World-renowned for its subarctic adventures in Canada’s remote Churchill, Lazy Bear Expeditions is set to provide next-level experiences for visitors with the launch of the Matonabee, a 23-metre catamaran and the only cruise ship able to take tourists along the western coast of Hudson Bay.
With the unique ability to deploy rigid inflatable boats (zodiacs) for deep exploration of remote areas of Hudson Bay, the Matonabee will provide unforgettable beluga whale, polar bear and bearded seal viewing opportunities during the Canadian summer months.
The Matonabee boasts innovative ‘under-the-sea’ viewing windows to allow guests a safe and exciting perspective on the whimsical beluga whales and unique subarctic aquatic life. It also features underwater lighting for evening cruises where guests can take in phenomenal displays of the northern lights.
The vessel can seat 65 passengers, featuring spacious viewing decks, a fully serviced galley, large, comfortable seats, as well as two large wheelchair-accessible washrooms.
With the largest polar bear and beluga whale populations in the world, Churchill in Canada’s central province of Manitoba is one of the leading tourism destinations in the country, serving up summer adventures you simply cannot find anywhere else on Earth.
Hearing the beluga whales sing their sweet ‘canary’ chirps and whistles is a spine-tingling moment. Thousands of white beluga whales congregate each summer in the mouths of the northern Churchill and Seal Rivers that empty into Hudson Bay.
During the summer season, polar bears can be seen swimming, exploring around the rocks and wildflowers, as well as sunbathing along the shore. The Matonabee will offer easy access for visitors to witness these incredible creatures in their pristine paradise, along with seals, marine life, and more than 200 bird species.
Lazy Bear Expeditions has been operating in Churchill for nearly 30 years. The Churchill tour operator creates incredible opportunities to see the subarctic wildlife, as well as other natural wonders like the Aurora Borealis.
During polar bear season in autumn, Lazy Bear Expeditions wildlife viewing is carried out by Arctic Crawlers on land. In summer, guests are taken along the coast of Hudson Bay by boat, providing incredible opportunities to discover polar bears and other subarctic animals – including the friendly beluga whales – from water. The curious white whales can also be encountered by kayak or AquaGliding™ adventures on floating mats.
Guests of Lazy Bear Expeditions stay at the rustic Lazy Bear Lodge, centrally located in Churchill. Hand-built by Wally Daudrich, the family-run log cabin-style lodge has 33 comfortable rooms and is home to the cozy Lazy Bear Café.
GETTING THERE
Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and direct flights between Brisbane and Vancouver four times per week. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Daily connecting flights are available from Vancouver to Winnipeg, in addition to the VIA Rail train service.
Discover more at www.lazybearlodge.com and www.travelmanitoba.com
