Churchill, Canada, is known for its large polar bear population, as the bears draw thousands of tourists each year. However, it’s also home to a lesser-known white star: the beluga whale.

Belugas are small whales that inhabit arctic and sub-arctic oceans. Nicknamed “sea canaries” because of their strange chirping and vocalizations, belugas are sociable, curious, docile, and friendly.

Every summer, upwards of 60,000 belugas flood the Hudson Bay estuaries to feed and give birth. After the ice breaks and the waters warm, the whales begin frequenting the Churchill River. Visiting belugas while cruising along the Churchill River is unlike other wildlife adventures because you have an extremely great chance of seeing the whales up close. It’s also likely you’ll hear them sing.

There are multiple ways to see belugas in Churchill. Since there are so many, you can just spot them from the shore. For a more personal and interactive experience, you can set out by zodiac to get close enough to hear them sing and see their famous sideways glance. You can also kayak or paddleboard if you wish to watch the whales glide underneath and splash around you. Under Canadian law, swimming and snorkeling with the whales is no longer permitted.