Churchill’s Belugas, Polar Bears & Arctic Wildlife

An important feature of our Arctic summer adventure is the limited group size, as nature is best experienced with smaller numbers, for more intimate wildlife encounters and a lighter environmental footprint. 

• Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and assistants, Zodiac and kayak excursions, helicopter excursion, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees. 
  

• Internal air cost includes: a chartered round-trip flight from Winnipeg and Churchill (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), optional travel protection and medical evacuation insurance.

Moderate
The activities on our Churchill wildlife adventure are diverse, requiring general mobility and fitness. This trip involves several walks of approximately 2 miles each in varying climates and environments and can include uneven and slippery terrain. Travelers must be able to walk 2 miles unassisted. Travelers must be able to get into and out of rigid inflatable Zodiac rafts, which can be very unsteady when entering or leaving in rough water. You must also be comfortable changing positions in a moving Zodiac while out on the water. Travelers may have the opportunity to participate in optional kayaking, weather permitting. Though no prior kayaking experience is required, general fitness and mobility, including the ability to get into and out of a kayak, are essential. Travelers must be able to climb in and out of vehicles with as many as four steps many times throughout each day. While travelers are not required to participate in all activities, should you opt out of the day's scheduled activities, we cannot always guarantee that alternatives will be available.

On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.

In summer, the tundra around Churchill bursts into life with grassy, green tussocks and a carpet of wildflowers. Animals, including caribou, are on the move, and birdlife is abundant, with the return of many migratory species. The most impressive phenomenon is the migration of some 3,000 beluga whales into the Seal and Churchill rivers, where we observe these ghost-like creatures at close range, often at arm’s length. We may also have opportunities to view mother polar bears with cubs, as they remain in the area all summer long. Be aware that at times black flies or mosquitoes may be present—if you're sensitive to bites, take precautions and wear repellent.

Meals
Meals in the far north are hearty and delicious, but they also require special planning and preparation far in advance. With ample notice, we can meet dietary requirements that accommodate serious medical conditions or strict personal restrictions; however this restricted meal plan must continue to be adhered to while on the adventure. If you have a highly restricted diet, we recommend you bring along some of your preferred snacks and an appreciation that certain foods are limited in this part of the world.

A note regarding northern lights: In Churchill, you're located directly under the auroral oval at one of the world's best places to see northern lights. Chances of spotting aurora borealis increase later in the summer season if conditions are right, meaning there is no cloud cover while the complete darkness of August's "magnetic midnight" appears. Summer sightings are fleeting, but always magical.

In case of flight or weather delays, we recommend that you arrive a day early. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 5 pm in order to attend a 7 pm orientation dinner on Day 1 of your program. You are free to depart at any time on the final day.