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Manitoba · Churchill · July and August

Arctic wildlifesummer in Churchill

In July and August, thousands of belugas swim up the Churchill River while polar bears spend the summer on the coast. A rare chance to come face to face with both.

Plan my trip
Season
July and August
Duration
8 days, all inclusive
Group
Small groups
Age
From age 5

The experience

Bears among the flowers, belugas under the boat.

With increasingly unpredictable ice, polar bears have adapted their lives. Far more of them now spend the summer near Churchill, offering a new look at their life on land: bears lying among the fireweed, others playing in the cool waters of Hudson Bay.

At the same time, thousands of belugas summer in the Churchill River. Curious, they swim beside, behind and under the boats. Every day, 4x4 outings to find the bears. Twice during the stay, a private Zodiac outing, depending on tides and weather.

Polar bear lying among blooming fireweed in Churchill

Our formats

Three ways to go.

Every day

By 4x4

Daily land outings along the coast to watch polar bears in their summer setting.

Two outings

By private Zodiac

Zodiacs chartered for the group alone, among the belugas and close to the bears, depending on the tides.

For photographers

The filmmaker's eye

The long light of the Arctic summer, with advice from a documentary filmmaker.

Prices

From 8 695 €.

  • 8-day expedition · July or August departure8 695 €per person, double room
Included
Return flights Winnipeg – Churchill, one night in Winnipeg, accommodation in Churchill in a double room with breakfast and lunch, 4x4 wildlife outings with expert guides, two Zodiac outings to see belugas, tour of Churchill with a local guide.
Not included
Flights to Winnipeg, dinners and drinks, travel insurance, tips, personal expenses.
Optional
Outbound journey by train across Manitoba, kayaking, stand-up paddle, helicopter tours. Contact us.

Getting to Churchill

No roads. The journey starts here.

No road connects Churchill to the rest of Canada. You arrive by air, or on a long train journey across the wilderness of Manitoba.

Included in our expeditions

By plane

Flights from Winnipeg all year round, in about 2 h 30. We book a Calm Air charter early in the morning to gain an extra day in the field.

Calm Air →
Optional · on request

By train

Via Rail links Winnipeg's Union Station to Churchill: 1,697 km, about 48 hours, two days and two nights. Departures on Sundays and Tuesdays at 9 a.m., returns on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Our suggestion: the outbound journey by train to take in the scale of the Far North, the return by plane. We add it to your expedition on request.

Travel Manitoba →

Autumn is in high demand: seats, by plane or train, are booked well in advance.

Good to know

Before you go.

  • AccessNo road leads to Churchill. The charter flight from Winnipeg (about 2 h 30) is included.
  • TemperaturesMild in summer, but the wind off the bay can be cool. The water stays cold.
  • MosquitoesPresent in summer. Bring protection, we will tell you which.
  • Boat outingsZodiac outings follow the tides and weather. We keep the programme flexible.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions.

Can you see polar bears in summer in Churchill?

Yes, more and more. With unpredictable ice, many bears spend the summer on the coast near Churchill.

When can you see belugas in Churchill?

In summer. Thousands of belugas spend the season in the Churchill River. Our expeditions depart in July and August, when you can see both belugas and bears.

Are the Zodiacs shared?

No. They are chartered for our group alone, so each outing can be adapted to the wildlife.

How should I dress for summer in Churchill?

In layers, despite the summer: the wind off Hudson Bay can be cool, especially in a Zodiac. A waterproof windbreaker, a fleece, a light hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito protection.

What camera gear should I bring?

A zoom lens for the bears on the coast, and a waterproof camera or housing for the Zodiac outings among the belugas. Bring extra batteries and memory cards.

Can I bring children?

Yes, from age 5. Summer is a wonderful season to discover Churchill as a family.

Do I need specific insurance?

Yes. Check that it covers the planned activity, medical evacuation and repatriation, as well as cancellation or delays due to weather. Keep the assistance number on paper and on your phone.

In pictures

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Two polar bears playing in the waves of Hudson Bay
Beluga facing the camera underwater in the Churchill River
Polar bear stretching on the rocks next to a gull
Polar bear among the fireweed
Sandhill cranes on the shore of Hudson Bay at low tide
Polar bear on the coastal rocks in summer
Polar bear walking on the shore facing Hudson Bay
Polar bear asleep among blooming fireweed

Other expeditions

Yukon · Dec – AprilDog sleddingYukon · Dec – AprilSnowmobilingChurchill · Jul–Aug · Oct–NovPolar bearsYukon and Churchill · Sept – AprilNorthern lightsWhitehorse · All yearThe Yukon from the air

Let's talk about your Far North.

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