This fascinating view from space of the shimmering northern lights is unique though still nothing like seeing them in the open, cool air of the north country and Churchill, Manitoba! January through March is the peak time to see the spectacular northern lights right above you in Churchill. Head north next year and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience from the tundra!
Owl River Update:
Bib # 7 Ryan Anderson in 0750, out 0750
Bib # 5 Shawn McCarty in 0939, out 0941
Bib # 9 Stefaan De Marie in 0947, out 0948
Bib # 10 Nathaniel Hamlyn in 1004, out 1004
Bib # 4 Dan Di Muzio 1009, out 1009
Bib # 11 Peter McClelland in 1014, out 1115
Bib # 1 Charlie Lundie in 1100, and resting
Ryan Anderson from Ray, Minnesota is leading the pack of mushers surging toward Gillam, Manitoba as the annual Hudson Bay Quest dog – sled race enters the final stages today. He leads Shawn McCarty from Ely, Minnesota by nearly two hours en route to the finish line. Both mushers are past Hudson Bay Quest champions. Last year the two finished third and seventh respectively. A battle between the seasoned mushers will culminate this evening in Gillam around dinnertime. Peter McClelland, also from Ely, Minnesota is a close third just minutes behind McCarty. Churchill mushers Dave Daley and Justin Allen are forging along just behind the main pack with respectable times. These placements could change quickly as teams rest along the course. To view updated race standings go to https://hbqrace.com/.
The Hudson Bay Quest start in Churchill. Alex De Vries – magnifico photo.
Dave Daley’s dogs raring to go at the Hudson Bay Quest start line. Ales De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Justin Allen from Churchill tears out of the gate in the Hudson Bay Quest. Drew Hamilton photo.
Natural Habitat Adventures group arrives just in time Thursday for the Hudson Bay Quest start in Churchill. Drew Hamilton photo.
Justin cruising along in the HBQ. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Sometimes hump day can be tough. Relax and take it easy like this polar bear family in Wapusk National Park just east of Churchill, Manitoba. This photo was taken by Daisy Gilardini in the polar bear denning area of Wapusk. Polar bears congregate in Churchill throughout late summer into the fall while waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze. The denning area of Wapusk National Park is home to mothers and cubs during the deep freeze of winter. Only a few brave souls venture into this region. Churchill is the polar bear capital of the world and the best place to see these unique and majestic animals.
Polar bear sow and cubs in Wapusk National Park. Daisy Gilardini photo.
International Polar Bear Day is February 27th and Polar Bears International (PBI) is once again bringing to light various ways we can all contribute to protecting this iconic species as well as fight against global warming trends affecting polar bears in their Arctic habitat. One initiative you can take is signing PBI’s petition asking Congress and the White House to set fair prices for carbon and thus accelerating the transition to utilize renewable energy sources.
Each year in October and November, travelers make the journey to Churchill, Manitoba with Natural Habitat Adventures to see the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears, which congregate as they wait for the sea ice to freeze on Hudson Bay. Nat Hab partners with World Wildlife fund (WWF) to educate people about polar bears and climate change through a unique partnership—Nat Hab’s Polar Bear Expedition Leaders, who have been guiding bear tours for an average of more than 10 years each, receive training and resources from WWF’s top scientists, ensuring the best interpretive experience available.
Here are some of the top polar bear photos from this past season in Churchill to inspire everyone to contribute to the ongoing fight for their survival!
Polar bears in the snow in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Photo by Katie de Meulles.
Polar bear playing peek-a-boo with a Polar Rover. Photo by Nat Hab guide Justin Gibson.
A curious bear says hello to guests. Photo by Nat Hab guide Brad Josephs.
Polar bears in the sun. Photo by Natural Habitat Adventures.
Polar bear sow and cub in the willows in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Photo by Nat Hab guide Brad Josephs.
Curious polar bear greets travelers. Photo by Nat Hab guide Brad Josephs.
Polar bear on a polar rover. Photo by Nat Hab guide Brad Josephs.
Polar bear parting shot. Photo by Nat Hab staff Alex De Vries-Magnifico.
This beautiful and funny series of photos were captured by photographer Daisy Gilardini/Caters News in Wapusk National Park near Churchill, Manitoba. The park is one of the world’s most popular denning areas for polar bear sows and cubs. Gilardini waited 117 hours (nearly two weeks) in front of a polar bear den to get these images. That’s patience. But well worth the cold and windy wait!
