Beluga Whales

See Beluga Whales in Churchill

Thousands of Belugas Gather in the Churchill Region.

The western Hudson Bay is home to 57,000 beluga whales and every summer roughly 4,000 whales make their way to the Churchill River estuary to feed, mate and give birth.

Boat Tours

Belugas are naturally curious animals that will approach boats and other vessels. Tour options include passenger boats that feature a chance to hear the belugas' chirps, clicks and whistles on a hydrophone – an underwater microphone. Zodiac tours cater to smaller groups and are great options for photographers.

Kayak Tours

When the tide and weather conditions are right, there are three-hour kayak tours where you will to paddle out and be one of the pod. For a different paddling excursion, venture out on a stand-up paddleboard.

AquaGliding™ Tours

AquaGliding™ is an experience unique to Churchill. Observe whales at water level by laying flat on a floating mat tethered to a zodiac.

Belugas and Bears in Churchill

Get Inspired with our #ExploreMB Blog!

14 fascinating facts about beluga whales

It’s a fact: beluga whales are awesome (source: everyone who’s ever seen one). These cool white whales are a fun bunch with a some interesting features. So let’s dive in and learn about the whales that can be seen during the summer months in Churchill,...

Beluga insider: Alex de Vries

Photographer. World traveler. Polar Bear guide. Beluga whisperer. Alex de Vries is one of the few individuals who gets to interact with the wildlife of Churchill on a daily basis – and he’s got the stories to prove it. In celebration of #BelugaWeek, we...

Top ways to view beluga whales in Churchill, Manitoba

There is whale watching and then there is beluga whale watching.A visit to Churchill offers an unparalleled ability to get close to the docile species during the summer months of July and August. A natural phenomenon to witness, each year thousands of...

About Churchill's Beluga Whales

Nicknamed "sea canaries" for their underwater vocalizations, beluga whales move to the warmer waters of the Churchill River between mid-June and mid-September. These curious whales have few natural predators, and populations are relatively stable – only the orca and the polar bear are natural predators.

Calves and born grey and turn white as they mature. Belugas are unique among other whales because they can turn their heads, often making it seem like they are looking right at you!

Conservation Efforts

The Churchill Beluga Whale Tour Operators Association is a group of independent operators who have created a series of voluntary understanding, policies and protocols that protect beluga whales. The association's goal is to educate, inspire and communicate the value of beluga whales in the world.

The Churchill Beluga Whale Tour Operators Association follows a code of conduct to minimize their impact on the environment and all vessels are operated safely in accordance with Department of Transport regulations.

Plan Your Beluga Adventure

Explore Churchill

Welcome to Churchill, Canada

Known as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is also known as a beluga whale watching hotspot and one of the best places to see the northern lights.

Plan Your Trip

Start planning your trip to see beluga whales, polar bears or the northern lights!

About Churchill, Canada

Learn about the history of Churchill and its surroundings, from the Pre-Dorset to Modern Inuit cultures through to the european fur trade and exploration of the North.

Calm Air

Experience The North