Photographing Polar Bears in Canada
Friday, 24th February 2017
Vanessa and Roger Draper travelled with us on our Polar Bear Photo Safari in November, staying at the remote Seal River Heritage Lodge. Despite having limited photographic experience, with the help of an expert guide they captured some truly stunning wildlife shots, as shown below! Here they recount their adventures in the Canadian Arctic…
We had a terrific time in Manitoba… an unbelievable, unique and magical experience. Seal River Heritage Lodge was an absolutely fantastic place to stay on the edge of nowhere. Having been delayed in Winnipeg for 24 hours due to freezing fog in Churchill, it was a relief to finally arrive on a late snowy afternoon and be so warmly welcomed by our hosts Doreen and Nolan.
“We even had time to go for a short hike before light failed and saw our first two bears! Magic!”
Our experience at Seal River was remarkable and unique. The team there have thought of everything to make your stay memorable and exhilarating. There was Doreen and Nolan and their fabulous crew, the hospitality shown to guests coming in from all parts of the globe, the remarkable, skilful, caring and super brave guides Andy and Derek, the great food prepared and cooked by Mike the ‘magician’ and his shy sous chef; quiet Adam making sure cogs and wheels kept turning, and our Kississing pilot Jesse.
The very comfortable and spacious lodge is a highlight in itself, and of course, last but not at all least, the fantastic and extraordinary wildlife: polar bears, arctic foxes, a timber wolf and ptarmigans (we’d never even heard of ptarmigans!) all seen from inside and outside the lodge….oh, and to cap it all off, the splendid northern lights!
We were the only inexperienced photographers in the group but were never made to feel inferior. Wildlife photographer, Andy Skillen, was always on hand to advise our group on how to take top notch photographs, despite the freezing conditions (-37c windchill).
“Andy’s expertise, support, optimism and cheerfulness helped all of us throughout the flight delays and indeed the entire adventure.”
From the boot rental and introductory briefing and dinner at The Grand Winnipeg, the superb support given when we were delayed and had to return to Winnipeg for the night… and out again early next morning to board a specially chartered plane, the team have to be commended, admired and praised!
Thank you Discover the World for helping to make this possible for us – a truly once in a lifetime experience. We feel very, very privileged.
Photos by Roger & Vanessa Draper
Feeling inspired?
Our Polar Bear Photo Safari features a 5-7 night itinerary, departing in October and November. View the full itinerary and prices on our website.
