Searching for polar bears and beluga whales in the wild is an incredible experience and the ultimate bucket-list holiday. Journeying to the far north of Canada takes you to remarkable landscapes which are home to these stunning animals. It’s an adventure like no other and promises to create memories which will last a lifetime. Each day of my summer trip was exceptional. It’s not until you see the majestic polar bears and whales in the wild that you appreciate their raw and natural beauty.
Beluga Whale Watching
Polar Bears
Paul Kayaking
My unforgettable summer adventure exploring bears and belugas began in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Winnipeg is an amazing city offering a diverse blend of culture, art, and delicious cuisine. I stayed at the Inn at the Forks Hotel, perfectly situated in Winnipeg’s cultural heart. Two highlights from my stay included visiting the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and exploring Assiniboine Park, home to Canada's oldest zoo, established in 1904.
The following morning, we departed from Winnipeg Airport for Churchill, flying with Calm Air. Since Churchill is remote with no connecting roads, the only access is by train or plane, making it an exciting and unique travel experience. The flight duration is around two hours.
Churchill, located on the shores of Hudson Bay, is famously known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World". Polar bears are frequently spotted here, especially during their annual fall migration. During summer (July and August), Churchill also becomes home to 3,000-4,000 migrating beluga whales, which gather in the shallow, warm waters of the Churchill and Seal Rivers.
Upon arrival, we transferred to Lazy Bear Lodge, our charming accommodation built by its owner in 1999. The lodge provided a cozy atmosphere, offering authentic comfort despite the remote surroundings. Our first activity was the Churchill Heritage Tour, which included exploring Cape Merry, seeing the famous Polar Bear Jail, and visiting the Miss Piggy Plane Wreck.
On day two, we embarked on an unforgettable Hudson Bay Coastal Tour, where spotting polar bears and other Arctic wildlife such as Arctic foxes and snowy owls became the day's highlight. Seeing polar bears swimming in the water or resting on rocky shores up close was an exhilarating experience.
Day three was dedicated to exploring the magnificent beluga whales of Churchill with a three-hour Beluga Whale Boat Tour. The summertime beluga whale migration offers an incredible opportunity to witness these gentle creatures. I highly recommend two unique activities: Beluga AquaGliding, where a floating mat is tethered to a zodiac boat, allowing you to lie flat and observe the curious whales up close, and kayaking, where belugas often swim right alongside or behind you – a truly unforgettable "wow" experience.
Churchill offers extraordinary wildlife encounters in a stunning, remote location, creating memories that last a lifetime. I highly recommend adding Churchill, Manitoba, to your travel bucket list for an extraordinary Canadian wildlife adventure.
Paul is a member of the My Canada Trips team. To experience his trip for yourself, check out our Churchill Polar Bear holiday itineraries below.
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