
Nanuk Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions please feel free to message us with the chat widget or email them to us!
What time of year is best to see Aurora in Churchill with Nanuk Operations?
Churchill actually has aurora activity over 300 days of the year and Nanuk Operations starts running Aurora tours in mid August to compliment our other adventures. January - March is peak aurora season in Churchill due to longer, dark winter nights. The cold weather in winter also helps by decreasing potential cloud cover. Our geographical location directly under the Aurora Oval means we see aurora more consistently than other locations in the world! Our Nights Under Lights multi-day adventure is a great way to maximize your chances at Aurora viewing while enjoying all of the other amazing things Churchill has to offer over winter.
Why choose Nanuk Operations and Churchill for my Aurora trip?
Sitting directly under the Aurora Oval means Churchill is in the perfect zone for Aurora activity. Where other places need high KP numbers, Churchill can have fantastic Aurora at a low 2-3 on the KP Index and cold, dark nights over winter give Churchill clear, dark skies to view the northern lights in the sky.
Although known for polar bears, Churchills history with Aurora is even longer. In the 1950's Churchills ideal location for Aurora meant it was chosen to establish a rocket range that was used to study the upper atmosphere and Aurora activity.
Nanuk Operations focuses on small group adventure and photographic tours. Our custom built locations and tour packages will draw you into the north, immerse you in culture, adventure and history and top it all off with some of the best chances at viewing Aurora you will find.
Although more expensive than other travel locations for Aurora, it also means Churchill is quieter, more exclusive, and still a true northern town. You're not just a number here.
When is the best time to see polar bears in Churchill with Nanuk Operations?
Nanuk Operations runs wildlife and polar bear tours starting in August and through to November each year with October / November being the peak months of the polar bear migration. Depending on what kind of adventure you are after summer can be an exciting time for polar bears as well, seeing them along the coastline by boat and even hunting or eating beluga whales! If you're looking for the iconic polar bear on ice and snow then you will want to come later in October and into November.
How does Nanuk Operations set themselves apart from other Polar Bear tours?
Locally owned and operated, Nanuk Operations started with a focus on polar bears. Formally a company for almost a decade, owner and operator Caleb Ross has 20 years of experience on the ground with polar bears and other wildlife in the Churchill region.
Nanuk Operations has worked with experts and film crews from all over the world, including BBC, National Geographic, Smithsonian, PBS, Discovery and many more.
All of our guides have years of experience and operate not just in Churchill but around North America with all types of bears and wildlife.
Our tours take place in smaller, modified passenger vehicles along the coastline east of Churchill, and we also get out on the ground with wildlife to better take photographs experience first hand the beauty of north.
Does Nanuk Operations offer walking tours with polar bears and other wildlife?
Yes, we get out of our vehicles and provide ground based experiences with polar bears and other wildlife as well. These experiences are dictated by the situation, the wildlife, the weather and will be decided upon by your guide.
Does Nanuk Operations offer day tours or only multi-day trips?
Nanuk Operations offers a variety of both Multi-Day and Single Day adventures throughout the year. Hikes, history, aurora, snowshoeing, wildlife and more!
Does Nanuk Operations offer private trips and tours?
Yes! Nanuk Operations can offer fully private tours for you or your group. These can be fully customized to meet your expectations. Reach out to us to learn more!
How do I book multiple tours?
If you are booking multiple day tours you can go through and start the booking process for one, then navigate back to find the next tour (or add another date for the same tour). It will keep track of all you have added and process them all at checkout. Please note that Chase the Aurora tours need to be booked separately and not with other tours (although you can book multiple chase the aurora tours together).
Do you offer refunds if we cannot make the tour?
Deposits are non-refundable. The rest of the tour is refundable up until 45 days before the tour date. After this the entire of the tour becomes non-refundable. However, if WE cancel a tour then you may be eligible for a full refund. Some tours will have specific Terms and Conditions which may supersede these refund rules. These will be amended to the bottom of the standard Terms and Conditions so please make sure to read them thoroughly.
What do I need to bring?
Depending on the time of year you will need different clothes and equipment. Our Welcome Package that will be emailed out to you at the time of booking should give you an idea of what to bring for your adventure! If you're just booking a single tour and the Welcome Package does not apply to your booking feel free to contact us directly for information on clothing and equipment requirements.
Has Nanuk Operations won any awards?
Yes! We have won an innovation award from Manitoba Tourism for our Aurora Nights under Lights location. We have also won the Travelers Choice award from Trip Advisor for 2024 and 2025.