Photo Adventure: Beluga Whales in Churchill
Trip Overview
Summer is a magical time on the Churchill River, as it comes to life with what feels like countless beluga whales. Watch in awe as these "canaries of the sea" migrate to the warm, shallow waters to give birth and feed on fish. Experience these majestic creatures from various vantage points, as you will have the opportunity to see them from a large tour boat and an intimate Zodiac where you can witness their playful behavior and curious spirit.
While on land, enjoy the seemingly endless view as the surrounding tundra landscape erupts into colourful summer blooms alongside the Hudson Bay. Experience a dog carting excursion with a professional musher through the colourful boreal forest and explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area by Tundra Buggy in search of northern wildlife. You might even have the opportunity to see the first of the summer polar bears as they begin to return to from the sea ice throughout the summer months.
Specialist-Guided: Our most exclusive tour offerings, these all-inclusive adventures are best-suited to those who want to maximize their time northern lights- or wildlife-viewing to capture the perfect image. Specialist-guided tours have a smaller capacity and a longer duration, are led by a Photo Specialist guide and, if applicable, forgo most cultural components in favour of more time spent with wildlife.
Contact us to book a trip, or view the itinerary to learn more.
The Experience
Led by a Photo Specialist Guide, witness beluga whales by the thousands, colourful blooms erupting over the tundra, and dog carting
Day 01
Welcome to Winnipeg
My adventure begins in Winnipeg, Frontiers North’s gateway to their Churchill adventures. After checking into my hotel, I meet with the rest of the tour group and our Frontiers North Photo Specialist Guide, where we attend a welcome reception hosted by Frontiers North. It's a good opportunity to meet my Photos Specialist Guide and fellow travelers and ask any last minute questions I may have about our upcoming journey.
Photo ©Aaron Cohen
Day 02
Churchill Adventure Begins
Our second day starts off with an early morning flight to Churchill. The two-hour flight takes us from the prairies of central Manitoba, over boreal forest and finally to the colourful tundra of Churchill.
Upon landing, we set out on a Churchill and area Photography tour to explore the area surrounding the town of Churchill. Our Photo Specialist Guide teaches us all about the historical significance of the places we visit: Cape Merry; the site of a crashed airplane affectionately known by locals as Miss Piggy; and Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility (aka the Polar Bear Jail).
After lunch our group participates in a photography workshop.
After dinner we have some free time in the evening to explore the town of Churchill.
Photo ©Heidi den Hann
Day 03
Beluga Whales, Prince of Wales Fort and Rocket Range
This morning we head to the Rocket Range to learn about one part of Churchill's unique history with some photography opportunities built in. Afterwards we head out for a late morning hike, exploring the beauty of the Churchill coastline.
After lunch is our first encounter with Churchill’s beautiful beluga whales! We search for beluga whales in the Churchill River by boat and then stop for a walking tour at the historical Prince of Wales Fort where we learn about the famous explorers who lived at the fort in the 18th Century and how they managed to survive in Churchill’s harsh climate.
We enjoy a hearty dinner before heading out for a sunset inspired wildlife drive.
Photo ©Alex Cupeiro
Day 04
Beluga Zodiac, Polar Bears International House and Photography Tour
This morning we go out onto the Churchill River again! We start our day with a Zodiac boat tour on the Churchill River, zipping up and down the river looking for pods of curious whales. They follow us so closely and seem to love the bubbles coming from the Zodiac!
In the afternoon we visit Polar Bears International House followed by some free time. We have a second photo workshop after dinner, this one is focused on astrophotography before heading out for an evening inspired photography tour.
Photo © Alex Cupeiro
Day 05
Dog Carting, Cultural Presentation and Beluga Zodiac
This morning we join a local dog musher for an exciting dog carting excursion through the boreal forest—what a rush! Our host introduces us to his team of sled dogs and explains to us the importance of dog sledding in northern culture and history. After lunch we have the opportunity to meet a Churchill local for a cultural presentation.
Our group has dinner at a local restaurant before heading out for our second Beluga Zodiac adventure. While we love seeing the beluga whales we keep our eyes to the shore in hopes of catching a glimpse of a summer polar bear.
Photo © Abby Matheson
Day 06
Tundra Buggy Adventure
Sadly, it's our last day in Churchill. But before we leave we get the chance 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!
Photo © Alex Cupeiro
Day 07
Depart
My Churchill adventure is over and I’m heading home – but I have a lot of wonderful photos to show my friends and family!
Itinerary
Day 01
Welcome to Winnipeg
Guests will arrive into Winnipeg and check into their hotel; Welcome Reception hosted by Frontiers North Photo Specialist Guide Guide. Meals: D
Day 02
Churchill Adventure Begins
Early morning flight to Churchill; Churchill and area Photography tour; Photography Workshop; Overnight at Churchill hotel. Meals: B, L, D
Day 03
Beluga Whales, Prince of Wales Fort and Rocket Range
Rocket Range; Boat tour of the Churchill River; Interpretive walking tour of Prince of Wales Fort; Coastal Hike; Evening Wildlife Drive; Overnight at Churchill hotel. Meals: B, L, D
Day 04
Beluga Zodiac, Polar Bears International House and Photography Tour
Zodiac boat ride on the Churchill River; Polar Bears International House; Photography workshop; Photography Tour; Overnight at Churchill Hotel. Meals: B, L, D
Day 05
Dog Carting, Cultural Presentation and Beluga Zodiac
Dog Sledding; Cultural Presentation; Zodiac boat ride on the Churchill River; Overnight at Churchill Hotel. Meals: B, L, D
Day 06
Tundra Buggy Adventure
Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area; Evening flight to Winnipeg; Guests will check into their Winnipeg hotel. Meals: B, L, D
Day 07
Depart
Guests may depart at their leisure. Meals: None
Join the Adventure
2025
| Dates | Adventure | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 10-16, 2025 Tour Code: BBB5 | Photo Adventure: Beluga Whales in Churchill Lodging: 2 nights Winnipeg, 4 nights Churchill Maximum 18 people | USD US$5,054 USD US$662 Single Supplement |
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.
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