Churchill, on the western shore of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, is famous as the “polar bear capital of the world” in autumn. But in summer, it is home to an equally extraordinary sight: thousands of beluga whales gather in the Churchill River estuary to feed, moult and raise their calves. Visitors can watch them from boats, paddle among them in kayaks, and even snorkel with them.
At a glance
| Best time | Late June to late August (peak July to early August) |
| Getting there | Fly or take the train from Winnipeg |
| Time needed | 3 to 5 days |
| Big draws | Beluga whales, summer polar bears, Arctic birds, wildflowers |
| Good for | Families, kayakers, wildlife lovers |
The belugas
- Belugas are small white whales with flexible necks and a rounded forehead (the melon) used for echolocation. Their chirps and whistles earned them the nickname “canaries of the sea”. See our beluga whale profile.
- Around 55,000 belugas summer in western Hudson Bay, one of the largest beluga populations in the world, and thousands enter the Churchill, Nelson and Seal river estuaries.
- The estuaries offer warmer water, protection from orcas and food such as capelin.
Ways to see them
- Boat tours: zodiac and larger boats; many carry hydrophones so you can hear the belugas.
- Kayaking: guided kayak trips in the estuary, where curious belugas often approach.
- Snorkelling and “aqua-gliding”: in a drysuit, holding onto a line behind a boat, you float at the surface while belugas swim alongside and below.
- Stand-up paddleboarding with guides.
Operators follow rules not to chase or approach belugas too closely; the whales choose how close to come.
Summer polar bears
Polar bears come ashore when the Hudson Bay ice melts in summer. They are sometimes seen along the coast and on boat trips to Prince of Wales Fort, but encounters on foot are dangerous. Stay in town or with guides. See our polar bear profile and our Churchill polar bear guide for the autumn season.
Other summer highlights
- Birds: Ross’s gulls (rare), Arctic terns, Pacific loons and many waders. See our Arctic tern profile.
- Tundra wildflowers and the northern lights in late August.
- Itsanitaq Museum (formerly the Eskimo Museum), with Inuit art and history.
Getting there
Churchill has no road connection. Fly from Winnipeg (about 2.5 hours), or take the train, a journey of around two days across the boreal forest and tundra.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see belugas in Churchill? July and early August.
Is it safe to snorkel with belugas? Yes, with licensed operators and drysuits. Belugas are gentle and curious.
Can I see polar bears in summer? Sometimes, but the best polar bear season is October to November.
How cold is the water? Very cold, often around 5 to 10°C, so operators provide drysuits.
Related guides
- Churchill polar bear tours
- Narwhal and polar bear expeditions in Arctic Canada
- Where to see whales in North America
- Animal profiles: Beluga whale, Polar bear, Arctic tern
Cover photo: TravelingOtter from Houston, Texas, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons