Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Canada. You do not require a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are frequent traveler to Canada from the U.S., you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, at NEXUS kiosks at Canadian Preclearance airports, and at marine reporting locations. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet site by clicking here.

If you are a citizen of another country, please contact a Canadian embassy or consulate to determine what travel documentation will be required. If you will be visiting the U.S. before or after your tour, you may need a multiple-entry visa for the U.S. and should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. before booking your tour.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

Anyone with a criminal record (including some misdemeanors such as Driving While Impaired (DWI) charges) may be excluded or removed from Canada, and should contact a Canadian embassy or consulate well in advance of any planned travel to ensure proper travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Deposit Information:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. Your deposit is CAD $875.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready:

• Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
• Traveler Name(s):  Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver's license.
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)
• Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection product (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

Regarding your final payment:

Final Payment for Land Journeys is due at Tauck's Wilton Woods, CT office 60 days before departure. Any bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice.

Effective for plans purchased as of July 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
  
  
• Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
  
  
• Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
  
  
• Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
  
  
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
  
  
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance, 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel-related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is:

$895 per person – most South America land tours

$845 per person – Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

If You Have to Cancel

Cancellations Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Guests choosing to purchase Tauck's Guest Protection will incur loss of Guest Protection fee per person.

Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck's Guest Protection will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

60 days or more before departure:

$875 per person – most South America land tours and Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure

59-30 days before departure:

Loss of 15% of cost of tour per person, not including air (if applicable)

29-1 days before departure:

Loss of 25% of cost of tour per person, not including air (if applicable)

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit http://www.affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL

As of July 1, 2017, for guests purchasing the protection plan discussed above contain insurance benefits underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company. C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best Company 2016. The plans may also contain a non-insurance Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck as well as non-insurance Travel Assistance Services that are provided by Carefree Travel Assistance.  Please see the plan documents for complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply. Coverage available may vary and not all coverage is available in all jurisdictions.

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Throughout the tour, we will provide you with clean and safe drinking water.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

Please Note: Destinations around the world have instituted new measures like testing requirements, health insurance coverage, or specific restrictions on travel. These guidelines are in addition to, and may go beyond, Tauck's requirements. Click here for more information about the requirements for your journey.

VACCINATIONS

Visit our COVID-19 Travel Requirements page to learn about Tauck's universal vaccination requirement and destination-specific COVID policies.

If you are a citizen of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Canada. For complete vaccination information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). To inquire about international travel health advice from a CDC representative, you may dial 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.

If you are a citizen of another country, please contact a Canadian embassy or consulate to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

MOBILITY

You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over moderately uneven terrain, sometimes covered with snow and ice. To participate in the dog sledding experience, you will choose either to travel inside a cozy dog sled wrapped in a "polar bear" blanket or drive on the back of the sleigh with your musher and feel the fresh, cold, Arctic air on a ride along well-groomed trails. During the two full-day polar bear sightseeing excursions, you will travel in a tundra vehicle, which has a modest restroom facility onboard. No one is allowed off the vehicles for the duration of the eight-hour excursion. A picnic lunch is served onboard.

The Inn at the Forks is a smoke-free property.

The Lazy Bear Lodge does not serve alcohol. The town of Churchill has several restaurants and bars that do serve alcohol however, so it is not a dry town. You may have alcohol in your room, but not in a public space while at the Lazy Bear.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES:  This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

When joining a Tauck journey, every guest is responsible for their own health and, in turn, the protection of their fellow travelers, the Tauck staff, our suppliers and the places we visit. As such, you are expected to follow local and supplier guidelines regarding face coverings, as explained by your Tauck Director. Our partners may have a limited supply of face coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer, so please bring such personal items for your own comfort.

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site.

Your journey through Manitoba is casual. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering as it will be cold.

Comfortable, cotton or fleece clothing is suggested. We recommend bringing warm and layered clothing like long underwear, snug but comfortable fitting outerwear, a fleece jacket or sweater. Outer clothing should consist of a windproof material, with an attached hood or a very warm hat. For travel in October and November, you will experience cold temperatures and will need to dress accordingly. Although no special attire is required for dining, you may wish to dress more formally for the welcome and farewell receptions.

Most importantly, bring comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes for Winnipeg and waterproof boots for Churchill that have already been broken-in. It is important that your shoes and boots have good ankle support, as we visit some sites where paths and stairs may be uneven, unpaved, slippery and wet.

Valet laundry services are available at the Inn at the Forks, but not at the Lazy Bear Lodge.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

We recommend that you pack the following items for travel to Manitoba:

• Comfortable, cotton clothing
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirts
• Long underwear
• Snug but comfortable windproof outerwear with an attached hood or a very warm hat
• Pair of wind or ski pants
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Lined gloves with an upper extension to cover your wrist
• Warm insulated boots
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Gym wear
• Comfortable walking shoes with adequate ankle support
• Camera, lenses, extra batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/ cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Collapsible umbrella
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Due to the extremely flat, open landscape, Winnipeg is exposed to numerous weather systems throughout the year, including cold arctic high-pressure systems from the northwest during the late fall and winter seasons. Churchill falls into the subarctic climate zone and features long and extremely cold winters. From October through November, you will experience average high temperatures of 30-50 °F (-1 to 10 °C) in Winnipeg and 16-34 °F (-9 to 1 °C) in Churchill.