Welcome to your ultimate guide to Churchill, Manitoba, the thrilling heart of the Canadian North. This article provides an in-depth look at the top attractions and experiences, highlighting polar bear safaris, breathtaking northern lights, local culture, and much more. Whether you’re seeking adventure or cultural insights, this guide covers it all.
- Things to do in Churchill Manitoba
- Take a Polar Bear Safari
- Relax at Seal River Heritage Lodge
- Marvel at the Northern Lights
- Kayak with Beluga Whales
- Fly Over Wapusk National Park
- See the Wolves of the Kaskas Coast
- Bird Watching
- Visit The Itsanitaq Museum
- Here Be Bears Jewellery and Gifts
- Visit the Polar Bear Jail
- Keep an Eye Out for The Polar Bear Hotline
- Churchill Wall Murals
- Say Hi to the Parks Canada Staff
- Churchill Northern Studies Centre
- The Churchill Rocket Research Range
- Miss Piggy Plane Wreck
- Go Dogsledding
- MV Ithica Shipwreck
- Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site
- Cape Merry National Historic Site
- Spy on Arctic Foxes
- Black Bears
- Walk with Polar Bears in Summer
- The best time to see Polar Bears in Churchill
- Where to Eat in Churchill
- Where to Stay in Churchill
- How to Pack for Churchill, Manitoba
- How to Get to Churchill
Things to do in Churchill Manitoba
We have visited Churchill, Manitoba three times. This quirky, small, and isolated town is where nobody locks their doors due to the presence of polar bears. Experiencing the hearty northern Canadian lifestyle makes Churchill Manitoba one of the coolest places to visit globally.
As the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill attracts visitors eager to see the king of the Arctic in its natural habitat. Thus, when you visit Churchill for a polar bear experience, consider spending extra days to explore all the fascinating activities the area offers.
1. Take a Polar Bear Safari
The highlight of any trip to Churchill is undoubtedly the chance to see polar bears. While many choose guided tundra buggy tours, we opted for Churchill Wild, which offers the unique experience of walking with polar bears. See more at Churchill Wild.
2. Relax at Seal River Heritage Lodge
During our winter visit, we stayed at Churchill Wild’s Seal River Heritage Lodge, the perfect spot for observing polar bears as they wander along the Hudson Bay. The lodge provides a unique setting where polar bears may stroll right by, offering an unforgettable experience.
3. Marvel at the Northern Lights
Churchill is a prime location for viewing the northern lights. These stunning displays are often visible throughout the winter months. Even in summer, we witnessed the aurora borealis during our stay at a local lodge. The colorful spectacle dancing in the night sky is a sight you simply cannot miss.
4. Kayak with Beluga Whales
In addition to being the polar bear capital, Churchill is also famous for its beluga whales. With an abundance of belugas in its waters from June to September, visitors can enjoy various whale-watching activities like stand-up paddleboarding and zodiac tours.
We kayaked with belugas through Sea North Tours,, which was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives.
5. Fly Over Wapusk National Park
A scenic flight over Wapusk National Park offers breathtaking views. If you’re not staying at a remote Hudson Bay lodge, consider booking a helicopter tour to admire this incredible national park from the air.
6. See the Wolves of the Kaskas Coast
Beyond polar bears, visitors to Churchill can also encounter the Cloud Wolves of the Kaskas Coast. This unique Arctic safari experience allows you to see polar bears and resident packs of cloud wolves in their natural habitats, along with opportunities to spot moose.
7. Bird Watching
Churchill is an exceptional destination for birdwatching, with over 250 species migrating through or nesting in the area. Summer is the best time for birdwatchers, but winter sightings are also common.
8. Visit The Itsanitaq Museum
A visit to the Itsanitaq Museum is a must for those interested in the indigenous cultures of the Arctic. The museum boasts an impressive collection of Inuit artifacts and offers insights into their traditional lifestyles and beliefs. This educational experience is enriching for any traveler.
9. Here Be Bears Jewellery and Gifts
When exploring Churchill, don’t miss the chance to pick up unique souvenirs. From locally crafted jewelry to clothing and crafts, there are plenty of options to choose from.
10. Visit the Polar Bear Jail
Churchill’s residents coexist with polar bears walking through town. In the past, there were cases where polar bears posed threats, leading to the establishment of a polar bear jail where bears are held temporarily if they wander too close.
11. Keep an Eye Out for The Polar Bear Hotline
The polar bear hotline is an important community tool for spotting bears. If a bear is reported, efforts are taken to guide them away from town, ensuring the safety of both residents and wildlife.
12. Churchill Wall Murals
A guided tour through Churchill allows you to see 18 murals spanning 30 km along the Hudson Bay Coast. These murals narrate the story of the town’s challenges and its commitment to ocean preservation.
13. Say Hi to the Parks Canada Staff
The Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Churchill features exhibits about the area’s history and the Hudson Bay Company’s role in its development. It’s a great place to learn more about local heritage.
14. Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Although we didn’t enter during our visit, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is a non-profit research station that offers nature study tours of the sub-arctic and provides university credits.
15. The Churchill Rocket Research Range
This lesser-known site, established in the late 1950s, played a significant role in atmospheric research and is now a designated National Heritage Site.
16. Miss Piggy Plane Wreck
The Miss Piggy Plane Wreck, an old cargo aircraft, is a quirky landmark in Churchill. Since its crash in 1979, it has become a popular site adorned with graffiti.
17. Go Dogsledding
Experience the thrill of dogsledding in Churchill, a unique way to explore the stunning northern landscape. For summer visits, dog carting is also available.
18. MV Ithica Shipwreck
The MV Ithica, a steamship that ran aground in 1960, can be viewed at low tide off the coast. Guided tours are available, but caution is needed due to the local wildlife.
19. Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site
Built in the 18th century, the Prince of Wales Fort is a historic outpost worth visiting for its rich history and scenic views.
20. Cape Merry National Historic Site
Offering panoramic views of Hudson Bay and the surrounding area, Cape Merry is another significant site that showcases relics from the region’s colonial past.
21. Spy on Arctic Foxes
Churchill is home to Arctic foxes, known for their playful antics in the snow. Spotting these adorable creatures adds to the overall experience of wildlife observation in the area.
22. Black Bears
While polar bears dominate the headlines, black bears and other wildlife can also be spotted around Churchill Wild’s lodges.
23. Walk with Polar Bears in Summer
Experiencing a summer walk with polar bears during a guided tour allows for an intimate view of these majestic animals in a gorgeous setting.
The best time to see Polar Bears in Churchill
The ideal time to see polar bears is during the fall months, especially October and November. However, encounters can also be fruitful in August, with sightings of mothers and cubs enjoying the shoreline.
Where to Eat in Churchill
Churchill boasts a diverse selection of dining options:
- Ptarmigan on the Tundra
- Tundra Pub – Offers a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- Lazy Bear Cafe – Known for using local produce and indigenous dishes.
- Seaport Hotel – Features several dining options, including a sports bar.
- Dancing Bear
Where to Stay in Churchill
While we enjoyed our stays at Churchill Wild’s lodges, independent travelers can find various B&Bs and motels:
- Seaport Hotel – A central location with restaurant options.
- Iceberg Inn – Offers affordable and clean accommodations near the train station.
- Churchill B&B – A private option located slightly away from downtown.
- Tundra Inn Lodge – Centrally located with on-site dining.
How to Pack for Churchill, Manitoba
Proper packing is crucial for maximizing your comfort in the extreme weather of Churchill, whether you’re visiting in summer or winter. Dress in layers, ensuring you have windproof and waterproof options.
Spring, Fall, and Winter in Churchill
- Parka
- Insulated Snow pants
- Winter boots
- Mittens
- Glove liners
- Goggles
- Winter hat
- Merino Wool Base Layer
- Thick Wool Socks
- Mid-layer fleece or wool
- Sunglasses
- Hand and Toe Warmers
- Lip Balm
Summer in Churchill
- Hiking boots
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Fleece sweater
- Long johns / merino wool
- Hat and sunglasses
How to Get to Churchill
No roads lead to Churchill; travel can only be done by rail or plane. Calm Air offers flights from Winnipeg to Churchill, and Via Rail provides train service, taking approximately 48 hours for the journey.
So there you have it! These are the incredible things to do in Churchill, Manitoba, promising a spectacular destination for your next adventure. From thrilling polar bear safaris to encounters with Arctic wildlife, your experience in Churchill will be truly memorable.
