Select a question from the list below:
Why the location for the lodge(s)?
Where are all the skinny polar bears we have been reading about?
Does every tour see bears?
What do the bears eat in the summer when the ice is gone?
Isn’t it dangerous to be out walking in polar bear habitat?
They sure look cute and cuddly don’t they?
When is the best time to see Northern Lights – the Aurora Borealis?
Should we buy Carbon offsets?
What are you doing as a remote lodge operator to minimize your “footprint”?
What are the average temperatures for your tours?
Is there a phone or internet that we can use?
Can I book as a single?
How strenuous is the hiking terrain?
What is the minimum age?
How long is the flight to the lodge?
Can we go off on our own?
Can we book our own transportation to Churchill?
Can you help with additional nights in Churchill? Or pre and post tour hotels in Winnipeg?
Are there any other items not included in your tour price?
Are there restrictions on luggage?
Why pack emergency clothes?
Summer
What are the bugs like in the summer?
Type of summer clothing needed?
What is “swimming” with Belugas? And what kinds of boats are used?
Are dry suits provided?
When does the fireweed bloom?
Winter
Type of winter clothing needed? Water proof, wind proof?
When is there snow on the ground?
Why the location for the lodge(s)?
All Lodges are located on the coast and it is this shoreline which is known as a wildlife corridor or as we say “where the action is”! Essentially it is the epicenter of a flora and fauna transition zone from boreal forests, to Arctic tundra – culminating in the Arctic Ocean’s Hudson’s Bay. No other place in the Arctic is home to such an incredibly rich diversity of wildlife species. Terrestrial mammals include moose, caribou, black bear, grizzly bear, wolves, fox, wolverine etc. Marine mammals include thousands of beluga whales, seals and of course the largest concentration of polar bears in the world. The remoteness of our exclusive fly-in lodges ensures undisturbed wildlife in a pristine unique setting.
Where are all the skinny polar bears we have been reading about?
Our family has been in the wildlife business on this coast for over 80 years . During this time all personal observations have indicated that bear numbers are steady or in fact increasing. From all outward appearances the bears are in great shape although the odd unhealthy bear does come around. These are usually older or sick bears.
Wildlife biologists say that their studies show polar bears are in trouble, losing weight, having fewer cubs, and generally under more stress due to climate change. We have not seen this decrease or evidence and hope that is not the case elsewhere. As such we are optimistic that future generations will have a healthy Western Hudson Bay bear population to enjoy.
In the meantime we do everything we can to mitigate any environmental impact our lodges have on their long term health. We do not use buses, buggies or disturb the terrain with giant tractor tires. We are also moving toward sustainable energy by making steps to ensure that our lodges use as much solar and wind power as possible.
Does every tour see bears?
Yes, both in our summer and late fall adventures though not always as close as anticipated. The exception would be any of our winter programs (March/April) as this is when the polar bears are out on the sea ice hunting seals.
What do the bears eat in the summer when the ice is gone?
Their primary food source is seal caught out on the ice but they will scavenge whatever they can during the summer months waiting for freeze-up. This includes flightless young on nests, eggs, berries, Arctic ground squirrels, Fireweed plants, seaweed and just about anything else edible. We have lately observed them actively hunting beluga from shore near the lodge which we believe is a learned activity unique to the Arctic.
Isn’t it dangerous to be out walking in polar bear habitat?
People cliff dive, swim with sharks and participate in Extreme sports. The danger is always in not taking precautions or by being reckless.
Polar bears in general are very cautious creatures and our guides are experts judging a safe viewing distance by interpreting their body language. It’s always best when bears and people have a HEALTHY respect for each other which is certainly the case at our lodges.
They sure look cute and cuddly don’t they?
They are the fastest, most powerful carnivores on the planet and like to eat meat, which you happen to be made of. Don’t let their chubby, furry, waddling gait fool you for a second, they are very capable efficient hunters. Remember HEALTHY respect! No hugs for the bears.
When is the best time to see Northern Lights – the Aurora Borealis?
It is possible, given the right conditions, to see the Northern Lights in any month of the year while staying at our wilderness lodges. However maximum darkness is preferred so generally the long cold clear winter nights are best but any time after July through till May has excellent viewing possiblities. Though the traditional viewing season has been Jan-March it’s a lot more fun working with cameras in the warmer months at -20 C instead of -40 C. The Lodge at Dymond Lake has a wonderful heated, glassed in Aurora dome, so you can enjoy the lights without the numb fingers!
Should we buy Carbon offsets?
We do not endorse the purchase of carbon credits/offsets for several reasons. Offset purchasing can be a real conscience appeaser and distract a concerned person from making real and lasting changes to their lifestyle both at home and in their communities. There are still unanswered questions as to the value and integrity of carbon offset purchasing. We would rather see our communities making a much stronger effort to practice the timeless 3 R’s- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Spend your time and resources to change your immediate surroundings for the better and then travel with confidence knowing you have done your part to improve the health of our planet. Get outside right where you live and start making a difference.
What are you doing as a remote lodge operator to minimize your “footprint”?
One thing we have discovered about living and working in a remote Arctic/sub-Arctic environment is that a person very quickly places the mantra of the 3R’s at the very core of all their activities. More than 30 years ago long before it was hip to be “green”, two of the early founders of the lodge industry in Canada, Doug & Helen Webber, were implementing reducing, reusing, recycling as standard operating procedure. Doug and Helen are Churchill Wild owner Jeanne Reimer’s parents.
This of course is an economic benefit as inefficiencies of any kind are greatly amplified when operating long distances from supply centers. They were the first major lodges to convert to solar power, fly out all trash to recycle, compost for local garden etc. The greatest drive though to minimize any impact on our pristine environment is garnered from over eighty years of family living and observations in the Arctic which has had a huge impact on how we operate. When your home is a wilderness paradise you make every effort to keep it that way so we have always been the “greenest” lodge in the Canadian Arctic and hope to keep raising the bar!
What are the average temperatures for your tours?
The average Churchill temperatures in Celsius are as follows:
| July: | High 17 | Low 6 |
| August: | High 17 | Low 6 |
| October: | High 1 | Low -7 |
| November: | High -11 | Low -18 |
Is there a phone or internet that we can use?
Yes, you don’t have to be completely out of touch (unless you want to be). We do have a satellite phone at the lodge which can be used for emergencies. We also offer wireless internet for a one-time charge for the duration of your stay at the lodge.
Can I book as a single?
Single rooms are available and a single supplement is required as our rates are based on two people occupying a room.
How strenuous is the hiking terrain?
Great grand-parents and great grandchildren alike have roamed these paths. The ground is rocky/spongy tundra or snow. Your hikes are on level ground so there are no big hills or mountains to climb. A good pair of hiking boots or a supportive winter boot will greatly enhance your ability to move along the trails.
What is the minimum age?
Due to the physical nature of our safaris we suggest that children should be a minimum of 5 years old. Please realize that this is a remote Lodge where they will be expected to remain indoors when the group is not on outings. Your child must be supervised (by you) at all times. Considerations for children under our minimum age are made on an individual basis. Please inquire about our children rates.
How long is the flight to the lodge?
Short. And a great start to your adventure as its quite likely that, depending on the season, you’ll count your first polar bear, beluga pod, caribou, wolf….its an aerial adventure (not in a scary way J) and its about 25 minutes.
Can we go off on our own?
Not recommended! You are in polar bear country and any excursions, whether 2 metres or 2 km, will require an escort at all times for your safety. Our guides are well trained in providing protection for our guests. We do have a fenced in compound behind the lodge that allows guests to go outside on their own or in a group to view wildlife walking by the lodge.
Can we book our own transportation to Churchill?
You can book your own transportation to Churchill if you have points or if you wish travel on VIA Rail. If you’d like to explore that option, simply discuss it with Doreen so that we can ensure that your travel arrangements work with lodge schedules.
Can you help with additional nights in Churchill? Or pre and post tour hotels in Winnipeg?
Yes we can help with booking hotels in Winnipeg or Churchill for your pre and post tour stays.
Are there any other items not included in your tour price?
The tour does not include round–trip airfare from your home city to Winnipeg; most of your meals while in Churchill unless otherwise outlined; personal items (phone calls, internet, laundry, etc.); gratuities; and travel insurance.
Are there restrictions on luggage?
Pack Light! Please pack your gear in a medium size duffel bag because large suitcases don’t load efficiently into a small aircraft due to the size of space. Soft luggage is best as it is easier to carry and takes up less space. Calm Air allows you to bring two checked pieces of luggage as well as a carry-on bag. Due to the limited amount of space, on the small aircraft we use to fly into the lodge, we allow one checked bag and a small carry-on. If you need to down size your luggage we do offer a secure location in Churchill for any excess baggage.
Why pack emergency clothes?
Well, you’re travelling a long way and you need to consider the unlikely possibility of luggage delays. Please carry on any medication you require as well.
Summer
What are the bugs like in the summer?
Depending on wind strength and direction, the mosquitoes and black flies can be bothersome in the summer months. While we plan our activities to minimize exposure to bugs, we recommend a combination of bug spray, bug jacket, light long pants and long-sleeved shirts if you are traveling to Churchill in the summer season.
Type of summer clothing needed?
During the summer the temperatures can vary quite a bit day to day. We recommend a warm fleece, spring jacket, light gloves, water proof rain gear, water proof hiking boots, sun hat, warm sleep wear, slippers/sandals for the lodge, long sleeved shirts, light weight pants, long socks, shorts, and bug jacket.
What is “swimming” with Belugas? And what kinds of boats are used?
The boats that we use at the lodge are zodiacs which are very durable and the best suited boats for the waters around the lodge. We will take you out to see the amazing creamy white whales and give you the opportunity to swim with them. You will get into the water and you will be pulled behind the boat at a slow steady speed and the Belugas will swim right up to you and check you out. They are as interested in you as you are in them and will likely get within feet of you and sing to you.
Are dry suits provided?
Yes we do provide dry suits, snorkels and masks. These dry suits allow the guest to wear full clothing under it. We recommend using thermal underwear and warm clothes underneath. We do not use wetsuits as the arctic water is too cold. We allow our guests to be in the water for 15 minutes at a time to ensure no one gets too cold.
When does the fireweed bloom?
The beautiful fireweed makes a great back drop for your pictures. The best time of the year to photograph fireweed is the last week of July and the first week of August.
Winter
Type of winter clothing needed? Water proof, wind proof?
The winter clothing you should bring should be both water proof and wind proof. This would give you the most comfortable gear. The best thing is to be proactive and wear layers because if you get too hot you can take something off. You don’t want to have to turn back to the lodge if you get too cold as you might miss out on that perfect picture. You want to make sure you have a warm parka, snow pants, cold weather rated boots, heavy mitts, toque, and a scarf. You should also ensure you have Thermax or polypro type long underwear, fleece pullover and slippers for the lodge just to name a few things.
When is there snow on the ground?
Beginning in October and right through until May.