Aurora and Astronomy in Churchill
Length
8 days / 7 nights
Hotel type
Research centre
Nights of viewing
5 nights
Where it goes
When to go
February
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See the Northern Lights on a unique learning vacation
Discover the wonders of Canada’s subarctic region with a stay at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, an active research facility. In addition to five nights of Northern Lights viewing at the centre, you’ll have time to engage with scientists and researchers, learn about the local people and cultures, and explore the frozen winter landscape.
Five nights of guided Northern Lights viewing
Daily research presentations and cultural workshops
Tour the research station and the Rocket Range historic site
Winter outdoor adventures, including dog sledding
Top experiences and features
Watch for the aurora borealis each night
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Trip Itinerary
Arrive in Winnipeg
Your winter vacation begins in Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital city. Check in to your airport hotel and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure! If you have time, head into the city, and explore the shops and restaurants in The Forks Market.
Winnipeg to Churchill
This morning, travel north to Churchill. Arrive at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre for an exciting five nights of Northern Lights viewing.
- Fly to Churchill
- Transfer to Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Meet your guide who'll drive you to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC). After lunch at the centre, partake in a small information session before your first tour.
- Winter Clothing Rental
To save space in your luggage, and to ensure you keep warm and comfortable while in Churchill, we've included a winter clothing package.
- Green Building Tour
Learn the history of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre and tour its environmentally friendly, LEED-certified research station.
- Nightly Skywatching at CNSC
Each evening, listen to an engaging lecture on topics related to the aurora (like photography and the science of the aurora). Then, sit back and relax until you receive the call that nature’s awe-inspiring light show has begun. Head to the elevated outdoor viewing platform or the 360-degree indoor viewing dome.
Discover local culture
Settle into the subarctic lifestyle as you venture outside for a thrilling dog sledding adventure and take part in a cultural workshop. Later, watch for the Northern Lights from the indoor dome or the outdoor viewing platform.
- Dogsledding Adventure
Enjoy an authentic dogsledding experience. Hear incredible tales of Arctic racing before embarking on your own race through the boreal forest.
- Cultural Beading Workshop
Admire the aurora borealis
Enjoy another day at the centre and visit the Churchill Rocket Range Historic Site. In the evening, keep an eye out for the colourful Northern Lights.
- Swampy Cree - Cultural Teaching
- Rocket Range Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of the Churchill Rocket Research Range National Historic Site (built in 1954) and learn about its ties to the Canadian Space Agency and NASA.
- Current Research Presentation
Explore the Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Continue your learning vacation by listening to research presentations and heading outdoors to explore the winter landscape. Spend another evening viewing the Northern Lights.
- The Snow Walker Film
- Polar Bear Presentation
- Subarctic Outdoor Adventure
Discover Churchill
Head downtown for a full-day tour of Churchill and the local area before your final night of aurora viewing.
- Churchill Town and Area Tour
See Churchill's famous landmarks, including the MV Ithaca shipwreck, the polar bear holding facility, and the Miss Piggy plane wreck. Visit the Itsanitaq (Eskimo) Museum, where you can admire Inuit carvings and artefacts while learning more about Churchill and Indigenous history.
- Lunch at Local Restaurant (Reservation only)
- Itsanitaq Museum Visit
Learn more about Inuit culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum's collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts are among the finest and oldest in the world, dating from Pre-Dorset (1700 B.C.) through Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit times.
- Parks Canada Centre Visit
- Sayisi Dene - Cultural Teaching
Travel back to Winnipeg
After a morning activity, say goodbye to Churchill and travel to Winnipeg mid-afternoon.
- Polar Bears International House Visit
- Transfer to Churchill Airport
- Fly back to Winnipeg
Depart from Winnipeg
Your Northern Lights vacation ends as you depart Winnipeg at your leisure.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg
Day 2
Winnipeg to Churchi...
Winnipeg to Churchill
Day 3
Discover local cult...
Discover local culture
Day 4
Admire the aurora b...
Admire the aurora borealis
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Accommodations
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
At the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, you can interact with in-house researchers and guest scientists during your stay. Guest rooms are dormitory style, and meals are served in the cafeteria. The centre offers a unique vacation experience in a remote location.
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Add nights in Winnipeg
Spend more time in Winnipeg at the beginning or end of your trip and discover this city's hidden gems. Highlights include the Assiniboine Park Zoo (and its 'Journey to Churchill'), the Museum of Human Rights, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the Inuit Art Centre — the first of its kind in the world.
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