Why are tourists from around the globe drawn to the Churchill every year for the polar bear season in October/November? To the discerning nature lover, spring and summer in Churchill yield a bounty of natural wonders. Few places in central Canada attract the diversity of flora and fauna that this region of Manitoba boasts.
Four major biomes converge on the Churchill region; the marine, the boreal, tundra and the taiga, each providing habitat for animals and plants unique to their systems. The result is a virtual kaleidoscope of the natural world. Join us on this unique all-inclusive tour of the Churchill region by foot!
The west side of the Churchill River is a special place. In only three miles, you can walk through 3000 years of human history. We land at Cockles Point (former site of Churchill’s first and only brothel) and then hike to Sloop Cove National Historic Site. Here, names of Hudson’s Bay Company men are chiseled into the rocks, including that of explorer and naturalist Samuel Hearne, the first European to reach the Arctic Ocean by foot. If weather permits, we will make an etching of Samuel Hearne’s signature as a memento for the Prairie Pathfinders Club.
From there, we travel along an ancient beach ridge, a former island in the Tyrell Sea, to a collection of pre-Dorset, Dorset and Inuit camp sites. The tent rings, kayak stands, caches and graves represent the first human inhabitants of the Churchill area circa 1500 B.C. This stop provides a beautiful 360 degree view of Button Bay and the Churchill River.
Along this centuries old trail, we will encounter a wide variety of wildflowers ranging from arctic dryas to Lapland rose bay, fire weed to alpine arnica. Churchill’s wildflower season begins in mid-June and continues in waves of purple, yellow and white through the rest of our sub-arctic summer. Over the course of the hike, we will explore traditional and medicinal uses of plants in this area.
Finally, we reach Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site, a giant stone fortress awkwardly perched against Hudson Bay. Despite its brief history (1717-1782), Prince of Wales Fort played an integral role in northern development and exploration. We will talk about its origins as a Hudson’s Bay trading post, its relationship with the Cree home guard and Dene traders, and finally its ultimate destruction during the American Revolution!
Polar Bear Alley is the local name for a stretch of sandy beach known for (naturally) polar bear activity. This trek is off the beaten track enough that the occasional polar bear relaxes here during the summer heat, away from the hectic pace of Churchill! We start by descending between Precambrian quartzite ridges to the tidal flats of Hudson Bay. Locally known as ‘Fossil Beach’, there is no shortage of brachiopods, fossil corals and trilobites. It is an excellent spot to discuss the natural and climatic history of Hudson Bay and Canada.
From there we follow seemingly endless stretches of kelp beds and sea lyme grass, perfect summer habitat for polar bears. Along the hike, we will search for polar bear "day beds" and discuss the behavior of polar bears during their time on land. We will also examine day beds for polar bear hairs and collect them for the ongoing polar bear DNA project. At the halfway point, we pass by an arctic tern and eider duck colony. Here, we will discuss the cooperative relationship between the two birds as well as their individual adaptations to life in the arctic. The hike finishes near the "Golf Balls", an abandoned radar station and remnant of Fort Churchill, a former military base near the community.
Bear Safety
As the largest land carnivore on earth, polar bears present a unique challenge when exploring this area by foot. Basically, it would be nothing short of foolhardy to walk along the beautiful coastal region without an armed and experienced guide. Polar bears generally leave people alone. Experienced guides know where recent bear activity has been sighted, and how to walk the land without disturbing Nanuq (Innu for polar bear).
Being mindful of these unique circumstances and following the advice of your guides, exploring this coastal region will be a very rewarding experience that few have done. You will not believe you are in Manitoba! To manage all the bear safety issues, we are partnering with certified Parks Canada Polar Bear safety certified guides.
Mosquitoes/Black-flies and other cute little blood-thirsty friends
Though annoying for both humans and animals, mosquitoes are a base food for the boreal and sub arctic web of life. Manitoba is “lucky” to be “blessed” with over 30 different species of mosquitoes; if you’re fortunate, you may have the opportunity to encounter each and every one of them! Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk; in the sub-arctic day time hours remain relatively mosquito free. That being said, if a low-pressure system has moved in or the breeze off the Hudson Bay is down, you should be prepared
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Return airfare from Winnipeg
- Private beluga whale tour
- Fort Prince of Wales admission
- All meals
- 3 nights hotel (double occupancy)
- Vehicle and boat transfers
- Experienced guides (polar bear security certified).
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Manitoba
Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
Walking Tours
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