The ULTIMATE Guide to Seeing Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba

Posted: October 10, 2025 | Author: Breanne Sewards

Wildlife enthusiasts know that Manitoba is one of the most magical places in the world to visit in the autumn months. And it's not for the wicked fall foliage. About 1,000 kilometres north of capital city Winnipeg lies the northern port town of Churchill, made famous by its annual congregation of polar bears. Plan your once-in-a-lifetime trek north with this ultimate guide.

When to go

  • October and November, for peak season
  • July through September, for summer viewing

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 best months to view these arctic giants in their natural habitats, with the summer months coming in close second. Polar bears begin to gather along the western coast of Hudson Bay as early as July, waiting for the big freeze so they can start their annual hunt for seal throughout the winter months.

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. In other words, you'll definitely want to keep an eye on the aurora app to track activity, keep an eye on the forecast (clear skies are necessary) and be prepared to stay up late or set an alarm for the middle of the night when the sky is at its darkest.

Wildlife

Come for the polar bears, stay for the (other) wildlife! Don't be surprised if arctic fox, snowy owls, wolves and ptarmigan catch the attention of your camera lens.

Other things to do

Cape Merry

Cape Merry provides one of the best views in Churchill, overlooking the Churchill River, Hudson Bay and the Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site. A guided tour of Cape Merry will provide an in depth look at this historic spot.

Dog sledding

Meet the dogs and embark on a quintessential winter activity: dog sledding! With snowfall coming rather early in northern Manitoba (compared to the rest of the province, that is), you can enjoy flying through picturesque scenes with one Wapusk Adventures.

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.

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. Keep an eye on the Churchill Creative Collective Facebook page for upcoming pop-up markets from local artisans.

MH Ithaca

Get a closer look at this ghost ship (which ran aground in the 1960's) on a guided tour with Sub-Arctic Tours, North Star Tours or Discover Churchill.

Packages

While occasionally you can find a last-minute opening, we recommend booking your polar bear tour at least one year in advance. The busiest season is between October and November, while the summer months offer opportunities to see polar bears and beluga whales on the same trip. Tour packages will typically cover your transportation from Winnipeg, all your meals, accommodations and excursions. Check out a few options below:

DIY

If you haven't managed to nab a spot on a packaged tour this year, there are still ways to visit Churchill in DIY style. This option is best for travellers with flexibility and requires planning ahead of time, as many hotels will be booked solid well in advance.

Getting there

Flights: A flight with Calm Air from Winnipeg to Churchill takes approximately 2 hours.

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. Multiple cabin levels are available. Another option is to combine a train trip and flight with one-way trips or drive to Thompson (about 8 hours north of Winnipeg) and take the twice weekly train to Churchill from there.

For getting around town: Churchill Auto Rentals

A-la-carte excursions and experiences

If you do find yourself in Churchill during this busy season, here are several options to take if you aren't already on a packaged tour.

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.

Where to eat

About The Author

Hey! I'm Breanne, Editorial Content Specialist for Travel Manitoba. First to jump in the lake and last to make it down the River Trail. Lover of croissants, cats, and croissant-shaped cats. Got a story idea? Email me at bsewards@travelmanitoba.com.

Editorial Content Specialist