While Churchill, Manitoba is internationally known as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’, our community is truly a four season wildlife destination.  Located along the treeline or the northern edge of the Boreal Forest, Churchill attracts arctic and boreal species of wildlife, birds and plants.  Commonly seen species include Arctic and Red Foxes, Arctic Hare, Caribou, Gyrfalcons, Snowy Owls, Ptarmigan and even the occasional Lemming!

BIRD WATCHERS’ PARADISE

Starting in late May and continuing through the month of June, over 200 migratory species of birds pass through the Churchill area. The convergence of three natural biomes (Low-Arctic Tundra, Boreal Forest, Marine) attracts a wide variety of species, arctic nesters and forest dwelling birds alike, many in spring plumage. This variety includes some rare ‘lifelist’ gems such as the Ross’s Gull, Harris’ Sparrow and Boreal Chickadee.

BELUGA WHALE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

As the ice floes recede on the Churchill River, the first beluga whales of the year appear. Throughout July and August, pods of beluga whales enter the Churchill River with the tide, coming into the warm waters of the estuary to feed, give birth and raise their young, moult their winter skin and generally, socialize. Known as ‘Sea Canaries’, they are some of the world’s most communicative and expressive whales. With white whale numbers peaking around 3,000 by mid-summer, the Churchill River is virtually ’swimming’ with whales! They are inquisitive and comfortable with tour boats, swimming beside, behind and under your boat. Enjoy an unforgettable kayak trip or even go snorkelling with the belugas. Just another one of Churchill’s undiscovered gems!

POLAR BEAR CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

As the beluga whales depart, another season begins. Polar bears swim ashore in mid-July and can be seen in the summer but it is not until October that they begin to gather in numbers along the coast. Churchill’s ‘bear season’ begins in early October and numbers build until in early November, sometimes 40 or more polar bears can be seen on a given day. This is Churchill’s prime tourist season with 12,000 or more visitors passing through in six weeks.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Churchill lies underneath the Auroral Oval, an area of high intensity, high frequency auroral activity. That means, we get the best and most northern lights displays on the planet! By late January, Hudson Bay has completely frozen over and snowdrifts sculpt the landscape. With short days and long, clear nights, the conditions are perfect for northern lights viewing. Purple and green slash the sky almost every night… imagine your own front row seat to Nature’s light show!