The longest day of the year is gorgeous in Churchill and the sun sets around 10:30 this evening. Tomorrow the daylight will begin to wane but Churchill’s Arctic summer is just beginning. Wildlife sightings have been bountiful so far this spring and we expect the summer to be just as prodigious with bird – life, wildlife and wildflowers keeping travelers enthralled with the northern mystique! This image by Alex De Vries – Magnifico captures the stoic energy Churchill embodies this time of year.
Churchill River with remnant ice – floes and Fort Prince of Wales on the horizon. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
The most elusive Arctic bird for bird watchers in Churchill has returned to the region. Well, at least that’s what Parc’s Canada is claiming on their website and twitter accounts. Of course the bird really hasn’t resurfaced until you see it if you’re the one in quest of the life – lister. There have been some reports of sightings and word is getting around that in fact the “Ross” is here and waiting to be checked off your life list. Come try and see this elusive gull this treasure packed Churchill Arctic summer!
Ross’ gull along the rocky Churchill shore. Brian Small photo.
These shots from two amazing Churchill photographers Katie de Meulles and Alex De Vries – Magnifico capture the calm and remoteness of Churchill. The clean, clear air in Churchill as summer arrives give these shots the clarity that makes the north and the Arctic so alluring. So looking forward to many more exciting images as we continue through the season! These are some of the best shots we have seen in awhile!
Awesome sunset shot from the beach in Churchill. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Ice floe in the Hudson Bay near Churchill. Katie de Meulles photo.
Having fun on an ice floe in the Churchill River. Alex de Vries – Magnifico photo.
Stoic image of the Churchill port on the Churchill River. Katie de Meulles photo.
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.
