Chasing the Northern Lights in Churchill

Winter in Hudson Bay is cold but also very dry and that means clear skies and at this latitude that is perfect for spotting the northern lights from a variety comfortable, heated viewing platforms. Day time activities include dog sledding and learning about life on the Arctic fringes.
7 Days
$5,995

Chasing the Northern Lights in Churchill - 7 Days - $5,995

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 4 nights in Churchill chasing the aurora and 3 full days learning about northern culture
  • Frequent departures throughout February
  • Carbon impact of every departure is offset
  • Northern Lights viewing from specially designed glazed pods providing 360-degree views of the night sky
  • Daily excursions, such as dog sledding included
  • Loan of cold-weather gear and boots during your trip

Start from Winnipeg and end at Winnipeg

Landmarks potentially visited on Chasing the Northern Lights in Churchill

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Arrive in Winnipeg and transfer to the distinguished Fort Garry Hotel. Built in 1913 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in the style of a French chateau, it remains the grande dame of Winnipeg hospitality. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers.


Day 2: Fly to Churchill—Town Tour & Aurora Viewing

Board our flight to Churchill this morning. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and take a brief tour of this historic settlement that was originally a Hudson's Bay Company fur-trading post established in 1689. As night falls, we head out in hopes of a first chance to see the spectacle of the aurora borealis. The display often begins as a pale glow low in the northern sky that slowly begins to shift and undulate. Wavy patterns evolve, colours appear and change, until the lights look like shimmering curtains of green. Sometimes other colours appear, too: yellow, red or even purple.


Days 3–5: Aurora Viewing & Winter Adventures in Churchill 

On these dark, frigid nights in the Canadian North, we place you in prime locations away from Churchill's lights, where views of the aurora are best. Yet we don't stand outside in the cold while we wait for the lights to appear: each evening includes a vantage point on the night sky where we can witness the phenomenon in warmth and comfort. Our custom-designed Aurora Pod® features 360-degree views of the sky, courtesy of its exclusive geometric glass construction including clear half-walls and a glass ceiling. We'll also look for the lights from Plexiglass Aurora Domes. Relax on the sofas below, climb the ladder to the upper level for an unimpeded circular view, or head outside for a totally clear vista of the shimmering skies. As we marvel at the sky, there will be ample opportunities to capture those coveted glowing photos with tips from our Expedition Leader.

While our nights are devoted to watching the aurora, daylight excursions focus on the austere beauty of our tundra environs. We'll learn the art of igloo building during a mittens-on experience, all the while keeping an eye out for hardy northern wildlife such as Arctic hare and Arctic fox, artfully camouflaged by their winter-white fur coats. The town of Churchill offers delightful encounters with historic buildings, interesting local people and roving sled dogs. Though the Hudson’s Bay Company established a fort here in 1717 as part of its fur-trading network across the Canadian North, indigenous cultures had already been flourishing in the harsh climate for thousands of years. We explore their heritage on a dog sled ride through the boreal forest, during a visit to the Eskimo Museum, and via cultural programs featuring the arts and traditions of the Inuit, Dene and Metis peoples. 


Day 6: Churchill / Winnipeg

The morning is free to wander Churchill’s main street, where several locally owned shops sell authentic local handicrafts, from traditional mukluks to sculptures made of caribou hair. We then transfer to the airport for our return flight to Winnipeg, gathering one last time for a farewell dinner this evening.


Day 7: Winnipeg / Home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information. Please note that there is an additional charge for domestic charter flights.

Additional Notes

Charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill are an additional cost of USD $995 per person.

Travellers must be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and slippery surfaces.

Some images have been kindly provided by Alexander de Vries.

Single Supplement And Child Policy

Single travellers may choose to share with others or have a room to themselves this adds $695. Single rooms are limited however so early booking is essential.


There is a lower age limit for this trip of 12 for this trip - if you are looking to travel with younger children please ask us as there are specific family departures with specially designed excursions.

Includes

  • Hotel accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Airport transfers on day 1 and final day
  • Most gratuities
  • Loan of cold-weather gear and boots
  • Guided by Expedition Leaders & assistants
  • All activities & entrance fees
  • Evening presentations
  • All taxes & service charges

Excludes

  • Charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill
  • Air travel to and from Winnipeg
  • Any trip pre or post extensions
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Items of a personal nature (laundry, beverages, etc)
  • Some gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities 
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes

Questions about this Trip?