Our Churchill Polar Bear & Beluga Whale Summer Wildlife Adventure reveals a remarkable side of Canada’s subarctic, where the shores of Hudson Bay and the waters of the Churchill River come alive with wildlife during the short but spectacular northern summer. From observing polar bears along the rugged coastline to encountering curious beluga whales in their natural habitat, this is an opportunity to discover one of Canada’s most distinctive wildlife destinations at a time of extraordinary seasonal activity.
Located in northern Manitoba, Churchill is internationally renowned for its polar bears, but summer unveils a different dimension to this remarkable wilderness. As the sea ice retreats and the tundra awakens, beluga whales gather in the estuaries and waterways around Churchill, while the surrounding landscape provides habitat for Arctic foxes, caribou, Arctic hares and an abundance of birdlife. Long daylight hours, expansive tundra and the meeting of freshwater and the Arctic marine environment create an unforgettable setting for wildlife exploration.
Few wildlife encounters are as captivating as meeting beluga whales in the clear, sheltered waters around Churchill. Every summer, thousands of these distinctive white whales migrate into Hudson Bay’s coastal waterways, with large numbers gathering around the Churchill River estuary. Here, they feed, socialise and care for their young, offering exceptional opportunities to observe their behaviour in the wild.
Explore these remarkable waters on guided boat or Zodiac excursions, with opportunities to experience the whales from a different perspective by kayak, subject to the itinerary and conditions. Belugas are naturally inquisitive, and their frequent surfacing, social interactions and distinctive vocalisations make time on the water a highlight of the summer season. Where hydrophone equipment is available, you may also have the opportunity to listen to the whistles, clicks and calls that give belugas their reputation as the canaries of the sea.
For travellers fascinated by marine mammals, Churchill offers a particularly rewarding introduction to the wildlife of Hudson Bay. Discover more in our **[Beluga Whales of Churchill guide]**, with further information about their migration, behaviour and the best time of year to see them.
In Churchill, summer awakens a world of wild beauty, where beluga whales gather in Arctic waters, polar bears roam the shores of Hudson Bay, and the vast northern wilderness comes alive beneath endless skies.
Churchill’s polar bears are famous around the world, and although autumn is traditionally associated with the region’s greatest polar bear viewing, summer offers a fascinating opportunity to understand their lives beyond the sea-ice season. As the ice melts, polar bears spend time on land around Hudson Bay, moving through coastal habitats and the surrounding tundra while waiting for conditions that allow them to return to hunting on the ice.
Guided land-based excursions provide opportunities to explore the landscape and look for polar bears in their natural environment. Sightings are never guaranteed, as these powerful Arctic predators roam across a vast and changing wilderness, but the possibility of encountering a bear against the rocky shoreline, open tundra or distant boreal forest makes every excursion exciting.
Observing polar bears responsibly requires specialist local knowledge, careful planning and respect for wildlife. Our approach focuses on experiencing these animals in their natural surroundings while following appropriate safety guidance and wildlife-viewing practices.
To learn more about the region’s most iconic animal, explore our **[Churchill Polar Bear Guide]**, or visit our **[Churchill Destination Hub]** for a deeper introduction to the landscape, wildlife and seasonal experiences that make this corner of Manitoba so special.
Summer reveals a side of Churchill that differs considerably from the better-known autumn polar bear season. Beluga whales return in impressive numbers, migratory birds arrive, the tundra becomes greener and the extended daylight creates more time to explore the surrounding wilderness.
The precise timing of wildlife activity varies from year to year, influenced by weather, sea-ice conditions and natural migration patterns. July and August are generally associated with the main beluga whale season around Churchill, although the best timing for individual wildlife encounters can vary.
For anyone seeking a wildlife holiday that combines marine mammals, terrestrial wildlife and the atmosphere of Canada’s far north, summer is a compelling time to visit. It offers the chance to experience several different aspects of the region’s natural history in a single adventure, with the distinctive community of Churchill as your gateway to Hudson Bay.
Whether you are drawn by the prospect of watching beluga whales from the water, searching the tundra for polar bears or discovering the landscapes and wildlife
The following suggested itinerary is designed to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your individual requirements. Speak to one of our Finland specialists to create your perfect wildlife adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1
–
Arrive in Canada and Get Ready for Bears
The first day gathers everyone in our staging city (Winnipeg or Calgary) and
ensures that any last minute purchases or missing luggage can catch up to the
group!! Hotels are pre-booked to avoid complications and let you recover from
any jetlag.
Day 2
–
First Day in Churchill, First Bears!!
Our flights leave early the next day to avoid weather delays and challenges of
northern travel. Clients will arrive around mid-day and settle into our bed and
breakfast – dropping off your bags and changing into warmer winter gear.
Day 3-7
– Full day polar bear tour
Each day, we leave at or before sunrise and return at sunset – polar bears are
seen with a very high success rate and lately, wolves, wolverines, caribou, foxes,
seals and other species are becoming more common. We also have chances to
view snowy owls, gyrfalcons, ptarmigan… all with a wide variety of backdrops!!
Day 8 – Last day in Churchill
Town activities or bear tour before departing for Winnipeg in the afternoon. We
strongly encourage clients to book their flights from Winnipeg for the afternoon of
the next day given the variability of arctic weather and travel.
Throughout our Churchill Polar Bear & Beluga Whale Summer Wildlife Adventure, we stay at two carefully selected properties, combining comfort and convenience with a practical base for our time in Canada’s remote northern wilderness.
Upon arrival in Winnipeg, we include one night’s accommodation at a premium city hotel. This provides a comfortable opportunity to rest and recharge between your international flight and our onward journey to Churchill aboard our private charter aircraft.
The hotel offers the amenities you would expect from a major hotel, including an on-site restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi, room service, fitness facilities and convenient airport access.
For our stay in Churchill, we have secured exclusive use of a private property for our group. Having the entire property to ourselves provides a relaxed and flexible base, particularly when early starts and pre-dawn departures are required for our Polar Bear photography sessions.
Accommodation in Churchill can be exceptionally difficult to secure during the peak Polar Bear migration season in October and November. As a remote northern community accessible by air or rail, the town has limited infrastructure and accommodation capacity relative to the demand during this short but incredibly popular wildlife season. Having an entire property reserved exclusively for our group is therefore a significant advantage.
Based on twin-share occupancy, the B&B offers comfortable, recently refurbished accommodation with modern bathroom facilities, spacious communal areas and a dedicated dining space. High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi is also available, allowing you to stay connected and share your photographic experiences throughout the expedition.
The property is conveniently located just two blocks from Churchill’s main street, in a quieter residential area. However, Churchill is a true Polar Bear destination, and bears can occasionally wander through the town, particularly after dark. For everyone’s safety, we follow local guidance and ensure that any movement outside the property after dark is undertaken as a group, rather than independently.
Our accommodation provides a comfortable and practical base for the expedition, allowing us to focus on what matters most: spending time in the field, photographing Churchill’s remarkable Polar Bears and making the most of every opportunity in this extraordinary northern environment.
Get a taste of what awaits on our Churchill Polar Bear & Beluga Whale Summer Wildlife Adventure with this gallery of wildlife images captured in Churchill, Manitoba. From intimate Polar Bear portraits to striking encounters in the wild landscapes of Canada’s frozen north, discover the photographic opportunities that make Churchill one of the world’s most iconic destinations for Polar Bear photography.
At Natures Thrill, we believe that an exceptional wildlife experience starts with the right guide. We carefully select guides not simply for their knowledge, but for their first-hand experience, local expertise and genuine connection to the places and wildlife we visit.
Churchill is a remote sub-Arctic community where polar bears roam freely, making experienced local guides essential to both a successful wildlife experience and the safety of our guests. At Natures Thrill, we believe that guiding in this extraordinary environment requires far more than simply knowing where to find bears. It demands an intimate understanding of the landscape, local conditions and polar bear behaviour, alongside the experience and judgement to make informed decisions in a dynamic wilderness setting.
That is why we place such importance on the people who lead our expeditions. Our Churchill specialists bring first-hand local knowledge and a deep understanding of the region, helping us navigate changing conditions, respond responsibly to wildlife encounters and make the most of every photographic opportunity. For us, exceptional guiding means combining outstanding wildlife knowledge with professionalism, sound judgement and an unwavering commitment to guest safety.
Our Churchill Polar Bear & Beluga Whale Summer Wildlife Adventure are led by a dedicated team of specialists, with expert guidance from our Churchill specialist, Kelsey Eliasson, working alongside an experienced local ground team. Together, they bring an exceptional depth of knowledge of Churchill, polar bear behaviour and the surrounding wilderness, combined with the essential local expertise and on-the-ground safety experience needed for a rewarding and responsible wildlife photography adventure.
Kelsey is a Canadian wildlife guide, writer, filmmaker and artist with more than twenty-five years of experience leading wildlife tours, specialising in unique eye-level encounters with polar bears. He promotes nature conservation through his wildlife expeditions, filmmaking, tours and writing on wildlife, northern history and local communities. He has worked as a dog musher, polar bear guide, natural history consultant and heritage interpreter, has run a newspaper in the North, and has travelled the world on expeditions while filming documentaries and guiding tours. He is also known as one of the three main characters in the documentary reality series Polar Bear Town, filmed in 2015 and aired in 2017, which explores the story of the town of Churchill, its residents and their relationship with wildlife.
Kelsey is our ‘go-to guide’ for observing the wildlife of northern Canada. With his knowledge of history, wildlife behaviour and his artistic eye, you can be sure of experiencing the best wildlife sightings and capturing your most memorable moments.
Everything you need to prepare for your expedition — downloadable guides, essential pre-departure information, and answers to the questions we’re asked most.
Full trip overview, meeting points, what's included and day-to-day flow.
PDF · 2.4 MB
Clothing layers, footwear and cold-weather essentials for the field.
PDF · 1.1 MB
Recommended bodies, lenses, settings and accessories for wildlife hides.
PDF · 3 MB
Visas, health, insurance and everything to sort before you fly.
PDF · 1.8 MB
Not at all. Our guides help photographers of every level, from first-time hide users to professionals. We’ll advise on settings and positioning throughout.
A telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended), spare batteries and plenty of memory cards. Full details are in the downloadable Photography Gear Guide above.
Wildlife is wild, so sightings can never be guaranteed. That said, our locations and hides are chosen for some of the best predator-viewing odds in Europe.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.
Full arrival and transfer details, including the nearest airport and pickup arrangements, are in the Trip Information Pack. Our team will confirm timings after booking.
Your luxury cabin, priced per cabin rather than per person — available through the Finnish bear season from April to August.
Sleeps 1–2 guests. The price stays the same whether one or two people stay in the cabin.
1-night packages
Multi-night stays
April – August
Private luxury cabin
1–2 guests per cabin
Kuhmo, N. Finland
All rates are per cabin (1–2 persons), not per person. The price remains the same whether the cabin is occupied by one or two guests — ideal for couples travelling together.
Available to book
The cabins operate from April to August, when Finland’s brown bears are most active. Early spring and late summer also offer the best chance of catching the Northern Lights from your cabin windows.
This holiday is one of our hand-picked tailor-made experiences. Speak to one of our Finland specialists today about creating your bespoke travel package — from cabin nights and hide sessions to transfers and dining.
Flexible dates
Private cabin
Optional hide nights
Tailor-made advice from people who know Finland’s wild places. We’ll help you plan a wildlife holiday that’s perfectly suited to you.
*Complimentary hide night available on selected multi-night stays. Prices are per cabin per night and may vary by date; final rates are confirmed at the time of booking.
Kelsey is one of the few wildlife guides who can genuinely say that Churchill has been home for much of his life. Former editor of the local Churchill newspaper, he has spent decades immersed in this remarkable northern frontier, developing an unparalleled understanding of its wildlife, landscapes and communities.
Speak with our Churchill travel specialists today for friendly, expert advice and first-hand insight to help you plan your perfect Churchill Polar Bear & Beluga Whale Summer Wildlife Adventure
Experience the iconic Masai Mara with thrilling safari drives, Big Five wildlife encounters, sweeping savanna landscapes, and unforgettable views of the Great Migration in one of Africa’s most spectacular nature reserves.
At first glance, you might wonder why BearPhoto is leading an African safari, after all, bears don’t roam the savannahs of Kenya. But at BearPhoto, our passion has never been limited by geography or species. We are driven by one thing above all else: the pursuit of extraordinary wildlife encounters and unforgettable photographic experiences. This journey to the Masai Mara represents exactly that – and more.
We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional photographic safari to Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations on Earth. For photographers, the Mara needs little introduction. Vast, open plains stretch to the horizon, alive with staggering numbers of wildlife and an unrivalled concentration of big cats. The scale, drama, and raw beauty of this ecosystem offer some of the most powerful natural spectacles anywhere in the world.
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