BELUGA WHALE & WILDLIFE EXPEDITION
Churchill, Manitoba
2026 TRIP DATE
- 7 Day Expedition with 5 days wildlife viewing -
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July 21 - 27, 2026
SOLD OUT
July 28 - August 3, 2026
SOLD OUT
August 4 - 10, 2026
SOLD OUT
August 11 - 17, 2026
SOLD OUT
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2027 TRIP DATES
- 7 Day Expedition with 5 days wildlife viewing -
July 20 - 26, 2027
SOLD OUT
July 27 - August 2, 2027
SOLD OUT
August 3 - 9, 2027
SOLD OUT
August 10 - 16, 2027
4 of 5 SPOTS REMAINING
THE ADVENTURE
There are places in the world where wildlife encounters feel different.
Churchill is one of them.
Every summer, thousands of belugas gather in the shallow waters of Hudson Bay.
White whales moving through green water, curious, social, always aware of you.
This annual migration offers you a unique opportunity to witness these playful whales in their natural habitat, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Canadian Arctic in full bloom.
“While swimming with belugas is no longer permitted, we’ve found something just as powerful… BELUGA BOARDING!”
Just imagine lying flat on a custom float board, gently towed behind a boat, as belugas swim alongside you.
This experience allows you to interact with these whales up close on their terms.
But the belugas are just the beginning of what makes this destination so extraordinary!
POLAR BEARS also roam the tundra during the summer, their white coats striking against the lush, green landscape. As we explore the waterways, you might spot them lounging along the rocky shorelines, swimming in the water, or scavenging for seabird nests among the blooming fireweed.
This adventure offers some of the best wildlife encounters you will ever experience framed by a landscape bursting with life.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, this journey promises EPIC moments and unforgettable memories.
WHAT IS IT LIKE BELUGA BOARDING?
There are thousands of belugas in the Churchill River, and you don’t chase them.
You lie face down on a floating mat, arms in the water, being gently pulled behind the boat.
At first it feels quiet… just drifting.
Then white shapes appear beneath you in the chilly green water.
The movement draws them in, and they can’t help themselves.
Sometimes one approaches, sometimes ten.
They come close. Really close.
Close enough to see their eyes studying you… and after a moment, you start to wonder who is watching who.
I’ve had belugas come in so close they try to look inside my mask, tilting to get a better look at my eyes.
Every interaction is on their terms. They decide when to come in, how long to stay, and how close they get.
We sing to them, and somehow it brings them even closer.
At times, several whales move all around you, almost bumping into your dome port.
It never feels like you found them… it always feels like they found you.
You don’t chase moments like this…
you meet them when they come.
Trip Cost is $5,888 per person (Dbl Occ.)
With an $800 deposit required to reserve your space.
PRICE INCLUDES
5 Days of Beluga Boarding
6 Nights of Accommodations
*ADD $1500 FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY.Round Trip Airport Transfers
Tundra Wildlife Adventures: 4 afternoons searching for wildlife on the Tundra
Continental Breakfast
Aurora Night Photography: Late evening photography sessions, when the skies are clear.
Photo Coaching during the trip
PRICE EXCLUDES
Airfare / train travel
Snorkel gear / wetsuit rentals
Lunch and dinner
Crew tips
Trip insurance
🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE…
- Book your trip now… Or request more information on the trip.
TRIP REPORTS
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TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1
ARRIVAL DAY
Fly into Churchhill. (Or take the train, if you have more time). We pick you up from airport and transfer you to the lodge.
The rest of the day is yours to visit the town and prep cameras.
At 6PM we will get together for a meeting to prep for the morning’s activities. Dinner at 7.
Day 2 - 5
WILDLIFE DAYS (5 days total)
Our Itinerary will be a daily repeat - Eat breakfast at the lodge, head to the boat - gear up (in our dive gear ) for our time out on and in the Churchill river and the Hudson Bay. The boats we use are rubber zodiacs. When we find some friendly whales, we will take turns viewing the pod.
The time spent on the water is about three hours (timed with the tides). The rest of our day will be spent exploring the wild places around Churchill, and its amazing wildlife.
In the late evening, when the night skies are clear and if the auroras are forecasted, we will leave the light pollution from town to photograph the Northern lights.
Day 6
FINAL DAY IN CHURCHILL
One last day to enjoy the natural wonders that Churchill has to offer...We will head out for belugas in the morning, then spend the rest of the day exploring -
After we will head back to the hotel to pack and dry gear for your journey home the following morning.
Day 7
DEPARTURE DAY
We say our sad goodbyes and begin the journey home. After we check out of our hotel, we will take you to the airport (or train station), for your journey home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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To reach Churchill, Manitoba, which is a remote town, you typically have two main transportation options: plane or train.
FLY INTO CHURCHILL FROM WINNIPEG:
Churchill Airport (YYQ) is the primary airport serving Churchill.
There are limited flights per day, so it's essential to check the flight schedules and availability.
Once you arrive, the lodge provides transportation from the airport to ensure a smooth transfer.
TAKE THE TRAIN:
Via Rail offers a train service known as "The Hudson Bay" that runs between Winnipeg and Churchill.
The train journey provides a scenic experience, but it takes longer compared to flying.
If you have more time and prefer a leisurely journey, taking the train is an option.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it's recommended to check the current schedules, availability, and any potential travel restrictions or requirements. Whether you opt for the convenience of a flight or the scenic route by train, both offer unique experiences to reach Churchill.
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AIRPORTS:
WINNIPEG AIRPORT:
Some airlines that commonly serve Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) include:Air Canada
WestJet
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Sunwing Airlines
Air Transat
Flair Airlines
CHURCHILL AIRPORT:
There are limited options for flights to Churchill, Manitoba, given its remote location.Some airlines that have historically operated flights to Churchill include:
Calm Air
Perimeter Aviation
WINNIPEG AIRPORT HOTELS:
Two hotels walking distance from Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) include:The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview
0.09 miles from AirportLakeview Signature, Trademark Collection by Wyndham.
0.13 miles from Airport
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Please note that these expeditions involve wild animal encounters, and while there is never any guarantee of sighting wildlife, we strategically plan our visits during the best times of the year for the greatest chances of success.
We want to highlight that touching wildlife is strictly NOT permitted.
Every encounter is unique, and the duration is solely at the discretion of the animals.
Participants caught manhandling wildlife may be asked to leave the water or the area.
It's essential to maintain a safe distance and show utmost respect towards wildlife.
We know there's never a certainty, but during our expeditions, we've had a remarkable record.
We've encountered belugas on all of the trips we've run, as well as polar bears, making this an exceptional opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Furthermore, if the animal is not interested in interacting with us or shows signs of stress, we will leave the animal alone and go find other wildlife to encounter.
YOUR SAFETY AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE ANIMALS ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the beauty of the wildlife and their environment.
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Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.
To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.
We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.
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A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on any SDM Adventures expedition.
*Reservations are not considered confirmed until the deposit has been received.
Payment schedule:
• 50% of the expedition cost is due 180 days prior to departure.
• Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Payment methods:
• Credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee.
• PayPal payments incur a 3% processing fee.
• Payments may also be made via wire transfer or Zelle. Please contact us for banking details.
• For wire transfers, please add $40 to cover bank processing fees.
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SDM Adventures understands how disappointing it can be if you are forced to cancel your trip after looking forward to it for so long. However, our expeditions require significant advance planning, and we must make non-refundable payments to hotels, vessels, and other suppliers well before departure. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy for all guests.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event you must cancel.
Cancellation terms are as follows:
• More than 120 days prior to departure:
A refund will be issued minus the trip deposit, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. If we are able to fill your space after you cancel, we will apply your deposit toward another SDM Adventures trip booked within the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, the deposit will be forfeited.
• 91–120 days prior to departure:
A cancellation fee of 50% of the total expedition price (including extensions) will be applied.
• Within 90 days of departure:
No refunds will be issued.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email or mail and must be received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.
SDM Adventures is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal reasons.
No refunds will be issued if a participant withdraws after the expedition has begun.
SDM Adventures is not responsible for any penalties associated with non-refundable airfare or travel arrangements. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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To keep trips running smoothly for everyone, we ask that all payments be made according to the schedule provided.
If a payment is not received by the due date and we have not heard from you, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and release the space to another guest. In that case, previous payments are non-refundable.
We understand that things can come up, so if you anticipate any issues with timing, please reach out in advance. We’re always happy to work with you when we can.
We’ll do our best to send reminders, but ultimately it’s important to stay on schedule to secure your spot.
