Q: Is this a Private Tour? This is not a Private Tour. The tour will have between 50 and 54 persons on board.
Q: How many persons are there on the Arctic Crawlers? The Arctic Crawler would have between 25 and 27 persons on board.
Q: What level of physical activity is involved on this tour? Easy: Light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Q: Are services and commentary on this tour available in languages other than English? No. All services and commentary are delivered din English.
Q: Is there any Age Restrictions on this tour? The included boat tour (and optional Kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™ experiences) are recommended for ages 10 & up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking and Payments
Q: What are the rates based on? The rates are based on two persons tarevlling together and sharing a TWIN Occupancy room with one King or two TWIN beds.
Q: What is a single supplement fee? A single supplement fee covers the loss of income by the lodge when one single person occupies a room. That person pays a premium as room availability is limited during our operating seasons.
Q: Should I bring Canadian or US cash? It is best to bring Canadian funds because while US cash is accepted at the Lodge, it is taken at par with Canadian currency.
Travel and Logistics
Q: Do I need a Passport & VISA to travel to Canada?
· Canadians must bring with them valid Government issued photo d valid for at least 6-montsh from date of finish of your tour.
· Non-Canadians must carry valid passports and where required an entry visa into Canada. Passports must be valid for at least 6-montsh from yoru actual date of departure form Canada.
Q: What type of aircraft is used for the flights between Winnipeg and Churchill? Your flight will be with Calm Air on either a chartered or regular flight, typically an ATR 42 or ATR 72.
Q: What is the luggage allowance on the flights from Winnipeg to Churchills, MB? Your luggage allowance is as below:
· Checked Luggage: The aircraft from Winnipeg to Churchill accepts only one piece of luggage 23 Kilos/50 Lbs per person. Maximum linear dimensions should not exceed 62 in or 158 cm.
· Carry-on Baggage: Passengers are permitted two pieces of carry-on baggage per person, free of charge - provided they do not exceed 9 kilos or 20 lbs and their combined dimensions (L x W x H) do not exceed 10in x 16in x 12in or (25cm x 40cm x 30cm).
Clothing and Gear
Q: What should I pack for the summer weather in Churchill? The weather varies significantly, so we recommend packing T-shirts, shorts, loose-fitting long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a windbreaker or sweatshirt, and a waterproof jacket and pants. For boat tours, bring thermal under-clothing, a toque (hat covering ears), and mittens or gloves.
Q: What footwear is recommended? We recommend hiking shoes or runners. You should stay away from sandals, especially on days when bugs are active.
Q: Is specialized equipment provided for the water activities? Yes, life jackets are provided for all boat tours. Wetsuits are provided for optional kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™, along with neoprene boots and snorkel masks for AquaGliding.
Q: Are there any specific items I should include in my carry-on bag? We recommend a small carry-on bag with absolute necessities (and spare batteries for each camera type) just in case your checked luggage arrives in Churchill after you do.
Wildlife Behavior and Sightings
Q: Why are belugas so prevalent in Churchill during July and August? Approximately 60,000 beluga whales migrate into the Western Hudson Bay region during the summer. They come to these warmer, shallower waters to give birth to their calves, feed on fish, and rub against the river’s gravel bottom to help molt their skin.
Q: What are polar bears doing during the summer months? Summer polar bears are in a state of "walking hibernation." They move onto the land once the sea ice melts and focus on conserving energy. You will often see them lounging in the purple fireweed, sunbathing on the rocks, or swimming in the bay to cool off.
Q: Is summer considered the "peak" season for polar bears? No, the peak season is October and November. However, summer is popular because it offers the unique opportunity to see bears against a backdrop of colorful wildflowers and green tundra rather than snow.
Q: What other wildlife can be spotted in July and August? Beyond the "Big Two," you may spot over 200 species of migratory birds (including the rare Ross's Gull), Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, caribou, and seals.
Tour Experiences and Safety
Q: What makes the boat tours unique for whale watching? Many operators use specialized vessels with underwater viewing ports. Because belugas are naturally curious, they frequently swim right up to these windows, allowing you to see them underwater without getting wet.
Q: What is the difference between a Tundra Buggy and a Coastal Boat tour? Tundra Buggies are massive, all-terrain vehicles that travel inland to spot bears and foxes. Coastal boat tours or Zodiacs focus on the shoreline, where bears often congregate to escape the heat and where belugas are most active.
Q: Are the tour boats safe for the whales? Yes, leading tour operators use "whale-friendly" vessels equipped with jet drives or prop guards to ensure there are no exposed moving parts that could injure the whales.
Q: How close can tours get to the polar bears? Wildlife viewing is strictly regulated by Manitoba Conservation. Guides maintain a respectful distance that ensures guest safety while preventing the bears from being stressed.
Environment and Seasonal Atmosphere
Q: What are the typical summer temperatures? Temperatures in July and August generally range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Q: How bad are the bugs during the summer months? Bug activity varies; years with little rain have fewer bugs. We recommend a good bug spray containing DEET, and some guests prefer a bug jacket or screen hat.
Q: What is the "Bloom" mentioned in summer tours? In July and August, the tundra is covered in vibrant pink fireweed, yellow lichens, and various subarctic wildflowers, providing a colorful contrast for photography.
Q: Can I see the Northern Lights during a summer tour? While the peak season is February and March, the lights are visible up to 300 nights a year. In late August, as the nights begin to get darker, guests have a good chance of seeing them if the sky is clear.
Logistics & Itinerary
Q: What is the typical daily schedule like in Churchill? Most days begin with an early breakfast at before heading out on the Arctic Crawler for roughly 6 to 8 hours of wildlife viewing. Evenings often feature cultural presentations, dog mushing, or Northern Lights viewing if the sky is clear.
Q: Does the tour include a visit to the "Polar Bear Jail"? Yes, the Churchill Heritage Tour typically includes a stop at the exterior of the Polar Bear Holding Facility (famously known as the Polar Bear Jail), where bears that wander too close to town are safely kept before being relocated.
On-Site Amenities & Accessibility
Q: Is the lodge accessible for those with mobility issues? Yes, the lodge offers handicap-accessible rooms on the main floor to avoid stairs and features a ramp for easy building access. It is recommended to request these rooms in advance.
Q: Is there internet access at the lodge? Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge for guest devices. However, because of the remote Arctic location, speeds may be slower than what guests are accustomed to in urban areas.
Q: Are there laundry facilities or specific room amenities? Rooms are rustic and "cozy" (smaller than standard city hotels) but include private modern baths, hair dryers, and coffee makers. Coffee and tea are also available in the lobby 24/7.
Sustainability & Food
Q: What kind of food is served at the Lodge? The café is known for "Arctic comfort food," often featuring local ingredients like elk, bison, and Arctic char. They also use organic vegetables grown in their own on-site "Boreal Gardens" greenhouse, which is the northernmost farm in Manitoba.
Q: Are vegetarian or dietary substitutes available? Yes, the lodge can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian diets if notified in advance, though the menu focuses heavily on local meats and hearty regional fare.
Additional Activities
Q: What other activities are available besides the scheduled tours? Beyond kayaking and Beluga AquaGliding™, summer months offer Dog Carting on wheels, helicopter tours, visits to the Parks Canada center, and the Itsanitaq Museum.
Safety & Logistics
Q: Wild Animals: Is it safe to get close to wild animals? Is it okay to touch them if they appear friendly?
Absolutely not. It is not safe to approach wild animals, even if they seem calm and friendly. It is also important not to step out of your vehicle to take pictures of them.
Q: What are the tour guidelines regarding safety? Safety is the top priority. Guests must comply with all rules and safety considerations. The operator reserves the right to remove any participant from a tour who fails to show due diligence or conform to the safety spirit of the expedition.
Q: Should we purchase Travel Insurance? You must absolutely purchase Travel & Medical Insurance. Many medical policies do not cover international evacuation, and our operator is not responsible for expenses caused by missed connections or cancelled transportation.
It is your travel advisor’s responsibility to offer you travel insurance options. Please make sure to enquire with your Travel Advisor what ae your options relating to Travel Insurance.
Important Note: Tour Participation Policy: Travel Disruptions and Cancellations: In the event of flight cancellations, travel disruptions, or a client's failure to join their tour, please be advised that refunds and substitute tours are not provided by DMCI Inc. or its partners. This policy applies to all circumstances outside of DMCI Inc.'s direct control, including but not limited to cancelled or delayed flights, denied entry, medical issues, family emergencies, weather, and traffic conditions. To protect against unexpected cancellations and interruptions, DMCI Inc. strongly recommends that all clients secure comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure.