Program Directed by
John Ralston
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Canadian Arctic
Wildlife Conservation & Photography
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. Choose either the Photography or Wildlife Conservation track, and delve into your focus area as you set out with a program expert, leaders, and peers to learn more about the unique adaptations that allow species to survive the extreme Arctic conditions, and how they and the communities that live there are coping with a changing climate.
- Highlights
• 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
• 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
Featured
Expert
An Expert joins each Career program for a portion of the itinerary, lending their insights and perspectives to the experience.
2025 Expert will be announced soon!
2025 Expert will be announced soon!
For over 24 years, Erika has committed herself to storytelling through long-form photographic essays, short-form video documentaries, and monographs that interweave narrative and imagery. Her work delves into the human experience across cultures and explores...
For over 24 years, Erika has committed herself to storytelling through long-form photographic essays,...
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 1950’s. 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 has hosted National Geographic-funded 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 range, 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 who 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.
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 1950’s. 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 has hosted National Geographic-funded 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 range, 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 who 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
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Program Themes
Choose either the Photography or Wildlife Conservation workshop, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
Photography Workshop • Create a portfolio showcasing the many facets of the tundra. Learn to photograph wildlife using polar bears and caribou as your subjects. Experiment with color as you frame your friends in fields of magenta fireweed, and capture vivid constellations across the night sky and—if we’re lucky—the swirling flares of the Northern Lights. There is a supplemental fee of $150 for this track.
Wildlife Conservation Workshop • 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 and investigate the health of area waterways on tidepooling excursions. See firsthand how findings are being used to protect area wildlife from the effects of rising temperatures.
Technology
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program that includes several active excursions in an Arctic 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, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are interested in trying all activities.
Accommodations
In Churchill, we stay in a family-run hotel in the center of town. During our time at the research station, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations.
Meals
We eat meals at the research station or residence, and take packed lunches while out exploring the tundra or kayaking. On occasion the group may stop at local cafes for snacks and warm beverages.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Program Themes
Choose either the Photography or Wildlife Conservation workshop, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
Photography Workshop • Create a portfolio showcasing the many facets of the tundra. Learn to photograph wildlife using polar bears and caribou as your subjects. Experiment with color as you frame your friends in fields of magenta fireweed, and capture vivid constellations across the night sky and—if we’re lucky—the swirling flares of the Northern Lights. There is a supplemental fee of $150 for this track.
Wildlife Conservation Workshop • 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 and investigate the health of area waterways on tidepooling excursions. See firsthand how findings are being used to protect area wildlife from the effects of rising temperatures.
Technology
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program that includes several active excursions in an Arctic 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, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are interested in trying all activities.
Accommodations
In Churchill, we stay in a family-run hotel in the center of town. During our time at the research station, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations.
Meals
We eat meals at the research station or residence, and take packed lunches while out exploring the tundra or kayaking. On occasion the group may stop at local cafes for snacks and warm beverages.
A Day in the Life: Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Every day will be a little different as we adjust to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Here is a snapshot of a day at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
- Morning
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
- Afternoon
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 spy and learn about the beluga who 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
- Evening
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
A Day in the Life:
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Every day will be a little different as we adjust to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Here is a snapshot of a day at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
- Morning
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
- Afternoon
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 spy and learn about the beluga who 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
- Evening
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!
