The northern lights hold special allure for photographers—and this adventure is designed to help you get outstanding images of this wondrous natural event. Churchill is an optimal destination for northern lights photography—its winter night skies are often clear, and it has one of the most active auroral displays in the world. Our naturalist Expedition Leaders are experts at helping you get coveted shots of this inspiring phenomenon. Photograph the night sky in warmth and comfort from various inspiring locations, including our geodesic Aurora Sphere with transparent panels; a cabin deep within the boreal forest accessed via private snowcoach; a tepee illuminated by a campfire at a dog musher's camp; and from our lodge located well outside town, where you can capture photos and video all night long when the lights are visible. By day, enjoy authentic northern activities like dog sledding and snowshoeing.
Trip Highlights
Shoot from a Mix of Exclusive Aurora-Viewing Locations
Maximize photo opportunities from multiple private settings—offering varied compositions and easy access to warm interior space, well away from the lights of town
Tackle Aurora Photography with Expert Guidance
The northern lights can pose tricky challenges for nature photographers, but your Photo Expedition Leaders will help you get the thrilling images you aspire to
Photograph Northern Culture on Arctic Adventures
The Canadian North abounds with distinctive photo subjects—encounter local lifestyles and traditions on winter activities from snowshoeing to dog sledding
Photograph the Northern Lights—and Find Northern Enlightenment!
If you’re looking to maximize your chances for amazing images of the northern lights, there’s no better place than Churchill. See why our Northern Lights Photo Expedition offers the fullest experience for photographers on a quest to capture the wonder of the mystical aurora borealis:
Churchill Offers Some of the World’s Best Aurora Viewing
Auroral activity in Churchill is some of the most extensive and consistent on Earth, since Churchill is located directly beneath the Van Allen Belt, the band of electromagnetic energy around the poles that produces the phenomenon of the aurora borealis. And unlike Iceland or Scandinavia, Churchill’s winter night skies are often clear, creating optimal conditions for a visible aurora.
Churchill is the “Accessible Arctic”
Unlike getting to the top of Scandinavia or deep into the Yukon to see the northern lights, Churchill is easy to reach via direct flight from Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba. While Churchill is technically subarctic, lying below the Arctic Circle, its geographic location at the edge of the frozen expanse of Hudson Bay gives it a distinctly Arctic climate and feel, as well an Arctic cultural identity.
Comfortable Private Settings for Aurora Photography
Each evening we visit a different heated viewing spot, all designed for comfort and prime photography conditions. These include our cozy Aurora Sphere, a furnished geodesic dome with transparent roof and sides and a wood stove for warmth; our Aurora Cabin in the boreal forest, also warmed by a wood stove; a dog musher's camp with a tepee illuminated by a campfire; and our lodge base with an outdoor viewing deck, located on the tundra along Hudson Bay. All of our locations are private for Nat Hab. guests alone and situated well way from the artificial lights of town.The Northern Lights…Plus Much More!
In addition to aurora photography, daytime activities reveal northern lifestyles and exclusive photo opportunities. Enjoy a traditional dog sled ride, cultural presentations from local Indigenous residents, a custom snowcoach ride into the boreal forest, and snowshoeing. You'll go home not only with images of the northern lights, but memorable photos of the land, its wildlife and its people, too.
Photography Workshops Improve Your Technique
Your Expedition Leaders, who are expert naturalist guides and accomplished Arctic nature photographers, will conduct special coaching sessions during your trip. Glean tips for how to capture the best images of the northern lights as well as the Arctic landscape and wildlife, and learn more about editing images.
Access to the Best Photography Locations
We ensure you reach the best and most varied locations for photographing the aurora, from boreal forest silhouettes and the vast tundra expanse to evocative northern scenes, including illuminated cabins and tents.No Need to Buy a Parka, Boots or Even a Tripod—We Provide Them
You won’t have to spend a lot of money on winter gear you may only wear once. We supply you with a heavy-duty Arctic-weather jacket, boots, insulated gloves, snow pants, fleece hat, fleece neck gaiter, and hand and toe warmers to use while you’re in Churchill. We also provide tripods, a must with aurora photography—all of which promises much easier packing.A Small Group Means More Engagement with Your Photography Guides
Unlike larger group tours, we limit our photo expeditions to just 14 guests. This ensures one-on-one time with your Expedition Leaders to ask questions and get personalized tips for improving your photos. And you’ll have quieter moments in the natural settings that are our focus.Your Professional Guides Are Naturalists and Accomplished Photographers
Your Photo Expedition Leaders are exceptionally knowledgeable about the phenomenon of the aurora as well as our northern environs, from wildlife and geology to climate and cultures. And your guides have equal expertise when it comes to photography, with in-depth experience capturing images of the aurora, Arctic landscapes and wildlife. See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our expert guides.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Satisfaction
Natural Habitat Adventures offers you our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures Is World Wildlife Fund’s Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
