Beluga whales, known as the canaries of the sea for their melodic underwater whistles and chirps, are friendly and curious marine mammals.
Every summer, approximately 57,000 belugas migrate to the Hudson Bay coastline in Manitoba, Canada, to feed and give birth. Among them, 4,000 enter the Churchill River Estuary, making it a prime location for visitors to witness these captivating creatures up close.
All-inclusive tours to Churchill
Expedition companies offer comprehensive packages to explore this natural phenomenon. These include return flights from Winnipeg to Churchill, meals, accommodation, and excursions designed to showcase the region’s unique wildlife. For Australian and New Zealand travellers, popular operators such as Natural Habitat Adventures, Frontiers North Adventures, Churchill Wild, and Lazy Bear Expeditions combine beluga whale experiences with polar bears and other summer wildlife encounters.
Packages typically span seven nights during July and August, with prices ranging from $7,669 CAD to $16,495 CAD, depending on inclusions.
Unique ways to see beluga whales
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities to connect with the belugas, each offering a distinct perspective of these playful whales:
- Stand-up paddleboarding: Glide atop the water on a paddleboard, accompanied by an experienced guide and a safety zodiac. Guests are equipped with Canadian-made Salus Marine life jackets and premium 5mm Bare Arctic wetsuits for warmth.
- Kayaking: Perfect for beginners, this low-tide adventure allows participants to paddle alongside the friendly belugas in their natural habitat. Whales often follow behind, creating an unforgettable experience.
- Beluga AquaGliding™: Exclusive to Lazy Bear Expeditions, this three-hour activity involves lying on a floating mat that lets guests glide across the water’s surface, offering intimate encounters with curious belugas.
- Zodiac and boat tours: Zodiac boats take guests into the Churchill River Estuary, where experienced guides showcase the best spots to see the whales. Boats are designed with no exposed moving parts under the water, ensuring the whales’ safety.
Getting to Manitoba
Reaching Manitoba from Australia or New Zealand is seamless with daily direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver on Air Canada, and Sydney to Vancouver on Qantas. From Vancouver, Air Canada and WestJet provide daily connections to Winnipeg. WestJet also offers direct flights from Los Angeles to Winnipeg several times a week.
Expedition packages include flights from Winnipeg to Churchill, while those with extra time can consider VIA Rail’s scenic cross-country train journey from Vancouver.
