Ultimate Beluga Discovery Adventure

Explore the world of beluga whales with distinguished marine mammal scientist Dr. Dominic Tollit on an unforgettable summer adventure in Churchill.
Each July, 60,000 Beluga Whales fill Hudson Bay as Polar Bears leave the melting sea ice, making Churchill an extraordinary place to experience the Arctic in summer. This five-day adventure stands apart through the opportunity to explore with distinguished marine mammal scientist Dr. Dominic Tollit, whose presentations, informal conversations and possible live field research bring a deeper perspective to the world of belugas. Alongside this scientific focus, you will discover Churchill from its coastal waters and historic river to its summer tundra, northern landmarks and welcoming lodge.
Your Journey Starts
Season:
July
Duration:
6 Nights
Location:
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Adventure Plans & Activities

Your included Churchill experiences bring the region to life from several perspectives: travel aboard the Matonabee on a Hudson Bay Coastal Boat Tour, explore the Churchill River and Prince of Wales Fort, experience Beluga AquaGliding™ and kayaking, cross the Churchill Wildlife Management Area aboard an Arctic Crawler™, and visit landmarks such as Cape Merry and the "Polar Bear Jail" on a Heritage Tour. Dr. Tollit's presentations and possible live field research add a scientific dimension throughout the adventure, while included meals and four nights at Lazy Bear Lodge provide a comfortable base between excursions.

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Day 1

Winnipeg

Upon arrival, make your own way to the Winnipeg hotel. Free day to explore Winnipeg

Day 2

Winnipeg to Churchill

Check out from Winnipeg hotel. Group transfer included to the airport if designated hotel is included

Flight from Winnipeg to Churchill

Check-in at Lazy Bear Lodge

Churchill Heritage Tour, includes exploring Cape Merry and an outside tour of the 'Polar Bear Jail' among many other historic sites (approx. 2-3 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3

Hudson Bay Coastal Boat Tour and Beluga Field Science

Travel aboard the Matonabee on a Hudson Bay Coastal Boat Tour with opportunities to view Beluga Whales, Polar Bears and other Arctic wildlife. Approximately 6-8 hours.

Opportunity to observe Dr. Tollit conducting live field research aboard the Matonabee. Research activities will depend on field conditions and may include underwater speakers, hydrophones & visual observations to study how belugas use and respond to sound

Enjoy a beluga science presentation or informal conversation with Dr. Tollit during your Churchill stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4

Beluga Whale Zodiac/Fort Tour

Beluga Whale Zodiac/Fort Tour to see Beluga Whales in the water and walking tour of the historic Prince of Wales Fort (approx. 3 hours)

Continue your beluga discovery through special presentations and informal conversations with Dr. Tollit.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5

Additional tours

Experience Beluga AquaGliding™. Approximately 3 hours - all equipment provided

Kayak in Churchill's beluga whale habitat. Approximately 3 hours - all equipment provided

Activity times and order depend on weather, tides and the final operating schedule.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6

Summer Tundra Tour and Churchill to Winnipeg

Summer Tundra Tour on our Arctic Crawler™ (approx. 3 hours)

Check-out from Lazy Bear Lodge and transfer to airport to depart for Winnipeg

Flight from Churchill to Winnipeg

Check-in at Winnipeg hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7

Winnipeg

Check-out from Winnipeg hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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The Hudson Bay Coastal Boat Tour aboard the Matonabee offers opportunities to view Beluga Whales, Polar Bears and other Arctic wildlife in a spectacular, remote setting. Guests may also observe Dr. Tollit conducting live field research into beluga communication and underwater sound.

Dr. Dominic Tollit is a world expert in marine mammal foraging and underwater noise effects who has studied beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions and seals across four continents. Through special presentations and informal conversations, he will share his knowledge and any new findings from the field. His research may use a U.S. military-grade underwater speaker, hydrophones and visual observations to study the acoustic ecology of calving and moulting belugas, how they use and respond to sound, and the songs that have earned them the nickname "canaries of the sea."

Travel into the Churchill River on a Beluga Whale Boat/Fort Tour to observe belugas in their summer habitat. The experience also includes a walking tour of the historic Prince of Wales Fort, connecting Churchill's remarkable wildlife with the history of this northern community.

Experience Churchill's belugas from the water with included Beluga AquaGliding™ and kayaking adventures. Each experience is approximately three hours and will be scheduled according to weather, tides and operating conditions.

Board one of our state-of-the-art Arctic Crawlers™ for a summer Tundra Tour through the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Along the way, you may encounter Polar Bears and other northern wildlife across Churchill's expansive tundra landscape.

The Churchill Heritage Tour explores the places that have shaped this northern town. Visit historic Cape Merry, take an outside tour of the “Polar Bear Jail,” see the wreckage of the famous plane “Miss Piggy” and discover other local landmarks.

After each day's adventures, enjoy all-inclusive dining in Churchill, including specialty coffees from the coffee bars at Lazy Bear Lodge and aboard the Matonabee. Then unwind in the rustic charm and comfort of Lazy Bear Lodge.

What This Adventure Includes

Four nights at the Lazy Bear Lodge and two nights in Winnipeg (one pre and one post-adventure)

Group transfer from the designated Winnipeg hotel to airport on Day 2

Shuttle service between the Churchill airport or train station and Lazy Bear Lodge upon arrival and departure; transfers and luggage handling are included in Churchill.

Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill

Professional Tour Guide over the 4 days in Churchill.

Beluga science presentations by Dr. Dominic Tollit.

Hudson Bay Coastal Boat Tour aboard the Matonabee with opportunities to view Beluga Whales, Polar Bears and other Arctic wildlife. Approximately 6-8 hours.

Beluga Whale Boat/Fort Tour to observe belugas and take a walking tour of the historic Prince of Wales Fort. Approximately 3 hours.

The possible opportunity to observe Dr. Tollit conducting live field research aboard the Matonabee.

Beluga AquaGliding™ and kayaking

Churchill Heritage Tour, including historic Cape Merry and an outside tour of Churchill's famous 'Polar Bear Jail'

Summer Arctic Crawler™ Tour into the exclusive Churchill Wildlife Management Area (trail conditions permitting)

All meals provided by the Lazy Bear Café (Includes specialty coffees from our coffee bars at Lazy Bear Lodge and aboard the Matonabee)

"Just getting back yesterday from Lazy Bear and since this is my post I can give them as many stars as I'd like. So instead of a 5 star review, I'll give them a 40 star review. 40 out of 41, they get dinged one star because they didn't kidnap us and force us to remain in Churchill, which would have been nice.

Food is awesome, guides are awesome, Churchill is awesome."

Steve D.

"We just arrived back to Winnipeg and I have to say, the effort it took to get things organized was more than worth it!  We absolutely LOVED it there – I actually think this might be the best season to go in (though we haven’t seen it in winter) we loved being close to the whales and actually saw a bear snoozing beside the river.  All of it from flight, hotel, guides and the people living in Churchill was amazing. We will definitely be returning with our girls."

S. A. (Winnipeg, MB. Canada)

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Adventure Dates & Prices

Can’t find a date that works or everything sold out? No worries - inquire now to get on the list for 2027/2028, just hit Send me more info button to reach out!

6 – 12
July, 2027

10 – 16
July, 2027

Please contact us for current availability prior to booking flights to Winnipeg.

Ultimate Beluga Discovery Adventure

Season:
July
Location:
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Duration:
6 Nights
$7,390*
USD
$10,390*
CAD

Additional Info

Age Requirement:

Our included boat tour, kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™ experiences are recommended for guests ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Physical Rating:

Easy: Light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.

Rates:
  • Invoiced in CAD funds
  • Payments to be received in CAD funds
  • Displayed USD prices are approximate conversions. Actual charges may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations at the time of booking

Notes

  • Price is per person, based on double occupancy. An additional single supplement of $3,600 CAD applies for each solo traveller.
  • All rates are invoiced in Canadian funds.
  • Airfare is from Winnipeg to Churchill and return.
  • Luggage handling is included only in Churchill.
  • Flight times and Winnipeg hotels are subject to change.
  • Wildlife sightings and field-research activities depend on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
- All prices are subject to applicable taxes.

* Prices subject to change.

Travel Packing Checklist

Things you must have
T-shirts and shorts for the summer weather days
Loose fitting clothing, long socks, closed-toed shoes and a long-sleeved shirt and pants for cooler days or bug days
A wind breaker/sweatshirt/fall jacket for possible cool days, waterproof jacket and pants
Hiking shoes or runners
Thermal under clothing, a toque (a close fitting hat covering your ears), mittens or gloves for the tours
A good shade hat, sun glasses, binoculars, camera
A small waterproof bag or dry bag (to bring your items on the zodiac/boat)
It is wise to bring a good bug spray that contains DEET as a main ingredient
Spare batteries for each camera type you bring
We also recommend bringing along a small carry-on bag with your absolute necessities just in case your luggage makes it to Churchill after you do

Expeditioners Toolkit:

Got questions? We've got answers. From packing tips to expedition details, find everything you need to prepare for your Arctic adventure.
Need Assistance
What is a single supplement fee?

A single supplement fee covers the loss of income by the lodge when one single person occupies a room. That person pays a premium as room availability is limited during our operating seasons.

What are the bugs like in Churchill during mid to late summer?

Each summer is different for bugs. In years of little rain we hardly notice them. Early summer seems, in general, to have more bugs. Later in midsummer and late summer there generally are fewer bugs. Good bug spray that contains 'Deet' as a main ingredient works best. Some guests will bring a bug jacket or screen hat. But if you have loose fitting clothing, long socks, closed toe shoes and a long sleeved repertoire of clothing, along with your favorite bug lotion/spray, you will be well prepared.

Are there any additional tours or interesting activities in Churchill?

Kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™ are already included in the Ultimate Beluga Discovery Adventure. Summer Dog Carting and helicopter tours can be booked while in Churchill after you receive your schedule. You can stop by Parks Canada Centre at the Churchill train station where they provide films, slideshows and lectures to visitors and see the Itsanitaq Museum.

What type of planes will we be flying in from Winnipeg to Churchill and return?

Your flight between Winnipeg and Churchill will be with Calm-air on either a chartered or regular flight (either an ATR 42 or ATR 72). Further instructions will be provided upon booking and/or with your travel documents.

What are the typical temperatures in Churchill in July and August?

The temperatures in July and August can range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 Fahrenheit).

What payment types are accepted?

Winnipeg Office: For all reservations made through our Winnipeg office, invoices will be issued in Canadian dollars (CAD). We accept Visa, MasterCard, and wire transfers as payment methods.

Please note: A 2.4% processing fee applies to credit card payments. If paying by credit card, the amount will be converted to your primary currency by your credit card provider, using their applicable exchange rate at the time of processing.


At The Lodge: Lazy Bear Expeditions, Lodge & Café accept Visa, MasterCard, Debit and cash.

US credit card or debit: US and Canadian currencies are accepted. All payments are charged in Canadian Funds and converted to US Funds by your bank or credit card company at the exchange rate they use at the time of processing.

Cash: It is best to bring Canadian Funds because US Funds are accepted at par with Canadian currency.

What should I pack for this summer trip?

The weather in the summer can vary quite significantly. It can feel like summer and fall in the same day so both summer and fall clothing are recommended. We recommend packing the following:

  • T-shirts and shorts for the summer weather days
  • Loose fitting clothing, long socks, closed-toed shoes and a long-sleeved shirt and pants for cooler days or bug days
  • A wind breaker/sweatshirt/fall jacket for possible cool days, waterproof jacket and pants
  • Hiking shoes or runners. Stay away from sandals in case of bug days
  • Thermal under clothing, a touque (a close fitting hat covering your ears), mittens or gloves for the boat tours
  • A good shade hat, sun glasses, binoculars, camera
  • A small water proof or dry bag
  • It is wise to bring a good bug spray that contains DEET as a main ingredient
  • Spare batteries for each camera type you bring
  • Charging cords for laptops, cell phones, tablets
  • We also recommend bringing along a small carry-on bag with your absolute necessities just in case your luggage makes it to Churchill after you do
What does Lazy Bear supply?

Life jackets are provided for boat tours. Wetsuits are provided whenever you participate in kayaking or Beluga AquaGliding™, whether the experience is included in your expedition package or booked separately. Neoprene boots and snorkel masks are also provided for Beluga AquaGliding™.

Are wildlife sightings or research activities guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings, field-research activities and the order of excursions depend on weather, tides, wildlife conditions, research needs and operational requirements. Our team will adjust the schedule when needed to provide the best experience possible under the conditions.

Are You Ready For The Adventure Of A Lifetime?

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