With the temperatures rising across Canada, this video footage of a swimming polar bear inspires us all want to hit the water and take a dip in the cool ocean. The Hudson Bay and mouth of the Churchill River are a little too “cool” for extended swimming -around 42 F- unless you have some thick white fur on your body. Encountering a frisky polar bear in the water is always an incredible thrill…much better if you’re in a boat.
I recall one time guiding for a Natural Habitat Adventures Churchill Arctic Summer trip when we came upon a polar bear swimming in the Churchill River. I was driving the zodiac with seven travelers eagerly urging me to ease closer to the bear. As we slowly motored toward the animal he suddenly disappeared under the slightly choppy surface. This action revved my engine into high gear and I promptly did the same to the outboard and jammed it into reverse. I quickly turned the craft and swung it out about 50 feet to what I felt was a safe distance. All I could picture in my mind was the rubber boat becoming a polar bear pinata and all of us in the water bobbing like polar bear candy. Not a pretty visual by any means.
Summertime in Churchill is a magical time when you never know what the new day will bring. There’s always a treasure and something new to be discovered in every endeavor!
Thousands of beluga whales are gradually appearing in the Hudson Bay and Churchill River around the Churchill area. After leaving late last fall, early October, these magnificent milky colored whales are resurfacing for another fantastic Churchill Arctic summer season. We can’t wait to bring you all the photos and news from the water as the whales congregate, tend to young and feed on capelin in the cold water. There will surely be surprises each week as we follow Natural Habitat groups of travelers on their northern adventures!
Beluga whale underwater in the Churchill River last season. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
the Hudson Bay on the Churchill coast is nearly ice – free, signaling the start of summer. Erika Isle photo.
With the last of the winter ice melting and flowing north into the Hudson Bay, Churchill Arctic summer is officially here. The magnificent treasures of wildlife and tundra flora never stops captivating all the travelers that venture to the northern frontier town. We are looking forward to seeing what spectacular surprises emerge this summer!
These four cool shots of this beautiful red fox were captured by Churchill wildlife photographer Alex De Vries – Magnifico. The foxes we have been seeing throughout this year have displayed wildly vibrant color in their coats. Arctic summer in Churchill provides incredible chances to view both red and Arctic foxes in their natural habitat. Summer wildlife in Churchill abounds out along the tundra and in the cool Hudson Bay waters and Churchill River.
Red fox relaxing on the Precambrian shield in Churchill. Alex De Vries Magnifico photo.
Red fox keeping out a weary eye for prey or predators in Churchill. Alex De Vries Magnifico photo.
Red fox on the watch. Alex De Vries Magnifico photo.
Stretching red fox with a Canada goose in the background. Alex De Vries Magnifico photo.
This thrilling footage of orca whales coordinating a seal hunt in Antarctica exhibits the collaboration these animals rely on to maximize their potential to capture prey in the harsh conditions of Antarctica. Orcas have been spotted more regularly in the Arctic waters this past decade and are increasingly hunting those waters with more ice – free days. The Hudson Bay waters around Churchill have been frequented by orcas within the last few years. It will be interesting to see how these animals interact with polar bears as they compete for prey during the ice free or even semi ice – free seasons.
