Churchill, Manitoba: The town of polar bears
Polar bear mom and cub - Photo courtesy of BJ Kirschhoffer / polarbearsinternational.org
Welcome to Churchill, Manitoba, where the frosty wilderness meets the adorable, yet very respected locals—and by locals, we mean the polar bears! Yep, you read that right!
Seeing polar bears in the wild… I (Eli) had this lifelong dream. So, when I finally gathered enough savings, and taking advantage of a trip to Canada, I booked a tour from Winnipeg to Churchill.
When the plane landed early in the morning, I couldn’t contain my excitement, despite a sleepless night due to a delayed flight from Toronto!
So grab your warmest jacket, pack your sense of adventure, and follow me into the Hudson Bay wilderness, where the polar bears rule and humans are just “guests”.
Where is Churchill?
Churchill, Manitoba, is a place like no other. Perched on the edge of the Hudson Bay and Wapusk National Park, this tiny town boasts a unique blend of rugged wilderness, vibrant local culture, and unparalleled wildlife experiences. With a population of just under 1,000 hardy souls, Churchill may be remote, but it’s far from isolated in spirit.
Getting to Churchill is no small feat, and that’s part of its allure. Accessible only by plane or train, this northern outpost offers a sense of adventure right from the start. The town’s remoteness ensures an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, free from the trappings of more tourist-heavy destinations.
Indigenous heritage is deeply rooted here, with the Dene and Cree peoples having called this region home for thousands of years. Their cultural influence is evident in local art, crafts, and cuisine, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of the Arctic.
Living in Churchill means embracing a lifestyle shaped by the rhythms of nature. Winters are long and brutally cold, but they bring the magic of the polar bear season and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Summers are short but vibrant, with beluga whales swimming in the bay and wildflowers blooming across the tundra. Each season offers its own set of adventures and challenges, making life in Churchill a continual blend of beauty and resilience.
In short: It’s right up our alley here at Penguin Trampoline!
The best Arctic char
After a whole day out on the tundra learning about and spotting polar bears, we had dinner at an awesome restaurant in town. Sharing this amazing experience with other nature-lovers around a delicious Arctic char was the perfect ending to a perfect day! Don’t miss our article on Arctic food to know more about Northern delicacies!
Why is Churchill the Polar Bear Capital of the World?
Churchill, Manitoba, has earned the illustrious title of the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" for several reasons. The town offers a unique convergence of environmental, geographical, and biological factors that make it the prime location for polar bear viewing. It’s like a giant bear party, and you’re invited!
Geographical advantage
Churchill's location on the western shore of Hudson Bay is pivotal to its status as the polar bear capital. Every fall, as the temperatures drop and the ice begins to form on the bay, polar bears congregate along the coastline, waiting for the ice to solidify. This ice formation is crucial because it allows the bears to venture onto the bay and hunt seals, their primary food source. Churchill’s coastal position makes it an ideal gathering spot for these bears during this time.
Annual migration patterns
Polar bears have a specific migration pattern that brings them to the Churchill area each year. During the summer months, the bears are forced onto land as the ice melts. They spend this time fasting and living off their fat reserves. When autumn arrives and the temperatures drop, the bears migrate back to the coast, eagerly awaiting the freeze-up of Hudson Bay. This predictable migration makes Churchill one of the best places in the world to observe polar bears in the wild.
Polar bear testing the waters - Photo courtesy of Kt Miller / polarbearsinternational.org
Accessible but remote
Churchill’s remoteness works in its favor, providing a natural sanctuary for polar bears away from the disturbances of large human populations. Despite being remote, Churchill is accessible enough to allow tourism without overwhelming the environment. This balance ensures that visitors can experience the wild, untouched beauty of the Arctic while minimizing their impact on the ecosystem.
Unique human-bear coexistence
Churchill has developed innovative methods to manage the human-polar bear interaction, most notably the Polar Bear Alert Program and the Polar Bear Jail. The Polar Bear Alert Program monitors and manages bears that wander too close to town, while the Polar Bear Jail temporarily holds bears that pose a risk, releasing them safely back into the wild. These initiatives exemplify Churchill’s commitment to coexisting with its polar bear neighbors, ensuring the safety of both residents and bears.
The Polar Bear Jail
The "polar bear jail" is a holding facility where polar bears that wander into the town are temporarily housed. They’re kept there to prevent them from becoming a danger to residents or property, and eventually relocated far from town to discourage them from returning. This practice successfully helps manage human-bear conflicts, with few “recidivists”!
Photo courtesy of BJ Kirschhoffer / polarbearsinternational.org
Conservation efforts and Polar Bears International
Churchill’s reputation as the polar bear capital is bolstered by the active involvement of conservation organizations like Polar Bears International. They’re like the polar bear whisperers, tracking their movements, studying their behaviors, and figuring out how climate change impacts their icy homes. Plus, they’ve got some great educational programs that make learning about polar bears as fun as a snowball fight. Their efforts ensure that Churchill remains a thriving habitat for polar bears, preserving it for future generations.
“Polar Bears International’s mission is to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. We also work to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the connection of this fragile ecosystem and to our global climate.
Seeing polar bears in the wild and learning about the challenges they face can inspire people to care and get involved in their conservation.
Those privileged to see polar bears in the wild can bear witness to the changes taking place and the need to take action to preserve these magnificent animals and their threatened ecosystem.
”
Tundra vehicles and guided tours
The development of specialized tundra vehicles has revolutionized polar bear viewing in Churchill. These vehicles are equipped to navigate the rugged, snowy terrain, bringing visitors safely close to the bears without disturbing them. Guided tours, led by experts and only using designated trails, offer educational experiences that deepen visitors’ understanding of polar bears and the challenges they face. This responsible tourism model helps to raise awareness and support for polar bear conservation.
In other places of the world, polar bears observation is usually limited to boats.
Tourism or not tourism?
So, I know what you’re thinking. Tundra buggy? Hmm, doesn’t sound very sustainable. Well, you’re right, because tourism is not inherently sustainable.
So, it’s no surprise that Arctic tourism sparks controversy.
On one hand, protecting and preserving Arctic regions is crucial, and bringing in visitors can seem counterproductive.
On the other hand, it's hard to develop a deep respect, wonder, and care for a place if you've only seen it in magazines.
Arctic travel must be planned and managed carefully. Visitors need to be “educated” about the places they visit, and tourist & environmental organizations must collaborate closely with locals.
Eli in her happy place - right by the Hudson Bay
However, we’re pretty sure polar regions will never attract mass tourism. Most people simply aren't interested. Those who do venture to the Arctic are usually respectful and acutely aware of environmental threats.
While Arctic regions face significant challenges, tourism is far from the biggest one and can even be a good tool to raise awareness and funding for protection programs — if managed properly. That’s the case in Churchill.
At Penguin Trampoline, we don’t claim to have all the answers or a magic wand, but our perspective is shaped by experience and our interactions with locals wherever we go.
When to visit Churchill
For polar bears
The best time to catch polar bears in action is from October to early November. During this period, the polar bears are out and about, making it prime viewing season. Hop on a specially designed tundra vehicle, or join a guided walking tour for a more up-close-and-personal experience. Either way, you’re in for a thrill that beats any wildlife documentary, trust me. We got lucky enough to see several bears, including a mom and her cubs!
While the polar bears are the headliners, Churchill is also home to a fantastic supporting cast of Arctic animals. In winter, you can also spot Arctic foxes, caribou snow, owls and ptarmigans, all dressed in their fancy winter coat!
Obviously, in winter, you might also enjoy the mighty presence of Lady Aurora! Check out our best tips to watch the northern lights here.
Eli took this picture by the Hudson Bay, on a tundra buggy tour
For belugas
The best time to visit Churchill for beluga whale watching and other summer wildlife is from mid-June to mid-September. During these months, the Churchill River and Hudson Bay come alive with thousands of belugas, providing exceptional opportunities for boat tours, kayaking, and snorkeling. Additionally, the summer season brings a variety of migratory birds, colorful wildflowers, and other cool —pun intended — Arctic animals.
Where to stay in Churchill
Unfortunately, my budget only allowed me to join a one-day tour, but you can actually sleep in a tundra buggy lodge and observe polar bears during several days — Something I’m dreaming to do as soon as I get enough money!
There are a few hotels and guesthouses in town. Obviously, accommodation in Churchill is a lot more expensive in high season — basically arctic animal watching season.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Polar bear attacks are very rare, but the Arctic presents some inherent risks due to its remoteness and harsh climate. Make sure to book a travel insurance, and benefit from a 5% discount for booking through Penguin Trampoline with our partner Heymondo!
How to get to Churchill
Churchill is pretty remote, but that’s part of its charm. And, obviously, it’s not cheap. You can fly from Winnipeg directly to Churchill, which is quick and easy. I booked an excursion including the return flights and polar bear buggy tour.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the VIA Rail train from Winnipeg for a scenic ride through the stunning Manitoba landscape. Must be so cool!
Here is my personal travel playlist for your ultimate Arctic adventure:
On the plane back from Churchill, I can’t help but having a bitter-sweet feeling.
Yes, I had the immense luck to make my dream come true: seeing polar bears in the wild. But, we can’t help but wonder how many more generations will be able to see them too?
And, as if nature was listening, all of a sudden, the northern lights started dancing over the plane’s wing. Wow.
Traveling doesn’t get more magical than that, and I’ll be forever grateful I got to live this life-changing experience.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Barbara Nielsen, Senior Director of Communications and Erinn Hermsen, Digital Marketing and Media Manager at Polar Bears International, for their invaluable contributions and tireless dedication to our mission of protecting these magnificent creatures. At Penguin Trampoline, we are Polar Bear Patrons, and we encourage our readers to join us in making a donation to further our shared cause.
Thank you for your support.
