Belugas, Bears, History and Culture

Belugas, Bears, History and Culture of  Churchill

A Multi-Sport Adventure

to the Sub-Arctic Zone of  Canada

August 12th-18th, 2024~few spaces remaining

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. During both our July 2022 and 2023  tours, polar bears were seen daily  lumbering along the edges of the Hudson Bay. Polar bears, the largest carnivore on earth that traverses land 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. By August, our chances of viewing Polar Bears significantly increases.

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 3000 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: August 12th-18th, 2024

August 11th: Arrange your flight to Winnipeg and overnight on your own, we will provide hotel recommendations

August 12th:   Arrange your  Calm Air flight to Churchill where our trip officially begins at the Churchill Airport

August 17th:  Arrange your  Calm Air Flight from Churchill to Winnipeg, accommodations included in Winnipeg

August 18th:  Optional visit to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, afternoon flights back home that you arrange

Please do not arrange your flight Churchill until we suggest to do so. You may book your Winnipeg flight at anytime.

2024 Trip Cost: $4995

ACTIVITIES, ACCOMMODATIONS and BREAKFAST/LUNCHES INCLUDED

2 Zodiac tours to View Belugas, 1 narrated Polar Rover Tour  as we search for arctic wildlife, 2 Kayaking tours among the Belugas, 1 Paddle board (SUP) tour among the belugas or you may opt to kayak again, 1 Beluga Boarding session with Zodiac support, 1 Dog karting tour with local musher, Prince of Whales Fort Tour,  Entrance fees into  museums and lectures as described in itinerary. If you choose not to kayak or Sup you may view the Belugas from the Zodiac support boat.

5 Nights accommodations in Churchill, 1 Night accommodation in Winnipeg on August 18th, all breakfasts and lunches 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 August 11th
Airport transfers  while in Winnipeg   Tip for your Blue Water Ventures Assistant Guide
Dinners In Churchill,  Dinner  or other meals while in  Winnipeg   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!)

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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: 831-459-8548
www.bluewaterventures.org
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
127 Mason St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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