Beluga Whales & Polar Bears Photo Expedition

Through the perspective of a gratified Nat Hab traveler, get an aerial view of beluga whales swimming in the Churchill River and watch polar bears roaming the rocky shoreline of Hudson Bay.

Each summer, thousands of beluga whales migrate to the warm, shallow waters of the Churchill River in Manitoba, Canada, to feed and raise their young. Join intimate Zodiac and kayak excursions among these curious white whales, and explore tundra alive with Arctic wildlife, including polar bears.

On our Arctic summer adventure, we get the opportunity to kayak at eye-level with beluga whales in the mouth of the Churchill River. Watch the glee on this Nat Hab traveler's face as the curious marine mammals follow closely behind her kayak!

Belugas are among the Arctic’s most beloved animals, but studying them is no easy task due to the remoteness and seasonal extremes of their northern habitat. Churchill Expedition Leader Eleanor Edye explores new research on these elusive whales: what scientists are discovering about beluga communication, their matrilineal family groups, the differences between healthy and endangered populations and emerging insights into how climate change may affect their future. Eleanor also highlights other Arctic species and their relationships to belugas, including narwhals, orcas, capelin fish (a vital food source for belugas) and polar bears.

Each summer, Churchill, Manitoba, bursts with life as beluga whales, polar bears, ringed and bearded seals and countless seabirds gather in the subarctic. Fresh from the field, Expedition Leader Kristina Disney shares highlights from the just-wrapped season: wildlife sightings, guest-favorite moments and ecological shifts she observed throughout the summer. Discover how this rich ecosystem supports life on land and sea and why so many creatures migrate vast distances to get here.

Great travel photos start before you ever leave home! In this practical presentation, Photo Expedition Leader Laura Geissinger shares her favorite backyard photography tips to help you feel confident behind the lens. Get comfortable with your camera settings, learn techniques to practice at home, and build habits that will help you react quickly when the perfect moment occurs in the wild. Whether you're new to photography or hoping to sharpen your skills, this session is packed with suggestions to help you capture better images—wherever you roam.