This multi – media compilation by Natural Habitat Adventures traveler Stephen Lurie from an ultimate 2013 group experience in Churchill, Manitoba gives an overview exploring the polar bear capital of the world. Seasoned guide Melissa Scott led the group on an amazing wildlife adventure, exploring the tundra from both air via helicopter and dog sled! Churchill’s wildlife and floral treasures reveal themselves when you look from all angles, often when you least expect them to.
This outstanding underwater shot was taken by wildlife photographer Douglas Kahle in Churchill while snorkeling with hundreds of beluga whales. We have not seen many photos capturing air bubbles coming from the beluga’s blow hole. Beluga Whales are extremely curious toward humans underwater, allowing for these up-close photo opportunities and wildlife experiences of a lifetime. Fantastic shot!
A beluga whale blowing excess air in the Churchill River. Douglas Kahle photo.
Natural Habitat Adventure’s Churchill Arctic summer trips are winding down and guide Moira LaPatourel submitted these images from the last trip. Looks like a group of happy travelers experienced all kinds of northern fun in Churchill! While polar bear activity has calmed down some from a couple of weeks ago, the tundra still reveals all the treasures of late summer as berries and other wildflowers are squeezing all they can out of the short growth season. Beluga whales in record high numbers have been all throughout the estuaries this summer. Last year some belugas were still present at the start of polar bear season in October and by the looks of this summer we may have a repeat of that this year.
This has been one of the most successful Churchill Arctic summer seasons on record with bears and belugas in prolific numbers. With all the supporting scenery and wildlife, this Churchill Arctic summer will be etched in many traveler’s memories!
The stark coastline of the Hudson Bay in the distance. Moira LaPatourel photo.
A Natural Habitat group bonfire behind the town complex by the Hudson Bay. Nothing like a nice wine and cheese gathering to bond a group together. Moira LaPatourel photo.
The hard – to – find Samuel Hearne etching along the Cape Merry path. Moira LaPatourel photo.
Beluga whales frolicking in the Churchill River. Moira LaPatourel photo.
The amazing polar rover escorts Natural Habitat groups out to the coast in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Moira LaPatourel photo.
These polar bears are investigating the smells and feel of a tour vehicle. Inquisitive Polar bears are super sensitive to smell and are fearless when it comes to exploring new things in their environment. This is one of those rare times when getting this close to a polar bear is safe…for the most part. Nice shot by Alex De Vries – Magnifico in Churchill last polar bear season!
Polar bears shopping for a new car. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
A late summer storm swept into Nunavut and brought heavy winds and snow to the region.With all the steamy hot temperatures to the south, watching this will cool us off and remind us of what’s to come in a few months. The wintry blast seems incomprehensible at this time of summer though in a way the cold is a refreshing reminder that the heat won’t last too much longer!
