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They say the Arctic changes you. After nearly three weeks in Churchill, Manitoba, I can confirm that’s no exaggeration. This trip wasn’t just about snapping photos or crossing polar bears off my bucket list—it was about finding meaning in the wild, embracing challenges, and rediscovering my connection to the world around me. So grab your warmest coat, and let me take you on a wild ride through the highlights, heartaches, and humbling moments of my Arctic expedition!
Before my bags even hit the floor at the Churchill Northern Studies Center, Churchill delivered its first dose of magic. A sleek red fox trotted past, followed by a colossal Arctic hare—all spotted within a 20-minute drive from the airport.
Even better, I hitched a ride with Dr. Doug Clark, a renowned Arctic researcher, and his daughter. It felt like destiny to start the journey with such fascinating company and we had some candid and very thoughtful conversations. Oh, and the kicker? The driver casually mentioned a polar bear encounter from last week that had everyone buzzing. “Ask me what we had to do before getting out of the car,” I teased on social media that night. Spoiler: it involved a thorough polar bear check of the perimeter.
Picture this: it’s late, the kitchen is quiet, and I step outside for a breath of fresh air. That’s when I saw him. My first polar bear, right there near the back of the building!
My heart was pounding. I grabbed my phone, video-called my family, and shared the moment with my kids and wife—an unforgettable experience. Tears streamed down my face as I processed what this moment meant. After years of challenges, heartbreak, and overcoming trauma, here I was, living a dream I never thought possible.
This wasn’t just another photo op—it was a moment of healing, validation, and pure awe. And let me tell you, the pictures are absolutely insane. Stay tuned; you’re going to love them!
Churchill is wild—literally and figuratively. One day stands out as particularly unforgettable:
For two weeks, I searched for the elusive Arctic fox. Locals warned me it might not happen; sightings had become rare due to red fox encroachment. But on one of my final mornings, as dawn broke over the tundra, a white figure emerged from the snow.
It was a moment I’ll never forget. The fox moved gracefully, its coat blending perfectly with the frosty landscape. Fun fact: Arctic foxes change their fur to brown in the summer to match the rocky terrain. Talk about evolution at its finest! See it here
The Northern Lights are the kind of spectacle that feels too incredible to be real. For six nights, I was lucky enough to see Lady Aurora dance across the sky, her greens and purples shimmering over the icy tundra.
And don’t even get me started on the sunsets. They stretched from the sea across the tundra, lighting up the Boreal forest in colors so rich it felt otherworldly. Amid all the excitement of polar bears and foxes, these quiet moments reminded me of the Arctic’s softer, breathtaking side. See it here.
This trip was more than an expedition; it was a turning point. After years of personal struggles—healing from sexual assault, navigating toxic environments, and rebuilding my life—this adventure felt like a fresh start.
When I stood face-to-face with a polar bear or under the Northern Lights, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Every hardship I’ve endured led me to these moments of awe and wonder. And now, those moments are being shared even further: I was offered a paid publication with Canadian Geographic. Yes, it’s real. Yes, I screamed.
The Arctic isn’t just beautiful; it’s fragile. Every polar bear sparring match, every fox sighting, every aurora dance is a reminder of what’s at stake. The planet is changing, and the Arctic’s future—and ours—depends on the choices we make today.
Even small actions matter. Lowering your thermostat, conserving water, or planting native species can help protect this incredible ecosystem. Together, we can ensure that future generations get to experience the magic of the Arctic too.
I’m bringing this journey to YOU! Over the next few months, I’ll share more breathtaking images, videos, and stories from my time in Churchill. Plus, I’m kicking off a speaking and gallery tour in 2025-2026—stay tuned for dates.
Until then, let me leave you with this: Look into the eyes of a polar bear, and you’ll see the heart of the Arctic. It’s wild, wise, and worth every effort to protect. Let’s do this—together.
Share this post if you love wildlife, photography, or just a good Arctic adventure. Let’s inspire others to explore, protect, and cherish the incredible world we live in!
A MASSIVE Thank you, once again, to the sponsors and partners that made this trip possible! Your funding and support not only changed a life, but it will continue giving back in a plethora of ways! Please consider supporting these folks who you can find on the blog titled, "Arctic Expedition Sponsors List"! #shoplocal #supportlocal
If any of our current sponsors would like to keep their involvement with OMNP, we have three major projects we are currently working on - including taking the video and imagery collected on this expedition and creating a unique documentary! We have partnered with Frameworks Media Inc. and should the funding come through from sponsors and other avenues, we are looking at doing a docu-series on the wildlife, landscapes, ecosystems, good and the bad in relation to Churchill and the sub-Arctic area! Please reach out if you think you'd like to be a part of it!
Stay tuned for the other 2 projects as we release them!