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Treaty 5

You don't have to travel far in 2020 (and...you probably don't want to) to have an extraordinary adventure. Manitobans: this is the year to visit Churchill during the height of polar bear season. In an ordinary year, hotels and packages are booked well in advance and last-minute trips are rare. But this year is different...and we have all the details on how to make your trip north as smooth as possible.

COVID-19 information

While much of the north is closed to southern travel due to COVID-19, visitors are permitted to travel to Churchill.

For those travelling by plane or train, please be aware that masks are mandatory.

For those travelling by driving to Thompson and then taking the train, please note that you must proceed directly to the station or self-isolate in your hotel room until departure. Please do not visit any local stores or restaurants. We advise bringing plenty of food from home for both the car and train journey, as no meals are served on board.

Please check with your tour provider to get the latest procedures and always follow government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

When to go

October and November*

*Mid-October to Mid-November tends to be the ideal time to visit

What you can see

Polar bears: If you've been wanting to find out why Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world, October and November are the time to visit, as polar bears are beginning to gather in the area to wait for the big freeze.

Northern lights: While peak northern lights season occurs from January to March, Churchill sees the sky light up with the aurora borealis 300 days a year.

Other wildlife: Come for the polar bears, stay for the (other) wildlife! Keep your eyes peeled for arctic fox, snowy owls, wolves and ptarmigan.

Other things to do

Dog sledding: Feel the rush of a dogsledding excursion with one of Churchill's local providers: Wapusk Adventures and Churchill River Mushing.

Itsanitaq Museum: This unassuming museum is open year-round and features one of the world's finest collections of Inuit carvings and artifacts. These delicate and intricate works of art date back to Pre-Dorset (1700 BC) times. Open Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday, 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

Sea walls murals: Initiated and led by celebrated Manitoban artist Kal Barteski, SeaWalls CHURCHILL is a collection of murals that not only inspire but also educate on the need to protect the world's oceans. The murals can be accessed by a self-guided driving tour.

Shopping: Don't leave Churchill without finding that perfect trip keepsake. Must-shops include the Arctic Trading Company, Fifty Eight North and Wapusk General Store.

Packages

While a DIY option is readily available in the summer months, we recommend booking a package tour during the busier polar bear season. Tour packages will typically cover your transportation from Winnipeg, all your meals, accommodations and excursions. Here are the tour companies running during the 2020 season - note each has their own COVID-19 rules and procedures - so please do your research before booking.

Lazy Bear Expeditions: Ultimate Polar Bear Adventure

Frontiers North: Churchill Town & Tundra Experience (Drive and Via Rail), Churchill Town and Tundra Experience (Enthusiast), One Day Polar Bear Adventure

Churchill Northern Studies Centre: Lords of the Arctic

North Star Tours: Canadian Travellers Package

Heartland International Travel & Tours: Churchill Polar Bear Day Tours from Winnipeg

DIY

Not interested in a packaged tour? Here are some options for visiting Churchill, DIY style.

Flights: A flight with Calm Air from Winnipeg to Churchill takes approximately 2 hours. Some flights stop in Rankin Inlet, which adds a few hours onto the trip total. (tip: if you have Airmiles and are flying within Manitoba, try searching Winnipeg to Churchill. Typically, flights cost 1400 points, but the seats go quickly. During the week is your best option for finding flights.)

Train: Via Rail offers train service from Winnipeg to Churchill, leaving every Sunday and Tuesday from the VIA Rail Station in Winnipeg and arriving in Churchill 48 hours later. From Churchill, the train departs every Thursday and Saturday. Another option is to combine a train trip and flight with one-way trips!

For getting around town: Tamarack Car Rentals

Day tours

Frontiers North: Tundra Buggy Day Tours

Hudson Bay Helicopters: Helicopter Tours

Great White Bear Tours: Day Tour

Discover Churchill: Polar Bear and Wildlife Day Tours, contact for more details

Nanuk Operations: Polar Bears & Wildlife

North Star Tours: Private Guiding

Custom Heli: Custom Heli Day Tours

Beyond Boreal Expeditions: Polar Bear Day Tours

Heartland International Travel & Tours: Churchill Polar Bear Day Tours from Winnipeg

Where to stay

With limited accommodations in the town of Churchill, it's best to make your reservations as far ahead of time as possible.

Tundra Inn

Churchill Hotel & Guesthouse

Iceberg Inn

Polar Inn & Suites

Lazy Bear Lodge

Seaport Hotel

Bear Country Inn

Polar Bear Bed & Breakfast

Aurora Inn

Where to eat

Seaport Hotel

Lazy Bear Cafe

Tundra Inn Dining Room & Pub

Dancing Bear