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Churchill MB - The Arctic Summer
The Most Accessible Spot
for Close Encounters with Arctic Wildlife, including hundreds of Beluga Whales,
Polar Bears, Caribou, Birdlife and More!
For hundreds of years the northern regions have attracted western explorers,
travelling to satisfy their desires for riches or adventure. From Franklin’s
ill-fated expedition to find the elusive North West Passage, to Admiral Peary
and company finally conquering the North Pole, the North beckons the explorer in
all of us. Now, the Arctic has become accessible to anyone with an adventurous
spirit.
Churchill’s
unique location – a coastal village on the border of northern tundra and
boreal forest – attracts nearly every Arctic animal, from thousands of
beluga whales, to polar bear mothers and cubs, to a thriving caribou migration. In the
company of our professional Expedition Leader, we’ll travel by train, boat,
Zodiac and tundra vehicle to explore this rewarding region. This summer, head
north to the “Accessible Arctic” on our Churchill Summer adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Winnipeg
Upon arrival in Winnipeg, you will be met and taken to our hotel in town. This
evening we will gather for dinner and an informal orientation on our northern
adventure.
Day 2: Train to Churchill
During the day, we will have the chance to explore historic Winnipeg and the
outlying areas, including the Oak Hammock Marsh, where we will have the
opportunity to learn about northern prairie and marsh environs and see a variety
of northern wildlife. We will also have the opportunity to visit the Manitoba
Museum, consistently voted the best museum in Canada (closed Mondays except for
our tours). Here, we will gain insight into the pioneer past of this historic
region and the native cultures of the North. This evening, after dinner, we
board our train to Churchill.
Day 3: Train to Churchill
Travelling out of Winnipeg, heading northward, we will make stops in various
villages along the way. During our journey, we leave the southern Canadian
prairies, briefly heading into Saskatchewan, and continue on into the boreal
forest at Gillam. South of Thompson, we have arranged a bus to allow a trip to
visit a waterfall and to explore the surrounding sub-Arctic environs. Our final
leg on board the train takes us out of the forest into the tundra outside of
Churchill. The train is quite comfortable, and each cabin has its own bathroom
and large windows which, if we’re lucky, give us remarkable views of the
northern lights at night. As the tracks rest just a few feet above the northern
permafrost, our train travels slowly, allowing us to experience the passing
environment. A trip on this special “Tundra Train” provides a unique method
for exploring the northern ecosystems.
Days 4-7: Churchill
After arriving in Churchill early on the morning of Day 4, we begin our
activities, which include three trips in our whale watch boats to see the beluga
whales in the Churchill River. On one of these trips, we travel by a larger
vessel that stops across the river. Here, we disembark to explore the historic
Fort Prince of Wales, the site where Danish explorer Jens Monk settled in 1619,
and where the Hudson Bay Company established its original trading post to the
Northwest. The other two trips are scheduled on board our private Zodiacs,
giving us a unique, eye-level look at the belugas from close range. In the
Churchill and Seal Rivers combined, over 3,000 belugas feed on
capelin, and deliberately scratch themselves on the shallow gravel riverbed, and
perhaps, to breed. Belugas are indeed unique, as they are the only whale species
that can turn their heads like humans, and from our vantage point on board the
Zodiacs, they seem to be as interested in us as we are in them.
We wear face
masks to allow us to submerge our faces into the clear river and observe the whales
under water! We also bring a hydrophone, which enables us to listen to the songs
of these remarkable whales. There is no better place on earth to experience
intimate encounters with these mystical creatures!
We will also take a tundra vehicle to the area surrounding Churchill, where we will enjoy a cookout on the shores of Canada’s most impressive body of water – the Hudson Bay. Caribou with calves, snowy owl, Arctic fox and ptarmigan, as well as plenty of other birdlife, are often seen. Of course, there is always a good chance to see polar bears in the Churchill region. At this time of year, it is common to find mothers and cubs on the tundra. Our specially designed tundra vehicles are quite comfortable and give us sweeping views of the bay and the surrounding tundra environment.
The Churchill area boasts plenty of wonderful walking trails lining the border between the northern boreal forest and the southern tundra. This combination of ecosystems hosts a wide variety of wildlife, which we may encounter during our short walks. Wildflowers are plentiful, and we may have the opportunity to see Arctic fox (there are many dens in this area), birdlife and woodland caribou.
Churchill
is the gateway to the Arctic and boasts a rich northern history. At one time,
Churchill was a stopover point for explorers searching for a Northwest Passage,
and the town has been instrumental in much of Canada’s military history. Our
Expedition Leaders and local historians accompany us as we explore the region,
revealing the remarkable world of remote northern Canada.
Day 8: Fly From Churchill to Winnipeg
After a free morning to visit the Eskimo Museum with its wonderful collection of
native Arctic artifacts, and to pick up some authentic carvings and other
souvenirs, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Winnipeg.
Depending on flight schedules, we will either have a farewell lunch in Churchill
or a final dinner in Winnipeg.
Day 9: Return Home
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home
or to British Columbia to see the Orcas perhaps.
Group Size Limit: Approximately 15 people
A very important feature of our trips is the limited group size as nature
expeditions are best experienced in smaller groups.
Physical Requirements: Easy/Flexible
This trip includes short walks (1 to 2 miles – with longer ones being
optional). Most required walks do not exceed 1/2 mile.
Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive for 7:00 pm welcome dinner on Day 1. You are free to depart at any time
on the final day.
Extension Options
Snorkelling Excursion
We have arranged for an exciting snorkelling trip that will allow you to get up
close and personal with the belugas. Amazingly, the whales are attracted to the
sound of the Zodiac’s motor and often come within a few feet of the swimmers. The
cost of this two-hour excursion is dependent upon the number of participants.
Please notify the Program Leader upon arrival in Winnipeg to arrange this
activity.
Kayaking Excursion
For another unique opportunity to spend time with the belugas, you will have the
option of kayaking in the Churchill River. Choose a one or two-person kayak for
this 2 1/2 hour excursion. The cost for kayaking is CAD80 per person paid
locally.
Helicopter Journey Option
We have arranged for an exclusive adventure to the tundra to view the North’s
most intriguing wildlife. Track Arctic wolves, migrating caribou, Arctic fox,
beluga whales and the mighty polar bear from a unique aerial perspective as we
fly over the northern tundra. This vast land of endless lakes and wildflowers
reveals wildlife elusive in other Arctic areas, as well as ancient pre-Dorset
tent rings and intriguing archaeological sites. With helicopter access, you will
be among the very few privileged visitors to explore this remote and wild
region.
This option is best arranged in advance. The
cost is approx: GBP174 / USD315 per person.
Includes: 1 1/2 hour journey (Generally 45 minutes of flying time, while the
remaining 45 minutes will give you the opportunity to touch down and explore the
tundra on foot as very few others have.)
Dates – 2008:
June 30-July 08,
July 19-27, July 28-Aug 05 and Aug 06-14.
Dates in RED are either sold out or on hold, pending confirmation of provisional reservations.
Email for availability & current price
Estimated Price Per
Person: AUD4222 / GBP1815 / CAD3745 / USD3695 per person shared
occupancy.
Single Supplement: GBP222 / USD395
The base currency is the US Dollar and payments
in any other currency may need adjustment for exchange rates.
Deposit:
GBP250 / USD500 per person
Balance Due Date:
60 days prior to departure.
Payment by credit card or cheque.
What
is Included
Round trip transportation Winnipeg to Churchill and back (train and plane),
accommodation as stated, all meals (except on the train and either lunch or dinner
on your final day in Churchill), professional group leaders and assistants, all
activities as stated and entrance fees, evening presentations, all Manitoba
taxes and service charges (applies to all travellers, not excluding Canadian
residents).
What is Not Included
Travel arrangements to Winnipeg from your home (but we can help arrange this),
lunch or dinner on your final day in Churchill, and all meals on the train.
Alcoholic beverages and canned /
bottled drinks, gratuities, travel insurance, items of a personal nature
(telephone calls, laundry, etc.).