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Brilliant green northern lights streak across the starry night sky over a building in the snowy landscape of Churchill, Manitoba.
Manitoba

Into the Arctic Skies: Aurora and Astronomy in Churchill

Program No. 7931RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Winnipeg, MB
Program Concludes
Winnipeg, MB
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
22 ( 8B, 7L, 7D )
Activity Level
From
6,499
The clear skies of Churchill’s winter will thrill and challenge any sky watcher. With over 300 nights of auroral activity, Churchill is the best spot on the planet to view the northern lights. Our instructor will lead you through the fascinating world of comets, deep sky objects, meteors and northern lights. Visit the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg for an in-depth study of the region’s natural history and an introduction to the vast subarctic region of Northern Manitoba.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Discover the world of comets, deep sky objects, meteors and northern lights in the planet’s top viewing spot.
  • Spend an afternoon dog sledding in the boreal forest.
  • Take an exhilarating ride by snowmobile into the boreal forest and experience snowshoeing.
General Notes
Daily walking and outdoor activities depend on weather conditions. Temperatures can be quite cold and may drop below 0°F, so come prepared for winter conditions. In Churchill, you'll stay at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, an active research and education facility on the Hudson Bay coast. This unique setting offers immersive access to the surrounding environment. Accommodations are simple and dormitory-style, with shared rooms and bath facilities. Single rooms are available during hotel stays in Winnipeg only and are not available in Churchill. Please review the lodging description carefully to ensure this experience is a good fit for you. Regional flights between Winnipeg and Churchill are included. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
David Hems has had a career centered on the management of cultural heritage sites with a strong focus on interpretation and presentation. After earning a degree in anthropology, he spent nine years working for the Manitoba Historic Resources Branch and 20 years with Parks Canada as an archaeologist and a heritage resource adviser throughout Western and Northern Canada. David was able to follow his passions travel and the sport of ice hockey. He played semi-professional hockey in Germany and another coaching in Northern Italy!
Mike Gere, based in Jasper, Alberta, is a seasoned photographer with a passion for night, wildlife, and landscape photography. Since 2015, he has been leading photography expeditions in Churchill, Manitoba, helping enthusiasts enhance their skills in capturing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. Beyond photography, Mike delves into the science and cultural myths surrounding this natural phenomenon, offering a comprehensive learning experience.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied terrain including snow covered, icy terrain. Standing up to 4 to 6 hours per day. Program will require approximately 10 miles of walking over 9 days. Getting on/off a motorcoach, dog sled, snowmobile and airplane. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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