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 unrivalled 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
Spring's Wings
Belugas in the Bay
Lords of the Arcitc
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:
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!
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.