Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
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#1 of 1 lodge in Seal River
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Seal River, Manitoba Canada
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+1
Review of Seal River Fabulous close proximity polar bear viewings This is a 5-star review but sadly there were also problems with the holiday, so will be addressing those first before I explain the great things about Seal River. We were on the dual lodge trip with Seal River combined with Nunak Polar Bear Lodge, to see polar bears in mid-October and hopefully other wildlife and the aurora borealis. The first problem was the hotel included in the trip- very convenient for early airport departure, but not a good hotel- see separate review of Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel. The second was the lack of pre-departure information advising on mobile ‘phones for aurora borealis. Many people on these trips are doctors who hate mobiles and so I left my better mobile than my husbands at home and he took his older one for emergencies. We don’t use them for photos usually. As we are keen photographers, we took a lot of equipment, but SLR’s are not as good for aurora as a new mobile. Even the Churchill Wild booklet given at the meet up in Churchill does not mention good mobiles better than SLR cameras for aurora. The flight to the lodge- I needed to be on the first one of the two, as quite a delay between them, to allow my anti-air sickness tablets from the Calm Air flight to still work. I had mentioned this BEFORE we left UK and also at the meeting in Churchill briefing on departure the following morning in the hotel in Winnipeg, but we were still put on the second one, and only a lot of fuss the next morning in Churchill, when one other guest- thanks Greg, and a guide- thanks Boomer, were put on second one, so that my husband and I could stay together and be on first flight. This fuss should have been avoided by proper management by all my emails before the trip, explaining the problem I would have, and I should never have been asked to go without my husband as the first solution offered. It made me feel very bad for the first day. The lodges are great but not at all soundproof and as retired doctors (many of our group were doctors) we sleep lightly and wake with noise as expecting emergency calls all the time. I had requested a very quiet room, and was given an end of row guestroom, but it was next to the staff bedroom which is at the end of corridor. First 2 nights, we were kept awake all night by coughing and snoring- not helped by jet lag. The managers were lovely and said it is because the chef smokes that he coughs. That did not help us though and snoring continued to be a problem although maybe less so as we were so exhausted. The bedrooms at both lodges are big but do not have writing tables and nor does the “main dining room/lounge area, each with cozy sitting areas”. We needed to be in contact back home on our laptop each day and also write diary daily and no-where to do that, except dining room, which is a long way away from action and bedrooms. After our return home, I asked Jackie Storry one of the administrators in Winnipeg, about something I wanted to buy. She wrote back “I will be out in that area next week and will let you know what I find out.” She never did and now a month later. We went to see polar bears as we have tried 3 times and this was by far the best experience- by Miles- and was truly excellent, as photos show. There were up to 5 polar bears around the lodge most days and often very close- sleeping or nibbling on berries on ground or interacting with each other. If we went to perimeter fence, which we could only do if a guide with shot gun was present and aware, the bear might come right up to the fence and look quizzically at us- so we might be 1 metre from a polar bear, only separated by a fence of wore that was not very obscuring of visibility. Also, great design of lodge with great viewing points so places to see over the fence- platforms above the bear- but only just. Our safety was always PARAMOUNT AND THE 3 GUIDES WERE EXCELLENT AT ENSURING THAT. So, when every polar bear arrived that was new to them and seemed a bit unsure of the situation, we kept away, until he/she also settled. We were taught the behaviour of the bears and how we could judge their safety. It was a walking with polar bear holiday- and indeed we did that and were often as close as 10m from a bear outside the protective enclosure. As keen wildlife watchers we have tried to see polar bears in Lapland and Greenland and there was no comparison to this experience. I highly recommend Seal River Lodge. The other great thing was seeing the aurora borealis on 4 nights. It was a spectacular show. One of the 3 guides of Ben checked every hour for it and called us if good. All 3 guides superb. Boomer was a wildlife photographer and gave a talk one evening on how to get great photos and encouraged us on a trip from the lodge to be more thoughtful and take more adventurous photos. He was excellent at advising on how to take the aurora photos. I can’t praise him highly enough. Jess was also excellent, and her evening talks were more unusual as she taught us about lichens – but also about polar bears and then had a fun quiz the next evening. Arco was also excellent- I can’t praise all 3 highly enough. Marco taught us about local archelogy in his talk and on a hike to remnants of First Nations homes. Nicole and Ben are the managers, and nothing was too mush trouble. Joshua the chef is an excellent cook. We are vegan for health and climate change and the first meal was a tad low on protein, but as soon as I mentioned this, Joshua and Pauley the chefs adjusted, and we were fed very well – delicious and healthy. Shayna, Hayley and Gill kept the place sparkling clean- and I am fussy, and also served us at meals very well. Tyler always got our water from Swan Lake, fixed items and kept us warm by cutting the wood. The other guests- 13 on our trip and the staff at Seal River were all great and fun to be with. Very interesting other guests to discuss matters with at meals – long-term friends ships made. I have some medical problems with balance and vision and all the staff and the other guests helped me at every time I was unsure of my footing- we had to clamber over rocks to avoid disturbing polar bears by the gate into the lodge on way back from a hike and everyone was so helpful- thank you. The sitting area is comfortable (but no good for writing). There are binoculars at the windows that can also be used on hikes and 2 telescopes set up- and often on great wildlife spotted by the staff. There was an i-Pad on there, so that a photo of an arctic hare could be taken and sent to a mobile, so we could keep it. The beds were comfortable and plenty big enough. I feel the cold and was always provided with extra blankets and hot water bottles with no fuss. The only suggestion about water bottles is that they have them half sticking out of bed, as covers have funny faces on. This is not great for getting the bed warm, as heat lost to room- I said something but it never changed. As I said, sound proofing poor. The rooms were very clean and the whole facility was kept spotless. We did try to minimize water and especially hot water use, as kindly requested and we understood the need for that. I can’t recommend Seal River Lodge enough despite the few problems and we hope to be back. Thank you for a great trip.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Take a good mobile for aurora borealis photos and ear plugs in case next to coughing and snoring.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded 1 week ago
Hi Jenni! Thank you so much for sharing your experience at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Even though you had an amazing trip, we do read all comments about the improvements we can make. Hope to see you again in the future! Best Wishes, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Property's Favourite Review
How blessed we feel to have had an experience of a life time . Every effort is made by the whole team to ensure all guests have the best experience ever, and we most definitely did.😊 We LOVED everything. Of course wildlife viewing was our number one priority, the guides are so knowledgeable, work incredibly hard, safely and patiently to ensure u have the best chances of seeing everything this place has to offer . This includes fascinating tundra walks , trips out in the zodiac, the use of All Terrine Vehicles to take us across the tundra and evening talks which were so helpful and informative . All exciting and magical . However what makes this experience even more special is the effort ( although it appear effortless ) the team back at the lodge make to ensure every is taken care of . Nothing is too much trouble . Every where immaculately clean and comfortable , the food delicious, fresh, plentiful and served with a smile . Everything is so well managed , all supplies, the electricity,heating, water both drinking and for the lovely hot showers and more . An amazing team effort. THANK YOU all and an extra thanks to those who work the night shift just in case the northern lights turn up ,which very happily they did. We will be living off the memories for many months/ years . K and Martin …
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Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Our stay at Seal River was beyond compare. The wonderful guides, the great staff, the beautiful lodge, and the delicious food were all amazing. We came for the polar bears and the Northern Lights, and our hopes and expectations were exceeded. By far. There were always bears around the lodge that we could watch from inside and from the fenced yard, and every day we walked for hours out on the tide flats and tundra, observing and photographing bears doing their thing. Safely. Incredible. We were amazed at how “chill” the bears were. The setting on the shores of Hudson’s Bay was quiet, remote, and beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset. And every night we saw the Northern Lights!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you, Kathy, for your kind words! It's great to hear that you enjoyed your trip and felt safe, as that is a top priority! Best Wishes, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amazing trip! Walking in beautiful tidal flats with polar bears was incredible—a moving experience to be so close to these magnificent animals! Saw several polar bears (including a mom and cub) and viewed their interactions/responses with each other and with us. Also saw Arctic hares and siksiks along with an archeological site not far from the lodge. The guides were knowledgeable about the fauna, flora, geology and environment and very easy to speak with. We felt safe and well cared for. We were provided with warm jackets that were perfect for the conditions. A previous review suggested bringing inserts for boots which was a great tip. We saw awesome northern lights. The lodge was well designed so we could spend time with the polar bears in the comfort of the lodge too. The beds and linens were comfortable and the room clean. The staff were friendly, helpful and very accommodating regarding special needs/requests. Lots of snacks and drinks too. Thank you Churchill Wild!…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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Room Tip: Boot inserts were useful. Request snowmobile boots and bib overalls if it’s cold. Bring layers...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you so much for writing about your experience! It's great to hear that you had an awesome trip with us, and hope to see you again one day! :) All the best, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
198 Excellent reviews out of 210 on Tripadvisor can't be all wrong. Everyone at Churchill Wild was so friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. We went into our photo safari with great expectations and they were exceeded by the company. Before, during, and even afterwards the experienced team at Churchill Wild did everything they could to make our time wonderful. We were lucky enough to only have 4 other people (all from Australia) with us on our hikes, as well as in the lodge. So being a smaller group made it that much more intimate. However, even with a little larger group the CW team would make you feel at home. The lodge itself was very warm, extremely clean, and very comfortable. If you didn't want to go on a hike to see the bears, you could easily stay behind and having a relaxing vacation as they had books and magazines to read, and even yoga mats if you wanted to practice. Boomer and Jess, our guides, were great. They made sure from the outset we knew what to expect and also how to keep safe. Safety was their number one priority. Being a "Photo" safari, they both allowed every one of us to take as many pictures as we wanted. So, if you're a photo buff, you won't go wrong on this safari. The hosts at the lodge, Ben and Nicole, were wonderful. Whatever it was you wanted to do, you were allowed as long as it was safe....they do have rules you must observe. Ben even went with me to the water (and there was a bear nearby) so that I could do a polar plunge. Josh, our cook, was outstanding. All the food he prepared and served was fresh, tasty, and appetizing. If by chance you wanted seconds on anything, which I did, he made I got it. This was surprising to me as the lodge is so remote, they can only handle to much food. You won't go wrong by booking a trip with Churchill Wild. …
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded 1 week ago
Wow! We really appreciate the effort you put into your review. Thank you so much for your kind words; we will be sure to let our guides and staff know! Best Wishes, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We did the dual lodge safari (Seal and Nanuk lodges) which gave 4 nights each. We started in Seal with absolutely incredible close polar bear experiences (walking and adjacent to the fence of the lodge). It was much more than I was expecting. We then went to Nanuk. Here we saw great black bear sightings just outside of our lodge in the twighlight. We saw one wolf and plenty of ptarmigans. On the flight over to the lodge we saw plenty of moose but these were pretty elusive on our vehicle treks with only a brief sighting of three female moose. There were no polar bears at Nanuk (but this is apparently very dependent on the conditions). At both sites the staff, accommodation and food was great. My tip is to contact Churchill Wild with what you are wanting to see before booking. The photo-Safari's are apparently very different to the non-photo experience we did. Our aim was to see polar bears and I could not imagine a better experience for this. …
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded 1 week ago
Hi Scott! Thank you so much for writing us a review. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us and went on the Fall Dual Lodge Safari which is one of our favourites! :) All the best, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I took part in the Summer Dual Lodge Polar Bear Safari offerd by Churchill Wild. The trip started at Seal River Lodge. We have gone to many interesting places, all amazing. But our time with Churchill Wild beat them all. Upon arrival, we immediately felt welcomed and part of the family. We had a lovely room with bathroom. The lounge was so comfortable. We could chat with the other 13 guests, as well as guides and staff, or find a quiet spot on our own. The protocols around polar bears was extensive and clearly explained and enforced. We always felt safe. Our daily excursions found polar bears every time. Tranquility and serenity came with being in the remote areas where they make their home, and approaching them slowly. We were greeted by a polar bear resting by the lodge the day we arrived. The encounters just kept getting better. And we saw the Northern lights, as well as many birds and other wildlife. Our guides were so knowledgeable and eager to share. Truly a trip of a lifetime. Thank-you to the Churchill Wild family.…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave Seal River Heritage Lodge a review! It is very rewarding to hear that we have surpassed all your other trips; your kind words are the very reason that keeps us motivated and dedicated to providing our guests with the best experiences possible. Thank you again. :) Best Wishes, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We had the incredible pleasure of participating in the Birds, Bears and Belugas Tour on Hudson Bay with Churchill Wild. These experiences were truly highlights of our lives, taking place from July 6th to July 12th, 2023 in the Seal River Heritage Lodge. The atmosphere throughout the entire journey was exceptionally friendly and familial. The Churchill Wild team placed a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness and closeness to nature, which were evident in every aspect of the tours. The guides were not only highly knowledgeable but also consistently focused on our safety. The daily excursions were both interesting and thrilling. We were particularly impressed by the opportunities to observe bears and belugas up close. A definite highlight was the flights over the tundra and Hudson Bay for both arrival and departure. The food was simply fantastic. Daily freshly prepared delicacies provided culinary highlights. The cozy lounges with panoramic views were perfect for relaxed evenings, and the caring attention from the house managers added to the overall sense of well-being. The rooms were comfortable, and the beds were incredibly cozy. The only minor downside was that the rooms got a bit chilly in the evenings, but given the overwhelmingly positive experiences, this was a minor inconvenience. Conclusion: This tour was unforgettable. We wholeheartedly recommend Churchill Wild and the Birds, Bears, and Belugas Tour. The natural experiences, warm atmospheres, and knowledgeable guides make these journeys truly exceptional. Warm regards, Doreen, Frank and Felix.…
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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Room Tip: Bring a mosquito net for your head :)
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience on the Birds, Bears, and Belugas Safari! We are delighted to hear that you had an unforgettable tour with us and truly appreciate your recommendation. :) Till next time, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Churchill Wild Seal River Lodge, a remote all-inclusive location full of adventure. I’d recommend this journey for many reasons, it’s: seeing the rugged coast, the vast, intriguing tundra “treeless plains” as far as the eye can see; the large pods of Beluga’s curiously watching us humans in the zodiac boats on the Hudson Bay; the adventure of riding thru rivers, ponds and muck for a picnic and hiking to the shoreline of the Bay; amazing to watch the Polar Bears (magnificent) as they wander around the Lodge as well as around the coastline; awesome 2 night show of the Aurora Borealis to top it off. And beyond the views and wildlife, are the lodge managers, the staff and the guides who are so welcoming, and enthusiastic about what they do, truly great individuals, also an exceptional team. After a day outside, was great to relax in the lounge area with appetizers and wine, while sharing the day’s adventure and pictures with other guests before the evening meal. The meals, what can you say, morning, noon, evening all were fantastic. Deserts! Unbelievably delicious. In the evenings the guides, after taking care of us all day, shared more of their knowledge on photography tips, Polar Bear features and antics and characteristics of Belugas. Plus understanding of the many animals that make the Tundra home. So entertaining and educational, I think we had 3 of the finest guides! This was truly a unique experience with many fond memories of our Seal River Lodge adventure.…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Book early as reservations fill fast
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded Sep 8, 2023
Thank you for your amazing review on Trip Advisor! We are delighted to hear that you had a great time with us and that you appreciated our service and facilities. Your satisfaction is our priority and your feedback is our motivation. :) Kind Regards, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After doing multiple African safaris, you always worry about being disappointed with other nature/animal trips. But Seal River Heritage Lodge EXCEEDED expectations!! Ben and Nicole are amazing lodge managers and the chef and kitchen staff cater to all food needs with amazingly delicious meals. Our guides Jess, Boomer and Mike were phenomenal. They are so knowledgeable and always have your safety in mind, while also achieving the most memorable encounters with polar bears. We saw so many polar bears that we lost count. Learning about their behaviors and watching cubs interact with their mums is something I will never forget. Having the ability to sit for hours just watching these magnificent creatures go about their way is a truly memorable experience. We also got to see so many beluga out on the zodiacs and finished off with an up close and personal encounter with a red fox. A truly unbelievable experience from start to finish. If you want a polar bear experience this is the place!! Tips: - as suggested layers work best for clothing as the weather can change. We did the August dual lodge. - rubber boots (provided by the lodge) were worn for all excursions so hiking boots were not really needed. - rain gear (jacket and pants) and hiking poles provided at the lodge. - reusable water bottles were given that you can keep. - bug net a must if going in summer months. - wifi was better than expected. …
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Date of stay: August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Churchill Wild, General Manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
Responded Sep 8, 2023
We appreciate your generous and honest review on Trip Advisor. Thank you for letting us know how we are doing. We are glad that you had a pleasant stay and that we exceeded your expectations! Appreciate your "tips" as well. :) Kind Regards, The Churchill Wild Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
churchill wild - seal river heritage hotel churchill
LOCATION
CanadaManitobaSeal River
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Frequently Asked Questions about Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild
What food & drink options are available at Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Does Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild have airport transportation?
Yes, Seal River Heritage Lodge by Churchill Wild offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.