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Churchill: An Arctic Summer

Discover an Abundance of Wildlife on This Accessible Arctic Expedition

Churchill, Manitoba, has gained fame as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World." But did you know that an equally impressive natural event occurs here during summer when thousands of beluga whales congregate in the Hudson Bay?

Your Arctic summer journey begins in Winnipeg, where you'll stay at the Fort Garry Hotel, a beautifully restored landmark built in 1913.

In Winnipeg, you'll spend time visiting the Manitoba Museum and Oak Hammock Marsh. A leisurely canoe trip gives you a duck's-eye-view of the plants and birdlife.

Oak Hammock Marsh provides an important habitat for 25 species of mammals; 296 species of birds; numerous amphibians, reptiles, and fish; and countless invertebrates. The number of waterfowl here during migration can exceed 400,000 at one time.

Departing from the historic terminal in Winnipeg, your sleeper train will take you through a variety of unique habitats, from vast open plains just north of the city to the boreal forest of Saskatchewan and on to the Northern tundra.

The train compartments are cozy and comfortable, each with windows and private facilities (showers are in the hall). Your meals will be served in the dining car, as you absorb the rare and remarkable passing landscape.

The tundra may appear barren, but if you know what to look for, you'll find that it's full of life. Here, lovely white mountain avens frame Precambrian rocks covered with lichen.

Besides the lichen, colorful wildflowers decorate the tundra in summer.

You'll also explore the tundra's fascinating human history. On the site of the Churchill Rocket Research Range, a rocket was launched in 1956 as part of a joint Canadian-American atmospheric research project.

All along the way, we'll meet and talk with Churchill's friendly residents.

Churchill sits at the convergence of three distinct eco-systems: Arctic tundra, boreal forest, and the Hudson Bay. This helps explain its natural richness and diversity.

Your Expedition Leader may set up scopes on the tundra to search for wildlife.

Although never guaranteed, there is always a chance you'll come face to face with the "King of the Arctic." You may also encounter caribou, snowy owls, Arctic foxes, and even wolves.

Churchill, especially in July, is a renowned, world-class birding destination.

The beluga is the true "white whale." It is estimated that thirty-five hundred whales return every summer to the estuary where the Churchill River flows into the Hudson Bay.

You'll get a close look at the world's largest, easily accessible beluga population from your Zodiac.

Intrepid travelers who wish to have a once-in-a-lifetime marine experience can opt to snorkel or sea kayak among dozens of beluga whales.

Or, if you prefer to stay warm and dry, you can still see plenty of belugas from the deck of the boat.

You can hear the song of the beluga through hydrophones on our vessels. Also known as "sea canaries," belugas are the most vocal of all whales.

Be sure to bring your underwater camera on this adventure!

There is no better place on earth to experience intimate, rewarding, close-up encounters with these mystical creatures …

… and the sun setting over the vast, open tundra provides no better perspective. This one, gained in a Churchill summer, is bound to change yours — on the world.

Natural Habitat Adventures
Box 3065
Boulder, CO, USA 80307
(303) 449-3711
(800) 543-8917

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