Five Reasons to Love Churchill Summer

Churchill’s summer is just around the corner….well, not really but it’s nice to think about on these frigid days and nights. With the temperatures averaging around -30 C for the next 10 days according to Environment Canada, thoughts of an Arctic summer in Churchill are almost like daydreaming of the Caribbean. Almost. Here are five good reasons to dream of summer in Churchill:

Beluga looking curiously up from the Churchill River.

Beluga looking curiously up from the Churchill River. Steve Selden photo.

1.- Beluga Whales- Whether arriving by plane, train or ship, most summer travelers to                Churchill come for the beluga whales. A few days out on the water, in and out of whale pods, can release any kind of stress from daily life. Add in the coarse summer fog and cool breezes blowing in across the Hudson Bay, and you have a unique wonderland evoking a feeling of transcendence from the modern    technologically saturated world.

2.- Polar Bear Dip- Not talking about something you might find at Gypsy’s Deli in town…although it might be more enjoyable do jump into a vat of your favorite chip-dip then immersing yourself in the Hudson Bay in July. Canada Day falls on July 1st and the weekend closest to the date is filled with fun activities around the town of Churchill. One of the looniest, angst-packed endeavors is the annual Polar Bear Dip behind the town complex in the Hudson Bay. “Fun” might be an odd description for jumping and running into water around 40F or lower. Most legs turn to wood before ten seconds elapse and then the real fun begins. Watching people struggle to get back on shore after running out to a flag-line and back is great entertainment. This is a must try event if you happen to travel to Churchill in summertime.

3.- Ghost Town- Summer in Churchill gives you a chance to really feel the frontier lifestyle with considerably less fellow travelers. The majority of people see Churchill in October and November, which in its own right is amazing….though different.  However, the weather during this time limits one’s ability to grasp the full feeling of living on the edge of the Earth. Getting out on the land and water to experience the full circle of life fills in gaps left from seeing mainly polar bears.

Churchill, Manitoba is a treasure trove of wildflowers.

Churchill wildflowers on the tundra. Steve Selden Photo.

4.- Wildflowers- The diversity of flora in Churchill is the main reason I loved guiding the Arctic Summer groups. Hiking along tundra trails flooded with wildflowers, berry plants and orchids was a never ending adventure and classroom of biodiversity. Getting down and viewing the plants up close unveils a magical world that exists only a few short months. Each plant has a unique story of survival and propensity to propagate in opportunistic ways.

Dene elder Caroline Bjorklund giving a cultural talk. Churchill, Manitoba

Dene elder Caroline Bjorklund giving a cultural talk. Steve Selden photo.

5.- Meeting Churchillians-  When less travelers are in Churchill, businesses and the people in town have more time on their hands. This is the “normal” lifestyle locals are accustomed to and are more apt to take time to share stories about their lives in the north. After all, this is what “tundra time” is all about!

Come see Churchill, the beluga whales  and native culture in it’s full splendor up close this summer. 

Mushing News- Update On Quest- Casavant Out

The Hudson Bay Quest starts in Gillam, MB on March 13, 2015 and finishes in Churchill, MB. As we move closer, the race roster has seen another adjustment. Musher Normand Casavant has needed to withdraw. Keep watching for more updates as we draw closer.

Hudson Bay Quest start 2014.

Start of the 2014 Hudson Bay Quest. Joseph Lin photo.

 The updated OFFICIAL 2015 HBQ race roster is as follows:

1.) Martin Massicotte
2.) Dan DiMuzio
3.) Dave Daley
4.) Justin Allen
5.) Tom Terry
6.) Peter McClelland
7.) Jesse Terry
8.) Jennifer Freking
9.) Charlie Lundie
10.) Blake Freking
11.) Denis Tremblay
12.) Ryan Anderson
13.) Shawn McCarty
14.) Leonard McPherson
15.) Al Hardman

This official list has been reviewed by the Race Marshall and the racer’s qualifications have been evaluated. This list reflects the order of registration, and will be used for the bib draw. Welcome to the 2015 HBQ!

Originally from Quebec and now based in Whitehorse, YT, Normand Casavant was a fan favorite on the Yukon Quest in 2009. He feels his mantra of remaining calm and optimistic transfers positive waves between him and his dogs. This transcendence brings him closer to achieving his goals. We wish him the best and hope to see him back in Churchill next year!

Churchill Photos of the Week

Polar bear cooling off in the snow.

A polar bear relaxes and cools in the snow. Colby Brokvist photo.

This photo above by Natural Habitat guide Colby Brokvist clearly illustrates how well polar bears insulate and regulate their body heat. Cold temperatures in Churchill during polar bear season are often still pretty warm for bears. This polar bear is cooling off in snow while resting and conserving energy. Summer allows bears to cool off in the Hudson Bay and they can more often be seen swimming or trying to prey on seals lounging on remnant ice floes or tidal flats.

Polar bear cooling off in Churchill, Manitoba.

Polar bear cooling off in Churchill, MB.

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