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Paddleboard with Polar Bears & Belugas
15 Aug
Summary
- Thousands of beluga whales migrate to Hudson Bay each summer.
- Churchill is known as the 'polar bear capital of the world'.
- Indigenous knowledge and history are vital to understanding the region.

Every summer, thousands of beluga whales migrate to the Churchill River estuary in Hudson Bay, Canada, creating a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. Visitors can paddleboard among these marine mammals, experiencing the tranquility described by Inuit elders.
Churchill, Manitoba, is globally recognized as the 'polar bear capital'. While polar bears are a significant attraction, the town's remote location requires specific travel methods like train or plane.
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre hosts visitors for educational programs focused on the sub-Arctic environment and its unique inhabitants.
Historically, the region was home to indigenous peoples whose traditional ways of life, including hunting and deep connection to the land, were disrupted by government resettlement policies.
Encounters with polar bears are a constant consideration; locals maintain vigilance, keeping car doors unlocked and following safety protocols. The town has a 'polar bear jail' for nuisance animals.
Despite a history of hardship, including the impact of forced resettlement on indigenous communities, there's a strong focus on reclaiming ancestral knowledge and celebrating the region's natural beauty.