Beluga Whale Retreat in Churchill, Canada
Snorkel & Kayak with 3000 Wild Belugas in Hudson Bay
July 8–15, 2026
Small group • Limited spaces • Peak beluga season
A glimpse into our Beluga Whale Retreat in Churchill, Canada - aquagliding, kayaking, exploring Arctic landscapes, and wild beluga encounters in Hudson Bay.
Each summer, the white whales return...
After months in the frozen north, thousands of beluga whales migrate into the warm, shallow estuaries of Hudson Bay and gather in the shallow estuaries near Churchill, Manitoba.
This creates a rare seasonal window when we can enter the water through guided, water-gliding snorkeling and share the same habitat from kayaks and SUP boards.
This is not thrill tourism. It’s a conscious pilgrimage into the Arctic — where the air feels different, the mind gets quiet, and the waters carry a kind of clarity that many people can feel immediately.
We come with deep respect for the natural world and a clear commitment to non-interference. We do not approach, chase, or seek interaction. We simply enter with stillness and allow any moments of connection to arise only if the belugas choose.
If you feel called to meet the beluga field — their joy, their purity, their luminous presence — we warmly invite you.
With love,
Jan & Anníka
Beluga Retreat — An Overview
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Where: Churchill, Manitoba, Canada — Hudson Bay
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What: Ethical beluga encounters through snorkeling, kayaking or SUP, plus boat-based observation
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Whales: Wild beluga whales (3000–5000 seasonally in the Churchill River estuary)
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Season: Peak beluga presence (July)
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Style: Sacred circle, meditation, toning, integration & nature immersion
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How: All encounters are guided by regulations and whale choice.
The Beluga Retreat will be cocreated with the guidance and collective field of thousands of white whales and the Codes of Purity, Joy and Compassion they are unlocking within us.
Why Belugas & the Arctic?
Each July and August, over 50,000 beluga whales enter Hudson Bay, with between 3000–5000 gathering in the Churchill River estuary in peak season.
These shallow coastal nursery waters provide a safe environment where mothers give birth, calves learn to navigate their world, and pods gather for social bonding, play and renewal.
But beyond what we see, there is something we feel...
Crystalline purity
These are not just words. When you travel far north, you notice a tremendous shift inside your being – your thoughts slow down or even disappear, and deep serenity fills your being. All the distractions and distortions fall away and you’re able to perceive nature and yourself with a newfound clarity. You can hear Gaia, the soul of the planet, sing with such loving presence that you wonder how come you couldn’t hear her in your everyday life.
Why does that happen?
When you intuitively look at the grids of the planet, you notice that lots of energy and light enters Earth’s field near the poles, and spread through the grids in beautiful, quantum patterns that echo in this dimension as the Northern lights. This is not only delivered through the grids, but also through water cycles of crystallization and melting that resets and imprints the waters with sacred codes, divine blueprints, and light information.
The role of the Belugas
All the cetaceans of the north are guardians of this process and can unlock these codes within our being. Belugas hold beautiful keys to the process of embodying the purest codes of the Soul, in the presence of the compassionate Mother (the sacred Feminine) and at the same time, carry a frequency of such childlike joy and trust that we have no choice but to heal, remember and recalibrate to the presence of our Soul.
Imagine This...
Fifty thousand belugas enter Hudson Bay every year — a kind of summer gathering after eight months of Arctic ice.
You step into your kayak. You breathe. You soften.
A white shape appears beside you — curious, unhurried.
Another follows...
You lower your mask into the water — and beneath you a pod glides through the green-blue stillness. Mothers. Calves. Families moving as one.
Not a performance. Not a guarantee.
A living encounter that happens only when it is meant to.
Retreat Highlights
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4 guided beluga whale excursions (boat + snorkeling + kayak/SUP)
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Quiet presence in one of the world’s largest seasonal beluga gatherings, receiving the Codes of Purity and Joy
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Arctic wildlife tour (birds, tundra, polar bears & other wildlife)
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Daily sacred circle, meditation, toning, and integration practices
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Deep Inner Peace through Crystalline Remembrance
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Connection and Integration with Your Soul Family
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Channeling Tones for Healing and Whale Communication
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Personal guidance with Jan Lemuri & Annika Omkaram
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Small group container for safety, depth, and intimacy
The Beluga Retreat is co-created with the presence and collective field of these beautiful white whales — and the qualities they awaken within us.
Aquagliding, kayaking & land exploring
This journey moves gently between water and land — between presence on the surface of the bay and exploration of the vast northern landscape.
Through aquagliding and kayaking, we enter the beluga habitat in a quiet, respectful way — floating, drifting, and moving slowly through the waters of Hudson Bay. These experiences invite stillness, awareness, and openness to whatever unfolds.
What you see when you put your mask underwater and a pod of belugas swims around you. There will be many mothers with babies!
This is what Aquagliding and Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Churchill is like... So exciting!
On land, we step into the wide, raw beauty of the Arctic — walking, observing, and taking in the silence and scale of this untouched environment.
There is space here. Space to breathe, to integrate, and to feel the deeper connection with nature that this place naturally awakens.
Accomodations
Polar Inn & Suites is situated on the edge of the Arctic near the Hudson Bay in Churchill. Our location is a perfect home base for adventures that await us with all the incredible wildlife that is home to this area.
Rooms come complete with private bath & shower, hairdryers, remote TV, a fridge, in room coffee maker (daily complimentary coffee and tea), clock radios and free Internet. Access to microwave, kettles, dishes, books, games, and magazines in main lobby area.
Pricing & Registration
Double/Shared Occupancy: $3995
Single Occupancy (if available): $4995
What is Included
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Pick up and drop off at the airport
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7 nights accommodation, 7 continental breakfasts
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4 beluga whale tours (1x boat, 2x aquagliding snorkeling, 1x kayak or SUP)
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Snorkeling gear (wetsuits, gloves, shoes, masks, snorkels)
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Daily sacred circle, meditation, toning, and integration practices
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Personal instructions and guidance on beluga contact
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Zoom call with Jan and Anníka 14 days before the retreat
What is not Included
Lunches and dinners, any extra tours, plane tickets, health and travel insurance, personal expenses.
*Note: Organizer reserves the right to change the program or accommodations due to unexpected circumstances, weather, higher force, etc.
How to reserve your place in the retreat
This retreat is intentionally small and only a few spaces remain.
To begin, please complete the form below and include your preferred accommodation (single or double room).
We personally confirm availability before any payment is made.
Once availability is confirmed, you can transfer the $2000 deposit to secure your place. The deposit is 50% refundable until April 30, 2026, no refunds after that date.
To pay with your card through SSL Secure Payment, use this button:
Other Payment Options are direct bank transfer (in euro), or Venmo:
Bank transfer in euro
Account holder: Jan Lemuri
BIC: TRWIBEB1XXX
IBAN: BE69 9672 5978 6978
Wise's address
Avenue Louise 54, Room S52 Brussels 1050 Belgium
Venmo
@Jan-Lemuri
How to get there?
Look for domestic or international flights to Winnipeg, Canada.
From there you can continue two ways:
Option 1: Flight Winnipeg - Churchill
Calm Air International flights to Churchill from Winnipeg (Manitoba’s capital city) for reservations or travel information: 1-800-839-2256 (the only airline for Churchill) or book HERE.
Option 2: Train Winnipeg - Churchill
Via Rail Canada Inc. For reservations or travel information: 1-888-842-7245 or book HERE.
Book your two-night (36-38 hour) journey from Winnipeg to Churchill at least one week in advance to receive a discount. Also inquire about special rates for seniors and students. If traveling coach, bring a pillow, blanket, ear plugs, bottled water and some entertainment like cards, books, music, etc. Reasonably priced food is available onboard the train, but you may wish to bring some healthy snacks.
Meet Your Hosts
We are Jan Lemuri and Annika Omkaram — life partners, collaborators, and companions on a shared path of service to the living intelligence of Gaia and the True Earth. Together, we guide events, retreats, trainings, and field-based initiations internationally, supporting participants in embodied transformation and a conscious relationship with life.
Our work arises through deep listening and direct transmission rather than fixed systems or formulas. Each retreat unfolds as a living field of presence, coherence, remembrance, and embodied alignment with life.
We feel honored to serve the highest good and to support the most aligned potentials unfolding within each participant.
To learn more about our journey and our work together, we warmly invite you to visit the Meet the Team tab.
Our Commitment to Responsible Wildlife Encounters
Our approach is rooted in stillness, respect and non-interference:
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We do not swim toward beluga whales
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We do not initiate physical interaction
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We do not feed or attract wildlife
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We do not interfere with natural behaviour
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We only remain present for voluntary encounters
We do not in any way support or participate in experiences involving captivity, confinement or display of marine mammals. All wildlife encounters occur exclusively with free-ranging beluga whales in their natural environment.
Main Themes of our Beluga Retreat
Beluga Codes
Looking into the eyes of a beluga you can't help but to laugh and attune to their joy. Beyond that, their whiteness represents the purity of the Soul.
Joyful Connection
We have three intentions:, to experience the joy of the belugas, to rekindle in us the inner joy of the Soul and to share it in our human circle.
Inner Child Healing
Taking the hand of the divine mother we can re-align to the purity of our personal Source codes for Embodiment, creating healing and renewal.
Crystalline Grids
This far North, on the edge of the Arctic, you will be able to feel the difference - inner clarity, spiritual downloads and deep Gaia connection.
Sacred Feminine
Belugas are guides to Soul embodiment on the spiritual level. They work closely with the energy of divine cosmic mother to help new souls arrive.
Pristine Gaia
There is so much sacredness in this land... The heart of the divine mother is the crystalline heart of Gaia, holding us in every moment.
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Gaia here is unlike anything you've seen before – unique natural scenery of the north that stays under ice for 8 months of the year. From belugas to polar bears, from icebergs to summer flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beluga Whale Retreat Churchill, Canada
Is this swimming with beluga whales?
No. This is not “swimming with belugas.” Our retreat includes guided aquagliding/snorkeling-style observation, kayaking, SUP, and boat-based beluga encounters in areas where wild belugas naturally gather.
We do not swim toward whales, chase them, touch them, feed them, or initiate interaction. Any proximity happens only if the wild belugas choose to approach voluntarily.
Are the belugas wild or captive?
All encounters are with wild beluga whales in Hudson Bay and the Churchill River estuary.
We do not support or participate in any activities involving captive, confined, trained, or displayed marine mammals.
Why is Churchill one of the best places to see beluga whales?
Churchill, Manitoba is one of the world’s most unique places for beluga whale encounters because thousands of belugas gather in the Churchill River estuary during summer. The shallow waters provide nursery habitat for mothers and calves, social bonding, and seasonal renewal.
This is why Churchill is known internationally for beluga whale watching, kayaking with belugas, and Arctic wildlife experiences.
When is the best time to see belugas in Churchill?
The peak beluga season in Churchill is generally July and August, when large numbers of belugas gather in the Churchill River and Hudson Bay area. Our retreat dates, July 8–15, 2026, are chosen to align with this seasonal window.
Is Churchill really the Polar Bear Capital of the World?
Yes. Churchill is widely known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. While autumn is the main polar bear season, polar bears can be present at any time of year, and visitors should always remain aware and follow local guidance. Parks Canada notes that a polar bear may be encountered “anywhere at any time of the year” in Churchill.
Will we see polar bears during the retreat?
Polar bear sightings are possible but never guaranteed. In July and August, bears may be seen along the shoreline, often from the water during tours. Travel Manitoba notes that summer visitors are most likely to see polar bears from the water, looking back toward the coast.
Is it safe to visit Churchill with polar bears nearby?
Yes, when safety guidance is respected. Churchill has long experience living with polar bears, and visitors are advised to use knowledgeable guides or bear monitors for outdoor adventures. The Town of Churchill recommends guided support for outdoor activities in bear country.
We do not wander into remote areas alone, and all wildlife viewing is done with awareness, respect, and local safety protocols.
Do I need previous snorkeling, kayaking, or SUP experience?
No advanced experience is required. The activities are guided and designed for respectful presence rather than athletic performance.
You should feel reasonably comfortable around water, be able to follow safety instructions, and let us know in advance if you have any concerns.
Is aquagliding physically difficult?
Aquagliding is generally gentle and supported. You are not trying to swim fast or chase animals. The experience is about floating, presence, and observation. However, Churchill waters are cold, and conditions can vary. You should be in stable general health and comfortable wearing thermal gear.
What should I bring for the retreat?
Churchill in July can be cool, windy, sunny, rainy, and changeable — sometimes all in one day.
Recommended items:
Warm layers
Fleece or sweater
Waterproof/windproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Small daypack
Reusable water bottle
Journal for integration
Any personal medication
Camera or phone with extra storage
Snorkeling gear, wetsuits, gloves, shoes, masks, and snorkels are included and will be provided for you there.
What is the weather like in Churchill in July?
July in Churchill is generally the warmest part of the year, but it is still the edge of the Arctic. Expect cool mornings and evenings, wind on the water, and variable weather. Layers are essential.
Is food included?
The retreat includes 7 continental breakfasts.
Lunches and dinners are not included, giving participants flexibility. Churchill has limited but available food options, and we recommend bringing some preferred snacks, especially if you have specific dietary needs.
Can vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free participants join?
Yes, but Churchill is remote and food options may be more limited than in larger cities.
If you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or have allergies, please let us know when you apply. We recommend bringing some of your preferred snacks or specialty foods, especially for the train journey and between excursions.
Can I buy food in Churchill?
Yes, there are places to buy food in Churchill, but selection may be limited and prices can be higher because of the remote location. If you have favorite snacks, special dietary foods, supplements, or comfort items, it is wise to bring them with you.
Is there internet at the accommodation?
Yes. Polar Inn & Suites offers free internet, and rooms include amenities such as private bath/shower, TV, fridge, coffee maker, and access to shared lobby amenities.
Because Churchill is remote, internet may not always feel as fast or stable as in larger cities.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, we strongly recommend that every participant has travel and health insurance covering medical needs, trip interruption, delays, cancellations, baggage, and emergency situations.
Health and travel insurance are not included in the retreat price.
Do I need an eTA or visa to enter Canada?
Many international travelers need either an eTA or a visitor visa to enter Canada. Visa-exempt foreign nationals generally need an eTA when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. The official eTA fee is $7 CAD.
U.S. citizens are generally exempt from the eTA requirement but still need proper identification such as a valid passport. Please check official Canadian entry requirements for your nationality before booking travel.
How do I get to Churchill?
First, fly to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. From Winnipeg, you can continue to Churchill by either:
Option 1: Flight Winnipeg → Churchill
Calm Air operates flights between Winnipeg and Churchill.
Option 2: Train Winnipeg → Churchill
VIA Rail offers the Winnipeg–Churchill train journey, often called the Polar Express experience, taking approximately 36–38 hours.
Can I bring food on the train?
Yes. VIA Rail allows passengers to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks onboard. VIA also offers food and refreshments, depending on route and service class.
For the long Winnipeg–Churchill journey, we recommend bringing water, healthy snacks, and any special dietary foods you may need.
Should I take the train or flight from Winnipeg to Churchill?
The flight is faster and easier.
The train is slower, more immersive, and can be a beautiful northern journey for those who enjoy land travel, simplicity, and spacious transition time.
If traveling by train, bring layers, snacks, water, entertainment, ear plugs, a pillow, and anything you need for comfort.
Are mosquitoes or bugs an issue in Churchill in July?
They can be. Summer in the North can bring mosquitoes and biting insects, especially around tundra and wet areas.
We recommend bringing insect repellent and lightweight long sleeves/pants for land excursions.
What kind of group is this retreat for?
This retreat is for those who feel called to:
meet belugas with reverence and respect
experience the Arctic as a sacred natural field
participate in meditation, toning, and integration
travel consciously and ethically
share space with a small soul-aligned group
receive the Codes of Purity, Joy, and Compassion through direct experience
This retreat may not be right for those seeking guaranteed close encounters, thrill tourism, luxury travel, or entertainment-based wildlife experiences.
Are beluga encounters guaranteed?
We are entering a living ecosystem, not a controlled environment.
Belugas are present seasonally in large numbers, but the exact quality of each encounter depends on weather, water conditions, wildlife movement, safety guidance, and the whales themselves.
We do not guarantee specific behavior. We trust the field, the timing, and the wisdom of nature.
What happens if weather or other circumstance changes the program?
Weather and safety always come first. The Arctic environment is powerful and changeable, so the schedule may need to shift.
Organizer reserves the right to change the program, schedule, tours, or accommodations due to unexpected circumstances, weather, safety considerations, higher force, or other conditions beyond our control.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please reach out through the retreat form or email us at:
jan.lemuri (at) gmail.com
We personally respond to every request and are happy to answer questions about availability, travel, food, preparation, payment, or whether this retreat is right for you.
Recommended by National Geographic!
