Friends & Relatives: Beluga Whales from Calgary
Trip Overview
Board your nonstop charter* to Churchill, Manitoba—the Beluga Whale Capital of the World!
In summer, the Churchill River becomes home to a large population of beluga whales, who enjoy feeding and raising their young in the river’s shallow and warm waters. On a Subarctic Discovery: Churchill Beluga Whales trip, witness these curious creatures affectionately dubbed "the canaries of the sea" by a custom beluga whale viewing vessel.
When you are not out on the water being serenaded by beluga whales enjoy unique local experiences such as a Tundra Buggy adventure on the summer tundra in search of wildlife and the opportunity to learn about significant history and varying cultures of this region. With a wide variety of local flora and fauna and breathtaking views this historic setting provides the ultimate Canadian summer adventure.
Airfare is between Calgary-Churchill.
Interpretive-Guided: Our most well-rounded adventures, these tours include lodging and transportation with a mix of cultural and wildlife or northern lights viewing activities built in. Interpretive-guided tours are medium-capacity, escorted departures so you can sit back and relax while we take care of all the details.
Contact us to book a trip, or view the itinerary to learn more.
The Experience
Beluga whales by the thousands, colourful blooms erupting over the tundra, and you, soaking up the northern sun - how could summer get any better?
Day 01
Welcome
I arrived at my hotel for the night, I am so excited to go on my Subarctic Discovery: Beluga Whales tour.
After checking in, I head to an evening meet and greet held by our Interpretive Guide. This gave our group the chance to ask last minute questions and learn more about what our adventure holds. I am happy I booked a Frontiers North adventure, our Interpretive Guide is very knowledgeable.
Day 02
Churchill Adventure Begins
Today's the day! We board our early morning flight to Churchill, Manitoba. Upon arrival, we are accompanied into town by a driver who points out various places of interest in and surrounding Churchill. We go for lunch and enjoy a home-cooked meal at one of Churchill’s family-run restaurants – who knew Churchill had such incredible food? Here, we are able to get to know our fellow travellers before our next activity.
After lunch we head out on a guided hike and tour of local and historical points of interest around the town of Churchill. We end our tour chock-full of natural and historical information and are excited to see what else Churchill has in store!
We head to dinner with our group and share stories from our day. Some of us head back to our hotel eager to get ready for the following day’s activities while others take the opportunity to meet locals and share a pint with new friends.
Photo © Kane Gin
Day 03
Beluga Whales and Prince of Wales Fort
In the morning I grab a quick breakfast from the hotel lobby before meeting the group. We start our day with a boat tour on the Churchill River looking for pods of curious whales. They follow the boat so closely, it seems like they want to get to know us!
Our boat takes us to the historical Prince of Wales Fort where a Parks Canada guide teaches about the famous explorers who lived at the Fort in the 18th Century and how they managed to survive in Churchill's harsh climate.
In the afternoon our group has some free time to explore Churchill’s gift shops and local tourist sights. We of course had to take our picture in front of the Inukshuk on the Hudson Bay coast!
Photo © Penny Hunter
Day 04
Last Day in Churchill
Today is our last day in Churchill and we get to go on a Tundra Buggy adventure into the vast and colourful Churchill Wildlife Management Area! In the morning we hop on a Tundra Buggy and head out onto the tundra in search of summer polar bears, arctic foxes, hares, and more types of plants and flowers than you can imagine growing in the North!
After our final hours in Churchill, we return to the Churchill airport for our evening return flight. What an unforgettable experience this has been! I'm so grateful I got to see the belugas in Churchill with the new friends I made along the way.
Photo © Handcraft Creative
Day 05
Depart
I wake up happy, thinking back on my wonderful beluga whale adventure. What an amazing experience! Today I check out of my hotel and head home, ready to share my adventures with family and friends.
Itinerary
Day 01
Welcome
Guests will check into their departure city hotel; Evening meet and greet hosted by Frontiers North Interpretive Guide; Overnight at departure city hotel. Meals: None
Day 02
Churchill Adventure Begins
Early morning flight to Churchill; Interpretive transfer; Nature walk; Overnight at Churchill hotel. Meals: B, L, D
Day 03
Beluga Whales and Prince of Wales Fort
Boat tour of the Churchill River; Interpretive walking tour of Prince of Wales Fort; Free time to explore the town of Churchill; Overnight at Churchill hotel. Meals: B, L, D
Day 04
Last Day in Churchill
Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area; Evening flight. Meals: B, L, D
Day 05
Depart
Guests may depart at their leisure. Meals: None
Join the Adventure
Call To Reserve Your Spot Today
1 800 663 9832 (toll free)
1 204 949 2050 (international)
All prices USD plus applicable taxes.
All prices, inclusions, and dates may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
All prices based on double occupancy. True North Deposit eligible. Gratuities included for 2024 and later travel dates only. Applicable taxes and mandatory comprehensive travel insurance are extra. See booking terms and conditions for more info.
Canada's Big Five Safari
Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure
Churchill Belugas and Bears Explorer