Learning vacations

immersive educational programs
experience

the north like never before

Join a CNSC Learning Vacation and gain a deep understanding and appreciation of Churchill’s rich history and breathtaking natural surroundings.

Our unrivaled Learning Vacations feature scientific and cultural activities led by a friendly expert. 

And because your itinerary, accommodations, and food are taken care of, the only thing you have to worry about is when you’re going to visit!

Winter Skies

February & March

Winter Skies

Six days

Immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Northern Lights.
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Spring's Wings

June

Spring's Wings

Five days

Enjoy bird watching opportunities in Canada's subarctic.
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Belugas in the Bay

July & August

Belugas in the Bay

Six days

Get up close and personal with hundreds of belugas.
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Lords of the Arcitc

October & November

Lords of the Arctic

Six days

Polar bears in their natural habitat along the Hudson Bay.
MORE INFO

Winter Skies

February & March

Winter Skies

Six days

Immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Northern Lights.
MORE INFO

Spring's Wings

June

Spring's Wings

Five days

Enjoy unique bird watching opportunities in Canada's subarctic.
MORE INFO

Belugas in the Bay

July & August

Belugas in the Bay

Six days

Get up close and personal with hundreds of belugas.
MORE INFO

Lords of the Arcitc

October & November

Lords of the Arctic

Six days

View polar bears in their natural habitat along the Hudson Bay.
MORE INFO

Learning Vacations range from five to seven days in length, and each day is packed with wildlife viewing excursions, visits to local museums and attractions, and fascinating tours.

You’ll stay on our campus, you’ll share meals (and conversations) with visiting scientists, our in-house research team, and other lifelong learners, and you’ll enjoy enlightening evening lectures on a range of topics, from wildlife to indigenous cultures.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at current research being done at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, which is an active subarctic field station.

Whether you’re interested in birds, belugas, bears, or the beautiful northern lights, your Learning Vacation will not just be a trip to Churchill; it will be an experience of a lifetime.

Here is what some of our previous guests have said:

The CNSC is in THE MOST REMARKABLE PLACE! I was impressed with all that went into their earning the silver LEED. Really glad that there was lecture and tour of the building. Loved the lectures about life up there, nature, astronomy, science, life in indigenous communities... Every day since my return, I relive so many events, lectures, activities. I just felt like I could have stayed another week!
This trip was a true Bucket-List trip, a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me, and the experiences far exceeded my hopes... I learned SO MUCH! The first two nights there we have beautiful Aurora experiences! I would've stayed up for hours more if I weren't so tired!
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an exceptional facility -- comfortable (great food), sustainable, and filled with interesting materials (photos, maps, etc.). Staying in a remote location heightened our enjoyment of the landscape while providing everything we needed to be happy. Their having gear we could rent was a huge plus! And the staff there were unfailingly helpful.

Why choose a Learning Vacation?

Notable experts

Your group's guide will be with you for the duration of your visit, providing insight and information every step of the way. Plus, your guide will provide engaging, in-depth lectures every evening, allowing you to develop a genuine connection to the subject.

Northern Appreciation

Each Learning Vacation features a mix of scientific, cultural, and true-to-Churchill activities, ensuring that your visit is fun, educational, and authentic. You will hear unique perspectives from members of the Churchill community as they share their skills and knowledge with you.

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 Learning Vacations

Fees for Learning Vacations range from $2,369 to $4199 CDN. This covers accommodations, on-site meals, tours, activities, and lectures, and travel within Churchill.

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. 

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. 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 cancel 120 days or more before the Learning Vacation, you will receive your full payment, less the deposit.

If you cancel 119 to 60 days before the start of the Learning Vacation, you will receive 50 per cent of your payment.

Payments for trips cancelled 59 days or less before the scheduled start date will not be refunded.

Click here to see the full Learning Vacation Payment and Cancellation policy.

-survey, membership, apply to be a volunteer now that you know us!

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.

You can also see our General Information and packing list.

We will do our best to accommodate you, provided you give us ample notice of your needs.

You may also want to consider visiting the Churchill Northern Studies Centre in a three-week Volunteer Expedition

CBN: 100966175RR0001