DAY 1: JOURNEY TO CHURCHILL

Fly to Churchill

Welcome to St. John’s—Newfoundland’s historic, vibrant capital. Picturesque and welcoming, with a world-famous harbour, St. John’s has been continually fished since 1498, allowing it to boast the designation of North America’s oldest European settlement.

We will offer an optional afternoon city tour to those interested.

Daily Summary
Transportation: Fly to Churchill Tour: Welcome to the Tundra

Afterwards, we will rendezvous at the docks and board the Ocean Endeavour to begin the adventure proper. Passengers will meet the staff and crew, and prepare to leave the harbour. Sailing out of St. John’s has to be experienced to be believed; Signal Hill keeps watch over the world-famous Narrows as we head for open water.

Churchill’s history goes well back beyond that of Canada itself – archaeological digs have uncovered evidence of human existence in the area dating back some 4,000 years. While residents and visitors in Churchill rely on modern technology today, there are some aspects of life in northern Manitoba that are “frozen in time.” Henry Hudson was the first European to explore the Bay Churchill is located on – he did so in the early 17th century. Famously established in 1670, The Hudson’s Bay Co. is the oldest commercial corporation in the world. Its headquarters were at York Factory, some 250 kilometers southeast of what is today the town of Churchill. From here, the Company controlled much of the fur trade for decades. In 1717, Fort Churchill was established at the mouth of the Churchill River, and Fort Prince of Wales followed in 1731.

Welcome to the Tundra

This afternoon you will be taken beyond the town limits by your tour guide, as you head out beyond the town of Churchill and into the surrounding area. Learn about the wildlife, the ecology, and cultures of the region as you explore the Boreal Forest, Taiga, Tundra, and Marine ecosystems. Later this afternoon you are free to visit the famous Itsanitaq Museum and Parks Canada Museum in the train station.

Enjoy dinner at one of the local eateries and try a northern specialty such as Arctic char or caribou.

DAY 2: FRIENDLY BELUGAS AND FAST DOGS

Explore the Area by Boat

Today’s on-water tour has two very special components: one of the best whale watching experiences in the world as you join the belugas of Hudson Bay; and an interpretive journey across the Churchill River to Fort Prince of Wales, one of the first forts in the development of the great fur trade.

Daily Summary
Tour: Explore the Area by Boat Activity: Mushing with the Dogs

The beluga whales are adorable, playful creatures that migrate along the coast of the Hudson Bay by the thousands in the summer months to give birth to their calves in the mouth of the Churchill River. The tour boats are equipped with stereo hydrophones that magnify the vocalizations of these beautiful white whales. If you’re adventurous we may be able to add kayaking among the pod of whales.

Mushing with the Dogs

After you return, you will have time for a quick lunch in town before meeting for your dog-carting experience. Yes, we know you’re more familiar with dogs running with sleds, but they train all summer too, just like any athlete! Head into the Boreal Forest and enjoy learning about life as a dog-musher.

Note: Depending on the tidal schedule these two tours may be reversed. The boat tour may be operated by zodiac, depending on tides and weather.

DAY 3: JOURNEY NORTH TO NAUJAAT

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the Churchill airport for your flight to Naujaat, on the Arctic Circle. We always recommend a window seat – on a clear day, this scenery on the flight north over the Kivalliq region of Nunavut can be absolutely stunning! After a connection at an en-route community, you’ll land in Naujaat (Repulse Bay) where you will be transferred to your accommodations.

Daily Summary
Transportation: Flight to Naujaat Tour: Community Tour with Local Guide

Community Tour with Local Guide

This afternoon, a local guide will take you on a community tour of the hamlet, as well as the surrounding area. After dinner this evening, we recommend heading over to the community center where you may want to join in on a game of pool and make some new friends

The History of Naujaat

In 1742, Christopher Middleton entered the Bay from Roe’s Welcome Sound during his search for the Northwest Passage. He discovered that it was indeed a bay and not a passage and in his frustration at being blocked named it “Bay of Repulse”. It was not until much later that the area was visited by explorers of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Most notable of these was Dr. John Rae. Setting out from Churchill in the summer of 1846, he and his crew landed at the mouth of the North Pole River, 24 kilometers west of present Naujaat (formerly called Repulse Bay). Quickly building a large stone house for “over-wintering”, he then set out by dog team to explore and map the uncharted Arctic Coast. In the process, Rae became the first European to explore the North using traditional Inuit methods. Actually, Rae and his party used the stone house only briefly. They found igloos far warmer and more comfortable.

Repulse Bay became a major whaling centre but, later on, as the bowhead whale stocks rapidly became depleted, the whalers were replaced by the fur traders of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The first HBC post opened in 1921. In 1932, they were joined by missionaries of the Roman Catholic Church. The first public housing was built in the early 1960s and the present community was established. Government offices and a flurry of construction followed in 1968.

A stroll through Naujaat tells a story of life in today’s Arctic, where the past rubs shoulders with the future. Skins of caribou and polar bear dry on the walls of modern houses, and meat and fish hang on drying racks. Qamutiks (traditional Inuit sleds) may be stacked for summer storage beside the latest fuel-injected snowmobiles. Elders in sealskin kamiks are often seen walking towards the Northern Store or Co-op.

DAY 4: HIKE THROUGH THE AGES

Explore the Surrounding Areas of Naujaat

Head down to the hamlet office this morning to get your Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate – an excellent memento for your trip to the Arctic Circle.

Afterward, you will meet your local guide and bear guard.

Daily Summary
Tour: Explore the Surrounding Areas of Naujaat Tour: Afternoon Boat Cruise

They will introduce you to the area as you embark on a hike out to a nearby inlet where you will have a chance to look for caribou across the tundra and explore the fjords and rocky shorelines along the Arctic waters. You’ll hear stories of the history of the John Rae exploration, the whaling industry through to modern Inuit life. Visit sites of traditional Thule people and marvel at the tent rings that still exist today.

Afternoon Boat Cruise

The waters surrounding Naujaat are home to fascinating history and wildlife. On a boat tour, you can scan the waters for narwhal, seals, and polar bear

Alongside your guide, channel your inner explorer and marvel at this untouched land and water.

DAY 5: UNDERSTAND ARTISTIC INSPIRATION AND SKILL

The Beauty of Western Greenland

Explore the Area on Foot

Your last day in Naujaat begins with another hike this morning to explore the tundra, the rugged shorelines, and the immense beauty of the area and search for more Arctic wildlife before heading back to town for lunch.

Daily Summary
Tour: Explore the Area on Foot Activity: Local Shopping and Carving

Local Shopping and Carving

After lunch, you will have time to do some shopping at the local co-op. If local carvers are working, perhaps sneak a peek at how these beautiful works of art are created. Naujaat is home to some of the most famous Inuit soapstone carvers!

Tonight is your last night to mingle with your new friends in town – the evening is free for you to get your last photographs, and explore this Arctic hamlet.

DAY 6: SAY GOODBYE TO THE NORTH

Flight to Winnipeg

This afternoon you will transfer to Naujaat’s airport and board your flight heading back south to Manitoba’s capital city. Your tour concludes upon arrival back to Winnipeg.

The order of the itinerary is subject to change based on tour operator availability and weather conditions.

Daily Summary
Transportation: Flight to Winnipeg