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Churchill sets amid some of this planet's most uncompromisingly rugged
wilderness. It is situated north of the timber-line, a full 1,200 miles from
Winnipeg. Churchill was selected as
a Prairie seaport for grain shipments and is Canada's only subarctic seaport
1,000 miles closer to Europe than Montreal.
Churchill is known as the Polar Bear Capital
of the World. It is one of the easily accessible human habitats to view the
northern lights, beluga whales, arctic and subarctic bird species and polar
bears in the wild.
Churchill's coastline is heaped with huge
boulders scrubbed smooth and round on one side while stepped and rough on the
other from the retreating glaciers. Just as remarkable are the red-brown sand
stones and pink speckled granite rocks. At spring breakup, low tides deposit
icebergs shaped into fantastic sculptures by the erosion of river currents and
tides.
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are
spectacular here. The highest intensity of auroral activity in the arctic occurs
over this region. Vivid, colourful displays of this phenomenon highlight
Churchill's long, dark nights. Dancing bands of green, red, yellow and white are
best seen from August to April. Local lore has it that whistling at the aurora
makes them dance and come down to the ground.
With all its profusion of beauty and charm,
Churchill's biggest attraction is the unique wildlife. Every fall, thousands of
people travel to Churchill to see the polar bears. From
October to November, the bears arrive from their summer ranges along the bay
south of Churchill. As the ice freezes first at points such as Cape Churchill,
the bears congregate, waiting to move onto the ice for winter.
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Day
1: Depart from home and travel to Winnipeg.
Lodging tonight is at the historic Fort Garry Hotel located in downtown
Winnipeg. This totally renovated "Grand Dame"
offers a glimpse into Winnipeg's past.
Day 2: You will have a mid-day transfer to
the Winnipeg Airport and your Calm Air flight to Churchill. Upon arrival you
will be met by your Naturalist Guide and transferred to your accommodation. A
Welcome Dinner is planned for this evening where your guide will give an
orientation. It is his experience and knowledge that will make your trip an
adventure. (B,D)
Day 3: The Polar Bears! These extraordinary
animals prowl along the coast of the Hudson Bay waiting for the sea ice to form,
allowing them to hunt for seals that will provide sustenance to carry them
through the winter and on through the long summer. From the security of the
giant Tundra Buggy you will capture the first sightings of these magnificent
creatures. Don't forget your extra film! (B,L)
Day 4: This morning you will have a
Cultural/Historical Tour of the town and the surrounding area. Visit local
places of interest such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, and a variety of
other destinations. Learn about the adventurers from the Hudson's Bay Company
who founded the town as well as how the town's people cope with the problems
brought on by modern times. This afternoon offers free time to visit such places
as the Eskimo Museum and the Parks Canada Display. (B)
Day 5: A second full day is spent out on the
tundra observing the behavior of the Great White Bear and the relationships it
forms with other wildlife species.
Following a Farewell Dinner to reminisce and say your goodbyes, you will head to
the airport for an evening flight back to Winnipeg. Upon arrival into Winnipeg,
you will be transferred back to the Fort Garry Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 6:
Depart for home following breakfast at the hotel. (B)
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