Belugas, Bears, and Blooms by Train
Visit the Beluga Whale Capital of the World!
Duration
7 Nights
Departure city
Winnipeg
Season
Jul - Aug
Starting from
$8,082
Single Supplement
$1,302
Travel to the Beluga Whale Capital of the World by train and surround yourself with hundreds of curious cetaceans on this unique adventure to Canada’s North.
Our Belugas, Bears, and Blooms by Train adventure combines beluga whale viewing, polar bear sightings, and the blooming subarctic tundra with rich cultural and historical experiences. Travel by train to the Beluga Whale Capital of the World for the ultimate summer adventure in Churchill.
Explore the Churchill River Estuary by Zodiac, where playful belugas may swim up for a close encounter. Discover Churchill’s past with a tour of Prince of Wales Fort, feel the thrill of dog carting through the boreal forest, and venture into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) aboard a Tundra Buggy® in search of subarctic wildlife.
While in town, learn about the history of Churchill and indulge in the culture by exploring cultural museums, unique shops, and local restaurants boasting delicious regional cuisine.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Travel by train to Churchill, Manitoba
- Walking tour of the Prince of Wales Fort
- Two beluga whale viewing opportunities on the water
- Tundra Buggy® adventure in the CWMA
An Interpretive-Guided Adventure!
Day 1
Welcome To Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg and make way to Inn at the Forks to check into hotel; Winnipeg city tour; Welcome reception hosted by a Frontiers North Adventures Interpretive Guide; Overnight at Winnipeg hotel.
Winnipeg
Day 2-3
Time to Board the Train
Board VIA Rail train in early afternoon; Spend the next two days travelling by rail to Churchill; Two nights on the train.
Day 4
Churchill Adventure Begins
Arrive in Churchill; Churchill and area tour; Itsanitaq Museum; Cultural Presentation from a local Indigenous Churchillian; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
Day 5
Beluga Whales and Prince of Wales Fort
Boat tour of the Churchill River and beluga whale viewing; Interpretive walking tour of Prince of Wales Fort; Tundra Buggy® Adventure; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
The Beluga Whale Capital Of The World
Day 6
Beluga Whales and Churchill History
Zodiac ride on the Churchill River for beluga whale viewing; Parks Canada Visitor Centre; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
SEE THOUSANDS OF BELUGAS
Each summer, 40,000–60,000 beluga whales migrate into Hudson Bay, with 3,000–4,000 spending the season in the Churchill River estuary.
CANARIES OF THE SEA
Known as the canaries of the sea, beluga whales are chatterboxes, producing a wide range of vocalizations. Use a hydrophone to listen to their fascinating underwater songs.
THE CHURCHILL RIVER ESTUARY
A prime spot for beluga whale viewing, the Churchill River estuary provides warm, shallow waters where belugas feed, give birth, and nurture their young in a safe, sheltered environment.
Day 7
Dog Carting and Back to Winnipeg
Dog Carting and Interpretive Program; Evening flight to Winnipeg; Overnight at Winnipeg hotel.
Mush!
Day 8
Depart Adventure
Guests depart Winnipeg at their leisure.
Full Trip Details
Belugas, Bears, and Blooms by Train
What to Expect:
Frequently Asked Questions
The train journey to Churchill is part of the adventure! Departing from Winnipeg, the ride takes approximately 48 hours, with overnight travel through remote and beautiful landscapes. It’s a unique and scenic way to experience the journey to the North.
Guests typically travel in Sleeper Plus Class, which includes a cozy private cabin with seats that convert into beds, access to shared washrooms and showers, and all meals served onboard."
Activities involve moderate physical exertion, such as walking on uneven terrain and getting on and off boats. A reasonable level of mobility will enhance your enjoyment of the trip.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Winnipeg and make way to Inn at the Forks to check into hotel; Winnipeg city tour; Welcome reception hosted by a Frontiers North Adventures Interpretive Guide; Overnight at Winnipeg hotel.
Day 2
Board the VIA Rail train and start making your way to Churchill taking in the scenic views; Overnight on train.
Day 3
Keep your eyes peeled out the windows and watch as the landscape starts to change; Enjoy interpretation from your guide; Overnight on train.
Day 4
Arrive Churchill; Churchill and area tour; Visit to the Itsanitaq Museum; Cultural Presentation from a local Churchillian; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
Day 5
Boat tour of the Churchill River and beluga whale viewing; Interpretive walking tour of Prince of Wales Fort;
Tundra Buggy® Adventure; Overnight at Churchill hotel.Day 6
Zodiac ride on the Churchill River for beluga whale viewing; Parks Canada Visitor Centre; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
Day 7
Dog Carting and Interpretive Program; Evening flight to Winnipeg; Overnight at Winnipeg hotel.
Day 8
Guests depart Winnipeg at their leisure.
Accommodations
- Churchill Hotel
- Winnipeg Hotel
- Via Rail train Sleeper Cars
Meals and Snacks
ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED
While in Churchill, enjoy meals at restaurants like local favourites the Ptarmigan and the Tundra Pub.
*Any special dietary needs can be accommodated, please notify our team in advance.
Activities
Churchill and Area Tour
A guided bus tour of Churchill’s most notable sites including the Polar Bear Holding Facility.
Activity Level:Moderate
Beluga Zodiac
A guided excursion into the Churchill River beluga whale estuary in an inflatable Zodiac boat.
Activity Level:High
Beluga and Fort Tour
On a Transport Canada approved vessel, discover hundreds of beluga whales in the mouth of the Churchill River. Then, across the river, a Parks Canada guided tour of Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site of Canada; the oldest, most northernly stone fort in Canada.
Activity Level:High
Tundra Buggy® Adventure
Search for wildlife on a full day Tundra Buggy® adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area.
Activity Level:Moderate
Dog Carting
Learn about Métis culture, the history of dog sledding, and enjoy an exhilarating dog cart ride.
Activity Level:High
Itsanataq Museum
Tour one of Canada’s finest Inuit collections dating from pre-Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times.
Activity Level:Low
On the Tundra Buggy®
Info about safety & comfort on the Tundra Buggy®, as well as the experience on board—how many guides, what’s provided, and where you’ll go.
Getting to Churchill
Return airfare; direct from Winnipeg to Churchill.
*Guests are responsible for their own travel to Winnipeg.