LIGHTS

AURORA POD VIA RAIL DOME CAR LEARNING VACATION

Astronomers and physicists have long visited Churchill to study space, so there’s no better place to learn more about this amazing phenomenon than one of the aurora borealis learning vacations offered by the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. During the five-day stay at the centre, guests can marvel at the aurora borealis from a heated viewing dome while an instructor explains the science behind it. The Aurora Pod, the second offering on tours by Natural Habitat Adventures, is the newest innovation in accessibility and luxury. Custom built by Great White Bear Tours, the heated structure features a geometric glass construction and comes equipped with reclining chairs for a comfortable, 360-degree view of the northern lights. Located just outside Churchill, photographers have the option of enjoying the dancing lights from inside the Aurora Pod or capturing the spectacular display in the open air. Discover the romance of the rails on VIA Rail’s Tundra Train, where a glass-domed observation car lets passengers gaze at the aurora borealis at night, and panoramic views reveal the picturesque landscape during the day. The train runs from Winnipeg to Churchill and passes through three distinct biomes as it journeys north: the sprawling plains, boreal forest and subarctic tundra. Guests may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights from the window of their private sleeper accommodation.