Travel bucket list idea:
Whale-watching in Hudson Bay [kayaking]
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
During the summer, more than 60,000 beluga whales inhabit the Western Hudson Bay region – 3,000 of which can be found in the Churchill River estuary.
These unusual, striking all-white whales, growing up to 6.5m, are also known as ‘sea canaries’ for their prolific underwater singing in high-pitched squeaks and whistles. They’re curious creatures – and often come right up to boats.
It’s therefore an excellent spot for summer whale watching – on a 2-hour tour on either an inflatable zodiac or sea kayaks. Tours sometimes spot polar bears here too.
Logistics
Getting there & doing it
Knowledgeable guides escort groups of up to 5 people on approximately 2-hour tours to seek out the pods.
There’s no minimum age for boat tours, but children must be 8 or over for sea kayaking.
When to do it
Tours run daily in July and August, but the times of the tour vary daily, are they always depart at low tide.