Frequently asked questions

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel which is conveniently at the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

There is not an Arctic Kingdom Representative in Winnipeg. You will first be met in Churchill by the Arctic Kingdom Representative both at the start and the finish of your trip.

The hotel is a very short 5 minute walk from the terminals. Feel free to transport your gear from the airport to your hotel room with a luggage cart, you do not need to return it to the airport yourself.

Breakfast is not included on Day 1 in Winnipeg as the hotel restaurant and room service may not be open early enough before you will need to head to the airport. So, you may wish to plan to have breakfast at the airport.

There are many restaurants that will be open at the airport. There is no food served on Calm Air so you will want to have breakfast before boarding the plane.

Please note that Baggage allowance is based on the charter plane, not Calm Air allowances.

• You will only be allowed a TOTAL baggage weight of 22.7 kg (50 lbs) per person, including your carry‐on on the charter plane from Churchill to camp. Further details will be provided.

• Each passenger is permitted two (2) pieces of carry-on baggage
• Combined weight of these pieces is not to exceed 20 lbs (9 kg)
• Combined dimensions (LxWxH) is not to exceed 10 in x 16 in x 12 in (25 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm)

 

It is recommended that camera equipment is transported in a pelican case, not a soft-sided camera bag. If your equipment exceeds the carry-on restrictions in size or weight, which is less than other airlines operating with larger aircraft, your carry-on will have to go as checked baggage. Be prepared to be separated with your carry-on if it exceeds Calm Air carry-on restrictions. It is recommended that you pack your camera film in your carry-on baggage as screening equipment used by CATSA may damage photographic film packed in checked baggage. It does not affect digital disks. https://www.calmair.com/carryonbaggage/

Calm Air does not offer pre-reserved seat selection. All seat assignments are on a first-come, first-served basis at time of boarding.

There is no maximum number of pieces for the charter plane, the criteria are total baggage weight of 22.7 kg (50 lbs) per person including your carry-on.
You MUST wear your parka and appropriate footwear on the charter to and from camp.

Upon arrival in Churchill, you will be met by an Arctic Kingdom representative who will assist with your clothing exchange (if needed) and transfer to the charter plane.Note: please plan to keep your Polar Clothing accessible as you will be required to change into it in Churchill once you retrieve your baggage before boarding the charter flight.

Yes, you may leave some items with the Arctic Kingdom Churchill Coordinator for pickup when you return to Churchill if need be. Alternatively, you may also leave some items with the Bell Desk at the Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel for when you return.

The weight of one complete Polar Clothing Rental equipment package is 18 lbs.

The times of flights will be advised at least 120 days prior to departure as they are subject to change. You may check with us before that if you wish.

Yes, you are permitted to bring alcohol. Arctic Kingdom does provide complimentary red and white wine with dinner, but not beer or liquor. If you choose to bring some alcohol the amount you are permitted to bring will be restricted to the baggage weight limitations for your charter flight. In addition, by the nature of our program, we reserve the right to limit consumption to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

Yes, there is always a possibility to see aurora on this trip. The likelihood and quality will depend on solar activity at the time. Additionally, the quality may be affected by the lunar cycle (amount of darkness) however there is always a reasonable possibility to see the northern lights.

There will be time to relax and there will be a variety of activities such as: presentations about the Arctic and the wildlife; Inuit games; nature related videos; a possibility to take pictures within the compound with staff guidance.

You may wish to bring your own tripod as for the aurora it would be essential. There is not an extra tripod available at the Cabins.

The generator is on until 10 or 11 PM and will be extended if there are aurora to view.

Yes, however, it is limited to the shower and in quantity.

Yes, each Cabin has its own individual thermostat that allows you to regulate the temperature yourself.

There will be an opportunity to go outside of the compound/fence daily, weather dependent. This is only if you are escorted by an Arctic Kingdom Staff person and with permission for safety reasons.

No, only as a group and only with Arctic Kingdom Staff with permission for safety reasons.

Yes, we will notify you if you indicated you would like to be notified and similarly this is only with AK Staff for safety reasons.

If we see polar bears, we will notify you if you indicated you would like to be notified and similarly this is only with AK Staff for safety reasons.

The times when we go to the Cabins are the best times to see bears up close and in the wild, these dates are chosen because the polar bears are moving north in anticipation of getting on the ice.

The bears are on migration and the Cabins are on their path where they migrate north.

Walks are geared to ability of the guests but are typically not strenuous or very long. They are an opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air and walk.

Our team will be monitoring flight statuses and working with Calm Air if there are any changes.

Accommodations will be in a local Churchill hotel, to be advised.

There will be various guided activities such as a Churchill heritage town tour and other seasonal local activities. There will also be an opportunity to shop and some leisure time.

The day after you return to Winnipeg on ‘Day 9’.

Let us know if you would like a list of recommendations, we will be pleased to provide you with our suggestions.

When booking your flights, be sure to book your arrival into Winnipeg on or before Day 1 of your trip itinerary. It is recommended that you book return flights from Winnipeg on or after Day 8 of your trip itinerary to ensure any delays do not interfere with your flight home.

Please pick up your clothing rental package at the front desk of your Winnipeg airport hotel. Kindly, ask the front desk for your clothing rental bags when you check-in, as the rental equipment will not be sent to your room. Please try on and confirm all rental equipment at the hotel prior to flying to Churchill. Please refer to instructions of who to contact in your rental kit in the event of an issue.

Please drop off your clothing rental package at the front desk of your Winnipeg airport hotel. Let the hotel staff know that you are dropping this package off for Arctic Kingdom.

There are ATMs available in Winnipeg. We recommend having Canadian currency on hand when travelling to Nunavut, as it mainly operates on cash and there are very few ATMs, Interact or credit card services.

Any meals after breakfast on Day 7 are not included. You will also require cash for any incidentals, such as batteries, toiletries, gifts, tips, or any purchases made in the local Arctic communities.

Yes, you will be able to charge your electronics at the hotel and in camp. Power provided is 120VAC/60Hz using North American standard plug outlets. If your electronics do not have a North American standard plug, please make sure you bring the proper plug adapter.

Yes, each guest will be provided with a mid-sized quick-dry towel and face cloth. Hairdryers are not provided on this trip in which case you might want to consider bringing dry shampoo. NOTE: if you choose to bring your own soap or shampoo it should be natural, biodegradable, and fragrance-free.

When under the care of Arctic Kingdom, your Expedition Leader will assist with changes to your travel plans due to weather delays.

Arctic Kingdom Expedition Leaders and Inuit guides are highly trained and experienced in polar bear safety and de-escalation. Follow the instructions of your Expedition Team at all times.

Tipping is appreciated, although not compulsory. If you had a great experience and wish to express your thanks, a gratuity is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. The amount you tip Arctic Kingdom staff is completely at your discretion; however, a general guideline would be approximately 5-8% of your trip fare, excluding airfare.

As many of our field staff live in remote areas of the Arctic, it is preferable that tips are paid in cash at the camp in which you are staying. Limited cash is available in the northern communities. Therefore, we recommend obtaining Canadian currency before you depart or in your gateway city. Our Expedition Leader will collect the tips and distribute it amongst the field staff.

Alternatively, you may provide a cheque or wire transfer for tips if it is more convenient for you, but it may cause delays in-field staff receiving the tips from our head office.

Cheques should be payable to: Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions Inc.

Wire transfer instructions:

Beneficiary: Arctic Kingdom IncBeneficiary

Address: 5045 Orbitor Dr., Bldg. 10 Suite 400, Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y4 Canada

Bank: Royal Bank of Canada

BankAddress: Iqaluit Bldg #922. Iqaluit, NU, Canada, X0A 0H0

Institution#:003

Transit#09851

Account #1017698

SWIFT (BIC) Code: ROYCCAT2

Sort Code (US ONLY):000309851

IMPORTANT: Please include client name and trip name. Canada does not use IBAN numbers.