Churchill
Churchill's location is key to all that happens here, it's the nook of land that is formed by the Churchill river that makes a big difference.
It's here where Hudson bay starts to freeze over each year and that ice is what polar bears are looking for; it's their favoured hunting ground and they come from miles around to wait for that ice. That's why you can all but guarantee sightings during October and November.
When winter really sets in and the bears are out on the frozen bay there's still a reason to be in Churchill. During January, February and March it is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. With the bay frozen over the key source of humidity is eliminated and that means clear skies. That location comes into play again as Churchill is directly under the Aurora belt.
That location isn't done yet though as in July and August beluga whales gather in their thousands at the mouth of Hudson River to breed.
For more information visit our main Churchill page here.
Map of Churchill
Nearby landmarks
Trips that visit Churchill
Winter in Hudson Bay is cold but also very dry and that means clear skies and at this latitude that is perfect for spotting the northern lights from a variety comfortable, heated viewing platforms. Day time activities include dog sledding…
- 7 Days
- $5,995
Imagine waking up on the tundra in a mobile hotel with the very real chance of there being a bear outside your window! This trip offers the best of both worlds with two nights on the tundra and two in…
- 7 Days
- $9,995
Encounter the King of The Arctic up close, with an exceptionally high chance of sightings in October and November. Small groups explore the tundra in exclusive vehicles with a specialist guide when the bear migration reaches its peak. You will…
- 6/7 Days
- $7,295
Experience one of the most immersive wildlife experiences on earth and stay out on the tundra among the bears for 3 or 4 nights in a mobile hotel provides unparalleled opportunities for prolonged observation of polar bears at close quarters…
- 6 or 7 Days
- $10,795
For the ultimate polar bear and High Arctic experience, look no further. Two full days of polar bear spotting are combined with dog sledding, flightseeing by helicopter to a bear’s denning site and the chance to see the shimmering Northern…
- 7 Days
- $9,195
This polar bear photo safari provides the best possible opportunity and environment in which to capture images of the world’s largest living land carnivore. Three full days out on the tundra, near guaranteed sightings and the chance to observe these…
- 7 Days
- $8,195
Each year Hudson Bay becomes home to around 60,000 beluga whales as they gather to give birth in the safe waters. Many thousand gather at the estuary to Churchill River, get in a kayak to see them up close and…
- 7 Days
- $6,495
Head north to Churchill, renowned for its high auroral activity, and capture images of the ethereal Northern Lights. Accompanied by an expert photographer, evening aurora sightings are maximised using multiple, heated vantage points while you wait in anticipation. By day,…
- 7 Days
- $5,995
An incredible opportunity to experience the 60,000 beluga whales congregating in Hudson Bay in July and August each year, with experienced guides to teach you about these cannaries of the sea. Visit regions frequented by polar bears and witness the…
- 7 Days
- $4,229
Witness the annual gathering of polar bears in Churchill and spot them on the tundra from a specially adapted truck with your specialist guide. Also included is a chance to go dog mushing and learn about local customs and heritage.…
- 6 Days
- $4,928
Watch the scenery change and explore remote towns on this legendary journey by rail from Winnipeg to Churchill. Cap that off with time on the tundra when polar bears are gathering ahead of the big freeze of Hudson Bay. Dog…
- 8 Days
- $5,857