Location
Churchill, Manitoba

Named for the belugas that gather in the Churchill River each summer, White Whale Lodge is a coveted place to stay for nature photographers in search of an immersion in the subarctic wild. Founded in 1978, the lodge was a pioneer in sustainable ecotourism in Churchill. After the original property was lost to a fire in 2002, a new White Whale Lodge was constructed nearby, in view of Hudson Bay. The lodge’s site well outside Churchill makes it a prime overnight accommodation for photographers in pursuit of the northern lights—there’s no glow from the lights of town to interfere with the nighttime darkness, creating an optimal tableau against which to capture mesmerizing images of the aurora.

The eclectic hostelry is composed of three unique homes that were renovated and brought together to comprise a modern small hotel rooted in history. Reflecting the diverse heritage of the buildings, none of the 12 guest rooms is exactly alike, but all have an en suite bathroom with toilet, sink, shower and toiletries, and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi. Rooms are simple, homey and cozy with minimalist furnishings in a white and gray palette, with knotty pine or light wood accents. A large common room has a comfortable sofa and overstuffed chairs, panoramic windows overlooking the tundra and bay, and a wood stove adds extra warmth and ambience. The kitchen and dining area has a large communal table for sharing meals, hearing presentations and editing photos. A large outdoor deck offers plenty of space for nightly aurora viewing opportunities. Wildlife constantly frequents the area around the lodge, with fox, wolf and Arctic hare common winter sightings, while polar bears amble by in summer and fall.