Churchill, Manitoba is a four season ecotourism destination and tour companies look forward to showing visitors our abundant sub-arctic attractions as well as guiding them on exciting activities. Here are some highlights:

Birdwatchers’ Paradise

From late May through mid-July, over 200 species of migratory birds followed by birders from across the world, pass through Churchill. Add to the mix, long hours of daylight (you can ‘bird’ from 5am until 10pm if you like…) and Churchill is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Local companies offering bird watching tour packages or day-trips include Nature First Tours and North Star Tours. The Churchill Northern Studies Centre also hosts Elderhostel programming and their own Learning Vacations. While no roads head south from here, Churchill has a fairly extensive system of roads (actually, trails…) that cover every possible natural bird habitat that a birder could ask for. Vehicle rentals are also available for independent travellers or groups.

Best Beluga Whale Watching in the World

Churchill is a special place in the summer. Over 3000 beluga whales feed, socialize and raise their young in the warm waters of the Churchill River, wildflowers carpet the landscape and even the occasional polar bear can be seen from mid-July onwards. The two main beluga whale watching companies in Churchill are Sea North Tours and Lazy Bear Lodge. Each offers two-hour tours (one hour of whale watching and one hour at Prince of Wales Fort), snorkelling or kayaking. Come and discover the magic and mystery of Churchill’s beluga whales!

Polar Bear Capital of the World

Most polar bear tours occur from early October through to mid-November aboard the world famous Tundra Vehicles, sometimes called Tundra Buggies. The two main tundra vehicle companies are Great White Bear Tours (primarily booked by Natural Habitat and Churchill Nature Tours) and Tundra Buggy Adventure/Frontiers North, contact them for more information and availability of dates. The vast majority of tours during this time period are group tours although some ‘day trips’ are still available for independent travellers. It is best to book these tours early, up to a year in advance.

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

While visible at almost any time of the year, the Northern Lights hit their peak in January through March. These magnificent displays can be viewed from anywhere in or around town. Group tours include Natural Habitat, Frontier North and the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (Elderhostel and Learning Vacation). Winter clothing is available for rent at the Polar Inn.

Other Highlights

Three ecosystems converge (Marine, Tundra, and Boreal Forest) to provide a wonderful diversity of plants and animals.
As a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, Churchill boasts a rich history of the Canadian fur trade. Prince of Wales Fort and Cape Merry National Historic Sites are managed by Parks Canada. Each holds its own stories of the early days of Canada and the exploration of the arctic.
Three aboriginal Canadian cultures (Cree, Dene and Inuit) come together in this little community. Visit the world famous Eskimo Museum to see one of the most comprehensive collections of Inuit artifacts and sculpture.
Outdoor adventure is readily available. Hiking tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, kayaking, snorkeling, hunting and fishing are all at hand in Churchill.

Tours and Transportation

Churchill is an exciting place to visit and revisit. Experienced tour companies can add greatly to the experience. There are several local tour and transporation companies operating in the Churchill area.

Blue Sky Expeditions - Dog sled rides of varying lengths including summer dog kennel tours. Email Blue Sky Expeditions

Charlie’s Dog Sled Tours - Local musher, Charlie Lundie, provides dog sled rides near Dene Village.

Great White Bear Tours - Tundra vehicle operator working closely with Natural Habitat Adventures providing polar bear tours. Email Great White Bear Tours.

Lazy Bear Lodge Tours - Group packages and day-trips. In summer, bus tours, boat tours to view whales and visit Prince of Wales Fort, kayaking, snorkelling. Also, features the Lazy Bear Tundra bus tours to view polar bears in the fall. Email Lazy Bear Lodge.

Nature 1st Tours - Day tours, bus and hiking. Specializing in birding tours and nature walks. Group bookings, polar bear security and step-on guide service available. Email Nature 1st Tours.

North Star Tours - Churchill’s original tour company. Specializing in town and area tours by bus. Email North Star.

Polar Bear Alley - Custom hiking tours and polar bear security, specializing in small groups and film crews. Step-on guide service and day hikes available. Email Polar Bear Alley.

Sea North Tours - Churchill’s beluga whale specialists. Whale-watching and Prince of Wales Fort tours, ice floe tours, kayaking and snorkelling. Email Seanorth Tours.

Tundra Buggy Adventure/Frontiers North - Largest tundra vehicle company offering polar bear tours in Churchill. Email Tundra Buggy Adventure.

Wapusk Adventures - Churchill’s largest dog sled tour provider. Offering the ‘Ididamile’ dog sled experience. Email Wapusk Adventures.