Northern Lights Photographic Adventure

Head north to Churchill, renowned for its high auroral activity, and capture images of the ethereal Northern Lights. Accompanied by an expert photographer, evening aurora sightings are maximised using multiple, heated vantage points while you wait in anticipation. By day, the stark beauty of the tundra, the chance to go dog sledding and Churchill’s rich history provide ample photo opportunities.
7 Days
$5,995

Northern Lights Photographic Adventure - 7 Days - $5,995

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 7 days in length
  • Few departures per season, mostly in February
  • Led by an experienced naturalist-photographer and pitched to all levels
  • Comfortable Aurora viewing from a specially designed and heated 360 degree view Aurora Pod & other domes
  • Convenient charter flights Winnipeg/ Churchill return + hotel accommodation on full board
  • Loan of cold-weather gear and boots during your trip

Start from Winnipeg and end at Winnipeg

Landmarks potentially visited on Northern Lights Photographic Adventure

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: Winnipeg to Churchill

This morning you board your flight to Churchill. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and take a brief tour of this historic settlement that was once a remote fur-trading post on Hudson Bay. As night falls, 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, or sometimes yellow or red. For centuries, the phenomenon of the northern lights was a mystery, inspiring a host of mythical explanations. While we know now the aurora is caused by the interaction of the solar wind with the earth's magnetic field, more poetic stories of their origin linger, including the Hudson Bay Inuit's belief that the lights are the magical display of their ancestors' souls dancing in the sky.


Days 3-5: Churchill

On these dark, frigid nights in the Canadian North, you'll be placed in optimal photography locations away from the lights of town where views of the aurora are best. Yet you won't have to stand outside in the cold while you wait for the lights to show up: each evening will include a vantage point on the night sky where you'll be able to witness the phenomenon in warmth and comfort.

The new custom-designed Aurora Pod features 360-degree views of the sky, courtesy of its exclusive geometric glass construction including clear half-walls. You'll can also keep watch from Plexiglass Aurora Domes. Relax on the sofas below, step up to the upper level for an unimpeded circular view, or head outside for a totally clear vista of the shimmering skies. You'll have a chance to practice our photography skills at every turn, guided and inspired by presentations and workshops as well as personalized tips from our Expedition Leader.

While the nights are devoted to capturing images of the aurora, daylight excursions focus on the austere beauty of our tundra environs. The hope is to photograph hardy northern wildlife, such as Arctic hare and Arctic fox, both artfully camouflaged by their white fur coats. The town of Churchill is also full of photo opportunities, with historic buildings and colorful locals. The Hudson's Bay Company established a fort here in 1717 as part of its fur-trading network across the Canadian North, but indigenous cultures had already been flourishing in the harsh climate for thousands of years. 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 and Dene peoples.


Day 6: Churchill / Winnipeg

The morning is free to wander Churchill's main street, where several locally owned shops sell authentic First Nations handicrafts, from traditional mukluks to sculptures made of caribou hair. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Winnipeg. This evening, gather one last time for a farewell dinner at the Fort Garry Hotel.


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 there is an additional charge for domestic charter flights.

Additional Notes

Charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill are an additional cost of USD $995 (2021 season) per person.


Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for this trip are very easy and there is little walking required, although travellers must be able to walk up/ down short flights of stairs to get on and off the Polar Rover.

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

Single Supplement And Child Policy

The price of single occupancy is an additional USD $695 (2021 season) per person.

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 an expert photographer-naturalist
  • All activities and entrance fees
  • Evening presentations
  • All taxes and service charges

Excludes

  • Charter flights Winnipeg/ Churchill return
  • 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?