Churchill Summer Treasures

Hudson Bay with ice floe in Churchill

Looking through melting ice out onto the Hudson Bay in Churchill. Great White Bear Tours photo.

Beluga whales are returning to the Churchill River and the birds are plentiful in the region these days. The short but rejuvenating Churchill summer season is one of the hidden treasures of the north country on the Hudson Bay. Until you’ve experienced all the wonders of this season in Churchill, you cannot appreciate the endless beauty and discoveries to be made each day..which are “literally endless” in the heart of summer.

Beluga in the churchill River

A majestic beluga signals the season is upon us. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

Bird species begin arriving in spring and then continue filtering in and out throughout the summer. Over 200 species, including the ultra-rare Ross’s gull named after the British Arctic explorer James Clark Ross converge on this majestic feeding and breeding ground. This elusive gull can be sighted sometimes down by the flats on the Churchill River just south of the Port of Churchill. Famous Churchill birder, Natural Habitat Adventures guide and former Churchill Summer co-guide of mine Bonnie Chartier lead a group to a spot on the river once where we discovered the pinkish – bellied bird.

Ross’s Gull in the shallows near Churchill. Wikimedia Commons photo.

 

Ice floe in Churchill

A gorgeous ice-floe rests on the sea bed in Churchill, Manitoba. Great White Bear Tours photo.

The photo opportunities this time of year constantly unveil themselves daily. My favorite time of year is when the ice breaks up and these floes scatter the marine landscape. The colors of the water, rocks and ice all below a brilliant Arctic sky bring new hope and inspiration to Churchillians and those lucky to travel to this wondrous land.

Churchill Weekly Photo – Train Lights

Just like that toy train we’ve all had set up around the Christmas tree at one time or another, Arctic Gateway has brought joy to Churchill in that same form, the first real passenger train in over a year and a half. Reuniting people of the north with their loved ones just in time for the holiday season has been a gift that Arctic Gateway has been so proud to provide. We all hope that this landmark achievement marks a new era of regrowth and prosperity for all Churchillians in the Polar Bear Capital of the world!

Fuel Subsidy Approved for Churchill

Some relief is here for Churchillians as the Government of Canada has approved a .43 cent per liter subsidy for fuel supplied by the Churchill Marine Tank Farm. Although there is some resentment still towards Omnitrax, the current owner of the tank farm, residents feel fortunate to have the discounted fuel. Churchill currently has the highest price per lite/gallon of fuel in North America!

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