Photo by Joseph Krysl Photo by Robin Biswas
Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure by Train
Visit the Polar Bear Capital of the World!
Duration
7 Nights
Departure city
Winnipeg
Season
Oct - Nov
Starting from
Single Supplement
Travel by train on this comprehensive Churchill adventure, seeking out polar bears, and other wildlife alongside popular activities.
Our Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure by Train is a well-rounded Churchill adventure where you can travel to the Polar Bear Capital of the World by train and witness the changing landscape on your journey north!
This hotel-based adventure includes two full Tundra Buggy® days in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA), where polar bears await the freezing of Hudson Bay. You will have plenty of opportunity to explore the tundra for these majestic animals and other subarctic wildlife in their natural environment, and the opportunity to take in the endless charm of this remote Canadian community.
Learn about the history of Churchill and indulge in the culture by exploring cultural museums, unique shops, and local restaurants boasting delicious regional cuisine.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Travel by train through the northern landscape
- Lock eyes with wild polar bears from a Tundra Buggy®
- Safely tour the Polar Bear Capital of the World
- Explore the rich history and culture of Churchill
- Learn about polar bear conservation from experts
- Enjoy a private and comfortable hotel stay
- Dine locally with delicious regional dishes
An Interpretive-Guided Trip!
Day 1
Welcome to Winnipeg
Guests will arrive into Winnipeg and make their own way to the Inn at the Forks hotel conveniently located right by the train station; Evening meet and greet hosted by a Frontiers North Interpretive Guide; Overnight in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg
Day 2-3
All Aboard The Train
Board VIA Rail train early afternoon; Enjoy the scenery as you travel from Winnipeg-Churchill for the next two days; Two nights overnight on the train.
Photo by Uli Kunz Photo by Uli Kunz Photo by Uli Kunz
Day 4
Churchill Adventure Begins
Morning arrival into Churchill; Churchill and area tour; Dog Sledding and Interpretive Program; Evening Cultural Presentation; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
Welcome to the Polar Bear Capital
Day 5
Tundra Buggy® Adventure
Full day Tundra Buggy® adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Observe and learn about polar bear behaviour with an experienced Interpretive guide at your side who can provide interpretation on polar bear behaviour and biology and regional facts.
YOUR OWN WINDOW
Experience an intimate encounter with a wild polar bear from a Tundra Buggy®. Our Tundra Buggy® is furnished with dual-pane frost-free windows. Each guest has their own window seat for viewing.
FIELD AMBASSADORS
Learn about ongoing polar bear research and conservation efforts from a Polar Bears International Field Ambassador as you observe wild polar bears in their natural habitat.
Day 6
Explore Churchill
Parks Canada Visitor Centre; Polar Bears International House; Itsanitaq Museum; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
Culture and History
Day 7
Final Tundra Buggy® Adventure
Full day Tundra Buggy® adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area; Evening flight to Winnipeg; Guests check into their Winnipeg hotel.
Photo by Brian Wilson Photo by Richard Day
Day 8
Depart Winnipeg
Guests may depart Winnipeg at their leisure.
Full Trip Details
Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure by Train
What to Expect:
Frequently Asked Questions
The train journey to Churchill is part of the adventure! Travelling from Winnipeg, the ride takes approximately 48 hours and includes two overnight stretches. Along the way, you’ll pass through remote, scenic landscapes that few get to experience. It’s a truly unique and relaxing way to arrive in the North.
Guests typically travel in Sleeper Plus Class, which includes a cozy private cabin with seats that convert into beds, access to shared washrooms and showers, and all meals served onboard.
This adventure is hotel-based! All properties are conveniently located in the town of Churchill and include basic amenities. Rooms are typically furnished with two queen or two double beds, are clean and comfortable, and have private restrooms.
Itinerary
Day 1
Guests will arrive into Winnipeg and make their own way to Inn at the Forks hotel; Welcome reception hosted by a Frontiers North Interpretive Guide; Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 2
Board VIA Rail train early afternoon; Begin first leg of journey to Churchill; Overnight on the train.
Day 3
Continue on the journey from Winnipeg to Churchill; Overnight on the train.
Day 4
Morning arrival into Churchill; Churchill and area tour; Dog Sledding and Interpretive Program; Evening Cultural Presentation from a local Churchillian; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
Day 5
Full day Tundra Buggy® adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
Day 6
Parks Canada Visitor Centre; Polar Bears International House; Itsanitaq Museum; Overnight at Churchill hotel.
Day 7
Full day Tundra Buggy® adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area; Evening flight to Winnipeg; Guests check into their Winnipeg hotel.
Day 8
Guests may depart Winnipeg at their leisure.
Accommodations
- Winnipeg Hotel
- VIA Rail Train Sleep Cars
- Churchill Hotel
Meals and Snacks
ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED
While in Churchill, enjoy meals at restaurants like local favourites the Ptarmigan and the Tundra Pub.
While staying on the Tundra Buggy Lodge your meals will be served by an exclusive chef and team.
*Any special dietary needs can be accommodated, please notify our team in advance.
Activities
Tundra Buggy® Adventure
Search for wild polar bears on a full day Tundra Buggy® adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area.
Activity Level:Moderate
Polar Bears International Interpretive Presentation
Hear from a Polar Bear International representative and tour the centre to learn about polar bear research and climate change. More Info
Activity Level:Low
Churchill Town and Area Tour
A guided bus tour of Churchill’s most notable sites, including the Polar Bear Holding Facility, and Inukshuk.
Activity Level:Moderate
Dog Sledding
Learn about Métis culture, the history of dog sledding, and enjoy an exhilarating dog sled ride.
Activity Level:High
Parks Canada
View incredibly detailed wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits that represent the history of Churchill.
Activity Level:Low
Itsanitaq Museum
Tour one of Canada’s finest Inuit collections dating from pre-Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times.
Activity Level:Low
Cultural Presentation
An evening presentation from a local Indigenous Churchill resident about the culture, history, wildlife and/or lifestyle of Churchill.
Activity Level:Low
On the Tundra Buggy®
Info about safety & comfort on the Tundra Buggy®, as well as the experience aboard—how many guides, what’s provided, and where you’ll go.
Getting to Churchill
Return airfare; direct from Winnipeg to Churchill.
*Guests are responsible for their own travel to Winnipeg.