Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go | Summer in Churchill

Whether you're preparing for your upcoming beluga whale adventure or just want to learn more about summer in Churchill, we've got you covered. We've rounded up an array of helpful resources, from wildlife guides and packing tips, to inspirational travel stories and blog posts to fuel your excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about summer in Churchill? We've got answers! We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions about weather, wildlife and more!

Wildlife Guide

Learn about beluga whales and the other wildlife you may encounter on your Churchill summer adventure.

Inukshuk at sunset, Churchill, Manitoba.

Photography Tips

Check out our pro tips for capturing Churchill's summer wildlife and northern wonders in these photography articles and webinars.

Beluga Whale Trivia

Take our belugas quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with friends to see who knows the most about Churchill's annual migration of these white whales!

Weather & Climate

Find out what the weather conditions are typically like in Winnipeg and farther north in Churchill during the summer.

Packing List

We’ve made a comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your Churchill summer trip.

Spend an Arctic Summer with Churchill’s Belugas & Bears

—By Emily Goodheart
Belugas are naturally curious and often swim directly alongside our boat, just arm’s length away! Bask in the joy of Nat Hab’s unrivaled beluga whale encounters as these gentle mammals follow our motorized rafts from a foot away.

A Walk on the Tundra: Churchill in Summertime

—By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Edward Savage
Off the water and on the land, Churchill offers access to unique and exceptionally biodiverse habitats. The tundra is an environment unlike any other I have experienced!

Tales of the Tundra: The Hidden Beauty of the Canadian North

—By Michelle Peters
Here’s what you can expect on an eye-opening summertime nature adventure to the important northern ecosystem of Hudson Bay.

The Summer Ecology of Churchill, Manitoba

—By Megan Brief
Snow blankets the entirety of this subarctic region from late September through much of June, leaving around 70?80 days of frost-free time. Plants rush through an abbreviated growing season, transforming from leaves to flowers to fruit in rapid succession.

Can’t-Miss Arctic Summer Activities in Churchill, Manitoba

—By Cathy Brown
Churchill comes alive in the summer. The tundra turns a verdant green, colorful wildflowers begin to pop up everywhere, caribou and ptarmigan gather in great herds and flocks and the quirky belugas return in droves for their summer feasting. These summertime conditions open up a wide array of Arctic activities. Here are a few of our not-to-miss favorites!

An Indigenous History of Climate Change in Canada

—By Megan Brief
Since time immemorial, the Indigenous peoples of Canada have served as gatekeepers for the Earth and of the earth. First Nations, Inuit and Métis grow closer to the land with each passing season, and with it, a fear that climate change could sever their connection for good.

Feeding Churchill with the Help of Hydroponic Farming

—By Megan Brief
It is the policy of Nat Hab to source sustainable food whenever and wherever possible on our worldwide expeditions. One such opportunity we are particularly excited about is the evolution of hydroponic gardening and vertical farming in the subarctic.

Watch Polar Bears Year-Round with WWF’s Species Tracker

—By Marta Regn
Thanks to the WWF species tracker, you can keep up with polar bears during every season and from anywhere in the world!

A Year in the Life of a Hudson Bay Polar Bear

—By Cathy Brown
Let’s get to know these magnificent creatures that the Arctic’s Indigenous Inupiaq call the Nanuuq and learn a bit more about a year in the life of a typical Hudson Bay polar bear.

Arctic Adaptations: How Well Can Polar Bears Swim?

—By Michelle Peters
You may wonder, "Are they strong swimmers? "How far and fast can they swim?" "How are they being affected by the retreating sea ice?” During a Nat Hab Polar Bear Adventure, you’ll have hours to discuss these very questions with Expedition Leaders who know these mammals best.