Churchill beluga whale watching operators breathed a collective sigh of relief when the Department of Fisheries and Oceans ruled that the recently proposed minimum distance regulations for observing belugas on the Churchill River and Hudson Bay would not be enforced for the coming summer season. A proposed 50 meter restriction was to apply to all vessels observing whales on the water. DFO was citing research recently conducted with results showing minimal contact with whales would be beneficial to them in their feeding and calving behavior.
Researchers have obviously not spent much time observing the whales interacting with tour operators vessels in Churchill. Having spent over 10 seasons with groups of travelers out on the Churchill River and Hudson Bay, I have seen the behavior in just about every situation many times over. Beluga whales are curious beings and when they are not feeding or tending to their calves they love to approach and follow boats of all sizes. Zodiacs in particular are favorites for the whales with their low throttle. The whales seem happy settling into the slipstream created by the outboard motor and often approach close enough without prompting for one to reach in the water and touch the melon of a beluga.
So, without hesitation, I can firmly state that beluga whales are safe around whale watching boats in Churchill. They are adept enough to avoid a boat traveling at fairly high speed though this practice is quite unusual for anyone out to view the whales. The video below highlights the behavior that beluga whales exhibit with no fear. Good job DFO!
Want to see polar bears in the wild?
Join a world-class polar bear tour to the "Polar Bear Capital of the World!"
Beluga whales are very curious beings and will approach travelers in zodiacs and while snorkeling. I have witnessed interactions guiding Churchill summer trips over 10 plus years convincing me these truly gregarious spirits of the water world enjoy human contact. This humorous video shows a bit of that spirit as well as their affinity for a good mariachi band serenade!
Want to see polar bears in the wild?
Join a world-class polar bear tour to the "Polar Bear Capital of the World!"
There are many ways to see the natural wonders of Churchill. The diversity of the region and the various modes of transportation, both land and sea based, afford some truly adventurous methods to see it all. From polar bears to beluga whales to all the other supporting animals in this Arctic cast of beautiful creatures, one can come to Churchill with Natural Habitat Adventures and see as much as you can!
Polar bear taking roll call at a polar rover.
The polar rover is built from the wheels up by our local operator. It’s an amazing vehicle in its own right though when you see polar bears from the back open – air deck you will really see how magical both machine and bear are.
Polar bear looking for a free lunch. Brad Josephs photo.
You can’t get any closer to a polar bear than this in Churchill, Manitoba.
Hudson Bay helicopter lifting off with a cargo of polar bears. Sean Beckett photo.
Hudson Bay Helicopters transports travelers to see the incredible landscape and wildlife below on the tundra and ice. They also play an integral part in wildlife management in the area by transporting bears and biologists to various destinations.
A birds eye view from the helicopter above Churchill. Karen walker photo.
Helicopters offer a perspective of the open space and town of Churchill that is eye opening.
Natural Habitat travelers beluga watching in the Churchill River.
Zodiacs on the Churchill River offer a surface view of beluga whales you cannot get from a bigger vessel where you’re looking down on the whales.
A beluga whale popping out from the Churchill River near the mouth where visibility is amazing. Steve Selden photo.
My favorite photo from my guiding years in Churchill. The thrill of seeing a beluga so close that the spray from his blowhole hits you in the face..
Whatever mode of wildlife adventure you experience you will have memories for a lifetime!
Want to see polar bears in the wild?
Join a world-class polar bear tour to the "Polar Bear Capital of the World!"
