Churchill MB - The Arctic Summer

The north as you never imagined, ablaze with bright colours and awash with large pods of Beluga Whales, a good helping of Polar Bears, the odd lone Wolf and thousands of Birds!

This tour is for those who adore the Arctic flora and fauna and have an adventurous nature, as we will swim amongst the beluga.

The tundra, Hudson Bay and the river systems around Churchill is unique and attracts many Arctic fauna, from thousands of beluga whales, to polar bear mothers and cubs, to a thriving caribou migration. From our intimate wilderness lodge we will seek out all that is of interest.

Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive Winnipeg
We suggest that you book a night at the Sheraton Four Points, as it is close to the airport. That is unless you plan a longer stay in the Winnipeg area (ask us for ideas). The following morning you will fly to Churchill with local airline Calm Air. No Meals.

Day 1: Winnipeg to Churchill
An early flight from Winnipeg to the frontier town of Churchill. We will check you in at a guest house in the town and later show you around the town, of particular interest are the museums and cultural centres. Free time to browse the many interesting shops. We will have an evening meal in one of the many restaurants in the town. 

Day 2: Fly to the Wilderness Cabin
We fly you out of Churchill to our cabin which is sited a short way north of Churchill. During the short flight you may get a birds eye of the vast number of beluga in the bay and the rivers that feed the mighty Hudson Bay. You may also see polar bears, as they scatter while we descend to our landing strip. Settle into your room at the lodge, then get aquainted with the area around the lodge, as one of the guides briefs you about what you can see. Beware the family who own the lodge have a number of very well respected expert chefs, the food is so good here you could go home a little larger.


Days 3 - 6: Wildlife Watching
Each day after a very hearty breakfast we will go off and interact with the beluga. For some this will mean stroking the milky white skin of the many whales around our boat, or putting on a wet suit and experiencing what it is like to swim with a whale. The beluga migrate to the Churchill River each year to spawn and our close involvement does not harm them, in fact they are very inquizative and often gently nudge the swimmers.

We will be able to observe the polar bears from a distance as they watch the beluga and from our boats we will see the bears swimming too. At this time of year the bears are fairly inactive due mainly to being overweight, as they are superb hunters and the seals have to be very lucky to escape.

Birds that are often seen are Wimbrel, Parasitic Jaeger, Short eared Owl, Merlin, Three Towed Woodpecker, Sparrow Hawk, Marsh Harrier, Ivory Gull, Arctic Tern, Bonaparte’s Gull, the Pine Grosbeak, Red Necked Phalarope and the Hudsonian Godwit.

Each day we will provide a packed lunch and a wonderful evening meal back at the lodge.

Day 7: Churchill
After one more fantastic breakfast, we transfer you to Churchill, where you have time to enjoy the afternoon revisiting the shops that you browsed in on day 2. The flight schedule should get you back to Winnipeg by early evening.  We suggest staying over for another night in Winnipeg.



Group Size Limit: 16 people

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.


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.

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.


Dates – 2008:
July 16-22, July 21-27, July 26- Aug 01, July 31- Aug 06, Aug 05-11 and Aug 10-16.

Dates in RED are either sold out or on hold, pending confirmation of provisional reservations.

                                                                   Email for availability & current price

Estimated Price Per Person: AUD6473 / GBP2785 / CAD5795 / USD5686 per person shared occupancy.
 
Single Supplement: CAD2395

The base currency is the Canadian Dollar and payments in any other currency may need adjustment for exchange rates.

Deposit: GBP500 / CAD1000 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, accommodation in our wilderness lodge, all meals on days 3 to 6 inclusive. Professional group leaders and assistants, all activities as stated. Manitoba taxes (a reduced rate applies to all travellers who are not Canadian residents).

What is Not Included
Travel arrangements to Winnipeg from your home and back (but we can help arrange this), Accommodation in Winnipeg. Meals when in the Churchill town area.  Alcoholic beverages and canned / bottled drinks, gratuities, travel insurance, items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, etc.).