These stunning photos from Natural Habitat guide Melissa Scott in Greenland highlight the intense scenic beauty there. Greenland Base Camp is one of the newest wonders conceived by Natural Habitat Adventures. The Arctic experience is enjoyed while relaxing in incredibly comforting accommodations. Check out some of the incredible images by Melissa and dream of visiting this outer world within our world!
A humpback whale exposes his tail fluke in a Greenland fjiord. Melissa Scott photo.
A typical Greenland residence in Tasiliaq. Melissa Scott photo.
Ribbons of aurora in Greenland. Melissa Scott photo.
Giant iceberg off the coast of Greenland. Melissa Scott photo.
Magnificent northern lights over a Greenland inlet, Greenland. Melissa Scott photo.
Exploring the fjiords of Greenland with Natural Habitat Adventures. Melissa Scott photo.
Kayaking in front of Natural Habitat base camp. Melissa Scott photo.
A northern fulmar glides across a fjiord in Greenland. Melissa Scott photo.
Aurora borealis over the town of Tasiliaq, Greenland.
This incredible sunset in Clyde River, Nunavut is pretty amazing! It seems like the sunsets this summer have been some of the best we have ever seen…enjoy! Arctic northern adventures wouldn’t be the same without them.
Sunset in Clyde River, Nunavut. Nick Illauq photo.
Beluga whales would be adversely affected by oil spills in the Arctic. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
The Province of Manitoba provided the final piece of the funding puzzle this week with a $9 million dollar pledge toward the projected $32 million Marine Observatory in Churchill. The main focus of the research carried out at the center will be on oil spills in the north and subsequent mitigation as well as prevention. Fragile Arctic and sub – Arctic wildlife and ecosystems will depend upon protection provided through this research station.
Lead scientist David Barber, a professor at University of Manitoba and Canada Research Chair in Arctic systems science, summarized the process leading up to this important announcement; “Everybody’s provided their funding, the project’s moving forward,” he stated. “We just need to finalize who’s going to build the thing. In the next 12 months we hope to get the building put together, functional and operating so it can be used for science .”
The funding will funnel through the University of Manitoba, the lead entity in this venture. A number of western Canadian universities and groups are involved in the massive coordination of budget and vision of the observatory. Manitoba’s commitment brings them all in line now.
With the recent closure of the Port of Churchill by US based Omnitrax, this announcement is a move in the right direction for the town of Churchill and prospective work – force. “This project is an important part of our vision for a strong, diversified northern economy,” stated Ian Wishart, the province’s Education and Training Minister.
Conceptual drawing of the Churchill Marine Observatory. Juliana Kusyk image.
“The Churchill Marine Observatory will create up to 21 permanent jobs, boost tourism and transportation in the region and enhance Manitoba and Canada’s reputation as a world leader in Arctic research,” added Wishart.
The project’s fundraising began in 2014 with three universities led by U of M applying to the Canadian Foundation for Innovation for almost 40 per cent of the needed $31.7 million. Manitoba, Aberta and British Columbia have contributed nearly $12 million with Manitoba being the stalwart at $9 million.
About 20 scientists will be based at the center in Churchill studying potential effects of oil and industry in the Arctic. Upon completion the Churchill Marine Observatory will provide a year – round base for new technology development and scientific research in the north. Universities from north America and Europe will utilize the center for student and faculty training and research as well.
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.
