GOING WILD ACROSS CANADA 17
Having run the Algonquin Moose Safari Canoe Trip for 14 years , Voyageur Quest know a stealthy approach is key . “ Moose are skittish to sounds and smells ,” says John Langford , Director and Owner . “ We practise quiet paddling before we head out and we don ’ t approach the moose downwind , as they can be startled by the slightest smells .”
Peak moose season arrives in late spring and early summer , when the moose visit the marshes around Algonquin Park . There , they find respite from the hordes of black flies and feed on water lilies , an important food source for moose because of their salt content . Very little outdoor experience is required for the trip , as John and his crew spend time equipping , training , and guiding the small group of no more than eight people .
Over three days of portaging , groups receive advice from Rob Stimpson , an award-winning wildlife photographer , so they ’ re ready to capture that perfect shot when the time comes . “ There are people who I call the white lens crowd ; those with expensive photo equipment ,” says Langford . “ One of my fondest memories is that of a 79-year-old lady who was just hoping to take one shot ( of a moose ) and she got it on her smartphone . She was so thrilled !”
Winnipeg-Churchill , Manitoba : Canada ’ s Big Five Safari
Africa has its lion , leopard , rhinoceros , elephant and buffalo . Canada ’ s Big Five include the moose , black bear , bison , polar bear , and Beluga whale . Unlike Africa ’ s Big Five , though , there ’ s no need to explore an entire continent to see Canada ’ s Big Five ; just head on over to Manitoba .
“ Our trips recognize the amazing wildlife in Riding Mountain National Park and in Churchill ,” says Alex Cupeiro , Wildlife Photographer and Marketing Communications Coordinator for Frontiers North Adventures , recognized as a Certified B company for its sustainable tourism practices .
The company offers a memorable , eight-day photo safari from Winnipeg to Churchill where Canada ’ s Big Five can be experienced and photographed in their natural habitat . The tour begins in Winnipeg , where visitors travel daily to nearby Riding Mountain National Park . Among the trees of the Boreal forest , meadows , lakes and deep gorges of the Manitoba Escarpment , sightings of black bears , moose , and bison abound .
From Winnipeg , the safari heads north to Churchill , uniquely situated on the shores of Hudson ’ s Bay and surrounded by National Parks and reserves . Visitors then travel by Tundra buggy to observe polar bears and by Zodiac boat to see beluga whales , which in their curiosity often swim right up to the boats to have a look .
PHOTO COURTESY OF © FRONTIERS NORTH ADVENTURES / ZHANG YONGPENG
ABOVE & BELOW PHOTOS COURTESY OF VOYAGEUR QUEST AND VOYAGEUR OUTFITTING
PHOTO COURTESY OF © FRONTIERS NORTH ADVENTURES / ALEX CUPEIRO