Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay, Seal River Heritage Lodge offers the world’s first and only on-foot polar bear safaris in a prime location for observing these magnificent creatures during summer and fall.
Located 60 km north of Churchill by plane, this pioneering ecolodge sits near the Seal River Estuary where beluga whales congregate in July and August.
The lodge features eight comfortable guestrooms with ensuite washrooms, viewing platforms, a photography tower, and a cozy lounge with expansive picture windows overlooking the coastline.
Their story
Seal River Heritage Lodge was born from a vision in 1993 when co-founder Mike Reimer and photographer Dennis Fast discovered the perfect site along Hudson Bay’s coast. Opening in July 1994 with just one guest, it became the world’s first lodge offering ground-level polar bear safaris. Built on nearly a century of family adventure tourism tradition through Jeanne’s family outfitting business, Churchill Wild has grown to operate three fly-in ecolodges.
Their mission is creating friendships, changing lives, and touching the Arctic while providing unique travel experiences that refresh the soul and awaken the explorer’s heart.
They strive to be the most unique polar bear and Arctic wildlife adventure experience on the planet, raising awareness of the far North’s challenges through ethical wildlife encounters. Read more about them.
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Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The lodge follows a minimalist approach to luxury eco-lodging using local lumber and recycled materials whenever possible. The 2016 lounge expansion features a timber frame structure paneled in tongue-and-groove aspen with a huge expanse of glass looking out over the coastline. The design maximizes natural light throughout the facility.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Electricity is primarily generated from solar power, nearly eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.
- The lodge maintains 24-hour electricity through a combination of solar power, natural gas, and wood heat.
- Energy-saving lights and appliances are used throughout.
- The head office operates in a LEED-certified building connected to a geothermal district heating system that replaced two gas furnaces and services several community facilities.
Pioneer in waste management
- The lodge implements strict recycling and composting policies. Non-recyclable and non-compostable waste is taken back to town for proper disposal.
- Grey-water recycling systems are in place, and triple-filtered water is sourced from nearby lakes and rivers.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The lodge sources produce from Prairie Wild orchard and gardens using regenerative farming principles. Locally foraged and harvested foods are incorporated into the tundra-inspired meals prepared by on-site chefs.
Actively protects nature and community
- Most excursions are conducted on foot to minimize motorized vehicle use. All-terrain vehicles and boats feature fuel-efficient motors.
- The geothermal district heating system benefits local community facilities and yields significant savings.
- Planned flights ensure planes never fly empty, reducing environmental impact.
Most Popular Activities Near Seal River Heritage Lodge
- Walking safaris to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife (sik-sik, Arctic hare, Arctic fox)
- Zodiac tours to view beluga whales (seasonal)
- Northern lights viewing
- Photography tours and unique photography opportunities from platforms and tower
- Informative presentations about wildlife, wilderness, and history
- Tundra-inspired meals prepared by on-site chefs
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Best Time To Visit Seal River Heritage Lodge
- The best time to visit Seal River Heritage Lodge is summer and fall. July and August are ideal for beluga whale sightings alongside polar bears.