Spring's Wings
The Birds of Churchill
Join the migration to one of Canada's Premier
Birding hotspots
Upcoming Learning Vacations
Five days I 9 spots
2025 DATES COMING SOON
Churchill is host to tens of thousands of migratory birds in the spring, and you could be one of the enthusiastic birders adding some coveted rare finds to your list.
Your small group will be led on daily outings by an expert with decades of experience. Together, you will explore the diverse habitats in the area — including tundra, boreal forest, freshwater systems, and the coastal marine environment of the Hudson Bay – to spot some of the 175 species that can regularly be found in and around Churchill.
While the obscure Ross’ Gull is the sought-after star of many wish lists, you’ll delight as you search for other local favourites, too, like the Willow Ptarmigan, Arctic Tern, Hudsonian Godwit, Parasitic Jaeger, Red-throated Loon, and Red-necked Phalarope, along with falcons, hawks, Snowy Owls, and Tundra Swans.
Why choose a Learning Vacation?
Notable experts
Your expert instructor will be with you for the duration of your visit, providing insight and information every step of the way.
Convenience & Affordability
At the Centre, we provide all essential services, including high quality meals, housekeeping, gear rentals, and transportation within the town. Plus, our communal accommodations help keep costs competitive. Once you book your Learning Vacation, the only other thing to do is arrange your travel to Churchill — and we can help.
Exclusive location
The Centre is located inside the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, about 23 kilometres outside of town. From the safety of our outdoor viewing platform, you'll get some truly wild views of local species, like migratory birds and a variety of terrestrial mammals. And before bed, don't forget to keep your eyes on the sky from the warmth of our indoor Aurora dome.
contribution to research
Your participation will also have a major impact on subarctic research, since you'll be helping to provide scientists with an affordable, accessible location to continue their valuable work. As an independent, registered non-profit research station, the CNSC invests all revenue into its mission to understand and sustain the north.
at the Centre
Your Learning Vacation includes accommodations, on-site meals, tours, activities, lectures, and travel within Churchill.
Guest rooms accommodate four people in bunk beds, with individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves, and individual reading lamps. We provide all linens, including bed sheets, comforters, and towels. Separate female and male washrooms have toilets, sinks, and private showers.
The building is equipped with top-of-the-line wireless internet. Local calls can be made from the Weston Family Welcome Lounge. Please note that cellular coverage is unreliable at the CNSC.
Your financial contribution has a major impact. Not only does it cover the costs of running the Learning Vacation, but it also allows us to provide researchers an affordable, accessible location to continue their valuable work.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Spring's Wings
Fees for Spring’s Wings are $2,529 CDN in 2024. This covers accommodations, on-site meals, tours, activities, and lectures, and travel within Churchill.
A non-refundable deposit is due upon booking.
For monthly payment options, please contact our finance department.
Your financial contribution has a major impact. Not only does it cover the costs of running the Learning Vacation, but it also allows us to provide researchers an affordable, accessible location ( board, lab space, equipment, access to the north) to continue their valuable work.
Plus, each guest will receive CNSC membership for one year, ensuring you can stay up-to-date on all our activities.Â
At time of booking, a 20% of the total trip fee is due immediately. This deposit is non-refundable, except in cases of trip cancellation due to low registration numbers (see Refund Policy).
Payments for Learning Vacation bookings are due 60 days before the start of the trip, and are non-refundable. Bookings made within 60 days of the Learning Vacation will need to be paid in full.
Click here to see the full Learning Vacation Payment and Cancellation policy.
In the event that you need to cancel or reschedule your trip for personal reasons, your deposit will not be refunded.
If you decide to cancel before 60 days prior to the arrival date of your Learning Vacation, you will receive your full payment, less the deposit and transaction fees.
If you decide to cancel within 60 days of your arrival of your Learning Vacation, no refund will be granted.
Click here to see the full Learning Vacation Payment and Cancellation policy.
About a week after you leave, we will send you a survey so you can provide feedback on your experience.
Since your Learning Vacation fees also includes a one-year membership to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, you will receive a copy of The Birdfish magazine to help keep you updated on all our activities.
Of course, you are always welcome to book another Learning Vacation, or experience the CNSC a different way by applying for a Volunteer Expedition.
Churchill is accessible only by train and airplane. ViaRail and Calm Air offer regular return service from Winnipeg to Churchill. We are happy to help you figure out schedules if you need it.
Once you arrive in town, we will pick you up and get you settled in at the Centre.
You will be assigned a room within the CNSC for the duration of your stay.
Guest rooms accommodate up to four people in bunk beds, with individual closet space, a small writing desk, bedside shelves, and individual reading lamps. We provide all linens, including bed sheets, comforters, and towels.
Separate female and male washrooms have low flow toilets, sinks, and private showers. Washing machines are available every evening.
The building is equipped with top-of-the-line wireless internet. Local calls can be made from the Weston Family Welcome Lounge. Please note that cellular coverage is unreliable at the CNSC.
The Centre has a small gift shop which carries postcards, stamps, books, CNSC brand clothing, locally made jams and jellies, and other souvenirs.
Yes! Once you book, we will send you a Welcome Package that includes a packing list for each season. And if you need anything while you’re here, we have a selection of gear available to rent.
We can provide meat and vegetarian options. We will do our best to accommodate other needs, provided you give us ample notice of your needs, but we cannot make any guarantees.