churchill tours canada

Dive into the Arctic's Wonders

Our Expeditions

Your life-changing adventure starts here!

At Lazy Bear Expeditions, we are committed to offering authentic Arctic experiences. Established in the heart of Churchill, our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and genuine hospitality has made us the preferred choice for Arctic explorers. Dive into adventures that resonate with your soul as you bond with nature in its purest form.

Authentic Rustic Northern Lodge

Experience the Arctic's Warm Embrace at Lazy Bear Lodge, our enchanting haven hidden amidst nature's untouched magnificence. From reclaimed timber to recycled windows that whisper tales from their first home in an 1800's Hudson Bay Trading Post, our lodge takes you on a captivating journey into the history and culture of Churchill.

Lodge Features

Authentic Construction : Our rooms, hand-built from reclaimed timber, offer an authentic wilderness experience.

33 Guest Rooms : Each equipped with private bathrooms, offering a blend of comfort and privacy.

Modern Conveniences : Despite our rustic setting, enjoy all modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and connected stay.

Acclaimed Dining : Experience the finest culinary delights at the Lazy Bear Cafe, rated as the best dining in Churchill by Lonely Planet.

Warm Ambiance : Large, inviting nordic fireplaces in both our cafe and lounge, perfect for relaxing after a day's exploration.

Our Client’s Experiences

We returned home today from our magnificent experience with your team of intelligent, humourous, enthusiastic hosts and guides at Lazy Bear Lodge.  Everything in our tour was superb!  The weather for the Matonabee water tour along the coastal waters of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay was perfect!  Belugas galore and 12 amazing polar bears within just a few hours.  Our boat captain said it was the best day of the season.

The tundra tour gave us a good sense of the vast terrain - not a bleak and barren vastness, but an intricate variety of vegetation surviving harsh conditions.  Plus, the gorgeous rocks and wind blown trees. Tuesday and Wednesday nights were perfect for the Northern Lights, each night's wonder different from the other, with a beautiful rising moon on the 2nd night.WOW!

Our group was such a great mix of people, and we loved being in the Inukshuk group!  

As you may recall, this excursion was a surprise for Ray's upcoming birthday. Two days earlier, we will celebrate our wedding anniversary, so clearly this has been a joyful and extraordinary experience to share together!

We send goodwill and many thanks to all at Lazy Bear Expeditions for this trip of a lifetime!

Bear Hugs Galore,  

Jere and Ray Sheldon

"A lot of these tour companies—adventure tour companies—are a lot of 'fluff'. They do a lot of talk and...personally, all our trips have been good, but they don't meet up with the expectations and the promises you're going to get...and I can say that this company—it has been beyond my expectations. They have fulfilled it, completely."

"We've been fortunate. We've travelled with a lot of different tour companies including Nat Geo—we went with them of several very expensive trips...very good trips...outstanding trips with one of them being Antartica, and we've been with Rhodes Scholar, we've been with Odyssey and several others, but what I want to say is that I think out of all the tours we've been on, this is probably the best run tour we've been on, and I think that speaks to the fact that the staff Is s good as the staff is." View Full Video on Youtube

Our experience at Lazy Bear Lodge from the moment we were met to board our plane to Churchill was great , Arriving at the airport in Churchill and being met by staff from Lazy Bear went so smoothly . Our overall experience was beyond expectations from the moment we checked in . We stayed on an all inclusive plan, including tours every day for four days and three meals included. The food was excellent , as good as any fine dining menu , great wonderful presentations , the serving staff are so personable . The rooms are small but cozy, with white linens on the bed which give it a more updated look . But it isn’t about the room as you will discover , as we did. The Tour guides work here and are not only friendly but so knowledgeable…On tour we saw great northern lights , beluga whales on a zodiac and polar bears by helicopter and a dog mushing tour. These were the highlights for us. Highly recommend. You won’t be disappointed..

This was an unbelievable trip. Deacon and Eric were very knowledgeable - the staff at the Lodge was accommodating and fantastic. We saw lots of bear activity including mums with cubs, and a couple of highly interactive and engaging bears. Total count was high - perhaps 30 over two days? I travelled with my 82 year old mother and staff were very solicitous.

Did I mention the food? Really good - including local specialties such as Elk (amazing!). Overall highly recommended and I am looking at coming back for Belugas and Bears in the summer! The Dog Sledding was excellent as well.

I loved my entire experience in Churchill and a big part of that was staying at Lazy Bear Lodge. All the staff were lovely and a big thank you to Deacon and his family (who own lodge) who were excellent hosts. Deacon was my group’s guide and we had a great time out on the bay with the Belugas and out on the Arctic Crawler™ looking for polar bears (we spotted a mum and her baby).

I think the highlight for me was the coziness of the interior wood decor and the food. The meals were hearty and local. I tried arctic char, elk, and other local delicacies while there and the portions were generous and featured good variety of vegetables. My favourite was the polar bear shaped scones served at breakfast.

Located in the heart of Manitoba’s Sub-Arctic Wilderness

Lazy Bear Lodge Ltd. o/a Lazy Bear Expeditions 313 Kelsey Blvd. Churchill, Manitoba R0B 0E0

Safety & Assurance

Professional tour guides.

Our guides are experts in their field and are trained to anticipate and prevent any potential dangers. 

Safety Measures

At Lazy Bear Lodge and Expeditions, the safety of our adventurers is our top priority. We take every precaution to ensure your adventure is not only thrilling but also safe, healthy and secure. 

Our blog offers a wealth of information for explorers, adventurers and nature lovers. 

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o/a Lazy Bear Expeditions 313 Kelsey Blvd. Churchill, Manitoba R0B 0E0

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Tours - Adventures - Pro

Your adventure awaits...

Whether it's polar bears and wildlife or shipwrecks and Aurora we find unique and adventurous ways to enjoy the nature of the sub-arctic.

Striving to bring adventure to the sub-arctic with responsible eco-tourism 

August - November : Feb - March

Single evening and multi-day adventures depending on the time of year. 

*New for 2024 - Aurora Snowshoe Adventure!

Half day, full day and multi-day adventures for polar bears and other wild life. Perfect for adventurers and photographers.

August - November.

Hikes and Snowshoeing

Explore Miss Piggy and hike to the Ithaca Shipwreck as part of our "Wrecks of Churchill" tour in summer, or snowshoe in the day or under the Aurora at night in Winter.

Cultural and Educational

Cultural talks with local indigenous story-tellers and historic tours of Churchill.

Box 252, Churchill, Manitoba, R0B0E0

+1 431 557 2294

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Live the Adventure!

Churchill Northern Lights & Winter Nights

Journey into the arctic aurora delight and discover the charming culture of churchill, churchill northern lights & winter nights.

This exclusive and comprehensive adventure offers an opportunity to witness the captivating Aurora Borealis from the Tundra Buggy® in Churchill, Manitoba . Travel across the frozen Churchill River to a new and secluded location each night for incredible viewing opportunities of the Northern Lights* as you surround yourself in the beautiful and remote landscapes of Manitoba.

During the day, the adventure continues with immersive experiences in Churchill’s history and culture. Explore the boreal forest on a snowshoeing expedition, go on a dog sledding adventure through the snowy wilderness, and learn about the region’s rich heritage with a visit to the Itsanitaq Museum. Additionally, this package includes an exclusive evening at Dan’s Diner for an unforgettable regional culinary experience.

*The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and we cannot guarantee that you will see them. We will ensure that your trip remains a bucket list experience, even if you are not fortunate enough to see the Aurora Borealis!

**Please note that travel insurance is strictly required to go on this tour. Contact us to help you arrange return flights from anywhere in the world and comprehensive travel insurance through Uniglobe Specialty Travel .

Please note that this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or unexpected closures.

Arrive in Winnipeg

• Arrive in Winnipeg. Discover Canada Tours can arrange roundtrip flights and transportation for your group. Please contact us and one of our travel agents will be happy to assist you
• Check into your hotel in Winnipeg and explore the amenities onsite
• Get to meet your group and interpretive guide this evening with a meet and greet

*Photos courtesy of ©Travel Manitoba.

Winnipeg to Churchill

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today
• Fly to Churchill early in the morning with your group
• Enjoy a guided bus tour of Churchill
• Visit the Itsanitaq Museum to learn about Inuit history and heritage
• Embark on an evening forest excursion to escape the lights of town and have a chance to view the Northern Lights* from an extraordinary locale in the boreal forest (weather dependent)
• Check into your hotel in Churchill for the next 3 nights

*Photos courtesy of ©Abby Matheson/Frontiers North Adventures

Churchill Adventures

• All meals are included in your package today
• Visit the Polar Bear International House and learn about polar bear research and climate change from a representative
• Embark on an interpretive snowshoe trek and enjoy the thrill of adventure through the boreal forest
• Savour an exclusive culinary experience at Dan’s Diner
• Return to your hotel for the night

*Photos courtesy of ©Abby Matheson and Brandi Hayberg / Frontiers North Adventures

• All meals are included today
• Experience a dog sled ride and interpretive program with your own team of dogs to learn about Métis culture and the history of dog sledding
• Travel on an official Tundra Buggy® to visit the warm and secluded Thanadelthur Lounge for peak aurora-viewing opportunities
• Stay overnight at your hotel in Churchill

*Photos courtesy of ©Madeline Grant and Abby Matheson/Frontiers North Adventures

Churchill to Winnipeg

• Admission to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre is included today. View incredibly detailed wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits that represent the history of Churchill
• Take your return flight to Winnipeg this evening (included)
• Check into the hotel in Winnipeg to conclude the tour
• Depart Winnipeg at leisure the following morning. Discover Canada Tours can arrange flights and/or post tour accommodation and activities for your group. Please contact us for more information

*Photos courtesy of ©Madeline Grant/Frontiers North Adventures

Please contact an agent today to inquire about booking this tour for your group.

Explore the rest of our  Churchill tours .

How often can I expect to see the Northern Lights during this tour?

The town of Churchill is located beneath the Auroral Oval, offering excellent chances to witness the Northern Lights . With over 300 nights of Aurora activity every year, your chances to experience this stunning night-sky phenomenon are very high. Also, this package is offered on select dates in February and March, which is peak Aurora Borealis season.

That being said, the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and we cannot guarantee you will see them , but rest assured that Discover Canada Tours and our partners will offer an unforgettable experience, even if you miss the Aurora.

What are the typical weather conditions in Churchill and Winnipeg in winter?

Churchill experiences very cold weather during the winter months , with temperatures ranging from below zero to slightly above freezing. Snowfall and icy conditions are expected, so we strongly recommend you dress in warm, thermal layers, and bring appropriate winter accessories , such as gloves, hat and a scarf, to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.

Winnipeg, where the tour begins and ends, also experiences cold winter weather during this time, with low temperatures and a high chance of snowfall .

What does the culinary experience at Dan’s Diner consist of?

Dan’s Diner offers a remote, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience set on the frozen banks of the Churchill River and surrounded by wilderness beneath the Northern Lights. It’s a delightful opportunity to savor an exquisitely curated, inspired by land and sea multi-course menu that features regional and local cuisine, adding a special touch to your adventure.

Are all flights included in this package?

Upon arriving in Winnipeg, your roundtrip flights to Churchill are included in the tour . Transportation to and from the airports is provided for your convenience, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

If you need to travel to Winnipeg to meet at the departure point, Discover Canada Tours can offer full-service travel arrangements through Uniglobe Specialty Travel, including flights, accommodation, and travel insurance. Please contact one of our agents to get started.

Request a quote with an agent today

Now accepting bookings for 2025

• Witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights from the Tundra Buggy® in Churchill
• Explore the beautiful northern landscapes during nightly excursions in the boreal forest
• Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Churchill
• Engage in thrilling, authentically Canadian winter activities
• Enjoy an exclusive culinary experience at Dan’s Diner on the frozen Churchill River

• WINNIPEG - 2 Nights
• CHURCHILL - 3 Nights

• Polar Bear International House
• Parks Canada Visitor Centre
• Itsanitaq Museum

What to Bring:

• Warm clothes, including thermal, waterproof and insulated layers
• Gloves, hat and a scarf
• Comfortable, sturdy, waterproof footwear
• Camera and binoculars are recommended
• Reusable water bottle and small backpack
• 2 pieces of ID
• Travel insurance is required. We can help you arrange different packages through Uniglobe Specialty Travel

Optional Add Ons

Travel Insurance

Pre/Post Tour Flights

Pre/Post Tour Accommodation

Speak with an agent to book your northern lights adventure in churchill, manitoba, you may also like.

CHURCHILL CLASSIC POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE

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Churchill Polar Bear Tours

Churchill is the ultimate destination for polar bear tours. The Manitoban town is known as the polar bear capital of the world. Prime polar bear season in Churchill is from October to mid-November when 900 to 1,000 polar bears eagerly await the formation of sea ice on the Hudson Bay. This concentrated population provides an extraordinary opportunity for observing polar bears in their natural habitat. Churchill's abundant wildlife also includes Arctic foxes, beluga whales, seals, and various bird species. With thrilling Tundra Buggy expeditions and other tours, visitors can explore the area and marvel at the tundra landscape.   

Our team at Canadian Train Vacations help travellers plan trips to Churchill for polar bear viewing.  Continue reading to learn what it's like on a polar bear tour in Churchill .  

Table of contents

Best churchill polar bear tours 2024, the polar capital of the world.

• Tundra Buggy Experience for Polar Bear Watching
• Dog Sledding Adventures
• Experienced Guides and Safety Measures
• Natural Environment of Churchill's Arctic Wildlife  

Accommodations on Polar Bear Tours

• Tundra-inspired Cuisine
• What to wear on a polar bear watching trip?

Can you see polar bears during summer?

Frequently asked questions.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

Canadian Train and Polar Bear Experience  

This trip includes two nights on VIA Rail's sleeper train from Vancouver to Winnipeg and three nights in Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world. In Churchill, you'll search for polar bears on a Tundra Buggy. Other exciting activities include dog sledding, a guided tour of Churchill, and an evening cultural presentation.

Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing  

Our two-week Lords of the Wilderness itinerary includes two amazing bear-viewing experiences. Fly to a remote wilderness lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest for the chance to see grizzly bears Then, travel across Canada by sleeper train. End your vacation with a trip to Churchill to view polar bears from the comfort of a Tundra Buggy.  

Download a brochure

Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

As polar bear central, Churchill acts as a home base for conservation and outreach efforts.  Polar Bear International House  is a public center, which people can visit to learn about polar bears and polar bear research.

For the best polar bear viewing experience, you’ll need to board a specially designed Tundra Buggy and journey out into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA). It was the creation of this original tundra vehicle, the Tundra Buggy, that allowed venturing amongst polar bears in Churchill. Specially designed for the northern landscape, these all-terrain vehicles allow access to remote locations, which are best for  safely viewing and photographing wildlife .

Since the number of visitors to the CWMA is highly restricted, your chances of seeing the bears up close is excellent. As well as capturing incredible, up-close photographs of polar bears, you’ll see other wildlife such as arctic fox, ptarmigan, and snowy owl.

Tundra Buggy Experience for Polar Bear Watching  

The Tundra Buggy offers an unparalleled experience for witnessing polar bears in Churchill, Canada. These remarkable vehicles are designed to provide a safe and immersive experience for polar bear tours. The unique features of the Tundra Buggy ensure that visitors can view polar bears while respecting the natural environment. Additionally, if polar bears approach the Tundra Buggy, the vehicle's height means that visitors are safely out of reach. This protects both polar bears and visitors.  

Features of the Tundra Buggy include:   

• Large, reinforced windows 
• Elevated viewing platforms for unobstructed views
• Spacious, comfortable seating
• Sturdy construction and oversized tires for navigating the challenging terrain of the tundra 

  Important notes about Tundra Buggy tours:  

• Safety and well-being of passengers and polar bears is a priority
• Expert guides offer valuable insights into polar bear behaviours and conservation efforts
• Vehicles adhere to strict guidelines and maintain a respectful distance to ensure minimal disturbance to the bears' natural behaviours

Tundra buggy tours give visitors an extraordinary opportunity to witness polar bears up close in their natural environment, creating memories that will last a lifetime.   

#1 Travel tip: When to visit Churchill

The best time for viewing polar bears in Churchill is during the fall, but it is possible to see them in the summer. If you visit in August, you’ll likely see beluga whales too.

Dog Sledding Adventures  

You can also go dog sledding in Churchill, Manitoba. A dog sledding experience adds an extra layer of excitement to polar bear tours. Dog sledding has a rich history and cultural importance in Manitoba, dating back to the time of the Thule people. Modern-day dog sledding tours in Churchill provide visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in this age-old tradition while exploring the pristine wilderness. Riding across the snowy landscape, pulled by a team of energetic and well-trained huskies, is a n exhilarating and immersive way to appreciate Churchill's natural environment.

The swift and agile huskies demonstrate their skill, strength, and symbiotic bond with their human companions. Interacting with these remarkable animals, learning about their training, and witnessing their teamwork is awe-inspiring . Dogsledding adventures are the perfect complement to polar bear tours.  

Experienced Guides and Safety Measures  

Professional guides to lead your tour:     .

Professional guides lead polar bear tours in Churchill. These knowledgeable guides provide expert insight into the area, ensuring visitors gain a deep understanding of the wildlife and landscape around Churchill. Guides ensure the safety of all participants, navigating the Arctic terrain and polar bear encounters with caution. These guides enjoy sharing fascinating stories and answering questions about the remarkable wildlife of Churchill.   

Safety Measures to Protect Visitors and Wildlife:     

When it comes to Churchill Polar Bear Tours, strict safety measures are in place to protect visitors and wildlife. Manitoba Conservation sets guidelines that limit the number of tundra vehicles, reducing the impact on the environment.

These measures include restrictions on travel routes and designated areas, safeguarding the delicate Arctic ecosystem. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors can safely explore the wilderness with peace of mind, knowing that their adventure protects the natural habitat of polar bears and other wildlife.   

Natural Environment of Churchill's Arctic Wildlife    

Churchill's Arctic wildlife thrives within a diverse ecosystem. The region is defined by its proximity to Hudson Bay, the expansive tundra, and the sprawling boreal forest.   

Unique Features: 

1. hudson bay:.

Hudson Bay provides a crucial habitat for various marine life, including beluga whales and seals. It also influences the seasonal movements and behavior of polar bears. This is one of the reasons why Churchill is a prime location for polar bear tours. 

The vast tundra of Churchill is a land of rugged beauty, characterized by low-lying vegetation, lichens, and mosses. This treeless expanse supports an abundance of species, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and Arctic hares. Migratory birds flock to the region during the summer. 

3. Boreal Forest:  

The boreal forest surrounding Churchill showcases a different facet of the region's natural environment. This vast woodland is home to diverse species, including black bears, wolves, moose, and a variety of bird species. The boreal forest provides a vital habitat for these creatures, offering shelter and sustenance within its dense canopy.   

Key Species: 

1. polar bears :.

Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world. A significant population of these majestic creatures inhabit the area, particularly during the fall months. These months are prime polar bear season.

2. Arctic foxes :  

With their small ears and thick, white coat, these foxes are well-suited to the Arctic tundra, where they blend seamlessly into the snowy landscape. Their coats change to brown in the spring or summer.

3. Arctic hares :

Arctic hares can be found darting across the tundra, their white fur serving as camouflage against the snow, protecting them from predators.   

#2 Travel tip: Crossing the street

Churchill has a small population and only a few shops and restaurants. Don’t worry too much about looking for traffic before you cross the street, but always look left and right for a polar bear!

As Churchill is a small town in a remote location, there are limited accommodation options. There are cozy inns and simple bed-and-breakfasts, rather than 5-star resorts. For example, the Tundra Inn is a charming family-run property offering comfortable, spacious rooms. For the months of October and November, during peak polar bear season, it is best to reserve Churchill accommodation early.

Winnipeg is usually the starting point for polar bear tours, since it’s easy to catch a flight to Churchill from here. Our polar bear packages often include a night in a Winnipeg airport hotel before your flight to Churchill. If you want to extend your vacation, you could stay in Winnipeg longer — add on nights before or after your polar bear viewing adventure.  

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Tundra-inspired cuisine .

Tundra-inspired cuisine in Churchill, Manitoba incorporates local ingredients and flavors that reflect the Arctic landscape. 

Arctic Char : A popular fish in tundra-inspired cuisine, Arctic Char is known for its delicate texture and rich flavor. It is often prepared using traditional methods such as smoking or pan-searing, highlighting the natural taste of this cold-water fish.

Bison : As a sustainable and locally sourced meat, bison features prominently in tundra-inspired dishes. From hearty bison stews to succulent bison steaks, this lean and flavorful meat adds a taste of the wild to the cuisine.

Wild Berries : The tundra is home to an abundance of wild berries such as lingonberries, gooseberries, and blueberries. These berries are used in various desserts, jams, and sauces, providing a burst of natural sweetness.

  Game Meats : Tundra-inspired cuisine often incorporates game meats such as venison, caribou, and muskox. These meats offer a unique and robust flavor profile, perfectly complementing the ruggedness of the region.

Foraged Ingredients : The tundra offers a treasure trove of edible plants and herbs. Foraged ingredients like Arctic sorrel, Labrador tea, and fireweed add distinctive flavors and textures to dishes, infusing them with a taste of the wild.

Traditional Indigenous Dishes : Tundra-inspired cuisine in Churchill includes the culinary traditions of the Indigenous communities in the region. Traditional dishes like bannock (a type of bread), pemmican (a dried meat mixture), and wild rice reflect the deep cultural heritage of the area. 

Tundra-inspired cuisine in Churchill Manitoba celebrates the unique flavors and ingredients found in the Arctic landscape, creating a culinary experience that embraces the ruggedness and natural beauty of the region. From fresh fish and game meats to wild berries and foraged ingredients, each dish offers a delicious connection to the tundra and a taste of the local culture.   

What to wear on a polar bear watching trip ?

• Layered clothing: Dress in layers so you can adjust your insulation levels as needed.
• Insulated and waterproof outerwear: Wear a warm, insulated parka and waterproof pants to protect against the cold and potential moisture. 
• Thermal base layers: Choose moisture-wicking, thermal base layers to keep you warm and dry. 
• Warm accessories: Wear a hat, gloves, and scarf to protect exposed areas from the cold. 
• Warm, waterproof boots: Choose insulated, waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry. 
• Thermal socks: Wear thick, thermal socks to provide extra warmth and comfort. 
• Hand and foot warmers: Consider bringing hand and foot warmers for additional warmth during outdoor activities. 
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: Protect your eyes and skin from the glare of the snow and the sun's rays. 
• Binoculars and camera: Bring binoculars to enhance your polar bear viewing and a camera to capture unforgettable moments. 

Wearing appropriate clothing ensures you are comfortable during a polar bear watching trip. You can embrace the Arctic environment while staying warm and protected. Some polar bear tour packages offer winter clothing rentals. Options include snow pants and snow boots. Please ask your Vacation Advisor about these rentals at the time of booking.

#3 Travel tip: Always have layers

The Tundra Buggy has an outdoor platform which is great for when you want to take photos of polar bears. Wrap up warm though as it gets very cold!

When you imagine viewing polar bears in Canada, a warm sunny day might not be what you’re picturing. But summer is when polar bears first return to Churchill, Manitoba. After spending the winter hunting seals on the ice of Hudson Bay, these impressive animals make their way back to the Churchill area in early to mid-summer, when the sea ice begins to melt.

Along with the opportunity to see Canada's famous polar bears, a visit to the Hudson Bay region in summer offers warmer weather than in the traditional fall viewing season (October/November). There’s also plenty of chances to see other Canadian wildlife up close and personal in the ruggedly beautiful tundra and taiga — the forests of cold, subarctic regions — landscapes of the Manitoba coastline. During the months of July and August, the Churchill area is also a fantastic place to see beluga whales who migrate into the warm, shallow waters of the Churchill River to give birth and feed on fish.

Why book your luxury rail trip with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Where do polar bears live in Canada? 

When is the best time to see polar bears in churchill, how much do polar bear tours cost , is the tundra buggy lodge right for me .

About the author: Katherine is Product Manager with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is the...   Read more

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Walk with polar bears view the northern lights.

If you’ve ever dreamt of flying over the spectacular Arctic tundra to a remote ecolodge, walking the wild Hudson Bay coastline in small groups to view polar bears, returning to your lodge to unwind by a fireplace before dining on delicious fare, then stepping outside to see some of the best northern lights… Churchill Wild is your all-inclusive dream come true.

Here, among the wilds of northern Manitoba you’ll find polar bears, diversity of wildlife, the brilliance of the northern lights, stunning vistas and fabulous food. The polar bear tours and safaris in our portfolio are designed to delight your senses and take you on a profound and unforgettable journey into the Arctic wilderness…

With polar bears.

Best Time to see Northern Lights

While the winter months are thought of as the traditional time to view the northern lights, they can also be spectacular on a clear summer or fall night. Plus, it’s a lot more fun working with cameras in the warmer months at 10° C instead of -40° C!

Your best chances of seeing the northern lights on one of our safaris will occur from September to November. Check out: Arctic Safari, Hudson Bay Odyssey, Great Ice Bear Adventure, Polar Bear Photo Safari at Nanuk, Polar Bear Photo Safari at Seal, or Fall Dual Lodge Safari.

Whichever safari you decide on, you can be rest assured that our staff will monitor the skies at night and wake you up when the lights make an appearance, so you won’t miss out on the spectacle of a lifetime.

We operate three luxury wilderness ecolodges located deep in the heart of polar bear country on the Hudson Bay coast in northern Manitoba, Canada. Directly in the path of the polar bears as they walk up and down the coastline during the summer and fall, our properties are ideal for viewing polar bears and other iconic Canadian wildlife.

• Tundra-inspired Cuisine

Your dining experience will include organic, locally sourced meats and fish along with fruits and vegetables from our Prairie Wild orchard and gardens. Menus are built around these building blocks, which have been the backbone of our dining experience since we opened our first lodge more than 30 years ago.

Testimonials

“ Thank you for a multitude of amazing experiences! The location is magical. It is mind blowing to fall out of bed to see wild wolves and polar bears at the window! The staff at the lodge made us feel like family! And the food…top notch. ” Brenda and Marsha N.

“ Magic is Churchill Wild’s Nanuk lodge! This is our second time with this beautiful family run company. From magnificent food to fantastically educated guides and beautifully maintained rooms, it does not get better than this! Service is perfection, every guest is made to feel special. I’m going home with a soaring spirit! Wolves, polar bears, snowy owls, lemmings, moose – until next time. ” Denae D. and James K.

“ Churchill Wild Seal River Heritage Team, All of you are truly amazing and you and the wildlife have made this the trip of a lifetime! We had big hopes and dreams for this trip that we planned for over a year and you exceeded every single one!! ” Melanie and Susann I.

“ Exceptional experience! Thank you for the amazing tours and terrific food. Thank you especially for the warm and genuine care from the staff and guides. This trip was everything we had hoped for and more! ” Jocelyn and Norm B.

“ Superb experience provided by an exceptional staff and management. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect experience or better-quality service in such a remote lodge. I don’t praise often or easily but you deserve every word. Much love and endless appreciation for everything! ” Kevin M.

“ Words cannot express how grateful that we were able to experience this once in a lifetime trip! To be so close to a mama bear and her cubs brought tears to my eyes! The home-made meals were delicious, and the knowledgeable guides were amazing interacting with the bears! The small group was great company—an unforgettable trip!! Thank you. ” Philip and Christina B.

“ Wow! This experience you have given me has been one I’ll never forget. The sightings and encounters have surpassed my expectations which are high but more over, the hospitality, the guides and staff have provided have been stellar! Five stars! Thank you! Hope to be back real soon. ” Scott D.

“ Thank you for making a dream come true. I have looked into a polar bear’s eyes. Magical and moving. ” Daniela K.

“ Exceptional experience from top to bottom. Thank you for your warmth in this beautiful place – I have loved every minute. ” Caroline C.

“ Churchill Wild fulfilled a bucket list trip and long-time dream of spending time with the polar bears. The wolves were definitely an unexpected bonus! This trip was everything we wanted and more! The staff made the experience even more special! Everyone was so friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. We felt as though we were in someone’s home. ” Mitch C. and Don S.

Walk with Polar Bears - View the Northern Lights

Fall dual lodge.

Starting from

$24,195 CAD

($17,600 usd*).

2024 Dates: October 13-23 October 17-27 – female share left

Inclusions Return airfare from: Winnipeg > Churchill > Lodge > Camp A pre & post night stay in Winnipeg 4 nights at Seal River Heritage Lodge 4 nights at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge All meals and beverages Everyday excursions and activities Winter gear

• Hudson Bay Odyssey

$15,195 CAD

(11,000 usd*).

2024 Dates: September 5-11 September 9-15 September 13-19

Inclusions Return airfare from: Winnipeg > Churchill > Lodge A pre & post night stay in Winnipeg 4 nights at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge All meals and beverages Everyday excursions and activities Rain gear

• Great Ice Bear

($11,000 USD*)

2024 Dates: October 23-29 – female share left November 7-13 – male share left November 10-16 – 0ne room left

Inclusions Return airfare from: Winnipeg > Churchill > Lodge A pre & post night stay in Winnipeg 3 nights at Dymond Lake Ecolodge 1 night stay in Churchill All meals and beverages Everyday excursions and activities Winter gear

*Price will fluctuate based on current exchange rates

Reserve Now

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Tundra Vehicle Tours (Polar Bear/Wildlife Viewing)

Frontiers North Adventure – Tundra Buggy In dividual and packaged tours are available    Ph: 1-800-663-9832 or 204-949-2050,  email  or check out their website .

Great White Bear Tours Individual and packaged tours are available. Ph: 1-866-262-6202,  email  or check out their website . 

Lazy Bear Lodge and Expeditions Provides packaged bookings Ph: 1-866-687-2327 or 204-663-9377, email or check out their website.

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• Churchill Polar Bear Tours
• Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari

Trip Highlights

Explore by Polar Rover, Helicopter & Dog Sled

The Best Bear-Viewing Vehicles

Search for the Northern Lights in Comfort

Photo Departure

What Makes Our Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari So Special?

• The Full Arctic Experience In addition to multiple bear-viewing opportunities, this trip includes an array of activities for in-depth exploration of the nature, culture and history of Churchill. In addition to dog sledding and opportunities to meet local Churchill residents and enjoy presentations on indigenous cultures, we add a helicopter flight over the tundra, a landing to view (and crawl inside!) a vacant polar bear den, and an evening inside heated Aurora Domes to watch for the northern lights, if skies are clear.
• Exclusive Permits to Access the Best Polar Bear Viewing Area Not every polar bear tour operator in Churchill holds permits to access the full range of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area where the best—and often only—polar bear viewing happens. Naturally, in our commitment to running the world’s greatest nature journeys, the Natural Habitat/Great White Bear team possesses this critical permit. Operators without it must turn back along the road at Halfway Point, which, as you might guess, is just halfway to the best polar bear viewing area.
• Polar Rovers: No Better Bear-Viewing Vehicles  The original "tundra buggy" designed for polar bear viewing was invented in the 1980s. Since then, our partner in Manitoba, a world-renowned specialty vehicle designer, has substantially improved upon the concept by creating the world's most comfortable tundra vehicle—the Polar Rover—which we operate exclusively in Churchill. Its innovative drive train allows us to traverse the tundra with virtually no chance of a breakdown. With an advanced suspension system that smooths the ride, and onboard flush toilets (rather than smelly drop buckets), our guests enjoy the highest level of comfort and safety. 
• Steel-Mesh Observation Platform for Close-Up Viewing Every Polar Rover has an elevated outdoor rear observation platform, with a feature we pioneered for optimal bear viewing—a grated steel-mesh floor that allow us to witness—sometimes mere inches away—curious bears that occasionally wander beneath our vehicles!
• The Smallest Groups for the Best Nature Experience An essential element of our nature expeditions is a small group. While it costs us more to operate trips with fewer travelers, the experience is far superior, and that's why we insist on it. By limiting our group to a maximum 15 guests (even though our Polar Rovers can hold well over 30), we ensure that everyone gets a window seat and plenty of room to spread out, angle for photos and enjoy a personal experience with the polar bears without too much intrusion from other guests.
• Private Chartered Flights Give Us More Time with the Bears So we don't waste precious time coordinating with airline schedules or navigating long lines through airport security, we charter our own private aircraft, flying directly from Winnipeg to Churchill at a time most convenient for us. We’d rather maximize your time on the tundra, instead of sitting around airports.
• We Provide Heavy Parkas & Winter Boots for Your Use No need to go spend a lot of money buying heavy outdoor gear you may use just once—we provide Arctic-style parkas and heavy-duty winter boots for your use in Churchill, at no cost.
• The Finest Naturalist Guides on the Planet Natural Habitat Adventures is known worldwide for the highest-quality guides in the industry. Our Expedition Leaders have been guiding tours in Churchill for an average of 10-plus years, and they receive additional training resources from WWF’s top scientists. This means that our guests enjoy the best interpretive experience available! Expedition Leaders meet each guest in Winnipeg and travel with the group the entire way, sharing their wealth of knowledge at every turn. Our philosophy is simple: a nature adventure is only as good as the guide, so we simply must provide the best! See Expedition Leader bios   with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Polar Bear Experience Natural Habitat Adventures offers an exclusive guarantee, clearly stating that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

Read what travelers are saying about our Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari:

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Let our in-house safari experts create your perfect African adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on this safari or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917 . Please note that on Private departures we have a minimum group size of approximately half the maximum size of our regularly scheduled departures.

Customize Your Trip

Let our in-house trip experts create your perfect adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on our ${tripName} or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917. Please note that on Make It Private departures we have a minimum group size of approximately half the maximum size of our regularly scheduled departures.

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Frozen Tundra, Boreal Forests, and Tales of the Hudson Bay

Churchill polar bear expedition.

From $6,280

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Lying on the edge of Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba, is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. Aboard a specially designed Tundra Buggy®, this hotel-based adventure allows you to experience the excitement of polar bear viewing in safety and comfort. Expert guides and researchers from Polar Bears International (PBI)—the world's leading polar bear conservation group—will join you on the buggies and at the headquarters, and you'll not only see polar bears but also learn about these majestic animals. As a bonus, you can race through the boreal forest in the traditional northern sport of dog sledding.

Arrive: Winnipeg, Canada

Depart: Winnipeg, Canada

• Experience the thrill of polar-bear-viewing on two full-day Tundra Buggy excursions
• Learn about polar bears and their habitat from Polar Bear International's expert guides
• Take a dog sledding excursion through the boreal forest
• Enjoy a cultural presentation by a local trapper who shares his way of life in the far north

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $600 130 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $600 per person 61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 60 days or less: 100% of trip cost Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• Expert leadership of an interpretive naturalist guide
• Accommodations in hotels
• All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Internal flights to and from Churchill

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to guide or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Lakeview Signature by Wyndham

Winnipeg, Canada

Day 1 (1 night)

Tundra Inn, Polar Inn, or Aurora Inn

Churchill, Canada

Days 2-4 (3 nights)

Day 5 (1 night)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 1+, Easy , according to our trip grading system, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Tundra Buggy vehicles are used to explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of polar bears and there is an optional dog sled ride. Some agility is required for getting in and out of vehicles and exploring towns where walkways may be icy or snowy, so you must feel confident and stable on your feet.

The weather in Churchill varies greatly from season to season, and the wind coming off of Hudson Bay can often make temperatures feel even cooler than reported. Temperatures can vary from -20°C to 0°C (-4°F to 32°F), but strong winds can make the temperature colder (the "wind chill" factor). The Buggies are heated; however, when we see bears, windows go down and the interior quickly cools. Dressing in warm layers is the best way to stay comfortable. There is a service to rent arctic clothing ahead of time and pick it up upon arrival. Please ask our Area Specialist for details.

Daylight in Churchill During your adventure you can expect approximately 9 hours of daylight. The later in the season, the fewer hours of daylight there are.

Weather patterns over Hudson Bay in autumn can make the sky quite overcast. Please keep in mind that any Northern Lights are considered a bonus instead of a guarantee during these departures.

Other Trips You Might Like

Cruise Collection

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From $7,400

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From $7,895

Northwest Passage Expedition

Greenland, Canada

From $25,495

Svalbard Odyssey

From $12,695

Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

Trip Download Itin

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

Churchill Tours

• Start Date Select Month September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 OR, More specific start
• Easy Active
• Scheduled Group Tour
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Photography Seminars
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife Viewing
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Northern Lights
• Village Visits
• Wilderness Lodge Exploration

Birds, Bears & Belugas

• Arctic wildlife viewing
• Taste tundra-inspired cuisine
• See the aurora borealis at night
• Learn about Arctic ecosystems
• Look for beluga whales in the bay
• ATV tours exploring the coast

Arctic Discovery

• Hiking along the tundra
• Visit Manitoba Museum
• Enjoy guided ecotour activities
• View the arctic night sky
• Visit Churchill and meet with local
• Kayaking with beluga whales

Great Ice Bear

• Capture photos of Arctic wildlife
• See the historic port of Churchill
• Try Tundra cuisine

Arctic Safari

• Discover Canadian Arctic region
• Experience camping in barren lands
• See Arctic wildlife
• Enjoy nature trekking with expert
• Visit Churchill and iconic landmark
• Learn from an expert photographer

Polar Bear Migration Fly-in

• Stay in a bear-proof cabin
• Observe and photograph polar bears
• Enjoy daily guided hikes
• Delight in magical northern lights

Polar Bear Photo Safari

• Capture photos of polar bears & cub
• Discover Canadian Arctic wildlife
• Tunda Cuisine
• Peak photo sessions

Nanuk Emergence Quest

• Find female polar bears and cubs
• See other boreal wildlife
• Enjoy winter activities

Polar Bear Mother & Newborn Cubs Safari

• Witness newborn polar bear cubs
• Enjoy Northern Lights at night
• Observe polar bear denning habitat

Arctic Travel Guide

• All Arctic Trips
• All Arctic Videos
• All Arctic Travel Stories
• Arctic Overview
• Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions
• When to Go on an Arctic Cruise?
• Comparing the Two Polar Regions: Antarctica and Arctic Cruising
• Cruise the Arctic Svalbard Islands
• Baffin Island
• Northwest Passage

Favorite Arctic All Trips

• Arctic Watch Discovery Experience
• Out of the Northwest Passage
• Beluga Whale Photography
• Arctic Char Fly Fishing
• High Arctic Muskoxen & Polar Bear Photography

Top Churchill Travel Destinations

Top experiences in churchill.

• Churchill Land Tours (8)
• Churchill Wildlife & Safari Exploration (8)
• Churchill Scheduled Group Tour (3)

Churchill Trips by Activity

• Churchill wildlife viewing (8)
• Churchill wilderness lodge exploration (8)
• Churchill northern lights (5)
• Churchill photography seminars (5)
• Churchill village visits (5)
• Churchill hiking (3)

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The polar bear capital of the world forced to find new ways to bring in tourists

Churchill has been forced to find a new way to bring in tourists thanks to climate change, article bookmarked.

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Change has broken, remade and continues to reshape this remote town where tundra meets forest on the shore of Hudson Bay.

The economic base collapsed when the military left town. Rail service and cargo ships — the lifeblood of supplies for a town not connected to the rest of the world by roads — blinked out. The weather is warming, signature animals are dwindling and even the ground is shifting.

Through it all, Churchill has adapted. The town turned to tourism , luring people eager to see its plentiful polar bears. Leaders figured out ways to revitalize its port and railway. As climate change has edged into the picture, they've begun designing more flexible buildings and seeking to entice more varied visitors if, as scientists fear, shrinking sea ice crashes the bear population.

Residents, government officials and experts say the town is a model for coping with dramatic shifts and attribute it to the rural mindset that focuses on fixing, not whining.

Churchill sits about 1,700 kilometers (1,055 miles) north of Winnipeg. The town had thousands of people before the military base and a rocket research launch site shut down decades ago. Those sites fell into decay, and what had been a bustling port closed. Train service stopped for more than a year as weather shattered poorly maintained tracks.

As the town dwindled, bears began coming to town more often, no longer frightened away by noise from the base and rocket launches and made desperate as climate change shrank the Hudson Bay ice they depend on as a base for hunting.

A local mechanic built a fat-tired, souped-up recreational vehicle to see bears safely. Photos and documentaries attracted tourists, who spend $5,000 a visit on average and millions of dollars overall. Churchill now bills itself as the polar bear capital of the world, and though it has no stoplights, it features upscale restaurants and plenty of mom-and-pop hotels.

If that comes to an end, Churchill hopes to be ready.

The town is promoting tourism for beluga whales, although those too may be harmed as the entire Hudson Bay ecosystem, including the food the belugas eat, shifts to one usually seen further south. It's also highlighting visitors' prospects for seeing the northern lights, spotting birds they can't see at home, and even trying dogsledding.

“In time you're going to lose bear season. And we know that. Anyway, it's just a matter of we're going to have to adapt to that change,” said Mike Spence, mayor since 1995. “You can't stew over it. That's not going to get you any points."

Spence grew up with the military installation “and all of a sudden it closes and then all of a sudden you get the tourists, the abundance of wildlife and the aurora. That's where you take advantage of it. You sort of tweak things and you improve life.”

The shuttered port and the damaged train tracks? The town took them over and got both running again. Ground sinking because the weather is getting rainier and permafrost is thawing? New buildings like the ones at Polar Bears International, a nonprofit conservation organization with headquarters in the city, have metal jacks that can be adjusted when a corner sinks nearly half a foot in five years.

Lauren Sorkin, executive director of the Resilient Cities Network, said every city should have a plan to adapt to climate change's effect on economy and tourism.

“Churchill is a standout example of a city that is planning ahead to protect communities and preserve our natural environment and its biodiversity," she said.

Spence, who is Cree, grew up with no electricity or running water in “the flats” on the outskirts of town, which was run by a white minority. Churchill is about two-thirds Indigenous with Cree, Metis, Inuit and Dene. Spence recalls his father saying that if only he spoke better English he could tell officials how to fix the town.

“I think I'm doing that for him,” Spence said. “You don't just say ‘I got a problem.' You go there with the fix.”

You can't drive to Churchill. Food, people, cargo, everything gets there by rail, boats or plane. Rail is the cheapest, and most residents travel by taking the overnight train to Thompson, then driving south from there.

Until a few years ago the train tracks, which had been leased to a private company, were not being maintained properly and the wet, stormy spring of 2017 created 22 washouts of the line between Churchill and points south, Spence said. The company couldn't afford to fix them.

Big storms in Churchill are as much as 30% rainier than 80 years ago because of human-caused climate change, said Cornell University climate scientist Angie Pendergrass.

“Service stopped dead” for 18 months, Spence said. “It was just devastating.”

Meanwhile, there weren't enough goods coming into the aging port. Spence said that shipping hub and rail lines needed to operate as an integrated system, and not be run by an absentee U.S. owner, so the town negotiated with the federal and provincial governments for local control and federal financial help.

In 2018, Arctic Gateway Group, a partnership of 41 First Nations and northern communities, took ownership of the port and rail line. Rail service returned on Halloween that year. Manitoba officials said that in the last two years 610 kilometers of track have been upgraded and 10 bridges repaired. Shipping in the port has more than tripled since 2021, including the return of its first cruise ship in decade, they said.

Earlier this year, officials announced another $60 million in port and rail funding.

Local ownership is key in Churchill, said former Chamber of Commerce president Dave Daley, who left town in the 1980s but returned after five years because he and his wife missed it. Big hotel chains poked around once and said they could fix up the town's infrastructure and build something big.

“We all stood and said ‘no',” Daley said. “We're a tight-knit group. We have our different opinions and everything else but we know how we want Churchill to be.”

As Churchill evolves, its forgotten past has surfaced at times as tourists ask about residents and their history, said longtime resident Georgina Berg, who like Spence lived on the flats as a child. That past includes “not-so-happy stories” about forced relocation, missing women, poverty, subsistence hunting, being ignored, deaths and abuse, said Berg, who is Cree.

Daley, a dogsled racer and president of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, tells of how the Metis people were especially ignored, abused and punished, yet he ends the history lesson with an abrupt shift.

“We can’t change five minutes ago, but we can change five minutes from now,” Daley said. “So that’s what I teach my kids. You know it’s nice to know the history and all the atrocities and everything that happened, but if we’re going to get better from that we have to look forward and look five minutes from now and what we can do to change that.”

Meanwhile, Daley and Spence notice the changes in the weather — not only warmer, but they're getting thunder here, something once unimaginable. The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the world. While Churchill isn't quite as bad off because it's south of the Arctic Circle, “it's something we take seriously,” Spence said.

“It's a matter of finding the right blend in how you adapt to climate change,” Spence said. “And work with it.”

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How Canada’s Remote Town Churchill Is Now The Thriving Hub Of Polar Bear Tourism

Canada's churchill has flourished over the years as the ultimate polar bear tourism hotspot.

While it may seem unlikely due to its extreme climate and isolated location, Canada’s Churchill has flourished over the years as the ultimate polar bear tourism hotspot. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this small town for the extraordinary opportunity to witness polar bears in their natural habitat.

The Unique Appeal Of Churchill

Churchill, Manitoba 🇨🇦 – the Polar Bear Capital of the world – is the perfect destination to see polar bears in their natural habitat. Every fall, about 1,000 of these magnificent giants migrate to this small northern town as they await the colder winter days.❄️ #PolarBearDay pic.twitter.com/xgT55MI1Ez — Canada (@Canada) February 27, 2020

Canada’s Churchill is a remote town that has earned the reputation of being the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’. The place’s appeal lies in its proximity to one of the largest polar bear populations on the planet. Each autumn, as the ice in Hudson Bay forms, polar bears migrate to the bay’s shores in anticipation of the seal-hunting season. This migration coincides with the prime tourism period, typically between October and November when visitors can observe these magnificent creatures up close. The town, with fewer than 1,000 people, transforms into a bustling hub during this time.

What sets Churchill apart from other wildlife destinations is the unparalleled access to polar bears in their natural habitat. Rather than seeing these creatures in a zoo or controlled environment, visitors in Churchill can witness them roaming freely across the icy tundra.

Also Read: Gurfateh Pirzada Worked As A Butcher At His First Job In Canada

It’s A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

#DYK that Churchill, Manitoba is often referred to as the polar bear capital of the world? This small town is one of only a few areas where the animals can be observed in the wild – just make sure to have your eyes peeled, since they might be camouflaged by the snow! pic.twitter.com/ZjMOiSyD0q — Canada (@Canada) February 12, 2019

The main draw for tourists visiting Churchill is the chance to go on a polar bear safari. These safaris are conducted in specially designed vehicles known as “tundra buggies.” Elevated several feet above the ground, these buggies provide a safe vantage point from which to observe polar bears. The vehicles are equipped with heating systems and large windows, ensuring that guests can comfortably enjoy the experience, regardless of the frigid conditions outside. At the same time, the town’s success as a tourism destination is closely tied to the health of the polar bear population, which is increasingly at risk due to the warming of the Arctic.

In addition to polar bear safaris, Churchill offers a variety of other wildlife experiences, including beluga whale watching in the summer months and birding tours for those interested in spotting rare Arctic species. This diversification of tourism activities has helped to make Churchill a year-round destination, further boosting the local economy.

Churchill continues to thrive as the ultimate polar bear tourism destination, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the Arctic wilderness.

Cover image credits: Canva

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Churchill hotelier, ecotourism operator plans to run for Manitoba PC leadership

Wally daudrich is 3rd prospective candidate, joining obby khan and trevor sprague.

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A Churchill hotel owner and ecotourism operator is preparing to run for the leadership of Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party.

Wally Daudrich, who owns Lazy Bear Lodge and Expeditions in the Hudson Bay coastal community, is one of three prospective leadership candidates now listed on the Manitoba PC website. 

Daudrich launched a campaign website this week and has started to solicit support.

"I believe that we must return to our roots as the party of limited government and sensible spending; The party that understands that the role of government in a free and democratic society is to serve the people, not rule over them," Daudrich said in a message on his campaign website.

The PCs must also "be the party that honours parents and family and respects the common-sense values they choose to live by," and one that "encourages independence, celebrates hard work, and inspires personal success," his statement said.

"Because it is only through personal success that wealth is created, communities thrive, and our province flourishes."

Daudrich has run twice for federal office as a Conservative candidate, finishing third in 2008 and second in 2011 in what was then known as the Churchill riding. The NDP's Niki Ashton won both races. 

• Tour touting Hudson Bay 'Stonehenge' site disregards cultural, ecological importance, critics say
• Polar bear politics heat up in Churchill after province quietly gives company new permits

The hotelier is also listed in provincial corporate records as one of the directors of the Klein Group, which assumed ownership of the Winnipeg Sun earlier this year.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for Daudrich deferred comment until the candidate formally launches his campaign.

Daudrich joins Fort Whyte PC MLA Obby Khan and tax consultant Trevor Sprague as prospective candidates in the race, which will see a new leader for the Official Opposition party elected next spring.

None of the prospective leadership hopefuls have completed their applications or have been accepted by the party as a candidate, PC leadership selection committee chair Brad Zander said.

The party will process their applications after an Oct. 15 deadline submission passes, he said. After that, each prospective candidate will undergo a criminal background check, a social media audit and an interview with the selection committee, Zander said.

Screening process will look for 'good judgment'

The party will consider the candidate's history of involvement with Manitoba Progressive Conservatives, their leadership experience and their record of communicating their ideas, he said.

Zander said the latter concern is not about the specifics of the views in question, but rather how they've been conveyed.

"Are you doing it in a way that demonstrates good judgment? Or are you getting into Twitter fights with teenagers at two in the morning?" he asked.

• Taxation expert, longtime Manitoba PC member mulls run for party leadership
• Fort Whyte MLA Obby Khan 1st to enter race to become next leader of Manitoba PCs

Zander said if any candidate does not make it through the screening process, the selection committee will provide reasons for that decision in writing.

"As far as the committee is concerned, they're free to release that if they want to," he said, adding the party wants its vetting process to be transparent.

The Manitoba PCs endured heavy criticism for the way they handled a leadership race in 2021, when the party was in power. That race saw second-place contestant Shelly Glover go to court to challenge Heather Stefanson's slim victory .

Stefanson became premier days after that race. Her PC government was defeated last October by Wab Kinew's NDP.

She  announced in January  that she would step down as party leader, and  later stepped down as the MLA for Tuxedo .

The party will declare its leadership candidates later this month and plans to invite all vetted candidates to speak to party members at an event slated for Oct. 30, Zander said.

• Manitoba Progressive Conservatives kick off leadership race leading up to April vote

The PCs will elect their next leader on April 26. Until then, Lac du Bonnet MLA Wayne Ewasko will continue serving as interim PC leader.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior reporter, CBC Manitoba

Bartley Kives joined CBC Manitoba in 2016. Prior to that, he spent three years at the Winnipeg Sun and 18 at the Winnipeg Free Press, writing about politics, music, food and outdoor recreation. He's the author of the Canadian bestseller A Daytripper's Guide to Manitoba: Exploring Canada's Undiscovered Province and co-author of both Stuck in the Middle: Dissenting Views of Winnipeg and Stuck In The Middle 2: Defining Views of Manitoba.

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