Wolves, Wildflowers, and Wilderness Whispers: Inside Churchill Wild’s Epic Manitoba Adventure

Posted: April 17, 2025 | Author: Desiree Rantala | Estimated Read Time: 12 minutes

Where else in Canada can you kayak with beluga whales, photograph wild wolves, and hike with polar bears? When it comes to discovering the Arctic in northern Manitoba, it doesn't get any more epic than an adventure with Churchill Wild. Wolves, wildflowers, and whispering in the wilderness. If you're ready to go on an Arctic Discovery Tour and see one of the most magical places in the world, this is how to do it. Welcome to one of Manitoba's most epic experiences.

Hello North

Sometimes there's an experience that seems so surreal, you need to pinch yourself. Imagine traveling somewhere so beautiful that it seems too good to be true. But in reality, it's not a dream and you're awake. You're on the adventure of a lifetime. This summer I joined Churchill Wild for their Arctic Discovery tour, and this is how it went.

Teachings Go Back in Time

Earth History Gallery, Manitoba Museum

Sub-Arctic Gallery, Manitoba Museum

Hudson's Bay Gallery, Manitoba Museum

Churchill Was Once Tropical

What better way to have a taste of the trip ahead than by visiting the Manitoba Museum. We started the trip with a private, after hours hosted tour, learning about the history of Churchill, the Hudson Bay and life in the arctic. Did you know that Churchill was once tropical? 450 million years ago during the Octavian period, Manitoba was underwater. This part of the planet was home to varying underwater aquatic life, from trilobites and cephalopods to monstrous mosasaurs. In fact, Manitoba is home to two famous giants; the world's largest trilobite and mosasaur. You can view the fossil of the world's largest trilobite at the Manitoba Museum and the world's largest mosasaur at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden.

Welcome to the
Polar Bear Capital Of The World

You've Arrived At Your Destination

After the many hours of travel, a sound sleep at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, and excited anxiousness, we arrived at our destination. Welcome to Churchill! At the airport, you're greeted with warm hello's and enough chivalry and kindness to last forever. Being greeted by a stranger that already feels like family is a special skill that not many people have; but your Churchill Wild tour guide? They've mastered it.

Polar Bear Capital of the World

Step into a northern Manitoba community of around 900 people, where culture, creativity, and heart fill every corner. During your visit, you'll hear timeless stories, dive into rich history, stroll through town like a local, and find unique, locally made souvenirs that will leave your family back home saying, 'Wow.'

Townsite Tours

Take in Churchill`s all-encompassing beauty with unforgettable opportunities to experience it up close. We enjoyed knowledgeable and personal daily guided tours, impressive dining, and took enough photos to keep our phone batteries charging every night. Our adventures took us to Cape Merry Battery, Miss Piggy, the polar bear holding facility, countless incredible mural stops around Churchill, and many more special spots.

Have you ever met someone you instantly clicked with? Someone so friendly, welcoming, and personable that you can’t help but smile — because their passion and pride for what they do just radiates? That's Koral; our Churchill Wild guide for our time in town. Glowing with famous fun facts, jokes, history, and compassion, she's a one woman show.

Sleep Like a Beluga

We've all slept like a baby, but have you ever slept like a beluga? We thoroughly enjoyed a restful night's sleep at the end of every adventurous day at the Polar Boutique Inn & Suites. All the ammenities of home coupled with an impressive continental breakfast. And no, we're not talking just toast and jam. Bring your appetite!

Fascinating Facts and Flora at
The Prince of Wales Fort

Take a Trip to Treaty 5

Calling all history buffs... and anyone eager to learn about the past. Take a trip back to the 1700s on Treaty 5 Territory with a visit to the Prince of Wales Fort in Churchill! A command centre that took 40 people over 40 years to build. Isn't history astonishing? Enjoy a guided tour led by Parks Canada — there are enough facts, fun, and flora to keep your camera busy and your ears and eyes open. Make the trek down the boardwalk and through the gates for a beautiful panoramic view of Hudson Bay. You're going to want to stop for a few photo ops.

See The Churchill River Estuary

Babies in the Blue

The perfect pairing with the Prince of Wales Fort Tour, is a Churchill River Estuary Tour on the Sea North 2 vessel! Enjoy a higher vantage point, a beautiful way to spot beluga whales in Churchill. See pods of beluga whales crest to the surface with their calves. Take a tour to see a plethora of wildlife and birds. Keep your eyes on the coastline, as you just might see a big white furry friend ashore. The best part of the tour comes in the form of a hydrophone — an underwater microphone that allows you to listen to the belugas! What do you think they're talking about?

Kayaking With
Beluga Whales

Things That Go Bump in the Estuary

You've seen them from above and now it's time to get up and close with the canaries of the sea. Sea North Tour's kayaking experience offers an opportunity to kayak in the Churchill River Estuary with Manitoba's most magnificent underwater mammals. Leave all hesitancy and nervousness on the shore — you're about to be greeted with friendly hellos from some of the cutest, most curious creatures around. Expect a full heart… and maybe even a sore face from smiling so much!

Breezes, Bubbles and Baby Belugas

Belugas are fascinating creatures that feed off of capelin and crustaceans. Their friendly and vocal nature has earn them the nickname 'canaries of the sea,' as their songs can be heard from the surface! Kayaking with beluga whales is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience you’ll never forget. From the rush of a beluga air bubble popping up beside you, to the gentle nudge of a curious whale against your kayak, to watching one crest from the water just to say hello — there’s truly nothing like it. During this particular adventure, I ended up finding out that belugas happen to be big fans of Shania Twain. Turns out they love music, and they especially love it when you talk and sing to them! Don't worry if you don't know how to sing... they won't judge.

Adventure Awaits

A Flight to Remember

After spending an epic few days in the town of Churchill, it was time to depart to Nanuk Lodge. We enjoyed a comfortable, less than 60 minute flight from Churchill to the lodge thanks to Adventure Air. The sights and the scenery were fantastic! We hadn’t even landed at the lodge yet when we spotted our first cluster of what we’d soon be calling ‘PBs’ all week — polar bears. Can you spot the fluffy white crew in the photo below?

50 Shades of Blue

The landscape transformed beneath us — from the rugged coast of Hudson Bay, to aerial views of York Factory and Port Nelson, to the dense brush of forest below. We spotted herds of caribou, flocks of birds, and the most stunning ombre of blue I’ve ever seen. Polar bears lounged lazily on sandbars and even deep within the forest. The sand and watery bogs below looked like patchwork quilts or stretched leather. Mother Nature — she’s quite the artist.

Welcome to
Nanuk Lodge

Lodge Sweet Lodge

South east of Wapusk National Park, the quintessential Manitoba experience continues. You land on a sandy runway in the middle of nowhere as your heart races with excitement. The plane door opens and a thrust of fresh northern air whooshes in. You step outside where the air feels crisper and you take in a deep breath. You see bundles of brush and green in the distance. You're bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready for the next leg in your journey.

After being welcomed off the plane by friendly Nanuk Lodge staff, you'll then be whisked away for orientation and a hearty meal.

Amenities and More

As we entered the lodge, we were immediately taken in by the warm atmosphere and extensive amenities. A cozy common room welcomed us, complete with a wood burning fireplace, panoramic windows, and views of the Hudson Bay coast. The lodge features a charming merchandise shop for souvenirs, yoga mats for sunrise or sunset sessions, private ensuite bathrooms, cozy beds, and the most stunning dining space. It gets even better a few flights up on the Nanuk Observation Deck, where you can enjoy a 360 degree view of northern Manitoba.

The Little Things

When you're travelling, the little things are as enjoyable as the big moments. Being bundled up by the fire with a hot cup of tea after a full day of exploring is simply rejuvinating. Maybe it's the Scandinavian heritage in me, but I can't get enough of a soothing hot and cold cycle. The staff were incredibly attentive to our needs, ensuring that our comfortability was top priority.

In the evenings, you get to enjoy sit down presentations from the Churchill Wild Guides about the land and the animals that call it home.

Delectable Dining

A Seat at the Table

Stretchy pants may not have been on my packing list, but I definitely recommend bringing a pair. Churchill Wild's lengthy and robust culinary history goes back three generations, spanning more than 50 years.

Starting as a vision from Helen Webber, Churchill Wild's culinary insights have since gained recognition through many publications, and there's a reason they're taking charge in the north. The family business, run by Mike and Jeanne Reimer, goes far beyond great customer service and world class experiences, extending to a holistic and sustainable approach when it comes to their culinary creations. Churchill Wild works with Manitoba growers such as Prairie Wild to bring nourishing produce and products from farm to table. Churchill Wild's bread is made from scratch, and their chefs create mouthwatering masterpieces for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and every snack and happy hour appetizer in between.)

I cannot emphasize enough how good their food was.

Have you ever been on
An Arctic Safari?

Walk on the Wild Side

Explore the wilderness off the Hudson Bay Coast as you trudge through swamp like surfaces, sand bars, rocks, and gravel. Although you'll be busy keeping an eye out for the biggest of beasts, don't forget to look below for berries, shells, rocks, and other smaller, curious creatures.

Ride a Rhino

Yes this is an Arctic Discovery safari, but no, you're not literally riding a rhino. Figuratively? Absolutely. This isn't Churchill Wild's first rodeo. With over 30 years of experience welcoming guests from around the world, they’ve mastered the art of Arctic hospitality — from cozy lodging and world-class cuisine to award-winning wildlife encounters. And when it comes to getting around? They've got that covered too.

Sometimes terrain calls for innovation, so Churchill Wild created their own way of moving through it. Think: a northern spin on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles — except here, it’s planes, ATVs, custom-built “rhinos,” and, of course, your own two feet. At Nanuk, adventure begins the moment you step out.

Finding Flora & Fauna

Pretty But Poisonous

Churchill is a botanists dream come true. In fact, people travel across the globe to see Churchill and northern Manitoba's flora. Wildflowers, lichen, grasses — there is an abundance of life here beyond the chirps and the roars. Water hemlock (pictured right) is pretty, but poisonous. Water crows foot (pictured left) can be found along with samphire (pictured centre) and scattered throughout the landscape.

Look up!

If you're a birder — or even just a casual bird enthusiast — Churchill Wild has you covered. From lesser yellowlegs to the striking Arctic tern, the variety of birdlife along the Kaskatamagan Coast is nothing short of extraordinary. Here, the landscape comes alive not just beneath your feet, but above your head, too. Every step is a chance to spot something new taking flight.

Where The Wild Things Are

The Opoyastin Wild Wolf Pack

The cloud wolves of the Kaska Coast draw tourists and guests from around the world to Nanuk Lodge. This particular tour is one for the books. With our knowledgeable and trusted guides Terry and Emri, we headed out for the day to track the Opoyastin Wolf Pack. Prepared for a rainy forecast, we headed west along the trail, where we began to see signs of the pack. One of the senior members of the group (sometimes referred to as babysitters,) poked its head up from the distant brush. We stopped, and waited. Hearts were racing and fingers hovered over camera shutters.

Patience Pays Off

Our group waited in the pouring rain for over two hours for the opportunity of a lifetime. Little by little, more members of the wolf pack began to surround us. There were countless pups, along with varying older members of the pack. They slowly came towards our vehicles getting as close as 15 feet away. You could see the wolves communicating with one another about our presence, but they seemed mostly unbothered. All of a sudden, the unthinkable happens. The alpha male returns with dinner, and only metres away, the feeding frenzy begins right before our eyes. This was a world-class wildlife encounter we were lucky enough to be witnessing. The adrenaline, the beauty, the pure shock of others in the group... it stays with you. I do believe we were meant to be there for that moment.

The beauty of
Polar Bears

Giants of the North

Despite what many people think, polar bears can be seen in the off-season. Did you know that there are 19 populations of polar bears around the world, and 13 of those populations reside in Canada?

The Churchill Wild Arctic Discovery tour is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Starting with a hearty hot breakfast at Nanuk Lodge, you make two treks every single day, rain or shine. You return for a lunch break, then head back into the field for the afternoon. The days go by fast as you trek with trusted guides who lead you through close-up encounters with these giants of the north. Churchill Wild's guides are dedicated to taking guests out no matter the weather. The safety and knowledge that Terry and Emri have acquired over the years would impress anyone. From polar bears and wolves to flowers, plants, bones, and birds — there’s little they can’t identify or teach you about. This is one Arctic Discovery to never forget.

Polar Bear First-Timer

As someone who works in marketing and tourism and promotes our province on the daily, let me tell you: nothing prepares you for seeing your first polar bear. Whether you are a Manitoban or adventure enthusiasts from abroad, the magic is always there. We were fortunate to have witnessed polar bears in the wild on two separate occasions.

Our first day brought us up close to a sand bar. We trudged through the shag like carpet of the muskeg and crouched down together as a group. Off in the distance, a baby polar bear was curled up with its mother. With the blue of the Hudson Bay in the background and the lush green as the foreground, it was like a real-life postcard.

Curious Bear

If you thought Curious George was quite the character, wait until you meet a curious bear. During one visit to Nanuk, we followed an especially inquisitive one — and he led us on quite the adventure. Beginning along the coast, we walked toward a unique tree formation embedded in the soil. This curious bear was well aware of our presence, and decided to put on a show. We loved every second of it. Afterward, he wandered around a pond just in front of the lodge and paused, giving us the perfect photoshoot moment.

We later learnt that this bear was most likely male, as it was presenting flagging on its hind legs. Polar bears above five years of age begin to grow frayed long white hairs on the backs of their legs, one of the ways that their age and gender can be identified from a distance.

Passion Can Take You Places

Experiences stay with you. The people you meet, the things you see, the ground on which you walk, the food you consume, the places you sleep. Everything comes together to create a single story. When you think about it, no two stories in nature are ever the same. Whether it’s the weather or the wildlife, nature is constantly shifting — never repeating itself, always leaving us wanting more and drawing us back again.

Wolves, Wildflowers and Whispering in the Wilderness

The Arctic Discovery tour with Churchill Wild is an overwhelmingly abundant offering that coins far beyond the saying of been there, done that. From kayaking with beluga whales, to photographing wild wolves, identifying wildflowers, and whispering in the wilderness as you trek with polar bears. It doesn't get more memorable that that.

About The Author

Hey there, I'm Desiree! I've lived in Manitoba my whole life. I love a great slice of pizza, photography and exploring our beautiful province. I'm passionate about storytelling. Have an idea for adventure? Let me know! drantala@travelmanitoba.com

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