Belugas, Bears, History and Culture July 2026 7 Days $5495

Belugas, Bears, History and Culture of  Churchill

A Multi-Sport Adventure

to the Sub-Arctic Zone of  Canada

July 17th-23rd, 2026

2026 Trip Cost: $5495

(see whats included below)

 

 Join our roster now by contacting Kim Powell at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com

In the summer of 2018, our Blue Water Ventures scouting team traveled to the sub arctic zone of  Canada, destination Churchill. We slowly meandered towards the sleepy little town of Churchill as our driver had seen a polar bear en route to the airport.

Churchill is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” however in July, encounters are less frequent than in the fall. Since our scouting trip, we have seen polar bears lumbering along the edges of the Hudson Bay. Polar bears, the largest carnivore on earth that traverses land, sea ice and water is classified as a marine mammal. The local community reveres the white bear and a unique culture around the presence of this apex predator of the arctic has evolved.

We will have the opportunity to meet different indigenous groups  learning about their cultural traditions and customs as we explore this remote region of the world. Living on the edge of the arctic inaccessible by road, the Inuit, Dene, Metis and Cree  follow the pulse of tides, dramatic weather patterns and seasonal migrations.

What brought us to Churchill was the hope to “experience” the beluga whales and we certainly did! During the mid  summer months, over 3500 belugas find refuge in the Churchill Estuary where they feed, molt and give birth. While their primary predator orcas are occasionally seen, the belugas seek refuge in the shallow water that is rich in capelin, a type of smelt that provides much of their diet.

As you glance towards the estuary, what you think are whitecaps are actually “whale caps”,  surfacing beluga whales. Known as the “canaries of the sea” for their elaborate vocalization, beluga whales are seen daily and may be heard singing when a hydrophone is dropped into the chilly sub arctic water.

We can guarantee that you will see beluga whales while in Churchill but we can not guarantee the sighting of polar bears in the wild although chances are good! Our exciting and varied itinerary can be reviewed here: Detailed Itinerary

Dates: July 17th-23rd, 2026

July 16th  Arrange your flight to Winnipeg and overnight on your own, we will provide hotel recommendations

July 17th:   Arrange your  Calm Air flight to Churchill where our trip officially begins at the Churchill Airport, we will guide you through this process

July 22nd:  Arrange your  Calm Air Flight from Churchill to Winnipeg, accommodations included in Winnipeg

July 23rd:   Optional visit to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, afternoon flights back home that you arrange

Please do not arrange your Churchill flight  until we suggest to do so. You may book your Winnipeg flight when we give you a trip update

2026 Trip Cost: $5495

ACTIVITIES, ACCOMMODATIONS and ALL MEALS IN CHURCHILL INCLUDED

Boat tours to view Beluga whales, a narrated tour as we search for arctic wildlife and visit historical sites, 2 Kayaking tours among the Belugas,  A Paddle board (SUP) tour among the belugas or you may opt to kayak again, A Beluga Boarding session with Zodiac support, A Dog karting tour with local dog musher, Prince of Whales Fort Tour,  Lectures or tours  with several indigenous groups,   Entrance fees into  museums  as described in the  itinerary.

5 Nights accommodations in Churchill, 1 Night accommodation in Winnipeg on July 22nd,  all meals while in Churchill,  All tips for our Canadian Guides, Ground Transportation services while in Churchill.

Not Included

Airfare to Winnipeg then onward to Churchill & Trip Insurance
Overnight accommodations in Winnipeg on July 16th
Airport transfers  while in Winnipeg   Tip for your Blue Water Ventures Assistant Guide
Meals while we are in Winnipeg before and after the trip   Alcoholic beverages. 

Wetsuit or mask/snorkel rentals

Optional shuttle then tour of the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre in Winnipeg (we highly recommend this!)

~~~~~~~~~

We are happy to offer a reasonably priced adventure to the sub arctic,  but we encourage you to explore your vacation options. To review the cost of other outfitters staying at our hotel in Churchill and offering similar itineraries, please visit More Options   You may also take a look at another lodge in the area at: Another Option

A complete package of information, all of which can be found on the website, will be sent to you before our trip departure.

Thank you for joining us on our exciting new trip destination to the Sub Arctic!

Until the Canaries of the Sea Sing!

Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
phone: 831-345-2417
www.bluewaterventures.org
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
220 Kenneth St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Back to Belugas