Bucket-list incentives: Polar bear and beluga spotting in Churchill

A true bucket-list destination, this rugged outpost on the edge of Hudson Bay in the Canadian province of Manitoba, offers top performers experiences that they won't find anywhere else in the world.

Unforgettable wildlife encounters are what Churchill is renowned for. It’s nicknamed the polar bear capital of the world, but beneath the surface of the icy waters, curious beluga whales won’t play second fiddle.

There are no roads that lead to Churchill. Your group can only get here by plane, which adds to the feeling of exclusivity for incentive participants. From the shipwreck of the Ithaca and the enormous Sea Walls murals to helicopter tours over the remote northern wilderness, there's no end to the surprises you'll find in the subarctic. That said, the polar bears and beluga whales remain the star attractions and are not to be missed.

Credit: Destination Canada

Be awed by Arctic giants

Churchill lies within the natural habitat of a healthy population of polar bears, making it one of the best places in the world to spot these arctic giants. Conditions in the area also make for great viewing, no matter the season.

In the winter months, bears feast on seals on the ice of Hudson Bay. In the summer, they make their way to land, lounging in bright fireweed or exploring the rocky shores for food.

There are many incredible ways for groups to see Churchill’s polar bears. During July and August, your team can hop aboard a custom-made boat or Zodiac for a polar bear viewing experience. These coastal tours offer a chance to see bears on along the tideline or even swimming in the icy water.

On foot, see polar bears while on a walking tour with an experienced guide, or get a birds’ eye view on a helicopter tour over the beautiful tundra landscape. A popular way to experience polar bears in Churchill is by tundra buggy. These large, all-terrain vehicles are designed to move carefully over the uneven terrain of the tundra and provide great opportunities to view and photograph the bears. Most excursions on tundra vehicles are all day and include lunch onboard.

For a totally unique experience, groups of up to 40 can sleep over, near the polar bears, in tundra vehicles connected like rail cars to offer sleeping accommodations. With the comforts of a wilderness lodge, your team will spend a night in the tundra heartland of polar bear territory. A personal chef, guest scientists and guides will keep your team engaged and entertained with songs, stories, discoveries, and feasts.

Companies offering polar bear experiences adhere to strict guidelines from Manitoba Conservation that, for example, limit the number of tundra vehicles operating in and around Churchill and outline viewing distance regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of these majestic bears.

Credit: Destination Canada

Close encounters of the beluga kind

The western Hudson Bay is home to 57,000 belugas and every summer, roughly 4,000 whales make their way to the Churchill River estuary to feed, mate and give birth. Belugas are naturally curious animals, often approaching boats and other vessels, while chatting up a storm. Guests will soon see why these whales are nicknamed “sea canaries”, as they listen to the belugas’ musical chirps, clicks and whistles. 

Beluga experiences include passenger boats that feature a chance to hear the belugas' distinctive sounds on a hydrophone – an underwater microphone. Zodiac tours cater to smaller groups and are a great option for photographers.

Kayaking provides groups with a serene experience, and the chance to get up close with the belugas. Hear them spout as they break the surface, feel them swim underneath the kayak, or witness them spyhop – stick their head out of the water and look around. Unlike other whales, the beluga's neck vertebrae are not fused, making it the only whale able to rotate its head. 

If your group wants something a bit more adventurous, try paddle boarding with the belugas or get even closer with the AquaGliding experience offered by Lazy Bear Expeditions. Beluga AquaGliding allows participants to be approached by one of the thousands of friendly and curious beluga whales in their natural habitat, all while being right where the action is – gliding on the surface on a floating mat tethered to a Zodiac.

Where to stay

Stay at Lazy Bear Lodge, Churchill’s only authentic Northern wilderness lodge. Think cosy fireplaces, one-of-a-kind hand-built log rooms and delicious dining, all in the heart of Churchill. After a day of bear spotting and beluga adventures, your group will return to warm hospitality and delectable dishes at the creative Lazy Bear Café, before retiring to one of the 33 comfortable cabin rooms.

How to get here

Air travel to Churchill is run by Calm Air. This small Manitoba airline runs year-round flights from Winnipeg to Churchill. Groups can connect from Winnipeg to a number of major airports across the Canada and the US for international connections. 

This content is sponsored by Destination Canada Business Events. If you’re interested in rewarding your top performers with a memorable experience in Churchill, head to the Destination Canada Business Events website for ideas and inspiration