Dubbed the "Polar Bear Capital of the World”, Churchill lies on the western shore of Hudson Bay in the far north of Manitoba. It offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year, with polar bears and beluga whales as well as an abundance of birdlife spotted here. In the wintertime, the Northern Lights put on a magnificent show in the sky above.
Things to do in Churchill
At the Itsanitaq Museum, you can get up close to Inuit artefacts and archaeological findings from across the region. In addition to antique weapons and hunting gear, you’ll find taxidermied animals and carvings depicting everyday life for the First Nations people. Nearby is the Discover Churchill Photo Gallery, which exhibits images of northern Manitoba's spectacular landscapes.
No visit to Churchill is complete without observing the polar bears that migrate along Hudson Bay’s shoreline, with the best sightings in October and November. Both land and boat-based wildlife-watching tours are available, with the latter giving you the best chance of sighting beluga whales. From June to August, thousands of these majestic creatures travel into the Churchill River to feed and calve. Their unique clicks and calls easily identify them.
Overlooking the mouth of the Churchill River is the Prince of Wales Fort, which was built in the 18th century by the Hudson’s Bay Company to protect the fur trade. Now a National Historic Site, this star-shaped fortress houses the remains of centuries-old cannons, barracks and workshops. From the stone walls, there are magnificent views across the coastline.
Getting around Churchill
Churchill Airport is a 10-minute drive from the town centre and has regular flights to Rankin Inlet and Winnipeg. Trains connect from Winnipeg to the Churchill railway station while the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.