Natural Habitat Adventures Debuts New Aurora Pod for Northern Lights Viewing on Select 2015 Churchill Polar Bear Tours

The world’s premier nature travel company, Natural Habitat Adventures, will feature the company’s new Aurora Pod on seven Churchill polar bear departures in October and November 2015.

Aurora Pod, a heated glass structure, offers exclusive comfort while viewing nature of the northern climes. While viewing the aurora borealis isn't guaranteed, Churchill,Manitoba is one of the best places on Earth to see it (while also having the distinction of being the Polar Bear Capital of the World). When the stunning natural phenomenon is on display, Aurora Pod allows guests a 360-degree view of the night sky in optimal environment.

Positioned outside of town away from the glow of artificial light, the geometrically constructed Aurora Pod features a glass top and sides with reclining theater-style seating.

“It’s like being inside a toasty greenhouse in the Arctic,” said Ben Bressler, founder and president of Nat Hab. “It’s perfect for unobstructed viewing while staying cozy and warm.”

This is the first year for the Aurora Pod that was introduced earlier in 2015 on the company’s Northern Lights & Arctic Cultures winter adventure.

While the Aurora Pod is a special addition on select trips, the focal point is still the polar bears, which guests view on multiple excursions via Nat Hab’s custom-built Polar Rovers. Designed to travel over the tundra, these giant vehicles have heated interiors, large picture windows and an outdoor viewing platform with steel mesh flooring, allowing for encounters with polar bears just inches away. And while these vehicles can accommodate 32 passengers, Nat Hab trips are limited to just 16, so every guest has a window seat and room to spread out.

In Nat Hab’s custom Polar Rover vehicles adventurers can approach at extremely close range without disturbing the bears, offering a chance for an incredibly moving wildlife experience. From heated confines – or standing on the outdoor platform – guests may see mothers with cubs, young males play-fighting, or a huge, solitary male ambling over the tundra.

The following 2015 polar bear departures will include access to the Aurora Pod:

2015 Classic Polar Bear Adventure (http://www.nathab.com/polar-bear-tours/classic-polar-bear-expedition/) – Six Day/Five Night Trips: Oct 22-27; Oct 25-30; Nov 8-13; Nov 11-16; Nov 14-19; and Nov 15-20. Seven Day/Six Night Trip: Nov 10-16. Six Day Expeditions start at $5,695 per person, double.

The Classic Polar Bear Adventure also includes time in Churchill for cultural and historical activities, including an opportunity to meet a local dog musher and ride in a sled through the boreal forest.

Trip rates include all transportation and activities as described in the itinerary, roundtrip chartered flight between Winnipeg and Churchill, accommodations, all meals, cold-weather gear including a parka and boots for use during the trip, services of NHA's professional Expedition Leaders and assistants, some gratuities, all activities/entrance fees, evening wildlife and cultural presentations, all taxes and service charges. The international gateway is Winnipeg, Manitoba,Canada.