Know Before You Go

The following packing list contains general recommendations for a trip to Churchill during the summer months. If you are currently booked on Nat Hab's Belugas, Bears & Summer Wildlife of Churchill tour, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most comprehensive and up-to-date packing list specific to your trip. You will receive these pre-departure materials 60-90 days before your departure.

Items indicated in color below are typically available in the Nat Hab Gear Store. Please note that due to global supply chain issues beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that every item will always be in stock.

Adventure Guidelines

• Since the weather in Churchill can change by the hour, we recommend layering your clothing (i.e., wearing a T-shirt, fleece, and jacket) so you can be comfortable throughout the day regardless of the temperature. Keep in mind it is often cooler on water than on land, and the days we spend on the whale-watching boat can be quite chilly. We highly recommend packing warm clothing.

• During the adventure, rain and wind are always a possibility, and proper rain gear is a must.

• Be sure to include warm clothing—hat, gloves and rain gear—in your carry-on bag when traveling by air.

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.

• Lightweight, breathable, waterproof rain gear 
  —You will need both a rain jacket with a hood and rain pants. It is extremely important your rain gear be fully waterproof, not just water-repellent. Waterproof shells that can be layered over fleece, should temperatures be chilly, are ideal. Flimsy, plastic raingear is easily torn, rendering it useless for the remainder of the adventure, so we recommend you avoid these items when possible. Your raingear may be your most useful pieces of clothing.

• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or walking shoes
  —Again, make sure your boots/shoes are completely waterproof, not just water resistant. They should also have good tread so you do not slip during walks if there is inclement weather. Your boots/shoes should also be broken in to prevent blisters.

• Warm sweater or fleece 

• Warm jacket
  

• Warm gloves or mittens 

• Scarf or fleece neck gaiter and warm hat  
  —We recommend a warm hat that fits snugly to the head.

• Silk or polypropylene long underwear
  —Bring both tops and bottoms, as they are very helpful for layering under regular clothes.

• Socks
  —Bring several pairs of warm socks made of wool or other synthetic material. Cotton socks are not recommended.
  

• 2–3 long-sleeved shirts 
  

• 2–3 short-sleeved T-shirts 

• 2–3 pairs of long pants
  —You may also want to bring zip-off pants, which are perfect for cool mornings and evenings and warmer afternoons.

• 1 pair of shorts
  —You may not need to bring shorts if you are bringing zip-off pants.

• Sleepwear 

• Extra pair of walking shoes (tennis shoes are fine)

• Swimsuit (optional)
  —There is access to a pool at the hotel in Winnipeg. You may also want to bring a swimsuit if you hope to kayak during the adventure.

Additional Items

• Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation).
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use, or food and beverages not included in your trip fee).

• Water-resistant daypack or dry bag backpack 
  —To carry gear during outings

• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
  

• Binoculars
  —Binoculars are very useful for spotting wildlife in the distance and can definitely make your experience more enjoyable. Waterproof binoculars are not required.

• Hairdryers are provided at all accommodations

• Sunglasses (with UV filter )
  —Polarized glasses help you to see through the reflection at the surface of the water and can be very useful while looking for marine life. Most sunglasses are not polarized, and it can be worth purchasing them in order to get the most out of your wildlife adventure. It’s also a good idea to have a strap on your glasses for security while on the boat.

• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
  

• Sun hat 
  —Make sure that your hat has a brim for sun protection. Also, have something to secure your hat when it is windy. You do not want it to blow away during the adventure.

• Headlamp or small flashlight

• Earplugs

• Toiletries in reusable bottles to minimize waste
  —Shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion are provided at our hotels in Winnipeg and Churchill.

• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
  —Repellents containing DEET are effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient which can damage plastics, clothing and equipment and is not allowed on the Zodiacs due to the damage it causes.
  —Icaridin-based repellents (20% concentration) are equally effective against mosquitos and black flies, and will not damage binoculars, rain gear or plastics.
  

• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF30)
  

• Hand sanitizer  

• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  —Bring several sizes. These are great for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment.

Header Credit: Moira Le Patourel