“ Our trip was wonderful. The cruise was very nice, although both Nancy and I were ready for it to end. Simply the sameness began to get to us and our opinion decreased because of how much we enjoyed Churchill... Churchill was superb! The train ride from Winnipeg was a lot of fun except for the food. The food was basically vending machine food heated in a microwave - really bad. Fortunately a VIA employee warned us so we were able to get fresh fruit at a market in Winnipeg and we took that with us. The whales at Churchill were even better than what I was expecting. After 3 days of bad weather (the good side of the wind and rain was no bugs), I wasn't sure I would be able to kayak or swim with the belugas, but the weather broke and I got to do everything I wanted. Churchill markets the polar bears (we saw several even though it was summer) but they need to promote the whales more. Nowhere else in the world can you see the concentration or have the easy interaction with them. Thanks again for all of your help. ”
Churchill Belugas and Bears Summer Adventure
- Choose your own activities and experiences to make the most of your trip.
- Have all the details of your trip organized and arranged for you.
Beluga And Polar Bear Summer Tour
Accessible only by air and rail, Churchill is located on the shores of Hudson Bay and is home to a myriad of wildlife from polar bears to the elusive arctic fox, and the playful beluga whales who return to the Churchill River following the ice breakup in spring. Grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare for wildlife viewing heaven.
Trip Outline
6 Days / 5 Nights
Arrive Winnipeg → 2 nights Winnipeg → 3 nights Churchill → Depart from Winnipeg
Details of each day Start dates PricingAccommodationsWhat's includedCustomer reviews
What you'll love about this trip
See curious beluga whales in the Churchill River
Chance to view summer polar bears from a Tundra Buggy
Unique interpretive programs - learn about Churchill's history
Summer blooms of the sub-arctic
Small group - maximum of 22 guests
Common Questions
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Is this an escorted tour?
Our vacations are not typically 'escorted.' We combine the best of both worlds – the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities, plus the freedom of 'independent' travel. You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary. This allows us to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, and timeframe.
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Can this trip be made shorter or longer?
Absolutely! We personalize all our clients' trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you'd like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don't interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Canadian Insiders who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.
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Can I customize this trip?
Your trip can be as rich as you'd like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can get your FREE personalized trip plan and decide what you'd like to see and do.
If your trip is a special occasion, we'll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you're traveling with a group, we'll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.
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Where am I staying on this trip?
You'll be staying at various local three to five star hotels or lodges along your route, some of which are very iconic properties with great locations, views and history. All our accommodations are carefully selected by our Canadian Insiders. We'll make sure that wherever you stay, you get the best value and comfort based on the seasonal availability.
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How much does my trip cost?
All our trips are personalized to fit our clients' schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. Please request your personalized quote which will provide you with the detailed information you need.
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What is included in the price?
Typically we include and pre-book all your main trip components so you don't have to worry about your connections, places to stay, or activities on your trip. You'll receive your detailed digital travel documents, and our Canadian Insiders remain at your disposal throughout your trip to answer any questions.
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What are the best ways to travel around Canada?
Canada has a network of spectacular roadways, train routes, ferry crossings, and float planes. We can arrange for you to travel by car or to sit back and relax.
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When is the best time to see wildlife?
That depends on the destination and type. As a rule, the main feeding and migration seasons are best for wildlife experiences. Tell us which animals interest you and we'll make your trip coincide with the best viewing season.
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Will it be cold when I visit Canada in summer?
The temperature varies from mild to hot, depending on location. Canada's west coast, mountain regions, and Maritimes enjoy milder summer temperatures. They range on average from 59°F to 77°F (15°C – 25°C). The interior of British Columbia, prairies, Ontario and Quebec can reach temperatures around 95°F (35°C). Northern Canada will range between 50°F to 64°F (10°C – 18°C) in summer.
This Trip in Pictures
See curious beluga whales in the Churchill River.
Churchill in summer is spectacular.
Belugas are very small, beautiful whales found only in Arctic waters.
In the brief Arctic summer in Hudson Bay they gather in their hundreds.
Search for summer polar bears onboard a Tundra Buggy.
Recommended Itinerary
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized trip plan for you that matches your travel style, schedule and budget.
Day 1 – Arrive in Winnipeg – City Tour and Welcome Dinner
Your vacation begins in Winnipeg, central Canada’s largest city and cultural hub. Spend the day exploring on a city tour, before enjoying a welcome dinner and information session with your group and guide.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 2 – Winnipeg to Churchill
This morning you journey north by air to the remote northern town of Churchill. After arrival, visit historic points of interest, stroll along the coastline of the Hudson Bay, and snap photos of the Polar Bear Holding Facility on a guided tour. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Parks Canada Centre to learn more about Churchill’s natural and human history.
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 3 – Dog Carting, Whale Watching, and Prince of Wales Fort
This morning experience a thrilling dog-carting ride through the boreal forest. Your expert guide regales you with tales of arctic racing while you meet his loyal sled dogs. Later, visit the Itsanitaq Museum to see a fine display of Dorset, Thule, and Inuit artifacts.
This afternoon, you’ll encounter hundreds of beluga whales on a boat tour into the mouth of the Churchill River before visiting the historic Prince of Wales Fort, the oldest most northerly stone fort in Canada.
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 4 – Onboard a Tundra Buggy
Today is an exciting excursion in a specially designed Tundra Buggy – the best way to rove across this rugged landscape. You’ll explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of summer polar bears and other wildlife such as fox and hares. Arctic wildflowers will be in full bloom, so have your camera ready!
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 5 – Beluga Viewing by Zodiac, then Back to Winnipeg
Cruise up and down the Churchill River looking for pods of curious beluga whales on a zodiac boat. This is a great way for an up-close encounter as the playful whales congregate in the zodiac’s wake.
Say farewell to the north this evening as you fly back to Winnipeg and spend the night.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 6 – Departure
In the morning bid farewell to Winnipeg as your trip comes to an end.
Start Dates
2021 Trip Start Dates:
July 16, 23
August 6
2022 Trip Start Dates:
July 15, 22
August 5
Pricing
Prices of this trip vary by departure date, hotel class and the choice of activities. Request your quote to check availability or to book this trip.
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Accommodations
Accommodations
Below are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Four Points By Sheraton Winnipeg
Conveniently located adjacent to the Winnipeg International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton offers a number of complimentary amenities that will make your stay as comfortable as home. Enjoy free coffee and bottled water, high speed internet and a 24 hour fitness center.
Tundra Inn
The Tundra Inn is a charming, family run hotel located in the northern town of Churchill. With comfortable, spacious accommodation and complimentary amenities, this is the perfect place to relax before or after your arctic adventure. Your stay includes continental breakfast, free tea and coffee and high-speed internet.
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What's Included
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Customer Reviews (2)
“ We had a wonderful trip! Who knew we would have to go to Churchill to find summer weather! I believe either the first or second day there Churchill was the hot spot in all of Canada! It was beautiful! The people of Churchill are really wonderful, and their friendly attitude just makes the trip that much more special. Coral, our tour guide for the town tour when we first arrived was fantastic. She is definitely in the right profession. She is obviously passionate about the history, culture and natural aspects of the area, and was a wealth of information. She was also genuinely interested in the people on her tour. The belugas were fantastic! Both boat trips (the big boat and the zodiac) were fantastic. The guides were knowledgeable and very friendly. What an incredible experience. The zodiac trip would be the highlight, I guess of a very wonderful trip! This would be because we were so close to the whales. They are amazing to watch and to listen too. It often sounded like they were talking to us. A bonus of the trip was the aurora borealis. It was like watching music and seeing ghosts dance. It was incredible. Also the food was great. The local bakery, deli and town hang out spot is excellent. The Tundra Inn Restaurant was really, really good. The Aurora Inn was just fine. Clean, the room was large and comfortable. I will definitely recommend you and Fresh Tracks to anyone who is interested. Friendly staff makes such a difference! Thank you for everything! ”
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
