Chasing the Belugas in Churchill, Manitoba Canada

Chasing the Belugas in Churchill, Manitoba Canada

Rhonda Glisson (Time Travel)
Churchill is located on Hudson Bay, at the mouth of the Churchill River and on the edge of the Arctic Circle. To say Churchill is remote is an understatement. There are no roads in, so your only way to arrive is either by air or a two day (one way) train ride. Churchill is known as the Polar Bear capital of the world, and is the location of the annual Beluga whale migration. Each of these has a very short season of viewing. Polar Bears can typically be found in October and November, but can vary slightly (I was lucky enough to encounter 3 in July). Beluga season is mid July to mid August. It is also one of the premier places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights. The best time for the AB is late Fall, Winter, and early Spring. I went at the end of July and stayed for 4 nights and 5 days for the Beluga whale migration and it was worth every single penny it cost. Make no mistake, this is not an inexpensive trip due to Churchill's location. Everything has to be either flown, or railed in, so their costs reflect that. There is only one commercial airline that flies there from Winnipeg. But again, it was totally worth it and I can only describe sharing the waters with the Belugas as a magical experience. I will be back. This guide contains a complete list of my exciting journey--to include accompanying photos I took. Even with Churchill being very small (only about 800 full time residents) there is much to see and do. I also include many of the photos I took at each place.
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Iceberg Inn
@rhondaglisson
I spent all four nights at the Iceberg Inn. It is a no frills, basic hotel. The owner, Bill Fong, is very friendly and helpful with all things Churchill.
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Custom Churchill Tours
@rhondaglisson
I went out with Brendan three days in a row; he is THE BEST. Brendan is a local who has a deep love for his home. He is extremely knowledgeable about the Belugas, and Polar Bears. It was only because of him that I got to see Polar Bears!
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Calm Air International LP
@rhondaglisson
Calm Air is the only commercial airline providing service to Churchill. It is a 2 1/2 hour flight from Winnipeg.
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Tundra Pub
@rhondaglisson
This is fun place for lunch or dinner and a few drinks. Gets very busy at times as it's a hangout for locals as well as a tourists. Often has live music.
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Itsanitaq Museum
@rhondaglisson
Fascinating small museum with "Inuit carvings and artifacts that are among the finest and oldest in the world dating from Pre-Dorset (1700 B.C.)" Great way to spend some time looking through area history.
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Sea North Tours Ltd
@rhondaglisson
Kayaking with Belugas was THE MOST amazing experience I have ever had. I went out twice with Sea North and they were a great outfit to work with. This was my very first time EVER kayaking and it couldn't have gone better.
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Dancing Bear Restaurant & Churchill Hotel
@rhondaglisson
Nice place for a nice meal. Nothing fancy but good food.
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Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site
@rhondaglisson
This was a really cool place to visit. "This fort began as a log fort built in 1717. The original wooden fort was replaced by a massive stone fort...construction of this fort was started in 1731." A few different excursion companies provide transportation and tours here (you can only get there by boat). I booked my tour with Brendan, from Custom Churchill Tours, who I went out with for the Beluga tours.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rhonda Glisson (Time Travel)
I am a traveler who loves to research and a researcher who loves to travel. I spend untold hours, days and even weeks researching my next destination. I pick destinations that peak my interest--most are ocean or wildlife related. One was taking off to Churchill, MB, at the bottom of the Arctic Circle, for the annual Beluga Whale migration--all by myself. That's just me, I do most of my traveling solo. I also love photography and have my camera with me every step of the way. I spent most of my life living in Georgia, but now I live in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. If you would like a personalized itinerary to anywhere that I haven't released a guide for, please visit my website, www.timetravelrglisson.com, and let's get you headed towards your dream destination. I put in the time and you put in the travel.
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Churchill, MB, Canada
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