Beluga Whales

Churchill Beluga Whales Reaching nearly six metres (18 feet) in length and 1,600 kilograms (3,500 pounds) in weight, beluga whales are majestic, sociable creatures that patrol Arctic and sub-Arctic waters above the 50th parallel. These playful whales have few natural predators, and populations are relatively stable – only the orca and the polar bear are natural predators and pose any serious threat.

Nicknamed “sea canaries” for their strange high-pitched whistles, clicking, chirping and other underwater vocalizations, beluga whales inhabit the warmer waters of the Churchill River after the ice breaks up. Up to 3,000 of Hudson Bay’s 25,000+ whales visit the area between mid-June to mid-August.