Churchill Northern Adventure:  Polar Bears & Northern Lights  October 20-27, 2005; November 3-10, 2005 Come along for an adventure in Manitoba's northern sub-Arctic region where we'll become acquainted with the Lords of the Arctic-Canada's polar bears! In late fall, ice forms along the western coast of Hudson Bay and just before the bay freezes, large numbers of polar bears gather together along the coast until they can move out onto the frozen ice and begin feeding on the seals. Our destination is Churchill and our two-night journey is aboard VIA Rail's Hudson Bay. We'll discover the fascinating diversity of mammals and human cultures found in the tundra region. Ride in a Tundra Buggy, explore the area from above in a helicopter and experience dog sledding. An adventure awaits us in Manitoba's North! Call today! 1-800-478-4881 Itinerary Day 1 - Winnipeg, Manitoba / VIA Rail (D) Transfer from the Winnipeg airport to the VIA Rail station. Join us for a Welcome Dinner in downtown Winnipeg before our evening departure aboard VIA Rail's Hudson Bay in sleeping car accommodations.  Day 2 - VIA Rail (B, D) Enjoy breakfast in the dining car as we continue our journey north for 1055 rail miles (1700 km), past many small remote communities into Manitoba's vast road less northern landscape.  Day 3 - VIA Rail / Churchill, Manitoba (B) Continental breakfast is served on board before our morning arrival in Churchill. Tour this historic city and the striking tundra region surrounding it. Included is a visit to the Eskimo Museum, which boasts a large collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts.  Day 4 - Churchill, MB (Box Lunch) Just before the winter freeze-up of Hudson Bay, the polar bears congregate near the coastline until they move out onto the ice of the bay. A trip in a Tundra Buggy, a converted bus with huge all-terrain tires, allows access to the rugged landscape to view these magnificent animals. Be sure to have your camera ready as the bears will often gather around the vehicle and can be easily watched and photographed.  Day 5 - Churchill, MB  Today, search out the unique sub arctic wildlife in their natural habitat on our aerial tour of the Churchill area. Visit the Parks Canada Centre to learn more about the history of the fur trade and development of the Hudson's Bay Company.  Day 6 - Churchill / VIA Rail (D) Today's agenda includes a visit to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, which includes touring the tundra as the locals do-on a dog sled! The Centre is a research and education facility, which focuses on a diverse range of topics relating to northern sciences. Join us for dinner before our evening departure aboard the Hudson Bay.  Day 7 - VIA Rail (B, D) Breakfast is served in the dining car as the train heads southward towards Winnipeg. Spend a relaxing day on board enjoying the passing scenery and friendly ambiance of the Hudson Bay. Join us for dinner in the dining car, served by VIA Rail's courteous staff.  Day 8 - VIA Rail / Winnipeg, Manitoba (B) Wake to a continental breakfast on board before our morning arrival at Winnipeg and a transfer to the airport. This concludes our tour.  Price Includes: * Services of a full time professional guide. * 3 nights' hotel accommodations. * 4 nights' VIA Rail sleeping car accommodations. * Transportation & transfers, as described. * Sightseeing, activities & admission to select attractions, as described.  * 9 meals. * Luggage handling & baggage tag: 1 medium-sized suitcase per person. * Gratuities for services listed as "included." Price Details: (Double occupancy in hotels, price per person) Standard (Shared) $ 3,499 Canadian Dollars (around $2,915 USD) Deluxe (Shared) $ 3,699 Canadian Dollars (around $3,085 USD) Single (Add) $459 Canadian Dollars (around $385 USD) The standard bedroom and the deluxe bedroom aboard the train are the same size and at night, both have an upper and a lower bunk for sleeping. The only difference between the two is during the day the standard bedroom has 2 chairs and the deluxe bedroom has a sofa. Please note: not included-any items not listed, such as but not limited to GST, select meals, personal expenses, Cancellation Insurance, pre- & post-tour add-ons. Prices are per person, double occupancy in hotel(s) & are subject to 7% Goods & Services Tax (GST). Non-Canadian residents may be eligible for a partial refund of GST through the Federal Government of Canada.  US prices may be subject to a surcharge due to market fluctuation and all prices subject to change without notice. Deposits: Tour Packages (Group & Independent) -A minimum $250 CAD / $200 USD per person is due to confirm reservation unless booking within 45 days of departure, in which case we will require a credit card guaranteeing full payment before we check availability. All credit card charges will be in Canadian Dollars. Custom Itineraries - A goodwill deposit of minimum $50 CAD/$40 USD for Independent Holidays is required for development of any custom itineraries. This deposit is refundable if space cannot be obtained except if booking within 45 days of departure, in which case the deposit is non-refundable. Upon confirmation of your reservation, the policies in effect for Tour Packages will apply. All prices are in Canadian Dollar, therefore the USD rates are subject to change. The USD prices quoted above were based exchange rates as of 10/29/04. Final Payment: Full payment is due no less than sixty (60) days prior to departure. If booking within 60 days of departure, full payment is due to confirm reservation. If payments are not received by the due date(s) specified, reservations may be cancelled without notice. We regret, unless otherwise stated, all payments are 100% non-refundable. Cancellations: As payments are non-refundable, we recommend that guests purchase optional cancellation insurance. Please The Society of International Railway Travelers for cancellation insurance details. In the event that you need to cancel your tour reservation, you must notify The Society of International Railway Travelers and the insurance company (if applicable) immediately. Please note that no refunds or adjustments will be made for portions of the trip and tour services not used or taken, for whatever reason, once tour has commenced. Tours or portions of tours and the activities described in tour itineraries may be subject to weather or other conditions and/or availability and may be changed or cancelled without notice. Guests booking based on twin/double accommodation may be assessed a single occupancy surcharge if either one of the parties cancels prior to or during the tour. The Society of International Railway Travelers 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205 800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277

Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com

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