by Steve Selden | Feb 23, 2016 | Churchill Photography
Natural Habitat Adventures guide Justin Gibson was busy keeping his avid travelers active this past week with various northern activities. With the frigid temperatures continuing in the north, if one doesn’t stay focused and active it can allow the mind to become obsessed with the cold. Mind over matter absolutely wins in these conditions. Coming from the northeast and living through so many long, cold winters, I have realized people everywhere allow themselves to complain about cold no matter what the thresh-hold is. The beauty of Churchill and the sub – Arctic can ease the mind from these stresses. The magical northern lights are a big incentive to stay positive in the far north!
These images from guide Justin Gibson really portray the harsh conditions that make the Arctic both endearing and forbidding in allure. Enjoy!
The swirl of northern lights in Churchill. Justin Gibson photo.
Natural Habitat Adventures group photographing an inukshuk in Arctic cold. Justin Gibson photo.
A truly Arctic image from Churchill. Justin Gibson photo.
Igloo building in Churchill. Justin Gibson photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 14, 2015 | Churchill Photography
Some amazing photos from Churchill by Natural Habitat Adventures expedition leader Justin Gibson. The threat of an early freeze – up in the Hudson Bay seems to be gone as the pack ice that had formed last week has blown out in the bay. Looking forward to another week or so of fantastic polar bear viewing and Arctic exploring in the north!
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by Steve Selden | Oct 28, 2015 | Tour News
Polar bear season in Churchill is now in full swing as the colder temperatures are more prevalent around the region.Tundra ponds or thermokarsts are all frozen in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area and the polar bears are active with massive sparring bouts thrilling travelers. The Churchill River is also almost frozen after initially forming around the spit of Cape Merry.Some pack ice is also beginning to form in the Hudson Bay which is about a week early by some accounts.
Natural Habitat Adventures guides are having success at locating polar bears near the Tundra Lodge where sparring has been a daily attraction. Guide Justin Gibson commented, “there were more bears than I have ever seen at the lodge this early in the season”, sparring non – stop. Bear viewing in general has been “awesome” according to Justin.With more and more polar bears arriving to the area each day it will only get better!
Enjoy these fresh photos from Churchill by Justin!
Poalr bear afraid to look at all the polar rovers. Justin Gibson photo.
Sparring polar bears near the tundra lodge in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Justin Gibson photo.
Natural Habitat Adventures Tundra Lodge group posing in front of inukshuk by the Hudson Bay. Justin Gibson photo.
Manitoba Conservation netting a few polar bears for a lift. Justin GIbson photo.
Polar bear lift in Churchill. Justin Gibson photo.
Polar bear lift just about to leave the ground in Churchill. Justin Gibson photo.
by Steve Selden | Feb 25, 2015 | Tour News
During our Churchill northern lights adventure the primary focus is nightly viewing of the spectacular aurora. However Natural Habitat always seeks out the most intriguing activities in each region.
Natural Habitat guide Karen Walker brings her groups out to the Churchill Northern Studies Center to take part in a snow sampling demonstration. Snow sampling is one of numerous research projects going on at the center that travelers can participate in. The snowflake is essentially tracked from the time it lands through the pressure the crystals are subjected to over months. These crystals take on many shapes and sizes and create layers bonding to each other in some form. Researchers and scientists working at the center will also give talks about their research to groups of travelers.
Snow sampling at the Churchill Northern Studies Center. Karen Walker photo.
Researcher explaining the snow sampling process to Natural Habitat travelers. Karen Walker photo.
Another activity groups are able to experience is slightly less science based though there is certainly a science to the sport. Curling is an ancient Scottish sport that involves sliding eight 40 lb stones with handles on top the length of the ice sheet. Each team alternates throwing the stones for eight or ten ends or innings. The object is to slide the stones along ice sheets, trying to land them as close to a center bulls-eye as possible. Strategy can become quite complex depending on the score at the time. Blocking and knocking other stones are integral approaches to the sport.
Churchill Curling club participants from Natural Habitat Adventures. Karen Walker photo.
Justin Gibson’s group setting up for northern lights photography along the edge of the boreal forest.
Natural Habitat photographers enjoy the Arctic landscape options while awaiting the nightly aurora displays. Karen Walker photo.
Northern lights above Churchill’s boreal forest. Justin Gibson photo.
A thorough Arctic experience is waiting in Churchill, Manitoba!
by Steve Selden | Feb 22, 2015 | Churchill Photography
Natural Habitat guide Justin Gibson just finished a short though successful stint guiding northern lights groups in Churchill. He reported an eight out of eight night success rate for viewing the aurora borealis. These stellar photos are a testament to the fantastic trips the past couple of weeks and overall this season.
Northern lights above Churchill River Mushing tent. Brad Josephs photo.
Photographing the tundra landscape. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
Northern lights and the boreal forest. Alex de Vries – Magnifico photo.
Sun and the Arctic landscape. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
Tundra lodge with the northern lights above. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
Churchill in the winter is prime time for northern lights viewing!
