out on your first guided excursion. Conditions shape each day here, and outings are designed to make the most of the landscape and any wildlife activity in the area.
Wake to the stillness of the Hudson Bay coast and begin the day with breakfast before your guides outline the plan for today’s exploration. Excursions typically focus on the surrounding tundra and shoreline, where the changing conditions can bring opportunities to observe the wildlife that inhabits this remote environment.
Back at the lodge, unwind in warm and comfortable surroundings. With just eight guest rooms, en-suite facilities, a spacious dining room overlooking the bay, a cosy lounge with a fireplace and a small gift shop, you’ll be immersed in an intimate setting in the wilderness.
Another day brings a fresh perspective on this remarkable region. Guided outings may reveal the rich birdlife of the coast and, in season, the waters near the lodge are also known for beluga whales, while polar bears are sometimes seen along the shoreline as they move through the area.
Should wildlife be active close to the lodge, plans may shift to allow more time for observation and photography. In the evening, return to your lodge for appetisers and a tundra-inspired dinner, followed by an insightful presentation from the knowledgeable local team.
Today is another opportunity to experience the rhythm of lodge life in this remote corner of northern Manitoba. Your guides tailor each outing to the prevailing conditions, with time spent exploring the coast on foot and taking in the scale, silence and beauty of the tundra.
If you prefer a quieter pace, you may choose to spend time at the lodge, where the fenced compound and viewing areas offer a comfortable base for taking in the surrounding scenery. On clear nights, there may also be the chance to see the aurora borealis overhead.
Today, transfer by charter flight to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, set approximately 250 kilometres south-east of Churchill in a landscape where tidal flats meet Boreal Forest. During the flight, enjoy a bird’s-eye view over this remote region, including York Factory, once an important centre of Canada’s historic fur trade.
On arrival, settle into your new lodge before heading out, subject to conditions, for your first exploration of the surrounding coastline. Daily outings here use a combination of guided walks and specially outfitted all-terrain vehicles, offering access to a richly varied wilderness.
Each day at Nanuk begins with breakfast and a briefing from your expert guides, who shape the day’s activities around weather, terrain and wildlife activity. This region is known for its diversity, home to polar bears, black bears, wolves, moose and a wide variety of migratory birds.
Back at the lodge, enjoy the comfort of an intimate wilderness retreat with only eight guest rooms, en-suite facilities, inviting shared spaces and expansive views over the landscape. As evening falls, gather for dinner and hear more about the ecosystems and wildlife of this remarkable part of Canada.
Today’s exploration takes you further into the distinctive environment around Nanuk, where waterways, coastal flats and forest edges create a striking natural mosaic. Travelling at ground level offers an immersive way to experience the region, with time to appreciate both its stillness and its ever-changing wildlife patterns.
Later, return to the lodge to relax, review the day’s photographs and enjoy another beautifully prepared meal inspired by the north. If the skies are clear, your guides may alert you to possible northern lights activity during the night.
Spend your final full day at Nanuk discovering more of this remote and beautiful setting. Outings continue to be tailored to local conditions, creating opportunities to explore the Hudson Bay shoreline and surrounding terrain at an unhurried pace.
This evening, savour the atmosphere of the lodge one last time, sharing stories of the past days with fellow guests. It is a fitting close to your stay in one of Canada’s most remote wildlife regions.
After breakfast, board your return air transfer to Churchill and take in the sweeping views across the tundra below. On arrival, discover more of this distinctive northern town on a guided tour, including visits to the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum and the well-known Polar Bear Holding Facility, as well as murals created during the 2016 SeaWalls festival.
Later, make your way to the wharf, where your ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse awaits. Step on board, settle into your spacious suite and join your fellow guests.
In the evening, share your travel notes with your new friends over dinner in one of up to 10 all-inclusive culinary experiences on board your Scenic Discovery Yacht.
Please note: Guests on the Churchill land journey will join Scenic Eclipse on Day 2 of the voyage and therefore will not participate in the shore excursions scheduled for that day.
As your Scenic Discovery Yacht sails through Hudson Bay, start your day with a rejuvenating spa treatment# or a guided stretch in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio.
Whilst navigating its serene yet rugged waters, you might catch a glimpse of a beluga whale, Arctic seal or the elusive polar bear as they swim alongside the yacht, making for an unforgettable experience.
Join the evening recap, where your Discovery Leader will share exciting details about the upcoming days as your Scenic Discovery Yacht explores the Nunavut region.
Tonight, perhaps choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap delivered by your butler.
Where Hudson Strait meets the northeastern Hudson Bay, the remote Digges Islands rise with dramatic rocky cliffs, creating the perfect sanctuary for seabirds. This untamed wilderness is also home to thriving walrus colonies and the majestic polar bear. As we navigate the waters by Zodiac, we’ll keep watch for these incredible Arctic icons, always from a safe and respectful distance, but close enough for an unforgettable encounter
Scenic Discovery:
Weather permitting, embark on thrilling Zodiac excursions with the expert Discovery Team.
Cap Wolstenholme, a striking stretch of cliffs along Nunavik’s Hudson Strait, features a sheer, towering rampart on its western side. In summer, this dramatic headland transforms into a bustling nesting ground for swarms of thick-billed murres.
Sail on to Erik Cove, surrounded by towering cliffs and floating icebergs, presenting a strikingly pristine landscape. Watch for seals, whales and a wide variety of seabirds in this wildlife haven. There’s also the possibility of spotting polar bears in the distance.
Scenic Discovery:
Both destinations are perfect for exploring by Zodiac, offering access to unique ecosystems and opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife in their natural habitats. Subject to weather and local authorities’ approvals, you may have the opportunity to set out with the Discovery Team.
After a busy start to your Arctic journey, some relaxation could be on the menu today. Curl up with a book or your binoculars on the cabanas on Deck 10, join a Pilates class or guided stretching session in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio, or enjoy a long lunch with new friends at Azure Bar & Café.
Join engaging lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre and be captivated by the expertise and enthusiasm of the Discovery Team as they share their profound knowledge and passion for this region, offering invaluable insights and fostering a deeper connection to this extraordinary environment.
The Button Islands are known for their rugged, ice-covered terrain and vast wilderness, offering a rare glimpse into the untouched beauty of the Arctic. They are located in the southernmost part of Nunavut, Canada and is named after Sir Thomas Button, an English explorer who is best known for his Arctic expeditions in the early 17th-century. Their isolation makes them a sanctuary for wildlife, from seabirds to polar bears and marine mammals, making it a perfect destination for eco-tourism.
The Captain and Discovery Leader, weather permitting, will navigate you through these incredible landscapes, providing unique opportunities to explore and learn about some of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.
Located in northern Labrador, Saglek Fjord is the gateway to the breathtaking Torngat Mountains National Park, an untouched wilderness rich in Inuit history. Weather permitting, the Captain and Discovery Leader will navigate you through this remote landscape, offering unique opportunities to explore towering fjords, jagged peaks, and vast tundra, some of Canada’s most awe-inspiring and remote wilderness.
Start your day in ultimate comfort with breakfast delivered to your suite by your butler, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely morning as we sail through the vast and tranquil Arctic waters on our way to Rigolet, Newfoundland and Labrador. Take in the sweeping scenery of the open sea, where the horizon meets the untouched wilderness of this remarkable region.
Throughout the day, the Discovery Team will host engaging lectures on the region’s fascinating history, wildlife, and geography. Learn about the unique Arctic ecosystems, the Inuit culture, and the environmental challenges faced in preserving these remote landscapes.
As dusk falls, the hardest decision you have to make is which direction to wander. Elements is the main dining experience, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s Asian Fusion, which also comes with a Sushi & Saké Bar and private Night Market+ experience. Journey to France at Lumière+ complete with a champagne bar, or dine in the privacy of your suite, choosing from a comprehensive 24-hour menu.
Experience the charm of Rigolet, a picturesque town with a deep Inuit heritage on Labrador’s North coast. Engage with local artisans, learn about traditional craftsmanship. For wildlife lovers, this is a dream destination. Keep watch for wildlife, including whales and Arctic foxes, as you explore this fascinating region.
Nestled on Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony is a charming town with a rich maritime heritage. It served as the base for the Grenfell Mission, established in the early 20th century to provide medical services to remote communities. The town's coastal waters are renowned for whale watching opportunities, offering sightings of majestic marine mammals during their migratory seasons. Additionally, the nearby L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, a World Heritage-listed site, marks the only known Norse village in North America, dating back to around 1000 AD.
Welcome to St. John's, the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrated as North America's oldest city. Its downtown area is characterised by brightly coloured heritage buildings lining Water and Duckworth Streets, housing an array of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. A visit to Signal Hill National Historic Site offers panoramic views of the city and harbour. This historic landmark is where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
Once back on board, pause for a barista-made coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges, or curl up with a book in the Observation Lounge library as the views unfold outside. Later tonight, settle into the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to savour your preferred nightcap, from one of over 130 aged whiskeys to a carefully selected glass of wine.
Just 25 kilometres off the coast of Canada, the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago offers a unique slice of France in North America. The colourful houses evoke a Scandinavian charm, while the islands rich culture is waiting to be discovered through its quirky museums. This destination is a true haven for nature lovers, where you can endlessly explore the stunning landscapes that lie between land and sea, all whilst keeping an eye out for seals, humpback whales, and migratory birds.
After days of exploration, spend time relaxing in your spacious suite. A sea day on board your Scenic Discovery Yacht provides the perfect opportunity to relax, socialise with fellow guests and watch stunning environments pass by.
Visit the bridge, made accessible through the Captain’s open bridge policy. Guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of a Scenic Discovery Yacht.
Make sure you book a treatment# at the tranquil Senses Spa before your journey ends. Perhaps an ESPA facial or massage or an alternative therapy including Ayurvedic massage.
Baie-Comeau sits on the St. Lawrence River, where the water meets forested shoreline and open sky. The town offers broad river views and a calm, small-town atmosphere.
Surrounded by woods and rugged scenery, Baie-Comeau serves as a stepping stone into Québec’s Côte-Nord region. Strolling the waterfront or nearby trails, you can appreciate the quiet and the unspoiled character of this stretch of Canadian coast.
Check the Daily Wonder to join another engaging lecture with the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre, where experts bring the region’s wildlife, landscapes and history vividly to life.
Considered the cradle of French America, Québec City is a World Heritage-listed fortified city founded in 1608. Step through more than 400 years of history in its charming cobblestone Old Town set within gates, towers and ramparts complete with cannons.
Perched atop the headland inside is the century-old Chateau Frontenac, which now houses the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Frontenac hotel and Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral. The 425-metre wooden boardwalk Dufferin Terrace, which is frequented by street entertainers, has views over St Lawrence River and the Lower Town.
Your Expediton Voyage ends today in Montréal. Savour one last sumptuous breakfast on board your ultra-luxury 6-star Scenic Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew and new friends who have shared this remarkable journey with you. As you disembark, know you have created unforgettable memories.
Please book your flight to depart out of Montreal after 12:00 PM.
#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions.
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.
Helicopter not in operation in Canada.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.
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At Scenic, we create exceptional journeys to every corner of the world. You will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, indulgent truly all-inclusive luxury, and a world class crew who will ensure every detail is cared for to the Nth Degree. With more than three decades of experience, the loyalty of our Scenic guests reflects our dedication to always placing you at the heart of everything we do. With Scenic, you'll find this is worldwide discovery truly in a class of its own. Across our 5-star luxury river cruises on custom-built Scenic Space-Ships, and 6-star ultra-luxury voyages on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™, it is more than taking our guests to exceptional destinations around the world. Our truly all-inclusive philosophy enables our guests to be immersed in their chosen destination, indulge in an unparalleled level of luxury, and relax knowing everything is taken care of.