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.
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
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
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
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.
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
Guests will arrive into Thompson, Manitoba by own arrangements; Evening VIA Rail departure for overnight travel to Churchill. Meals: None
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
Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area; Overnight at Churchill hotel. Meals: L
Dog sledding and interpretive program; Free time to explore Churchill; Evening VIA Rail departure for overnight travel to Thompson. Meals: None
Guests may depart Thompson at their leisure. Meals: None