Fireweed Island Field Station Adventure

On the Fireweed Island Field Station Adventure, your base camp is a floating lodge gently anchored beside a remote island blanketed in purple fireweed - an island so rare that fewer people have set foot there than have stood atop Mount Everest.

Guided by experts and accompanied by trained polar bear guards, you will step ashore to explore and witness a living landscape where polar bears roam and rest, undisturbed in their natural habitat. This is the most exclusive and immersive Arctic expedition we offer. With a maximum of just 8 guests per session, the Fireweed Island Field Station Adventure places you closer to the wild than any other experience in the world.

Season:
July - August
Duration:
6, 7 or 8 nights
Location:
Nunavut, Canada

Trip itinerary

Your adventure begins and ends in Winnipeg. Middle days follow the weather, wildlife, and rhythms of the Arctic on Fireweed Island.

Winnipeg and the start of the journey north
Flight and transfer day toward Fireweed IslandOn Fireweed Island: trekking and polar bearsArctic wildlife and coastal landscapesField Station evenings and island sceneryReturn helicopter and flight toward WinnipegDeparture morning in Winnipeg
Day 1

Arrive in Winnipeg

Upon arrival, make your own way to the Winnipeg hotel.

Free day to explore Winnipeg and The Forks - where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, and where Indigenous people have gathered for thousands of years.

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Day 2

Winnipeg to Churchill to Fireweed Island

Check-out from Winnipeg hotel.

Flight from Winnipeg to Churchill.

Helicopter transfer from Churchill to the Fireweed Island Field Station.

Settle into the Field Station, meet your guides, and begin your Arctic exploration.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

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Day 3

On Fireweed Island

Trek the island on foot, exploring the landscape where polar bears roam through fields of purple fireweed.

Photograph polar bears and other Arctic wildlife at eye level, in their undisturbed natural habitat.

Spot beluga whales, Arctic terns, Sik-Sik and more - on land, in the sea and in the sky.

Share intimate, small-group conversations about wildlife, culture, history, and the Arctic.

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Day 4

On Fireweed Island

Each day on Fireweed Island is guided by the weather, the wildlife, and the rhythms of the Arctic.

Accompanied by trained polar bear guards and your Inuit guide on every outing.

Evenings for rest and shared meals at the Field Station.

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Day 5

Field Station & island life

Your floating base: kitchen, dining, lounges, bedrooms, washrooms, solar and generator power.

Lazy Bear Lodge provisions ice, fruit, and prepared meals with the same care as in Churchill.

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Day 6

Fireweed Island to Winnipeg

Helicopter transfer from the Fireweed Island Field Station to Churchill.

Flight from Churchill to Winnipeg.

Check in at your Winnipeg hotel.

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Day 7

Depart Winnipeg

Check-out from Winnipeg hotel.

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Winnipeg, Manitoba and The Forks riverfront

Your adventure begins and ends in Winnipeg, with your first and last nights at a Winnipeg hotel. The Forks - where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet - is a historic gathering place where Indigenous people have come together for thousands of years. Take time to explore this vibrant area before and after your Arctic expedition.

Polar bear on the Churchill region tundra at sunrise

Each day, you will step ashore onto Fireweed Island - a remote, wild landscape where polar bears roam freely through fields of purple fireweed. Accompanied by trained polar bear guards and an Inuit guide, you will trek the island at ground level, witnessing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife in their undisturbed habitat.

This is not observation from a distance. This is eye-level, on-foot exploration of one of the most extraordinary natural environments on the planet.

Your guides know this land, its wildlife, and its rhythms - and they will share their knowledge, stories, and insights throughout.

Fireweed Island Field Station floating lodge beside purple fireweed on the shore

Your home for 4, 5 or 6 nights is the Fireweed Island Field Station - a floating lodge gently anchored beside the island. Equipped with a kitchen and dining area, living space, bedrooms, washrooms, generator, solar panels and electrical outlets, the Field Station is a comfortable base for your Arctic expedition.

Our award-winning Lazy Bear Lodge provisions the station with ice, fruit and deliciously-prepared food - the same care and quality you'd expect at our Churchill lodge, delivered to the edge of the wild.

Polar bear mother and cubs among fireweed on the tundra

What this adventure includes

Included

Roundtrip airfare
Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill.
Shuttle in Churchill
Shuttle service in Churchill included upon arrival and departure.
Meals
All meals provided by the Lazy Bear Café.
Flexible field time
Guests' time will be flexible, including time spent photographing wildlife, nature, and northern lights.
Schedule with your guide
Your schedule will be determined by preferences, wildlife, and weather conditions, under the supervision of your guide.
Helicopter transfers
Helicopter travel between Churchill and the Fireweed Island Field Station (return included).
Guides & guards
Trained Inuit guide from Nunavut Ltd. alongside Lazy Bear Expeditions guides/guards.
Polar bears on the tundra at sunset

“My stay at the remote outpost near Fireweed Island was unforgettable. Every part of the experience reflected the care and professionalism of the Lazy Bear team, from the transfers to the outpost itself. The crew, guides, and staff made me feel safe, welcomed, and inspired, and an unplanned evening boat trip to see beluga whales became my favorite memory. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Lazy Bear, and I named many characters in a screenplay I was writing after the wonderful people I met on that trip!”

- Anne Prather, MI

Pick the perfect option

Adventure Dates &Β Prices

Can’t find a date that works or everything sold out? No worries β€” inquire now to get on the list for 2027, or Check availability in the form below.

July 14 – 20, 2026

5 nights on Field Station

(departing on July 21)

July 25 – August 1, 2026

6 nights on Field Station

(departing on August 2)

July 30 – August 5, 2026

5 nights on Field Station

(departing on August 6)

August 5 – 10, 2026

4 nights on Field Station

(departing on August 11)

August 13 – 19, 2026

5 nights on Field Station

(departing on August 20)

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Please check for current availability prior to booking flights to Winnipeg.
Polar bear resting on the summer tundra

Fireweed Island Field Station Adventure

Season:
July - August
Location:
Nunavut, Canada
Duration:
6, 7 or 8 nights
$14,380*
USD
$19,900*
CAD

Additional Info

Age Requirement:

Our Fireweed Island Field Station Adventure is recommended for ages 10 & up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Physical Rating:

Moderate: Moderate walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.

Rates:
  • Invoiced in CAD funds
  • Payments to be received in CAD funds
  • Displayed USD prices are approximate conversions. Actual charges may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations at the time of booking

Notes

  • Also offered for 7 nights for $24,800 CAD or 8 nights for $29,600 CAD.
  • All prices are subject to applicable taxes.
  • Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
  • Airfare is from Winnipeg to Churchill and return.
  • Luggage restrictions in place: 50 lbs. maximum per person.
  • Luggage handling included only in Churchill.
  • Flight times and Winnipeg hotels are subject to change.
  • Please contact us regarding customizations.
  • All payments are non-refundable. There is an administration fee of $600.00 plus GST per person plus taxes to make changes to your reservation.
  • Lazy Bear Lodge and Expeditions reserves the right to change prices and dates, and make itinerary changes due to circumstances beyond our control. Prices will not increase once a tour invoice or instalment payment has been paid.
  • We recommend purchasing travel insurance for your adventure.
  • All prices are subject to applicable taxes. Prices subject to change.
All prices are subject to applicable taxes. Prices and dates may change due to circumstances beyond our control.

Reserve your Fireweed Island adventure

Spaces fill quickly for July-August departures. Submit the form and an Arctic specialist will follow up.

Quick, easy booking

Expert local guides

Field Station base camp

Wildlife-focused itineraries

Limited availability: summer Fireweed departures fill early. Secure your preferred dates to avoid disappointment.
TripAdvisorNational GeographicLonely Planet
Prefer to speak with an Arctic Specialist?
No worries, just call:
+ 1 (204) 663-9377

Things you must have

Travel packing checklist

Luggage
Luggage needs to be under 50 lbs. We also recommend a small carry-on bag with your essentials in case your luggage arrives in Churchill after you do.
Warm-weather clothing
T-shirts and shorts for the summer weather days.
Layers for cool or buggy days
Loose fitting clothing, long socks, closed-toed shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt and pants for cooler days or bug days.
Outer layers
A wind breaker, sweatshirt, or fall jacket for possible cool days; waterproof jacket and pants.
Footwear
Hiking shoes or runners.
Cold-weather basics
Thermal under clothing, a toque (a close fitting hat covering your ears), mittens or gloves for the tours.
Sun & viewing
A good shade hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera.
Bug spray
It is wise to bring bug spray that contains DEET as a main ingredient.
Spare batteries
Spare batteries for each camera type you bring.
Charging cords
Charging cords for laptops, cell phones, and tablets.
Polar bear mother nursing cubs in fireweed on the Arctic tundra

Expeditioners toolkit

Got questions? We’ve got answers. From packing tips to expedition details, find everything you need to prepare for your Arctic adventure.

What payment types are accepted?

Winnipeg office: For all reservations made through our Winnipeg office, invoices will be issued in Canadian dollars (CAD). We accept Visa, MasterCard, and wire transfers as payment methods.

Please note: A 2.4% processing fee applies to credit card payments. If paying by credit card, the amount will be converted to your primary currency by your credit card provider, using their applicable exchange rate at the time of processing.

At the lodge: Lazy Bear Expeditions, Lodge & Café accept Visa, MasterCard, debit, and cash. US credit or debit: US and Canadian currencies are accepted. All payments are charged in Canadian funds and converted to US funds by your bank or credit card company at the exchange rate they use at the time of processing.

Cash: It is best to bring Canadian funds because US funds are accepted at par with Canadian currency.

What type of planes will we be flying in from Winnipeg to Churchill and return?

Your flight between Winnipeg and Churchill will be with Calm Air on either a chartered or regular flight (either an ATR 42 or ATR 72). Further instructions will be provided upon booking and/or with your travel documents.

What are the bugs like in Churchill during the summer months?

Each summer is different for bugs. In years of little rain, we hardly notice them. Early summer seems, in general, to have more bugs. Later in midsummer and late summer there generally are fewer bugs. Good bug spray that contains “Deet” as a main ingredient works best. Some guests will bring a bug jacket or screen hat. If you have loose fitting clothing, long socks, closed toe shoes and a long sleeved repertoire of clothing, along with your favorite bug lotion or spray, you will be well prepared.

What are the typical temperatures in Churchill in July and August?

The temperatures in July and August can range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 Fahrenheit).

How many guests are on each expedition?

The Fireweed Island Field Station accommodates a maximum of 8 guests per session. This ensures an intimate, personal experience with your guides and the Arctic wildlife.

What is the accommodation like on the island?

The Field Station is a floating lodge anchored beside Fireweed Island. It includes 6 bedrooms with double bunks, a kitchen and dining area, 2 lounges, 2 washrooms (toilet, sink and shower), generator, solar panels and electrical outlets. Rooms have two bunk beds; no single occupancy is available.

What meals are included?

All meals are included while in Churchill and on the island. Our award-winning Lazy Bear Lodge provisions the Field Station with ice, fruit and deliciously-prepared food.

How do we get to Fireweed Island?

You’ll fly from Winnipeg to Churchill, then transfer by helicopter from Churchill to Fireweed Island.

What should I pack?

Luggage restrictions are in place: 50 lbs. maximum per person. Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, sturdy walking boots, and good bug spray containing Deet. Each summer is different for bugs; early summer tends to have more, while midsummer and late summer generally have fewer. Some guests bring a bug jacket or screen hat. Loose-fitting clothing, long socks, closed-toe shoes and long sleeves are recommended.

When is the best time to see fireweed in bloom?

Fireweed is typically in full bloom mid-July to mid-August, subject to seasonal change and weather.

Are You Ready For The Adventure Of A Lifetime?

Secure your spot:

  • Dedicated expedition planning
  • Small-group Fireweed access
  • Expert guides & polar bear guards
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