Churchill Belugas and Bears Summer Adventure
Get this trip plan customized to cover everything you want to see.
Learn which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
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 at a glance
6 Days / 5 Nights
Arrive Winnipeg → 2 nights Winnipeg → 3 nights Churchill → Depart from Winnipeg
What you'll love about this trip
Unique whale watching excursion
Exciting activities and guided tours
The sub-arctic experience and scenery
Spectacular photo opportunities from aboard a zodiac boat
This trip has limited space and availability - book early!
Common Questions
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.
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 a complete travel package with detailed documentation and our Canadian Insiders remain at your disposal before and during your trip to answer your questions.
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 request your personalized trip plan to 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.
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.
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.
With the exception of our guided wildlife trips, 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.
The temperature varies from mild to hot, depending on location. Northern Canada will range between 50°F to 64°F (10°C – 18°C) in summer. The interior of BC, prairies, Ontario and Quebec can reach temperatures around 95°F (35°C). 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).
All our trips can be customized to fit your schedule and budget. The price depends on travel season, train service, hotel level, and the sightseeing tours you choose. Request your personalized trip plan which will provide you with a detailed cost estimate.
This trip in pictures
Accommodations
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodations. Please call us for the full list and to personalize your experience.
Four Points By Sheraton Winnipeg
An example of our Comfort accommodations
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
An example of our Comfort accommodations
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.
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.
Sample Itinerary
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.
Your vacation begins in Winnipeg, a major hub for rail transport and central Canada's largest city. Spend the day exploring its unique culture and color with a city tour.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 2 – Your Canada Vacation Goes North
This morning you board your flight to Churchill. Enjoy a Churchill and Area Tour that will take you to all the cultural and historic highlights of the town.
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 3 – Whales and Forts on your Canada Vacation
Only on vacations in Canada can you get this up close and personal with the majestic Beluga; experience this on a three-hour Beluga whale watching tour into the mouth of the Churchill River. Here you will have the chance to encounter hundreds of beluga whales before taking the time to tour the historic Prince of Wales Fort, which is the oldest most northerly stone fort in all of Canada. Spend the afternoon with a local dogsledding expert, touring the kennels before heading out for a ride on a specialized summer sled, through the Northern Boreal forest.
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 4 – Getting to Know Polar Bears
Today you will enjoy an exciting excursion in a Tundra Buggy – the best way to get out into the wild to see polar bears in their natural habitat! Safe and snug in a cozy buggy with frost-free double pane glass and propane heating resembling a real fireplace, you’ll be ready for a personal encounter with a wild polar bear.
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 5 – Boating with Belugas
This morning will be especially exciting as you board a Zodiac for a surface-level encounter with the belugas. You are sure to have an incredible experience as you take these boats into the beluga estuary with the world’s largest population of the whales. Later this afternoon you will depart Churchill and fly back to Winnipeg.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 6 – Departure
In the morning bid farewell to Winnipeg as your Canada vacation package comes to an end.
What Clients Say
Churchill was superb!
“ 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.... read more
William & Nancy, OH, USA
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.
What's Included In Our Prices
These are the places and experiences to look forward to on this trip.
• 2 nights in Winnipeg
• 3 nights in Churchill
Winnipeg Experiences:
• Winnipeg City Tour
Churchill Experiences:
• Churchill & Area Tour, including Itsanitaq Museum and Parks Canada Centre admission
• Beluga Whale Watching tour with visit to the Historic Prince of Wales Fort
• Afternoon dog sled/cart adventure
• Half day Zodiak Beluga Watching
• Full day adventure onboard the Tundra Buggy
Meal Inclusions:
• All meals in Churchill
Transfer Inclusions:
• Return airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill
Other Inclusions:
• Digital Travel Documents
• Fresh Tracks Canada customer service – from the time you book, you are assigned your own personal Vacation Coordinator whom you can reach out to with any questions or requests.
Not Included
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Items of a personal nature
• Gratuities
• 9% Taxes (5% GST and 4% PST)
• Airfare to and from Winnipeg (but don’t hesitate to ask for help)
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance
Ideas to customize this trip
Think of this trip as just a starting point. These are some of the experiences you can add-on to personalize your trip.
• Combine this trip with one of our west coast fly-in lodge grizzly viewing adventures
• Ask your Fresh Tracks Canada expert to combine this with a train trip across the country
• Upgrade your journey to include a 2-night journey from Winnipeg to Churchill
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.
Trip Start Dates
2019 Trip Start DatesJuly 18
August 8
August 21
Special 8-Day Train Departure:
August 17*
*Upgrade your journey to include a one-way train trip from Winnipeg to Churchill (2 nights) to make this a 8 day trip. Ask your Vacation Advisor for pricing.
Pricing For This Trip
Our prices vary by departure date, hotel class, train service and degree of personalization. Please speak with one of our Canadian Insiders to get your personalized quote, or hit the button below.
This once in a lifetime Wildlife Viewing Safari takes you to the Canadian Arctic. With an expert naturalist guide, see both polar bears and beluga whales in their natural habitat, just a short drive from the Churchill base.
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.
Why book your trip with us?
- We make planning a trip to Canada really easy!
- We are experts in creating personalized itineraries.
- Our itineraries are built around your specific needs, interests and budget.
- We promise friendly and personal service every step of the way.
- Consider us your personal contact in Canada before and during your trip.
- We're based in Vancouver with first-hand ‘insider’ knowledge of Canada.
- Over the past 20 years, we have personalized more than 15,000 Canadian vacations.
Fresh Tracks Canada Vs. Others
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Independent Travel
Flexibility and freedom of a personalized tour to suit your travel goals. |
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Personalized itineraries
Carefully crafted to your budget and needs. |
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Insider Knowledge
Plan your trip with help from our Canadian Insiders who live and travel in Canada. You'll know when to come, where to stay, which train to take, and lots more... |
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Local Support
Someone in Canada you can call before and during your trip, seven days a week. |
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No-one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations. 
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Pre-packaged TripsOne-size-fits-all approach. |
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Group ToursCheapest type of travel with rigid itineraries and crowds. |
No one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations.
Consumer Protection BC
- License Number: 31202
- The Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) provides a possible source of compensation when consumers do not receive the travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.
ABTA
- Membership Number: Y6176
- Our UK clients have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct which means that all package holidays sold by Fresh Tracks Canada in the UK are covered by a full financial protection in the event of the company failure.
- We're one of the only agencies in Canada offering this protection.
BBB
- A BBB Accredited Business since 08/02/2008
- Highest rating: A+
- BBB has determined that Fresh Tracks (Canada) Inc meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.
IATA
- Fresh Tracks Canada is an IATA Accredited Agent.
- Full accreditation authorizes travel agents to sell international and/or domestic tickets on behalf of IATA member airlines. It also allows access to IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), an efficient interface for invoicing and payment between the agent, airlines and transport providers.
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.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Churchill was superb!
“ 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!... read more 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. ”
William & Nancy, OH, USA
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.
