Canada’s vast northern landscapes offer a remarkable setting for students to truly get off the beaten path and explore wildlife, conservation, and the natural world. In Churchill, Manitoba, where the boreal forest, marine environment, and Arctic tundra meet, students can observe polar bears, beluga whales, caribou, and migratory birds in their natural habitats. Each summer, thousands of beluga whales gather in the Churchill River estuary and long summer days provide ample time to investigate these environments, and the effects of climate change are especially visible in the north. Churchill is also a community shaped by Indigenous traditions and northern livelihoods. For students interested in wildlife, photography, conservation, or environmental science, Canada’s Arctic is the perfect place to learn directly from researchers and experience the north’s unique ecosystems.

Students discover how scientists study wildlife and protect vulnerable habitats while gaining a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories and communities in the region. For high school students, the Arctic also offers an extraordinary setting to develop photography skills and document wildlife and landscapes firsthand.

What Do Putney Students Experience in Canada?

Putney Student Travel first offered programs in Canada in the 1980s, and our current programs in the Canadian Arctic combine hands-on exploration with opportunities to learn from researchers, naturalists, and local experts. Students explore the Arctic tundra in search of polar bears, caribou, Arctic foxes, and migratory birds, and learn about the conservation challenges facing these ecosystems. They also kayak in waterways where beluga whales gather each summer and discover more about marine life and the Churchill River Estuary. Through local presentations and conversations with community members, students learn about Indigenous histories and relationships with the land. High school students develop photography skills through hands-on instruction and field assignments, while outdoor activities such as dog sledding lessons and guided tundra excursions offer additional ways to experience the region.

What Type of Student Thrives in the Canadian Arctic?

Putney offers Canadian Arctic programs for middle school students in grades 6–8 and high school students in grades 9–12. Middle school students explore wildlife, ecosystems, and local communities through an active Exploration program. High school students take part in a Career program focused on wildlife conservation and photography, including an independent project. Both programs are well suited to students who enjoy being outdoors and are curious about wildlife and the environment. No previous photography experience is required.