The polar bear in the Central Park Zoo is far from reality. Sure you can get close, but a layer of glass obscures the view. You never get to become a part of the experience. The Travel Lab, on the other hand, puts you in the bear's natural habitat.

Starting in Winnipeg, Manitoba, explorers will live the excitement of the Arctic, running into whales, caribou, seal and fox, not to mention the imposing polar bear. Trade the typical trip to a self-contained resort for a unique experience, and the Arctic will reward you. Gazes from afar are just the beginning.

It's not easy to reach the realm of the Arctic species. Forget the airlines and a cookie-cutter resort. A floatplane or helicopter shuttles guests over Hudson Bay, offering clear views of swimming beluga whales below. This is the only way to get to the remote Seal River Estuary, a naturalist lodge that will not resemble your typical vacation hotel. Few guests spend a lot of time in their rooms, though. One look around tends to draw people out of their rooms with ease.

Throughout the weeklong journey, The Travel Lab offers several boat trips, hikes through the rough northern terrain and the chance to step into a canoe and connect directly with chilly aquatic life. Instead of keeping nature at arm's length, expert guides make the journey real. You won't find a glass pane between you and the remote natural wonders that have drawn you to this unique destination. In fact, if you need to extract every last thrill from your trip to the Arctic region, step out of the canoe. You can swim with the whales, if the only barrier you'll accept is a wetsuit. In the winter, travelers are treated to a rare sight of the Aurora Borealis, the "northern lights."

Don't bother looking for tourists. The masses that pass through the Hamptons in the summer and Florida in the winter usually skip excitement in favor quiet relaxation by the beach. Meanwhile, you'll be trekking snowy trails and absorbing an environment that few see without books or film. You will live an experience that will make people eager to hear what happened next.

The Travel Lab Polar Trips

Tom Johansmeyer

6/30/08