What is summer like in the Arctic?

Summer temperatures vary across Arctic regions, due to their elevation, topography and proximity to the sea. Expect temperatures anywhere from 0°C (32°F) to 15°C (59°F). Much of the precipitation at higher altitudes will fall as snow, although you’ll still be able to enjoy the rare Arctic fauna as round-the-clock daylight warms up the ground. You’ll see wildlife such as beluga whales, muskoxen, and even polar bears swimming amongst the icebergs.

What is the best time to see beluga whales?

Summer is the best time to see beluga whales. Nearly 60,000 of the adorable marine mammals migrate into Hudson Bay and the Churchill River between June and September.

Can I see polar bears in summer?

It is possible to see polar bears wandering the taiga and tundra surrounding Churchill during the summer. The bears all come ashore when the sea ice melts and they spend the season resting, fasting and giving birth.

Is a polar bear sighting guaranteed?

The polar bear migration is a special occasion, and it offers visitors a high probability of seeing the bears in the wild. Our specialized tour operators know the landscape extremely well, and will take you to places where bears are commonly spotted. There is no guarantee of a sighting, however.

What is a Tundra Buggy?

A tundra buggy is a large, heated, all-terrain safari vehicle specially designed to travel over taiga and tundra landscape where polar bears live.

How cold does it get in Churchill in summer and fall?

Summers in Churchill are mild. Anticipate daytime highs of about 19°C (66°F) in July and August, cooling off to 9°C (49°F) at night. Polar bear viewing season takes place in the fall during October and November. Temperatures vary, from daytime highs of 6°C (43°F) in October to nightime lows of -11°C (12°F) or colder in November. With windchill it can feel more like -20°C (-4°F).

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Churchill Belugas and Bears Summer Adventure

5.0

1 review

Length

6 days / 5 nights

Where it goes

When to go

July - August

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See belugas and polar bears on this summer tour

Accessible only by air and rail, Churchill is located on the shores of Hudson Bay and is home to a myriad of wildlife from polar bears to the elusive arctic fox, and the playful beluga whales who return to the Churchill River following the ice breakup in spring. Grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare for wildlife viewing heaven.

Highlights of your trip

See curious beluga whales in the Churchill River

Chance to view summer polar bears from a Tundra Buggy

Learn about Churchill's history with local guides

Spectacular photo opportunities from a zodiac boat

Admire summer wildflowers in the subarctic landscape

Small-group experience with a maximum of 22 guests

Top experiences and features

Aerial view of three beluga whales swimming in the dark ocean

Search for beluga whales

Take two boat tours on the Churchill River and say hello to playful beluga whales.

Ride in a tundra buggy

In a specially designed Tundra Buggy, explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area and snap the perfect picture.

Watch for Arctic wildlife

Keep an eye out for polar bears and other animals, including Arctic fox and Arctic hares.

Couple exploring the old Prince of Wales Fort in the summer time.

Visit the Prince of Wales Fort

Sitting at the mouth of the Churchill River, the Prince of Wales Fort was built over 250 years ago by the Hudson Bay Company.

Person standing on top of a large rocky hill with purple wildflowers below.

Discover Churchill

Explore some of Churchill's top sights, including the Polar Bear Holding Facility, Parks Canada Centre, and the Itsanitaq Museum.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation

All meals whilst on your beluga and polar bear tour

Whale watching boat/zodiac tour

Wildlife viewing from a specialized Tundra Buggy

Unique guided activities such as dogsledding, cultural tours and more

Train station transfers

Flight from Churchill to Winnipeg

Electronic travel documentation package

Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.

Indicates featured inclusions

Arrive in Winnipeg

Your beluga and bears adventure begins in Winnipeg - gateway to Churchill.

Explore Winnipeg and Welcome Dinner
Your adventure begins in Winnipeg. Spend the day exploring the city before an evening welcome dinner with fellow guests and your hosts. On your trip you'll enjoy a small group experience (maximum of 22 guests) led throughout by dedicated and knowledgeable guide.
Winnipeg City Tour
Take a bus tour of Winnipeg. See the Manitoba Legislative building and the Forks — Winnipeg's most celebrated public space where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet.

Winnipeg to Churchill

Travel north to the remote town of Churchill, located on the Hudson Bay.

Fly to Churchill
Churchill Town and Area Tour
On this Churchill interpretive tour, view and photograph the Polar Bear Holding Facility, historical Cape Merry, and an impressive Inukshuk.
Parks Canada Centre Visit
Discover Churchill's intriguing history through Parks Canada Centre's wildlife dioramas and interactive exhibits.

Whale watching, dog carting, and history

Today is action packed with unique northern activities.

Dog Carting Adventure
Hear incredible tales of Arctic racing from a local musher before embarking on your own dog-carting adventure through the boreal forest.
Beluga Boat Tour with Prince of Wales Fort Visit
Encounter hundreds of beluga whales on a boat tour of the Churchill River before visiting the Prince of Wales Fort, one of the oldest stone forts in Canada.
Itsanitaq Museum Visit
Learn about Inuit culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum's collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts are among the finest and oldest in the world.

Polar bear viewing

See the polar bears in their natural habitat from a specially designed Tundra Buggy.

Summer Tundra Buggy Tour
Enjoy a thrilling excursion in a specially designed Tundra Buggy — the best way to rove across the rugged, sub-arctic landscape. Search for polar bears and other wildlife. Arctic wildflowers will be in full bloom, so have your camera ready!

Beluga zodiac tour, back to Winnipeg

See the world’s largest population of whales in the Churchill River.

Beluga Viewing by Zodiac
Zip up and down the Churchill River looking for pods of curious beluga whales. Get up-close with the whales as they congregate in the zodiac's wake.
Fly back to Winnipeg

Depart Winnipeg

All too soon, your Canada vacation comes to an end.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.

Indicates featured inclusions

Day 1
Arrive in Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg
Day 2
Winnipeg to Churchi...
Winnipeg to Churchill
Day 3
Whale watching, dog...
Whale watching, dog carting, and history
Day 4
Polar bear viewing
Polar bear viewing

Arrive in Winnipeg

Your beluga and bears adventure begins in Winnipeg - gateway to Churchill.

Explore Winnipeg and Welcome Dinner
Your adventure begins in Winnipeg. Spend the day exploring the city before an evening welcome dinner with fellow guests and your hosts. On your trip you'll enjoy a small group experience (maximum of 22 guests) led throughout by dedicated and knowledgeable guide.
Winnipeg City Tour
Take a bus tour of Winnipeg. See the Manitoba Legislative building and the Forks — Winnipeg's most celebrated public space where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet.

Winnipeg to Churchill

Travel north to the remote town of Churchill, located on the Hudson Bay.

Fly to Churchill
Churchill Town and Area Tour
On this Churchill interpretive tour, view and photograph the Polar Bear Holding Facility, historical Cape Merry, and an impressive Inukshuk.
Parks Canada Centre Visit
Discover Churchill's intriguing history through Parks Canada Centre's wildlife dioramas and interactive exhibits.

Whale watching, dog carting, and history

Today is action packed with unique northern activities.

Dog Carting Adventure
Hear incredible tales of Arctic racing from a local musher before embarking on your own dog-carting adventure through the boreal forest.
Beluga Boat Tour with Prince of Wales Fort Visit
Encounter hundreds of beluga whales on a boat tour of the Churchill River before visiting the Prince of Wales Fort, one of the oldest stone forts in Canada.
Itsanitaq Museum Visit
Learn about Inuit culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum's collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts are among the finest and oldest in the world.

Polar bear viewing

See the polar bears in their natural habitat from a specially designed Tundra Buggy.

Summer Tundra Buggy Tour
Enjoy a thrilling excursion in a specially designed Tundra Buggy — the best way to rove across the rugged, sub-arctic landscape. Search for polar bears and other wildlife. Arctic wildflowers will be in full bloom, so have your camera ready!

Beluga zodiac tour, back to Winnipeg

See the world’s largest population of whales in the Churchill River.

Beluga Viewing by Zodiac
Zip up and down the Churchill River looking for pods of curious beluga whales. Get up-close with the whales as they congregate in the zodiac's wake.
Fly back to Winnipeg

Depart Winnipeg

All too soon, your Canada vacation comes to an end.

Download Itinerary

Get more details in a sample itinerary that includes day-tour options and descriptions, departure dates, and suggestions for personalizing your trip

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, activities, and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.

Hotel

Hotel Accommodations

3 Star

Activities and Wildlife Viewing

Fully Guided

Meals

Most meals included

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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.

Tundra Inn

Example of a Comfort hotel in Churchill

The Tundra Inn is a charming, family-run hotel located in the northern town of Churchill. With comfortable accommodation and complimentary amenities, this is the perfect place to relax after each day of outdoor adventures.

Lakeview Signature Hotel

Example of a Comfort hotel in Winnipeg

Just one kilometre away from Winnipeg Airport, the Lakeview Signature hotel offers comfortable accommodation and thoughtful amenities. Enjoy on-site dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and the 24/7 fitness centre.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Explore Rockies by train

Want to experience even more of Canada? Add a train journey from Vancouver to Winnipeg — depart from the West Coast, travel through the stunning Canadian Rockies and take in the jaw-dropping alpine views.

Spend time in Winnipeg

Spend more time in Winnipeg at the beginning or end of your trip and discover this city's hidden gems. Highlights include the Assiniboine Park Zoo (and its 'Journey to Churchill'), the Museum of Human Rights, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the Inuit Art Centre — the first of its kind in the world.

Great Bear Rainforest

Ask us to arrange a visit to one of British Columbia's most unique treasures - the Great Bear Rainforest. Stay in remote yet luxurious accommodations and witness eagles, grizzly bears, sea otters, dolphins, whales, wolves, and more in the wild.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 1 reviews

It was beautiful!

We had a wonderful trip! Who knew we would have to go to Churchill to find summer weather! I believe either the first or second day there Churchill was the hot spot in all of Canad...

Kelly and Gord

AB, Canada

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