Churchill: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the shooting conditions like?

In Churchill we stay in a motel in town and eat at local restaurants. There is a network of gravel roads across the tundra, and we drive in a van to various photo spots.

At a given location, we may walk a very short, or a longer distance, almost never more than a mile, and usually a few hundred yards. Depending on the particular spot, it can be very wet, and I usually wear hip waders. Some spots are dry and normal hiking boots are OK, but it's usually wet enough for waders, especially when kneeling.

The water is usually not very deep, because there's a layer of permafrost a couple feet down. A few people have used chest waders, and there are a couple of times I wish I had them, but I don't use them -- I think I'd overheat in them.

Where is Churchill?

Churchill sits at the mouth of the Churchill River on Hudson Bay, an extension of the Arctic Ocean. It is in the Canadian province of Manitoba, just south of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut province.

What is the weather like?

Churchill's weather is strongly affected by Hudson Bay and the amount of ice (if any) still present, and can change with wind direction. Wind from the southern plains is warm, while winds blowing over ice still in Hudson Bay is chilled. I've experienced temperatures anywhere from freezing to 80° F (rarely that warm).

Churchill weather data May June July
Average daily high 37° F 52° F 62° F
Average daily low 23° F 34° F 44° F
Average rainfall 1.2 in. 1.8 in. 2.0 in.
Average rain days 5 days 11 days 12 days

How do I get there?

Churchill (YYQ) is serviced six days a week by Calm Air flights from Winnipeg, Manitoba (YWG). You can also take the train from Winnipeg, but this takes 36 hours.

What's included in this Photo Tour?

We'll have seven full days for photography. You are responsible for your air fare to Churchill. Once you arrive, we'll pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel. The Photo Tour fee includes 8 nights of lodging (double occupancy; upgrade to private room for a fee), all ground transport while in Churchill, and breakfasts and lunches. You pay for your dinner and any alcoholic beverages, and we generally go as a group to area restaurants. You are also entitled to a portfolio review during the trip, as well as a review of your images after the trip. We may also have group slide shows during the trip using a digital projector.

How bad are the mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes usually aren't thick until the end of June, and we'll be there earlier. When they are bad, I simply wear a head net and latex surgical gloves (good dexterity and they can't bite through -- I bring a box) and spray repellent on my clothes. Some people are fine with repellent on the face and hands. The mosquitoes always decrease when it's windy and/or cold.

How strenuous is this trip?

Our typical photo locations are along the network of roads that wind through the tundra and boreal forest around Churchill, and on the shores of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay. Some photo locations are very close to the vehicle; at other times we may hike up to a half mile or more from the road; this is always optional, but may be necessary to reach certain subjects.

Usually the greatest exertion comes from carrying your assembled gear with long telephoto lens across uneven, wet tundra. The vehicle is always available if you want to take a break.

How big a lens do I need?

You'll want a telephoto lens for bird photography if you want frame-filling shots. My personal favorite is the Canon 500 mm f/4 IS lens, and I carry 1.4X and 2X extenders. A 600 mm lens is also good, just more to carry. I've also done well with a 300 mm f/2.8 and extenders. If your digital camera has a crop factor like 1.3X or 1.6X, that gives you more reach with shorter lenses.

What other lenses should I bring?

A shorter telephoto lens is good for hand-held flight photography. Churchill, Hudson Bay and the Tundra can be quite scenic, so I always have short and wide angle lenses handy.

Do I need waders?

Hip waders are know locally as "Churchill tennis shoes." I recommend bringing a sturdy pair that will withstand abrasion or punctures while traversing the tundra. Mine are not insulated -- we're usually not standing for any period in cold water where insulation is important. They are helpful when traversing wet, boggy areas and for kneeling or laying on wet ground. Some people prefer chest waders, but I think they are overkill and might cause you to overheat when walking.

Does it ever get dark?

We're in Churchill near the Summer Solstice, and just south of the Arctic Circle. Sunset is around 2:00 a.m., and sunrise is around 4:30 a.m. Between these times the sun is barely below the horizon and the sky is still very bright.

What is the light like during the day?

In the Arctic, the sun rises just east of north, then makes a big counterclockwise circle around the entire horizon, finally setting again just west of north, near where it rose. It never gets very high in the sky. If it's clear, the light can be good for much of the day. As you get near sunset, the sun moves more from right to left along the horizon than it goes down, so this sweet light can last a very long time. If it's not clear, we hope for cloudy bright skies, which can be particularly good for contrasty subjects. On flat overcast days, using a flash with a Better Beamer Flash Extender is very helpful.