Churchill
Wildlife enthusiasts wanting the world's best polar bear viewing combined with northern lights
About Churchill
Churchill, Manitoba, is one of the few places on Earth where you can see polar bears and northern lights in the same trip — a claim no other destination can match. The town of 900 people sits on Hudson Bay at 58.8°N, and in late October and November, hundreds of polar bears gather on the shore waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze. This is the world's most accessible polar bear viewing destination. In winter (December to March), Churchill transitions into an outstanding aurora destination with long dark nights and good geomagnetic positioning. Tundra Buggy tours and Aurora Pod experiences offer unique wildlife viewing platforms. Churchill is not cheap or easy to reach, but the combination of polar bears, beluga whales (summer), and northern lights makes it one of the ultimate polar wildlife destinations.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -28°C | 16h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -27°C | 12h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -20°C | 8h | Med |
| Apr | -8°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +2°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +11°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +15°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +7°C | 3h | Med |
| Oct | -1°C | 10h | Med |
| Nov★ Best | -12°C | 14h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -22°C | 16h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Fly from Winnipeg (2h) on WestJet or charter. No road access — fly or take the VIA Rail train (46h from Winnipeg). Plan flights well ahead as connections are limited.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Tundra Lodges
- ✓Polar Hotel
- ✓Wilderness Camps
Location
💎 Hidden Gem
Churchill is one of PolarTourist's hidden gems — a lesser-known destination that offers an exceptional aurora experience without the crowds.
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $220/day in Churchill. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Blueberry Inn
253 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
hotel
Beluga Beach House
94 James Avenue, Goose Creek, Road, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
guest house
Polar Inn & Suites
153 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
motel
Dancing Bear Restaurant & Churchill Hotel
152 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
restaurant
Tundra Inn
34 Franklin St, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
motelThe Aurora Inn
24 Bernier St, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
hotelIceberg Inn
186 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
innChurchill Motel
152 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
motelSeaport Hotel
215 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
hotelBear Country Inn
Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(3)
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🎯Things to Do(10)
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Discover Churchill
280 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
point of interest
Sub-Arctic Tours
22 Franklin St, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
point of interest
Wapusk Adventures & Wapusk General Store
321 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
point of interest
Great White Bear Tours Inc.
174 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
tour agency
Sea North Tours Ltd
153 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
tour agencyFrontiers North Adventures - Churchill Office
140 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
point of interestChurchill Wild
1 Rivard St Suite 204D, Ile des Chênes, MB R0A 0T0, Canada
point of interestTundra Buggy Adventure
124 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0E 0E0, Canada
point of interestLazy Bear Expeditions & Tours Churchill Canada
313 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
tour agencyNorth Star Tours
153 Kelsey Blvd, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
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