2027 Beluga Encounters Photography Tour II

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2027 Beluga Encounters Photography Tour II Travel Plans

  Sunday, August 1 (D)

  Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, at any time of the day. Take the complimentary airport shuttle to the Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport (or similar). Tonight we’ll gather for a group welcome dinner.

  Monday, August 2 (B)

  This morning, we’ll meet in the lobby and head to the airport for an early morning flight to Churchill.

  Upon arrival, we’ll get settled into our hotel. Our adventure begins with a tour that will introduce us to the small town of Churchill. We’ll visit local and historical points of interest such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, and Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility. We’ll also visit Polar Bears International’s Interpretive Center, a dedicated hub for critical conservation efforts to save polar bears and the sea ice they call home.

  Overnight in Churchill

  Tuesday, August 3 – Thursday, August 5 (3B)

  We’ll have three full days to explore Churchill and the surrounding area on the western shores of Hudson Bay.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Summer is a time of rejuvenation, when the plants and animals of the tundra and taiga (boreal forest) come alive. As the snow melts, a vibrant spectrum emerges on the seemingly endless Arctic landscape. Wildflowers explode. Pinks and purples flourish amid a thick mat of lichens, miniature shrubs, glacier-sculpted boulders, and patches of spruce boreal forest. We’ll photograph the eye-catching landscape from afar and up close. Fireweed, cloudberry, cotton grass, red bearberry, and orchid are just a few species we will closely examine with our macro lenses. We will be ready as night encroaches, too, since Churchill is one of the best places in the world to view Northern Lights!

  Few animals on the planet can survive the unforgiving conditions of a subarctic winter. For those that can, summer is a time to replenish fat stores in preparation for the coming winter. As we explore the area, keep an eye open for small creatures gathering food. Arctic foxes are on the hunt for lemmings, seabirds, and the small marine life of Hudson Bay. Arctic ground squirrels, opportunistic feeders, collect vegetation and eggs and build winter stockpiles. Arctic and snowshoe hares feed on plentiful willow twigs, sedges, mosses, and berries.

  Moose and caribou are among the larger mammals we may encounter, but are more rare to see. The Cape Churchill caribou herd winters in nearby Wapusk National Park. Small groups or lone members often wander the tundra to graze on the abundant willow trees, ferns, grasses, shrubs, and lichen.

  Unlike their cohabitants, polar bears that remain on land spend the summer months resting and conserving energy. They work hard during the winter months, hunting seals on the ice of Hudson Bay. Though fairly inactive this time of year, we hope to come across the great white bear. Perhaps it will be ambling along the rocky coastline, sunning on a lichen-covered rock, or rolling around in a patch of radiant pink fireweed. Mothers with cubs often move inland to seek protection from aggressive males.

  Surprisingly, Churchill is also a birder’s paradise, known for hundreds of species! Some nest, and others pass through during their annual migrations. Be on the lookout for snowy owl, willow ptarmigan, Ross’s gull, northern hawk owl, parasitic jaeger, pine grosbeak, and many more!

  Most notably, it’s “beluga” season! While Churchill is well known for polar bears, the white, wondrous beluga whale may be its star. An intimate experience with these docile mammals will be the highlight of our trip. In July and August, nearly 60,000 migrate into Hudson Bay, and thousands venture inland through the Churchill River. They come to the river each year to give birth to calves and feed on capelin and cisco fish.

  Like dolphins, belugas are highly curious, playful, friendly, and social. As we cruise the river and Hudson Bay shoreline in our zodiacs, small pods will swim alongside us. Listen for their vocalizations. Belugas are nicknamed “canaries of the sea” because of their incredible array of clicks, squeals, mews, squeaks, chirps, and twitters, which can be heard above and below the surface. This is almost unbelievable considering they have no vocal cords! And keep your camera on the ready. Their bulbous head is flexible and can change shape, which creates an entertaining medley of facial expressions. If you’re feeling adventurous, kayaking with the belugas is an option!

  Overnight in Churchill

  Friday, August 6 (B)

  Since our charter flight departs Churchill a little later, you’ll have some free time to explore Churchill on your own.

  Visit one of Churchill’s many shops to pick up a souvenir or two. Handmade moccasins, Inuit carvings, and sculptures are a specialty here. Delve deeper into Churchill’s culture and history with a visit to The Itsanitaq Museum, which offers a fascinating lesson in the indigenous peoples of the area. Stop by Wapusk Adventures to meet Dave Daley and his working sled dogs. Try the “Ididamile” if you want to be part of the action 🙂

  We’ll meet up in the late afternoon or early evening for our transfer to the airport and flight back to Winnipeg. Arrive in Winnipeg, and transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport (or similar) to prepare for our flights home tomorrow.

  Saturday, August 7 (B)

  Fly home from Winnipeg today. Take the complimentary airport shuttle provided by the hotel. Check-out time from the hotel is at noon.

  • Guest Limits

    11 Guests Maximum

  • Trip Cost

    EXPLORER RATE: 8,990 pp, DBL occupancy (+ Air)

    NON-EXPLORER RATE: ADD 400 pp

    Single Supplement: 1,100

    Pricing in US Dollars includes 17% tax

  • Deposit

    $2000 Per person due at time of booking
    Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

    Deposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus the deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

  • Installments

    August 1, 2026: $4,500 pp first installment
    February 1, 2027: Final installment

    Installments are payable by check or Zelle only. Please make checks payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:

    Natural Exposures
    810 N. Wallace, Suite E
    Bozeman, MT 59715

  • Included

    • Accommodations for two nights in Winnipeg
    • Accommodations for four nights in Churchill
    • Airport transfers on scheduled itinerary days
    • Meals (with beverages) where indicated in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
    • Churchill area tour
    • Zodiac (or kayak) and van sightseeing tours around the area
    • Visit to Polar Bears International Interpretive Center
    • 17% tax

  • Not Included

    • Flights to and from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, or Winnipeg – Churchill – Winnipeg (TBA)
    • Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance
    • Pre-/post-trip hotel nights
    • Attractions/activities not listed in the itinerary
    • Meals not listed in the itinerary
    • Miscellaneous personal expenses, such as laundry, Internet, etc.
    • Gratuities
    • Any unforeseen expenses due to weather or mechanical issues

  • Flights to Book

    August 1, 2027
    Arrive in Winnipeg (airport code YWG), Manitoba, Canada. Group welcome dinner tonight at the hotel

    August 7, 2027
    Depart from Winnipeg at any time of the day.

    Note: The 2027 Calm Air flight schedule has not been finalized, so the trip dates could change slightly. More information will be available at the end of 2026.

  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance

    All guests MUST carry emergency medical evacuation insurance. It is required by our tour operators, and the information will be collected before the trip. This type of insurance is affordable and can be purchased for each trip or an entire year, and can even be bundled with your regular travel insurance! We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

    Global Rescue
    (use code natexp)

    Allianz Global Assistance 
    (use Travel Agent ACCAM F203564)

    Insure My Trip

  • Terms & Conditions

    Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.

    By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY

• Accommodations for 2027 Beluga Encounters Photography Tour II

  August 1 and 6, 2 Nights
  Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport (or similar)
  Unparalleled comfort and ultimate convenience await your arrival. From the moment you arrive in Manitoba, you’ll be delighted with thoughtful amenities. Depart from Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson Airport in the complimentary airport shuttle and quickly check in to our inviting hotel. On the way to your room, stop by the on-site restaurant, The Bistro, to unwind and indulge in a tasty meal or a handcrafted cocktail. End the day by seeking the comfort of a serene room adorned with modern décor, free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, and plush bedding topped with crisp linens. Wake up and ignite your morning with an energizing workout in the 24-hour fitness centre featuring an array of cardiovascular machines, weights, and gym equipment. Whether you’re in town for a short layover or a long weekend, you’ll discover a soothing getaway at Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport.

  August 2-5, 4 nights
  Hotel TBA in Churchill. We are holding rooms at a brand new hotel that is being built in 2026 by Frontier North Adventures.

• Helpful Information for 2027 Beluga Encounters Photography Tour II

  Passport and Visa

  A visa is not required for US citizens for stays less than 180 days. Your passport must be valid at the time of entry. One blank passport page is required for the entry stamp. Please visit the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date entry requirements.

  Vaccinations

  Please visit the CDC for the latest vaccination recommendations and health notices for travel to Canada.

  Camera Gear

  A list of camera gear suggestions and a  “goodie box” will be sent to each guest closer to the trip time. Dan will also call you to say hello and answer any camera gear questions you may have.

  Weather

  The weather in Churchill is unpredictable and can change dramatically. Summer days can be quite warm. However, cool northern winds are common, and rain is also possible. Average highs this time of year are around 60°F during the daytime and 45°F overnight. Mornings and evenings could be on the chilly side. Layer up!

  Insects

  Mosquitoes and black flies can be active during this time of the year, but we will likely be on the tail end of the ‘bug’ season. Insect repellent and a bug jacket or head net are highly recommended.

  Electricity

  In Canada, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A and type B are used. The standard voltage is 120 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.

  Please note: We have not included the domestic airfare for Winnipeg-Churchill-Winnipeg because the 2027 flight schedule will not be released until late 2026. Also, these costs can vary. Usually, they are in the neighborhood of 1,250 USD.

  Have a question?

  Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.

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• Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers

  • "This is my fifth trip with you, as always, great photo opportunities,accomodations, food, transportation and instruction. What more can I say? Thank you for the fun and for taking such good care of me."

    Dorothy Murray, Iowa

  • "Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."

    Linda Henry, Oregon

  • "I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."

    Sue Wolfe, Texas

  • "Wonderful. You guys are awesome and it's a real pleasure traveling with you!"

    Omar Hikal, Dubai

  • "Tanya/Dan are a dynamic duo! There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to cover the entire breath of their combined strengths. Fair, attention to detail, supportive of everyone’s needs, ability to get things done, did I mention down right good people, and on and on. We hope there will be a trip in the future that we could take advantage of."

    Corbett Alley, Arizona

  • "We have been friends and have traveled with Dan and Tanya for almost 20 years. We have had the privilege of being invited to join them on their wonderful photography adventures. Dan, a master of photography, is always willing to share his vast knowledge of cameras and photographic skills. Tanya has mastered the art of arranging great tours along with being able to please everyone involved. I keep thinking of how Dan and Tanya pass the Rotary International "Four Way Test". Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned, will it build good will and better friendships and yes it will be beneficial to all concerned. We love, trust and feel safe with Dan and Tanya. Our home is filled with spectacular images we have taken on tours with Natural Exposures Photo Tours."

    Ed and Pat Nahin, California

  • "If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"

    Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts

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