From now until the end of August, travelers to the Heart of Canada have a unique opportunity to witness the largest population of beluga whales in the world as they migrate to the scenic western Hudson Bay region of Churchill, Manitoba.
Over 60,000 beluga whales (just under half of the world’s population, according to WWF) gather annually in the Churchill River and other Northern Manitoba river estuaries following the ice break from the fierce winter. The curious, playful creatures feed and give birth in the warmer waters alongside unspoiled Churchill.
Northern Manitoba’s exclusivity as the only place in the world where visitors can get up close and personal with beluga whales makes it the perfect summer destination for whale watchers seeking a more unusual experience than the classic Humpback migrations on North America’s west coast. With direct flights from Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and a new direct route launching in September from Atlanta, it has never been quicker or more convenient to travel to Manitoba.
To experience this incredible spectacle, visitors can embark on various tours offered by reputable operators such as Sea North Tours, Lazy Bear Expeditions, Churchill Wild, and Frontiers North Adventures. Options include boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and AquaGliding™, an activity exclusively offered by Lazy Bear Expeditions, allowing guests to witness these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat on floating mats.
During guided tours, guests can hear via hydrophone the enchanting underwater vocals of the belugas, including their high-pitched whistles, clicks, and chirps. These curious creatures often approach guests, riding in the motor wake or giving playful nudges to kayaks. Guests may even witness adorable grey calves popping in and out of the water alongside their mothers, who have snow-white skin to camouflage among the sea ice.
There are two transportation options for reaching Churchill: by train or by plane. Visitors can embark on the two-day train journey on Via Rail Canada from Winnipeg to Churchill to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Manitoba as the scenery seamlessly transitions from the picturesque prairies in the south to the untamed wilderness of the boreal forest and Canadian Shield in the north, finally revealing the striking allure of the barren ground tundra that surrounds Churchill. Alternatively, flying is undoubtedly the most convenient choice for reaching Churchill, as there are no roads that lead directly to the town. Multiple air services are available, offering easy access to this remote destination. Once in Churchill, exploring on foot or by rental vehicle is easy.
For more information on this extraordinary opportunity, visit the official Manitoba travel website at https://www.travelmanitoba.com/.
