Skip to Main Content
Manitoba

Into the Arctic Skies: Aurora and Astronomy in Churchill

Program No. 7931RJ
Come for the chance to fulfill a dream and witness the northern lights beneath the brilliant skies of Churchill, Manitoba.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Activities may include dog sledding, snowmobiling and walking, dependent on weather.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • 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

This program stays in unique accommodations. Be sure to review the lodging description for the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. If you enroll in a Single room, it is only available for the two hotels in Winnipeg but not in Churchill.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Alan Dyer
Alan Dyer is a writer and producer of planetarium programs for the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary. He is one of Canada's best-known astronomy writers and serves as associate editor of SkyNews magazine, Canada's magazine of stargazing. Alan also takes the opportunity as often as possible to visit the southern hemisphere to pursue both interests under southern skies. His other obsession, eclipse chasing, has taken him to every continent, chalking up 15 total solar eclipses. Asteroid 78434 is named for him.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Alan Dyer
Alan Dyer View biography
Alan Dyer is a writer and producer of planetarium programs for the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary. He is one of Canada's best-known astronomy writers and serves as associate editor of SkyNews magazine, Canada's magazine of stargazing. Alan also takes the opportunity as often as possible to visit the southern hemisphere to pursue both interests under southern skies. His other obsession, eclipse chasing, has taken him to every continent, chalking up 15 total solar eclipses. Asteroid 78434 is named for him.
Profile Image of David Hems
David Hems View biography
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!
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
21 Meals
8 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
  • Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
  • Jan 29, 2025 - Feb 06, 2025
  • Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025
  • Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
2 nights
Winnipeg
One of the city's most recognizable structures and a national historic site, The Fort Garry has defined the Winnipeg skyline for over 100 years. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway decided to build The Fort Garry when it completed the link between its east and west lines. Since 1913, this former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway hotel has stood as a symbol of Winnipeg's importance as a North American transportation hub and of the prairie city's affinity for old world elegance. Hotel amenities include valet parking, 24-hour room service, concierge service, bell service, a business centre, complimentary laptops for Internet access at the front desk, a fully equipped fitness center with indoor pool, whirlpool, jogging track, and steam room, Ten Spa, and Yoga Classes. The Gallery & Gift Shop is open around the clock for confectionaries and grab-n-go snacks, while the Palm Lounge is the place to relax with live jazz nightly and light culinary fare. Each of our guest rooms feature 10-foot ceilings with Turkish cotton towels and bathrobes; fine Italian linens, a feather mattress, down duvets and pillows and deluxe beauty products. Enjoy complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and free local calls; 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, and cookie delivery to your room or suite! Other amenities include a daily national newspaper, individual climate control, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, alarm clock, and Evian water.
5 nights
Churchill
Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the public to university credit courses for students. The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures. The Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. The facility is Polar bear resistant with window bars and security lighting.
1 night
Winnipeg
The Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport is situated moments from Winnipeg's vibrant Polo Park shopping mall.
2 nights
Winnipeg
One of the city's most recognizable structures and a national historic site, The Fort Garry has defined the Winnipeg skyline for over 100 years. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway decided to build The Fort Garry when it completed the link between its east and west lines. Since 1913, this former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway hotel has stood as a symbol of Winnipeg's importance as a North American transportation hub and of the prairie city's affinity for old world elegance. Hotel amenities include valet parking, 24-hour room service, concierge service, bell service, a business centre, complimentary laptops for Internet access at the front desk, a fully equipped fitness center with indoor pool, whirlpool, jogging track, and steam room, Ten Spa, and Yoga Classes. The Gallery & Gift Shop is open around the clock for confectionaries and grab-n-go snacks, while the Palm Lounge is the place to relax with live jazz nightly and light culinary fare. Each of our guest rooms feature 10-foot ceilings with Turkish cotton towels and bathrobes; fine Italian linens, a feather mattress, down duvets and pillows and deluxe beauty products. Enjoy complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and free local calls; 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, and cookie delivery to your room or suite! Other amenities include a daily national newspaper, individual climate control, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, alarm clock, and Evian water.
5 nights
Churchill
Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the public to university credit courses for students. The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures. The Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. The facility is Polar bear resistant with window bars and security lighting.
1 night
Winnipeg
The Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport is situated moments from Winnipeg's vibrant Polo Park shopping mall.
2 nights
Winnipeg
One of the city's most recognizable structures and a national historic site, The Fort Garry has defined the Winnipeg skyline for over 100 years. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway decided to build The Fort Garry when it completed the link between its east and west lines. Since 1913, this former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway hotel has stood as a symbol of Winnipeg's importance as a North American transportation hub and of the prairie city's affinity for old world elegance. Hotel amenities include valet parking, 24-hour room service, concierge service, bell service, a business centre, complimentary laptops for Internet access at the front desk, a fully equipped fitness center with indoor pool, whirlpool, jogging track, and steam room, Ten Spa, and Yoga Classes. The Gallery & Gift Shop is open around the clock for confectionaries and grab-n-go snacks, while the Palm Lounge is the place to relax with live jazz nightly and light culinary fare. Each of our guest rooms feature 10-foot ceilings with Turkish cotton towels and bathrobes; fine Italian linens, a feather mattress, down duvets and pillows and deluxe beauty products. Enjoy complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and free local calls; 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, and cookie delivery to your room or suite! Other amenities include a daily national newspaper, individual climate control, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, alarm clock, and Evian water.
5 nights
Churchill
Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. The Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the public to university credit courses for students. The Centre is ideally situated along the Hudson Bay seacoast at the meeting of three major biomes: marine, northern boreal forest, and tundra. To the east lies Wapusk National Park which protects the inland denning area of the polar bear. Farther to the southeast lies the Hudson Bay Lowland, the largest peatland in North America. Because of this complex of biomes, one can see a tremendous diversity of plants, birds, mammals and human cultures. The Centre is an active research facility in the heart of polar bear country. The facility is Polar bear resistant with window bars and security lighting.
1 night
Winnipeg
The Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport is situated moments from Winnipeg's vibrant Polo Park shopping mall.





Recommended For You

loading spinner