The Arctic tundra is one of our planet’s most stunning wildlife habitats: an endless snowscape in the winter that bursts with life when summer arrives, drawing migrating species such as caribou, beluga whales, and—most famously—polar bears. Travel to the Canadian Arctic this summer to experience this habitat and wildlife up close, using an Arctic research facility in Churchill, Manitoba, as your base. Explore the tundra with program experts, leaders, and peers as you develop your photography skills through hands-on instruction and field assignments. Capture wildlife and dramatic landscapes while learning from professionals and discovering the adaptations of Arctic species, the region’s ecosystems, and the conservation challenges facing wildlife and communities in a changing climate.

• Head out in all-terrain vehicles across the tundra to track and photograph polar bears
• Take a dog sledding lesson and learn about the importance of this mode of transport
• Kayak with beluga whales and learn about scientists’ understanding of their “singing”
• Use your camera to capture shooting stars and, if lucky, the Northern Lights

“After our Expert’s talks and being around her, I felt really inspired by her strong personality, and her efforts to help our world. She has given me perspectives and told us stories that inspire me to someday be like her.”

—Jasmine Z., Emma Willard School, San Mateo, CA

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Please note that, although we work with local experts to optimize our chances of spotting wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Departure — Travel Day + 1 day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and your leaders in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Get to know your group during the first overnight in Winnipeg, then spend a day together in the city. Learn more about the program and each other during an in-depth group orientation, then fly northward to Churchill early the next morning. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Churchill, Canada — 2 days

Begin your Arctic adventure in the remote town of Churchill, nicknamed the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Dive into an in-depth orientation, take a walk in this former fur-trading outpost—home to fewer than a thousand people—and learn about everyday life on the icy edge of Hudson Bay. Head across the bay with naturalist guides to hike from the Prince of Wales Fort to the harbor at Sloop Cove, looking for bear and other wildlife along the way. Spy names carved into the rocks, marks left by early European fur trappers, and hear the history of some of these individuals as shared by our Parks Canada guides. Photograph the wilderness that surrounds the town during a hike along the rugged shores of Hudson Bay. Learn about the educational outreach initiatives being done by Polar Bear International and their studies on bear behavior, biology, and population distribution. Visit the Itsanitaq Museum for a look at life on the tundra through the ages, and check out the exhibits on narwhals, sometimes called the “unicorns of the sea.” Attend a presentation by Parks Canada guides from the local Indigenous community to learn more about the history of Churchill and the surrounding areas, including the troubling history of the forced relocation programs that began in the 1950s. Practice the art of dog sledding on a lesson with a local dog sledding team and learn about the importance of this unique form of Arctic transportation. Visit Churchill's Polar Bear Holding Facility and discuss their work to maintain human-polar bear coexistence through detaining and relocating the curious polar bears that wander into town.

Churchill Northern Studies Centre — 7 days

Head to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, a research facility at the edge of the tundra that regularly hosts research scientists and conservationists. Learn about the behavior of polar bears, Arctic foxes, and other wildlife from the resident researchers, and get a firsthand look at how rising temperatures have affected the surrounding ecosystems.

Venture out onto the tundra on foot and in our all-terrain vehicle in search of polar bears, which arrive each summer with their cubs to roam the wilds surrounding Churchill, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can hunt seals and other marine life on the pack ice. Under guidance from naturalist guides, observe bears from a safe distance and photograph their white coats against the magenta fireweed that blankets the tundra each summer. Return to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre for a presentation by members of one of the remaining Indigenous fur trapping families in Churchill to hear about the practice of trapping and how the industry has changed in recent decades.

Encounter and photograph other wildlife that inhabit the far north, including caribou, red foxes, and a host of migratory birds. Kayak in waterways that teem with beluga whales, which migrate here in the thousands during the summer months to feed and give birth to their young. These marine mammals are known as the “canaries of the sea” for the singing noises they make. Watch them play at the water’s surface, and listen to their clicks and whistles as we learn how scientists are working to decipher their communications. With the help of our host biologists, investigate the ecological health of an estuary that serves as a temporary habitat for calving belugas. Present your independent project and celebrate your time together in northern Manitoba. The next day, fly to Winnipeg for a final night in the city.

Return — Travel Day

The next morning, continue on from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Program Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.

About the Destination

Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill, Manitoba, draws wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, climate change researchers, birders, and adventurers from around the world. This remote town has become a hotspot for polar bear observations as it is situated in a part of Hudson Bay which is the first to freeze over again after the summer. Hundreds of polar bears gather around Churchill waiting for the sea ice to return, where they hunt their main prey, the ringed seal. During the summer months, approximately 3,000 beluga whales flock to the Churchill River Estuary to feed, calve, and molt their skin. Manitoba is located in the traditional territories of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Ojibway, and Oji-Cree First Nations, as well as the Metis nation. Churchill is home to several significant historical sites, such as tent rings and summer campsites that have been attributed to the first inhabitants of the Churchill area, dating back 3,000 years.

Language

English and French are both official languages of Canada. English is the most commonly spoken language, followed by Cree, Inuktitut, French, and Dene. The languages of Dakota, Michif, Ojibwe, and Ojibwe-Cree are also used in Manitoba.

Climate

Light rain and temperatures in the mid-50s°F/13°C are most common during the summer. Churchill is known for dramatic weather shifts, and summertime temperatures vary widely, ranging from the low 40s°F/5°C to the low 70s°F/21°C. Days are long with the sun shining an estimated 19 hours a day!

Cuisine

The food on this program will likely be very similar to fare in the United States, and we encourage you to try local specialties, should you come across them. Vegetarians and travelers with dietary restrictions can certainly be accommodated as well.

About the Destination

Language

Climate

Cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

Review specific program questions here. For more general information, visit our full FAQ:

What are the main focuses of this program?

Our high school Canadian Arctic program combines hands-on photography with wildlife conservation as students explore the many facets of the tundra. Create a portfolio while learning to photograph wildlife such as polar bears and caribou, experiment with color as you frame your friends among fields of magenta fireweed, and capture vivid constellations across the night sky (and, if we’re lucky, the swirling flares of the Northern Lights). Alongside photography instruction, examine the tundra’s complex ecosystems and learn about the uniquely adapted life that thrives in these harsh landscapes. Discuss the latest research on resident and migratory species, investigate the health of area waterways, and see firsthand how research and conservation efforts are helping protect wildlife from the effects of rising temperatures.

What is the technology and cell phone policy?

To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney Student Travel experience, we do not allow use of cell phones or other internet-connected devices (including tablets, smart watches, laptops, etc.) on our middle school or high school travel programs. Students may have their cell phones during travel to and from the program. During the group’s in-country orientation, program leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones until departure day. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule.

Special note for this program: On our small-group, photography-focused programs in Yellowstone and the Canadian Arctic, students are required to bring a laptop as part of their program equipment. These laptops are used for program-related photography work, including downloading, editing, and sharing photographs. Students should use their laptops for these purposes and should not use them for personal internet use, communication, or entertainment. For more details, please see our Approach to Technology.

What is an Independent Project?

All students on Putney programs pursue an independent project as a way to more deeply engage with aspects of local culture that are of particular interest to them. In the Canadian Arctic you might practice newly learned photographic techniques such as composition and working with color and light, investigate different approaches to environmental stewardship found in Western and Indigenous communities, or explore the science behind the aurora borealis, including what causes its movement and changing forms.

How physically active is this program?

This is a physically active summer travel program that includes several excursions in a subarctic environment. To get the most out of the program, you should be enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as light hiking and kayaking. You do not need to have previous experience to participate, nor do you need to be at peak fitness, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

What are the accommodations for this program?

In Churchill, we stay in a warm, welcoming, family-run hotel in the heart of town, where students can experience the character of this small community. During our time at the research station, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations, where scientists, researchers, and students from a range of disciplines come together to study the region.

What are meals like in Churchill?

We eat meals at the research station or residence, and take packed lunches while out exploring the tundra or kayaking. On occasion, the group will stop at local cafes for snacks and warm beverages.

What type of student is most successful on this program?

Our Canadian Arctic program is a great fit for students who are passionate about photography, wildlife, conservation, environmentalism, and Indigenous history and perspectives. Students should be excited by unique travel experiences, outdoor exploration, and the opportunity to study a remarkable environment firsthand. It is also an excellent destination for students who want an international experience that still feels relatively close to home for North American travelers.

What makes Churchill a good location for a Putney Student Travel program?

Churchill offers an extraordinary setting for students to explore photography, wildlife, and conservation all in one place. Here, marine, boreal, and tundra ecosystems meet, creating a unique environment for studying Arctic wildlife and capturing it through photography. Students have opportunities to observe species such as polar bears, beluga whales, caribou, and migratory birds while learning about the research and conservation efforts taking place in the region.

Putney’s long experience in Churchill and relationships with local experts and organizations help us create a program that goes beyond simply seeing wildlife. Students spend time in the field, learn from researchers and community members, develop their photography skills, and explore different perspectives on conservation and the Arctic environment. Our combination of hands-on learning, meaningful local connections, and small-group travel allows students to experience Churchill in a deeper and more personal way.

How does the Canadian Arctic program compare to Putney’s other Career programs?

This program brings together several interests that are often explored separately on Putney Career programs: photography, wildlife, conservation, environmental science, and Indigenous history and perspectives. Students spend much of their time outdoors and in the field, using photography to explore the Arctic environment and its wildlife. The program also stands out for its remote setting and active research station, offering an adventurous, immersive experience.

Do students need prior experience or specific skills to join this program?

No specific experience or skills are required to join our high school Canadian Arctic program. Students do not need to have a background in photography or wildlife, and beginners are welcome. The most important qualities are an open mind, a willingness to try new things, and a positive approach to learning and participating in a supportive, small-group environment. At the same time, photographers of all experience levels can expect opportunities to build their skills, try new techniques, and deepen their understanding of photography.

What outcomes, skills, or growth can students expect to gain from this experience?

Students leave the Canadian Arctic program with stronger photography skills and a deeper understanding of Arctic wildlife, ecosystems, conservation, and Indigenous perspectives. Through hands-on field experiences, they develop skills in observation, composition, working with light and wildlife, and using photography to tell stories about the places and subjects they encounter.

Beyond the program’s themes, students gain confidence, independence, and adaptability from exploring a remote and unfamiliar environment. They build friendships and connections with peers, leaders, experts, and members of the Churchill community, while gaining new perspectives and a clearer sense of the subjects and fields they may want to explore in the future.

A Day in the Life: Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day on the program.

8:00am

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre

9:00am

Brief talk by researchers sharing field reports and the latest bear sightings

10:00am

Embark on a tide pooling excursion and photograph the unique landscape

12:30pm

Head to the shores of Hudson Bay for a picnic lunch

1:30pm

Join naturalists on a kayak trip into the Churchill River to observe and learn about the beluga that migrate to the estuary each summer

4:00pm

Warm up with a hot chocolate in town at an old trading post-turned-cafe

5:00pm

Head back for a shower and downtime before dinner

6:30pm

Enjoy dinner at the Churchill Northern Studies Center

8:00pm

Settle in for a presentation on the fur trapping industry from one of the few remaining active trappers in Churchill

9:00pm

Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule

11:30pm

Optional late viewing of the Northern Lights, weather permitting

“Kyle changed during his experience this summer and loved every second he was on the trip.”

—Patty & Leo M., Glenwood Springs, CO

Program Directed by

John Ralston

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

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Canadian Arctic

Photography & Wildlife Conservation