Enjoy the changing landscape from the boundless Manitoba wheat fields, passed jewel-colored lakes and rivers, through the hills of Porcupine and Duck Mountains into the sub-arctic tundra, carpeted with millions of wildflowers. Although Churchill is renowned in winter for being "The Polar Bear Capital of the World”, in summer it’s one of the best places on the planet to view Beluga whales up close. It’s here, where the warm waters of the Churchill River flow into Hudson Bay, that over 3000 Beluga whales frolic, feed and raise their young (the most vocal of all whales, Belugas are nicknamed "the canaries of the sea"). Resembling pure-white porpoises, these friendly, intelligent and curious creatures will congregate around boats and even allow people to swim amongst them.
This unspoiled region, devoid of highways and paved roads, sits at the apex where three ecosystems converge (marine, arctic tundra and Borealis forest), providing for a wonderful diversity of plants and animals. More than 270 species of birds have been recorded within a 25-mile radius of Churchill, including the snowy owl, tundra swan, American golden-plover, pacific loon, Smith's long spur, stilt sandpiper and Harris's sparrow. The unique habitat is also home to caribou, arctic and red fox, wolves, arctic hare, seals and polar bear.
Those looking for outdoor adventure will find a variety of activities – from hiking and kayaking to snorkeling and sport fishing. Local guides offer optional tours in tundra buggies, boats, canoes, helicopters and even ultra-light aircraft. First Nations (Cree, Dene, Chipewyan and Inuit) have occupied this coastline for centuries and Churchill is proud of its aboriginal culture and traditions. In the company of a local guide, you’ll tour the Churchill area and visit the Eskimo Museum, distinguished for its 850 piece collection of exceptional Inuit sculpture, artifacts, and archaeological and wildlife specimens. You’ll visit Fort Prince of Wales, built between 1731 and 1741 (a large stone fortress on the western peninsula at the mouth of the river) and Cape Merry - former cannon battery and a National Historic Site. Last, but not least, you’ll enjoy a special evening presentation by a local historian/storyteller, who was born and raised in this fascinating and challenging Northern landscape.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Home Cities to The Pas, MB. Starting out in Regina, our luxury motor coach will travel to Saskatoon with pickups en route. Our first overnight will be in The Pas. (The Pas, the traditional meeting place between Native trappers and the European fur traders, is one of the oldest settlements in northern Manitoba. Boasting one of three true-blue lakes in existence, the scenery attracts visitors from across the country).
Day 2: The Pas to Thompson, MB. Enjoy a relaxing brunch on your own before the coach departs for Thompson. Stops are planned in Ponton and Pisew Falls (near Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba's highest waterfall) before arriving in Thompson, where we’ll board our Via Rail train. While on route, sit back and unwind, join in a card game, socialize over cocktails, or enjoy delicious fare in the dining car while gazing at the passing countryside.
Day 3: Via Rail to Churchill, MB. The train is scheduled to arrive in Churchill early this morning, where we’ll meet our local guide who will take us on an area tour, including the Eskimo Museum and the Port of Churchill’s 140,000-tonne Grain Elevator. A treat this evening - everyone is invited to a Wine and Cheese Reception.
Day 4: Churchill. Tours today include Cape Merry (most northern point) with a local guide familiar with the area wildlife, history and Northern living. In the afternoon, we board Sea North Boat for our Beluga Whale Watching Adventure, where Belugas and their babies swim up to the boat, without fear. The captain puts speakers into the water so we can hear the Belugas talking to us. After our Beluga cruise, we’ll tour Fort Prince of Wales with a Parks Canada guide. (While visiting the fort, you’ll notice a Parks Canada guard with a rifle following in his ATV as a precaution, in the off chance that a polar bear may be in the area. It’s important to note, though, that polar bear sightings are infrequent in summer, so there’s only about a 25% chance of seeing one). This evening, enjoy a special presentation by an local historian/storyteller.
Day 5: Churchill/return to Thompson. Free morning/afternoon, depart for an optional Tundra Buggy excursion and experience the captivating beauty of this sub-arctic landscape. (Enjoy great savings on this option if you purchase it at time of booking; please ask us for details.) Or explore Churchill at your leisure. The town has a modern multiplex center with swimming pool, bowling alley, theater, ice hockey and curling rinks, gym, basketball courts, indoor playground and cafeteria. In addition, the Parks Canada Visitor Center has artifacts on display and offers audiovisual presentations covering the region's flora and fauna, archeology, history and natural wonders.
For those who love to shop, there’s: The Arctic Trading Company that sells Inuit soapstone sculptures, Cree and Dene beaded handicrafts, Micmac baskets and Six Nations jewelery, pipes and rattles; The Wapusk General Store (a hand-built log cabin) for unique souvenirs; Northern Images, an Arctic Co-Op with one-of-a-kind baskets, apparel, and fine art from Northern artists; The Tundra Buggy Gift Shop, offering hundreds of Polar Bear souvenirs; and Great White Bear, featuring all sorts of keepsakes and knick-knacks. Outdoor activities are readily available. Optional activities include hiking and birding tours, kayaking, snorkeling, helicopter and plane rides, canoeing and sport fishing. Or visit the wreak of MV Ithaca, a British flag steamship (built in 1922) that floundered near Churchill, or Miss Piggy, a C46 aircraft that crash landed on the rocks. This evening, we say a fond farewell to Churchill and board our Via Rail train to return to Thompson.
Day 6: Thompson, then The Pas. This morning, our train arrives in Thompson where our coach is waiting for us. Enjoy an afternoon picnic snack as we travel to The Pas for our last night together.
Day 7: The Pas to Home. Lots of time today to reminisce with new pals or to put your feet up before arriving home. The trip may be winding down, but the wonderful adventure you’ve experienced will stay with you a lifetime.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
|
