Kristi Odom
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The Churchill Trilogy:
Polar Bears, Belugas & Aurora
A photography adventure with Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom and Forest Gustaveson
August 15th - August 21st, 2027
What I love about this trip is the timing. There is a short window in late summer where the full trilogy comes together… the northern lights, the beluga whales, and of course, the polar bears.
Water, land, and sky.
I originally went for the polar bears. But I left completely in love with the belugas, and totally mesmorized by the Northern Lights. There is something about watching belugas from the boat as they move all around you. Curious, playful… and maybe even smiling. They stole my heart.
Churchill is known for having around 300 days of auroral activity each year. Of course, you still need darkness and clear skies, but late summer often gives us a really good chance. What struck me most on my last trip was how visible it was to the naked eye. Not just something you see through your camera, but something moving and dancing above you. And yes… it is pretty amazing to experience that without freezing.
And then you have the polar bears, roaming the tundra as fall colors begin to peak and wildflowers in bloom.
Join me and Forest for a week where we slow down and really spend time with wildlife. Not rushing, not checking boxes. Just being there, watching behavior, listening, and creating images that make you feel.
We will spend time with belugas on two zodiac tours, explore the tundra in 4x4 vehicles that allow for eye-level photography, and stay ready at night for aurora when conditions line up.
Small group, lots of one-on-one time, and space to grow no matter where you are at.
ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT
ITINERARY
This is a sample itinerary and subject to change.
Day 1
Today our adventure begins! On arriving at Winnipeg, you will meet the group at our hotel which is across the road from the airport. The group will come together for a lecture in which Kristi will give you photography tools that you can use on the adventure ahead! Forest will also give a night sky photography class giving you the tools to be ready for photographing the aurora.
Day 2
Fly to Churchill. Churchill is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. From July to November around 800 Polar Bears migrate through this area.
After arriving we will explore town and the area while looking for wildlife. Tonight we will watch sunset together with a bonfire on the beach.
Each night in Churchill we will be on aurora watch and if the aurora makes an appearance before midnight, we will go out to photograph the sky. With around 300 nights a year with the Aurora Borealis visible, Churchill is one of the best destinations on earth to see the Northern Lights.
Day 3 & Day 4
These are full days exploring the water and the tundra.
We start with a three-hour zodiac on the water, looking for beluga whales. Thousands gather here in the shallow river to mate and give birth, making it one of the most accessible places in the world to be in their habitat.
They are incredibly curious animals, and while nothing is guaranteed, it is not uncommon for them to come in and check us out. Sometimes you can even hear them communicating underwater, and on the right day, they will move through the bubbles from the zodiac, which is such a fun thing to watch.
In the afternoon and evening, we head out onto the tundra in search of polar bears and other wildlife.
This time of year is something really special. The bears are still out on the landscape, but there are far fewer people. It feels quieter and more respectful to the wildlife. Having fewer vehicles around gives us more space to observe natural behavior and spend meaningful time with whatever we encounter.
We explore in small 4x4 vehicles with just four guests, one of us, and a local guide, so there is plenty of time for questions and one-on-one guidance.
In the evenings, we will go through photos together and spend time helping you refine your work.
Day 5
Today is an action packed day driving around the tundra looking for polar bears and other wildlife. Tonight we will have a final image share and celebration, looking at photos from our fellow adventurers.
Day 6
Today we spend some time exploring Churchill, from the incredible art murals around town to the local museums (and maybe a little souvenir shopping). Later say our goodbyes to Kristi and Forest before flying back to Winnipeg. With our focus during the week being on teaching and helping you all get the best photos you can get, we have decided to stay in Churchill so we can take some of our own photos. We love this time of year so much!
Day 7
Travel day home.
DETAILS
ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT
Dates
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August 15th - August 21st, 2027
Education Overview
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Photographing sub-arctic wildlife by Kristi
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Class on Photographing the night sky and aurora by Forest
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Camera techniques to improve your visual storytelling
Inclusions
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Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill
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All meals once you get to Churchill
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Two Beluga Whale zodiac tours
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Wildlife tundra tours
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Low tide hike to the SS Ithaka shipwreck
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One town and area tour
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Shared Accommodation in Winnipeg on both ends of the trip
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Four nights shared accommodation in Churchill
Exclusions
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International Air tickets to Winnipeg
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Travelers Insurance**
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Alcohol
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Items of a personal nature
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Gratuities
Cost
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Price:
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$8795 USD
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$2500 nonrefundable retainer at time of booking
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Maximum 8 Photographers
*Single room upgrade - $950 USD
**Travel Insurance is Required
FAQ
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Is August a good time to photograph Polar Bears?
There is very little tourist traffic at this time, and it isn't uncommon to see and mom with her cub for a full hour with no other people around. Plus, it is the best time of year for the overlap of Polar Bears, Belugas and Northern Lights. Also, a huge bonus is that it will not be 40 below, which to me is a big plus.
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What animals might we see?
While no wildlife is guaranteed, that is why it is wild, we hope to see Polar Bears, Belugas, Arctic Hares, Arctic Foxes, Ptarmigans, Bald Eagles and a variety of other birds
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How do I photograph the Belugas?
While we can’t get in the water with the whales the underwater shots are quite easy with GoPros, phone housings, or full-on underwater housings. GoPros with a stick are highly recommended.
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How do I get there?
You will need to fly into and out of Winnipeg, in on August 15th out on August 21st. You are welcome to arrive early (early arrival is encouraged in case of flight cancellations or delays), but all costs outside of our trip dates will be your responsibility.
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How physically demanding is this trip
You must have the ability to climb in and out of the 4x4 vehicles (with a stool) and the zodiac-style watercraft.
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What kind of vehicle will we be in?
We are not in one of those huge 40-person tundra buggies that are common for polar bear trips, instead we are in 4x4 GMC Savanna vans with doors on both sides and step stools for easy access. Originally configured for 10 passengers they have been modified to fit 5 photographers comfortably.
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How many guests are in each vehicle?
Maximum 4 guest, one instructor and one guide in each vehicle.
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Any recommendation for travel insurance?
I personally use an Allianz Global policy.
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What about Visas?
Please check travel.state.gov for current information about visas.
INSTRUCTORS
KRISTI
ODOM
Kristi Odom is an internationally acclaimed photographer, a Nikon Ambassador, an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, and a motivational speaker. A photographer and filmmaker, her work focuses on connecting people emotionally to animals and celebrating those who have a connection to the natural world.
Her accolades include over 60 international photography awards including 2 Nature’s Best Photography awards, which exhibited her images at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Her work has appeared either online and/or in print for the following clients: National Geographic, Nikon, Forbes, Rollingstone, Microsoft and Outside Magazine.
FOREST GUSTAVESON
Forest is an outdoor guide and educator passionate about helping others connect more deeply with wild places. He has led glacier expeditions in Alaska, climbing trips in Utah, Virginia, and Maryland, and guided in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States. He is a registered EMT and certified Wilderness EMT, bringing a calm, prepared approach to safety in remote backcountry environments where advanced medical care is often far away.
In addition to guiding, Forest has a strong background in photography. He was part of the launch campaigns for Nikon’s Z8 and Z9 and has co-led photography workshops and trips with his wife, photographer Kristi Odom. His blend of field experience, backcountry safety training, and creative storytelling helps shape experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.
