What is the population of Churchill?
According to the 2001 census, Churchill�s population is 963.

What is the percentage of aboriginal groups in Churchill?
Roughly 70% of the population is Aboriginal (30% Cree, 30% Metis, 10% Inuit and Dene) while 30% are of other ethnic groups.

What is the average temperature in summer and winter?
Summer +12�C (54�F) / Winter - 27�C (-17�F)

Can I drive to Churchill?
No, Churchill is an isolated community with access only by train (VIA Rail) or plane (Calm Air & Kivalliq airlines). You may, however, drive as far north as Thompson, Manitoba.

How do I find out information regarding tours offered in Churchill?
Click on the �Things to do� tab of this website in order to browse a listing of all the local tour operators.

Can I see polar bears, beluga whales, birds and the northern lights all in one trip?
Churchill has distinct seasons. For example bear season generally runs October and November of each year while whale season tends to take place late June to August. While by odd chance it is possible to see bears, belugas, birds and northern lights all in one trip one should not count on it.

Where do the bears go in the winter/summer?
During the winter months the bears are out on the ice flows hunting for seals. During the summer months they come off the ice and hang around the coast waiting for the ice to once again form.

Is it safe to walk around in town during Bear Season?
Yes, it is relatively safe to walk around town during Bear Season as Manitoba Conservation has a Polar Bear Alert program that continually patrols the town to keep bears out.

How many polar bears are there in the area?
There are approximately 1200 polar bears in the Churchill region.

How many beluga whales are there in the Churchill River Estuary?
It is estimated that there are approximately 3,000 beluga whales.

How many species of birds are found in Churchill?
Over 200 species of birds have been spotted in the Churchill region.

When is the best time to see the Aurora Borealis (northern lights)?
The Aurora Borealis are most noticeable on clear nights during January to March and late August to early September.

Why are the trees crooked or one sided in Churchill?
Strong north westerly winds hit the trees, preventing growth on the one side. This is known as the Krumholz affect (meaning crooked wood).

Was Churchill named after Winston Churchill?
No, the town is named after John Churchill, the 3rd governor of the Hudson Bay Company and the Duke of Marlborough. Interestingly, Winston Churchill was a direct descendent of John Churchill.

What is the Navy Base?
This was an active listening base during the Cold War and was considered a landlocked ship as to the way it was operated. It was decommissioned in 1969 however the building still stands.

What was Fort Churchill?
Fort Churchill was the largest ever joint Canadian/US Military base where cold weather testing of weapons, equipment and fighting tactics took place. The Fort closed in 1979.

When was the last rocket fired at the rocket range?
The last rocket to be fired from the rocket range was in 1998.

When is the Port of Churchill�s shipping season?
As the water freezes, the Port�s shipping season takes place roughly between July and early November of every year.

While in Churchill where can a visitor get internet access?
Some hotels offer this service to their guests but there are also public terminals in the Public Library, located in the Town Centre Complex.

Is there a hospital in Churchill?
The Churchill Regional Health Authority is located in the Town Centre Complex.