Newborn Polar Bear Cubs Den Encounter

The lodge is a refurbished navy communications base adjacent to Wapusk National Park and the world’s largest polar bear denning area. Open for only a short period every year, The expedition offers a unique opportunity in North America to see, virtually guaranteed, polar bear cubs and their mothers in their natural habitat.

• Double and quad rooms are available 
• Wood-burning fireplace in the central lounge 
• A sauna is available, but please note showers are not available, due to remote location
• Wi-Fi internet
• All meals and Alcoholic drinks

• Layering is the best way to stay warm.  A base layer of long underwear, (with a variety of different warmth ratings) a mid-layer of Polar Fleece, and a minimum of a premium goose down parka and down snow pants.  
• Layering is also important when getting in and out of a heated vehicle.  A deep tunnel hood will help to keep the wind from your face, as will a fur ruff. 
• We highly recommend that quality of garment.  The tough outer layer resists tearing.  Water repellency is not paramount in below freezing temperatures, since snow simply brushes off, leaving little moisture to soak into the outer fabric.

• Temperatures range from -20C to -35C during this time. 
• A neoprene face mask that covers the nose and lower face should also prevent frostbite and windburn.  A Polar Fleece cap, worn under the hood will get you through the really cold, windy days, as will something to keep the wind off your face.  
• Sun glasses and sun screen are necessary, and will also provide protection from the wind, which is often brisk, as will lots of hand cream, as the humidity is quite low/dry.  

• Standing for long periods of time in snow, in low temperatures, we recommend the warmest boots that you can find.  
• Manufacturers such as Baffin, Sorrel, or Cabella's all provide good boots.  However, they should be rated for at least -100 degrees Celsius (POLAR RATED) to keep your toes toasty.  The inner liners should be removed daily, and allowed to dry overnight to provide the best performance.  
• Merino wool socks are a good bet, as they are very warm, and will wick moisture away from your feet, keeping them warmer.  Cotton clothing retains moisture, and can quickly draw heat from your body parts by conduction. 

• Hand protection is best accomplished with a two or three layer approach.  Extra large down mittens, worn over convertible fingerless gloves/mittens, warn over a base layer of glove liners seems to be the best option for keeping shutter fingers warm.  
• The addition of disposable chemical hand warmers in the convertible mittens and the parka hand warmer pockets will help to keep frostbite at bay.  
• Frostbite is a very real issue when handling tripods and cameras, and when changing batteries.