At the edge of Hudson Bay, Churchill sits where the tundra, boreal forest and ocean meet—and where global warming is rapidly reshaping Arctic ecosystems. Rising air and sea temperatures are thawing permafrost, shifting wetlands and pushing trees into once-open ground, changing how wild animals, including polar bears, move and feed across the region. Join scientists working on land and water to track these transformations as we explore one of the most dynamic environments on Earth. Survey the landscape by Polar Rover and helicopter, ride behind a dog team, learn about northern cultures, and discover why the impacts of a changing Arctic climate matter far beyond Churchill.
Research at a Glance
Your Role in Research
The Research Focus
Contribute to hands-on Arctic field research focused on permafrost thaw, active layer depth and shifting treelines within one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth
What You'll Do
Join scientists in the field to measure permafrost thaw and study the advancing treeline, collecting data that tracks Arctic ecosystem change.
Why It Matters
Churchill lies where Hudson Bay, tundra and boreal forest meet, revealing real-time climate change and helping scientists understand Arctic ecosystem shifts globally.
Meet Your Lead Scientist
LeeAnn Fishback, Ph.D.
Dr. LeeAnn Fishback has spent nearly three decades studying freshwater systems across Arctic and subarctic regions, focusing on how climate change is reshaping northern lakes and ponds. Based in Churchill, she leads long-term research that reveals how rapidly changing conditions are transforming the North.
Contribute to Arctic Climate Science at Treeline
Help measure permafrost thaw and document forests advancing into tundra, contributing data used to understand how Arctic change impacts ecosystems worldwide.
Search for Polar Bears on the Tundra
Aboard a custom Polar Rover, look for polar bears gathering along Hudson Bay as freeze-up nears. Autumn brings rich reds and golds to the landscape, making their white coats stand out against the terrain.
Live at a Remote Arctic Research Station
Spend five nights at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, an active field station on Hudson Bay where scientists live and work, offering rare access to the Arctic research environment.
Discover One of the Arctic’s Most Dynamic Landscapes
Explore Churchill’s tundra, forest, wetlands and Hudson Bay, moving between habitats to understand their interconnection.Work Alongside Arctic Scientists in the Field
Join premier scientists studying climate change and its impact on key species, taking part in field activities and learning how observations become insight into a changing Arctic.Fly by Helicopter Over Churchill's Arctic Landscape
Soar above the tundra and Hudson Bay for a rare aerial perspective of this remote region, with the chance to spot polar bears, belugas, seals and even moose from above.Gain Insight From Our Expert Field Guides
Travel with experienced guides who bring deep Arctic knowledge, helping you connect daily field experiences to the larger climate story unfolding across the region.Learn About Churchill’s Culture and Community
Meet members of First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities in Churchill, learning about their cultural traditions, lived experience and deep connections to the northern landscape.Watch for Northern Lights as Darkness Returns
As nights lengthen in late summer and fall, look to the sky for the aurora borealis, adding another dimension to your time in the Arctic.Ride with Sled Dogs Across the Boreal Landscape
Visit a local dog musher and travel through the boreal forest behind a team of sled dogs for a firsthand look at a traditional northern way of life.Explore in a Small, Focused Group
Join a limited group that allows more time in the field, closer interaction with scientists and a more active role in daily research activities.Travel with Purpose
Take part in fieldwork that supports long-term climate research conservation research, contributing to a deeper understanding of how the Arctic is changing—and the impacts of those changes.
