Churchill Town and Tundra Experience - Adventurer - Drive and VIA Rail
Trip Overview
Get to know the remote town of Churchill, Polar Bear Capital of the World, on an epic autumn journey into the North. This adventure offers the excitement of polar bear viewing and the opportunity to take in the eclectic charm of this northern coastal town.
This tour includes a full-day Tundra Buggy safari in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA), where polar bears await the freezing of the Hudson Bay, as well as the chance to indulge in and explore the history and culture of Churchill on an authentic dog sledding excursion and a guided tour of the town. Situated on the edge of the Hudson Bay, built on deep Indigenous roots and home to Canada’s most iconic wildlife, the town of Churchill is a must-visit destination for those who seek an authentic Canadian adventure.
This unescorted autumn trip includes the return train journey from your choice of Thompson, Manitoba or Canora, Saskatchewan to Churchill.
Adventurer Level: Our most flexible and cost-efficient option, these tours include the basics of lodging and transportation, and allow flexibility to add the activities that interest you most. Adventure-level tours have the largest guest capacity of all our tours, are unescorted and tend to be shorter in length.
The Experience
An ideal adventure for guests who want to experience the wondrous charm of the town of Churchill while also spending time viewing Churchill’s incredible polar bears.
Day 01
Train to Churchill
Today is the day! We had the choice to depart by train from either Canora, Saskatchewan or Thompson, Manitoba. We decided on Thompson and we climb aboard the evening northbound train with VIA Rail - next stop, Churchill!
Photo © Uli Kunz
Day 02
Churchill Adventure Begins
We wake up early in the morning before arriving in Churchill. We're here!
Upon arrival we head over to our hotel to check in and freshen up. After we've had a chance to relax, we board a bus and head out on a Churchill and area tour, which comprises of an exploratory drive past various points of interest in and surrounding Churchill. Our driver stopped briefly at Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility so we could get out and take photos.
After the tour we have some free time to explore the town of Churchill's shops and restaurants!
Photo © Abby Matheson
Day 03
Tundra Buggy Adventure
It's time for our Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area! Once we board the Tundra Buggy we head out onto the tundra in search of polar bears, arctic foxes, hares and ptarmigan. Our tour allows us to learn from our Tundra Buggy Driver about the animal life that are native to the Churchill area.
After our full day on the Tundra Buggy we head back to town where we have the evening to explore Churchill and spend some time at the pub!
Photo © Brian Wilson
Day 04
Dog Sledding
Our final day in Churchill is all about northern culture. Our first excursion of the day is a dog sledding program with local dog musher Dave Daley of Wapusk Adventures. Dave regales us with his incredible dog sledding stories, introduces us to his dog pack and then takes our group on a mile-long dog sled ride through the boreal forest. Then we head back to town for lunch.
After lunch we have some free time, so I head over to the Itsanitaq Museum, which is home to an enormous collection of Inuit artifacts honouring Churchill's Indigenous culture and history. It was wonderful to learn more about northern culture and to feel a connection to Churchill's community!
This evening, it's time to say goodbye to Churchill. We board the southbound train for our overnight travel back to Thompson.
Day 05
Depart Thompson
We arrive into Thompson in the morning. My Churchill adventure may be over but I’m heading home with a lot of wonderful memories and photos to show my friends and family. I can't wait to plan my next adventure!
Photo © Uli Kunz
Itinerary
Day 01
Train to Churchill
Guests will arrive into Thompson, Manitoba by own arrangements; Evening VIA Rail departure for overnight travel to Churchill. Meals: None
Day 02
Churchill Adventure Begins
Morning arrival into Churchill; Guests will make own way to Churchill hotel for check-in; Churchill and area tour; Free time to explore Churchill; Overnight at Churchill hotel. Meals: None
Day 03
Tundra Buggy Adventure
Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area; Overnight at Churchill hotel. Meals: L
Day 04
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding and interpretive program; Free time to explore Churchill; Evening VIA Rail departure for overnight travel to Thompson. Meals: None
Day 05
Depart Thompson
Guests may depart Thompson at their leisure. Meals: None
Join the Adventure
Call To Reserve Your Spot Today
1 800 663 9832 (toll free)
1 204 949 2050 (international)
All prices CAD, plus applicable taxes.
All prices, inclusions, and dates may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
VIA Rail departures from Canora, Saskatchewan begin one day earlier than Thompson departures, and end one day later than Thompson departures. There is an additional cost of $200 for Canora departures.
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