Churchill Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Churchill is a place where the line between civilization and the wild is beautifully blurred. Located on the edge of the Arctic, this town is not just a destination; it is an expedition. Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” it offers one of the rare opportunities on Earth to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat, accessible without a multi-week arctic cruise.

But the bears are only one chapter of the story. In summer, the Churchill River estuary teems with thousands of singing beluga whales, and in winter, the sky dances with some of the most intense northern lights visible on the planet. Whether you arrive by the slow, scenic rail journey or a quick flight from Winnipeg, stepping onto the tarmac here feels like arriving on a different planet, one of raw, subarctic beauty.

A Frontier History

Churchill’s history is as rugged as its landscape. For thousands of years, this area was a meeting place for Thule, Dene, and Cree peoples. In the 1700s, it became a critical outpost for the Hudson’s Bay Company, marked by the construction of the Prince of Wales Fort. This massive stone star fort took 40 years to build but was surrendered to the French without a single shot fired.

Today, the town retains a frontier spirit. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Canada, the community of about 900 people relies on the rail line and port. This isolation has fostered a unique culture where residents leave their car doors unlocked in case someone needs to escape a polar bear, and where the “polar bear alert” siren is a part of daily life. It is a community deeply connected to the land and the ice.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Prince of Wales Fort - A massive stone fortification located across the river. Accessible by boat tours in summer. The walls are 40 feet thick, standing as a testament to the fur trade era (6 km from town by boat, tours approx. $150 CAD).

Miss Piggy Plane Wreck - A C-46 cargo plane that crashed on the rocks in 1979. It is surprisingly intact and makes for a hauntingly beautiful photo opportunity against the stark landscape (15 km from town, free access).

Cape Merry - A National Historic Site offering panoramic views of the Hudson Bay and the river mouth. It is a prime spot for seeing belugas from the shore and features a historic cannon battery (3 km from town, entry fee approx. $8 CAD).

Polar Bear Holding Facility - Often called the “Polar Bear Jail,” this is where bears that wander too close to town are held before being relocated. While you cannot go inside, seeing the facility is a sobering reminder of the town’s unique coexistence with nature (5 km from town near the airport).

Planning Your Visit

Reaching Churchill requires logistics. There are no roads leading here. You must fly via Calm Air from Winnipeg (approx. 2 hours) or take the VIA Rail train (approx. 45-48 hours). The train is a bucket-list experience for rail enthusiasts but requires patience as delays are common due to track conditions on the permafrost. Once in town, the town centre is walkable, but you will need to book tours or rent a vehicle to see the sights further afield.

Pack for conditions colder than you expect. Even in summer, the wind off the Hudson Bay can be icy. In winter, parkas rated for -40°C are not a luxury; they are a necessity. Binoculars and a camera with a good telephoto lens are essential gear, as wildlife regulations require you to keep a safe distance from bears and other animals.

Churchill is a destination that stays with you long after you leave. The silence of the tundra, the shimmering green of the aurora, and the thrill of locking eyes with a polar bear create memories that are as vivid as the landscape itself. It is a journey to the edge, and for those who make the trek, the rewards are immeasurable.