From corporate meetings to incentive groups, Manitoba has a wealth of venues and heart-stirring experiences that will add an adrenaline boost to your group’s next event or incentive program. Whether your goal is to reward your peak performers, celebrate business success or dazzle your top clients, you can inspire your employees and clients with the promise of a lightshow of a lifetime this winter with a trip to Churchill.
Located under the auroral oval (a region centred on the Earth’s magnetic north pole), Churchill is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights. Peak time to visit is between February and March when the night sky is clear and dark. As an added bonus, heightened solar activity this year means the aurora borealis will dance brighter and more often.
Unique ways to view the Northern Lights
Viewing the northern lights in Churchill is all about unique vantage points. The Churchill Northern Studies Centre, situated 23 kilometres outside of the town of Churchill, provides ideal conditions. You can view the aurora from the heated dome at the top of the building or from an outdoor observation deck. While there, schedule an educational lecture for your group to learn from the centre’s scientists and astronomers about the science behind this natural weather phenomenon.
Frontiers North Adventures in Churchill offers packaged tours that depart from Winnipeg. Northern lights viewing happens from their oh-so-cozy Thanadelthur Lounge, situated away from town across the frozen Churchill River and far from any light pollution. Make sure to include a visit to Dan’s Diner, a mobile Tundra Buggy® pop-up restaurant on the arctic tundra. Guests will love dining under the shimmering northern lights while they enjoy culinary dishes featuring local and regional fare.
John Gunter, oresident and CEO of Frontiers North Adventures, says the company operates similar to a community destination marketing company, working with other Churchill operators to plan the ultimate adventure for events and groups.
“We have strong operational experience and leadership when it comes to working with groups to organize transportation, accommodation and meals.” he said. “On top of that, we collaborate with Indigenous and local operators to lead wild and phenomenal experiences for our guests to get the most out of their time spent in Churchill.”
Groups who book a northern lights trip with Natural Habitat Adventures will get exclusive access to their warm and comfortable Aurora Pod, specially designed for viewing the aurora borealis with 360-degree views of the sky via innovative glass construction and cushioned seats. A Natural Habitat trip also includes the Churchill Hotel’s prized Aurora Domes, where your group can unwind in the lounge or head up to one of two viewing domes to see the lights.
Not to be missed, groups will love dogsledding through the snow-covered boreal forest with Wapusk Adventures. During the day, take part in a guided adventure through the boreal forest and learn about the importance of dogsledding to Indigenous Peoples of the North. At night, watch the northern lights from the dogsled yard with the option to warm up inside a fire-warmed tipi.
“Wapusk Adventures is more than a dogsled ride through the boreal forest,” said Dave Daley, owner of Wapusk Adventures. “We are an award-winning Indigenous tourism experience. Groups can not only experience the world-famous ‘Ididamile’ through the forest but will also learn about our Métis culture and philosophies and how we apply them to our kennels.”
More legendary adventures in Churchill
In summer, over 60,000 beluga whales make their way to the Hudson Bay and about 5,000 of those whales swim into the Churchill River estuary to feed, mate and calve. From an underwater viewing vessel and zodiac boats to stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, tour operators are equipped to take your team out on the water to see belugas up close.
When the temperatures begin to drop, polar bears start to gather along the western shore of the bay as they wait for the ice to form so they can access their winter feast. Groups can book a tour to view the bears from the comfort and safety of tundra vehicles that are designed to travel carefully over the delicate terrain.
For the more adventurous, opt to stay in a unique wilderness lodge with Churchill Wild where your group can venture out on walking safaris led by experienced guides. Operators like Lazy Bear Expeditions offer polar bear and aurora viewing packages from August to September, combining two of the best reasons to visit in one season. Churchill operators are equipped to help you elevate your event with a legendary adventure.
Visit travelmanitoba.com/incentives to find out more.
