Belugas, Bears & Arctic Wildlife of Churchill

A thrilling Hudson Bay northern summer safari!

Belugas, Bears & Arctic Wildlife of Churchill – 7 Days (Inc. Winnipeg Charter Flights)

Prices From £8,347pp
July to August | 6 nights

Belugas, Bears & Arctic Wildlife of Churchill – 7 Days (Inc. Winnipeg Charter Flights)

Experience the vibrant energy of the Arctic summer on this one-of-a-kind northern safari in Churchill, Manitoba. As the frozen North awakens, Hudson Bay becomes a hotspot for wildlife encounters. Paddle among thousands of curious beluga whales, watch polar bears roam the tundra from the air on an unforgettable helicopter tour, and spot caribou, Arctic foxes, and snowy owls on guided land excursions. With small groups and expert naturalist guides, this immersive journey brings you closer than ever to the wild rhythms of the subarctic.

From private Zodiac rides and kayaking alongside belugas to exploring the boreal-tundra ecotone on foot, every day reveals new wonders. Meet Indigenous community members, ride behind sled dogs even in summer, and, if you're lucky, witness the northern lights dancing above as night returns to the Arctic sky. With Churchill’s dramatic landscape as your backdrop and exclusive access to the region’s best wildlife viewing, this adventure delivers the ultimate summer escape into Canada’s wild North.

Multiple departures available throughout July and August each year. From price shown is per person based on 2 people sharing.

Please enquire for full dates and rates.

Highlights

  • Journey to Churchill, Canada, the polar bear capital of the world, for the ultimate Arctic summer wildlife adventure
  • Come face-to-face with dozens of beluga whales as you enjoy immersive Zodiac rides and kayaking excursions armed with a hydrophone to hear their iconic songs and calls
  • Embark on thrilling scenic helicopter flight over the tundra and taiga forest in search of polar bears and caribou roaming below
  • Spot other enigmatic Arctic wildlife species on tundra safari walks
  • Experience the thrill of dog sledding through the boreal forest with a local musher and their energetic team
  • Chances of seeing the northern lights (season and weather dependent)
  • Travel in small groups of just 14 guests for the most intimate and immersive experience possible
  • Learn from world-class naturalist guides and connect with Churchill’s rich Indigenous culture
  • Skip the crowds and delays with private charter flights that give you more time on the tundra with the bears 

What's Included

  • Round-trip private charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill
  • Accommodation each night in Winnipeg and Churchill
  • All meals throughout the expedition
  • Services of professional Expedition Leader(s) and assistants
  • Helicopter flightseeing trip
  • Zodiac and kayaking excursions
  • Dog sledding excursion
  • Airport transfers on day 1 and final day
  • All activities and entrance fees, taxes, permits and service fees

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Winnipeg, Manitoba
1Day

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Your Churchill sumer wildlife tour begins in Winnipeg, the vibrant capital of Manitoba. After arriving independently, head to the iconic Fort Garry Hotel, an elegant historic gem that blends old-world charm with modern comfort. This evening, join your fellow travellers and expedition leader for a welcome dinner, the perfect chance to connect and set the tone for the days ahead. 

Fly to Churchill
2Day

Fly to Churchill

This morning, board your private charter flight north to Churchill, a remote subarctic town and gateway to the Canadian Arctic. Churchill sits at the edge of Hudson Bay near the ruins of Prince of Wales Fort, an 18th-century stronghold once central to the fur trade. As we explore this historic frontier, we will uncover stories of early European explorers, shifting empires, and the town’s role in opening the Canadian West.

Your day will include a visit to the Itsanitaq Museum, home to an exceptional collection of Indigenous artifacts that trace thousands of years of northern life. You will also meet local residents and hear firsthand accounts of living in this challenging yet vibrant environment. As we journey through Churchill’s surrounding boreal forest, where three major ecosystems meet, your Expedition Leader will introduce you to the region’s rich natural history, setting the stage for the magnificent wildlife encounters to come.

Due to limited hotel space in Churchill, accommodations are provided across a range of small local properties, which vary in room size, amenities, and services, though all offer clean, comfortable stays with private bathrooms.

Belugas, Wildlife & Helicopter Flightseeing
3 - 5Days

Belugas, Wildlife & Helicopter Flightseeing

Using Churchill as our base, we will spend four unforgettable days exploring the wild summer landscape of Hudson Bay. From the air, you can search for polar bears on a thrilling helicopter flight over the open tundra, where bears roam as they await the return of sea ice. From above, you may also spot pods of beluga whales. More than 3,000 gather at the mouth of the Churchill River in summer, creating a spectacular sight where river meets sea. On land, we venture out on wildlife safaris in search of Arctic foxes, caribou, ptarmigan, and, if we’re lucky, polar bear mothers with cubs.

Beluga encounters are a highlight and a focus of your journey, with four opportunities to view these curious, vocal whales up close. You will enjoy two Zodiac trips and two kayaking excursions, both designed to allow for immersive observations. Often, they may approach you playfully, gliding alongside your paddles or following in the gentle wake of the Zodiac. A hydrophone will allow you to listen to their melodic underwater calls. Between wildlife encounters, you can explore the vibrant tundra on foot, walking through a patchwork of wildflowers and discovering the rich biodiversity where boreal forest and Arctic plain meet. In late-season departures, when night returns to the subarctic, you may even glimpse the northern lights shimmering above. Churchill sits directly beneath one of the most active auroral zones on Earth.

Dog Sledding / Fly to Winnipeg
6 - 7Days

Dog Sledding / Fly to Winnipeg

Before we bid farewell to the North, there’s still time to soak up a few last adventures in Churchill. One of the day’s highlights is an unforgettable dog sledding experience. After meeting a seasoned local musher and their enthusiastic team of sled dogs, you’ll have a chance to ride behind them through the serene boreal forest, offering an exhilarating nod to traditional northern travel.

Depending on timing, you may also wish to browse local shops for handmade Arctic crafts.

We’ll gather for a farewell lunch to reflect on our time together, sharing stories and memories before boarding your afternoon flight back to Winnipeg. There, a final reception marks the end of your northern adventure, one filled with awe, discovery, and unforgettable encounters with the wild.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the Fort Garry Hotel before checking out after breakfast on day 7 and transferring to the airport for your onward or homeward flight.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg

The Fort Garry Hotel is Winnipeg’s most iconic and luxurious historic property, built in 1913 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. Just a block from Union Station, this French château–style landmark evokes a golden age of travel, combining timeless elegance with modern comfort. Rooms feature 10-foot ceilings, sumptuous beds with Italian linens, and upscale bathrooms with Turkish cotton towels, robes, and premium amenities. Guests also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

Start your day with breakfast in the refined Oval Room Brasserie or unwind in the classic Palm Lounge. After your journey north, or in preparation for it, rejuvenate at Ten Spa, a full-service Turkish-style hamam on the top floor. The hotel also offers a fitness centre with an indoor pool, steam room, jogging track, and whirlpool. Whether you're beginning your Arctic expedition or returning from the wild, the Fort Garry offers a grand and restorative stay in the heart of Winnipeg

Churchill Hotels

Due to high demand and limited availability, a variety of local hotels may be used for your tour. While room sizes, amenities, and services may differ slightly, all provide a cosy base for your Arctic adventure. Accommodations in Churchill are limited due to the town’s remote location and small size, with this subarctic frontier community being home to fewer than 1,000 residents. While hotels here are modest and unpretentious, they offer clean, comfortable lodging with ensuite bathrooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Properties are centrally located, making it easy to explore the town and surrounding wilderness. Commonly used accommodations include, but are not limited to, the Polar Inn, the Seaport Hotel, and the iconic Tundra Lodge

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic, Canada adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Outside the uk
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Call us
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+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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