Destination: Churchill Manitoba


Churchill is a town on Hudson Bay in the far north of Manitoba, Canada. It's best known for polar bears that inhabit the area in the fall, and in summer for the beluga whales when are on view in the Churchill River. The area also offers the chance for wintertime Northern Lights visibility and seasonal bird-watching.

This was their website for a number of years. The content below is from the site's archived pages.

Churchill's current website with all the latest news and information for visitors can be found at: http://everythingchurchill.com/

 

Kayak with beluga whales.
Howl with huskies.
Dance with northern lights.
History, culture, adventure, wildlife.
Churchill beyond polar bears.

Destination Churchill wants you to enjoy the best that Churchill has to offer in all the seasons. Here is a quick summary of activities and services offered by the partners who are part of Destination Churchill. Scroll down this page for more details on each company, and click through to their Web:sites to book.

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NB from BJ Wilkes: Located under the aurora oval, Churchill is home to some of the most magnificent displays of the northern lights on earth for over 300 nights of the year. With peak viewing season from January to March, I decided to take my family north during the kids' February school break to experience them. I wasn't too concerned about the cold. We live in a rural area in upstate New York where it can get really frigid. We decided to book our Northern Lights adventure through an online site called Frontiers North Adventure. The kids wanted to go snowshoeing and to take a dog sled ride through the boreal forest. This company offered the opportunity to capture this incredible night sky phenomenon from directly on the tundra, conditions permitting, surrounded by the beautiful northern landscape. We were all eager to go.

As I was organizing the trip, booking airline tickets, finding a dog sitter, pulling out suitcases and beginning the initial packing, I accidentally dropped a suitcase on my partner's gorgeous Ray Ban glasses. I heard the crunch and knew they were broken. Fortunately I was the one who originally purchased them at this great site where I could order a replacement. They have a large selection of Ray Bans and that model was still available. The prescription for the lenses was already part of our records there. I called customer service and placed the order. A week later the new glasses arrived, just in time for our trip.

Meanwhile the rest of our plans to visit Churchill and some of the surrounding areas were firming up nicely.

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Churchill, Manitoba proudly sits on the edge of the Hudson Bay – the most northern town in the province, and an accessible way to touch the arctic. Travellers best know Churchill as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, but it also claims “Beluga Capital of the World”. This just scratches the surface of what you can see and do in Churchill.

Churchill, Better than you can imagine!

         
Getting to Churchill  
 

1005 kilometers north of Winnipeg, Churchill can only be reached by air or by train – unless you are arriving on a northern cruise. Churchill is Canada’s only port with direct access to the Arctic Ocean. Train service is provided by VIA Rail, either from Winnipeg (which takes approximately 2 days) or from Thompson (a train journey of about 14.5 hours). Trains for Churchill leave Winnipeg on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. From Thompson, trains leave for Churchill on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. South-bound trains depart Churchill on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings.

Several airlines fly to Churchill from Winnipeg and Thompson. Calm Air offers several flights daily from Winnipeg to Churchill and a weekday flight departs from Thompson. Check Calm Air’s website for the most current Flight Schedule. Same day return travel is possible from Winnipeg or Thompson for day tours.

 

What does it cost?
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A trip to Churchill is cheaper than you might think. For example, sample two night vacation pricing in the summer could be CDN$ 639 per person. This would reflect air from Thompson, two hotel nights based on double occupancy and two tours. Pricing will vary depending on the time of year, what level of accommodation you wish, and the type of tours that you wish to buy. Check out our listings under Best of Churchill to find both individual services which allow you to put your own vacations together, or find a tour operator who can put it all together for you.

Calm Air is offering a special summer fare for $400.00 Thompson to Churchill return, taxes included. The requirement to stay overnight on Saturday is waived with this fare, but it is subject to availability in July and August. Day trips are available each weekday from Thompson to Churchill. Quote code M0775YQ when you are ready to book. Call reservations at 1.800.839.2256 or check us out online at http://www.calmair.com<

 

Ideas for your Churchill holiday
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Picture your perfect vacation in Churchill. Here are some ideas for planning your own vacation.

 

 

 

You Are: A family of four with school age children and want to make the most of your summer holiday, and are a little bit budget conscious.

 

 

Your Plan: Drive up to Thompson, taking several days and camping along the way. Plan on a couple of days in Thompson to explore the Spirit Way walk, visit the zoo then fish and swim at beautiful Paint Lake Provincial Park. Leave your vehicle in secure parking, and take the train up to Churchill. You have two full days and there is a lot to show the kids! Start with a boat tour to see beluga whales and visit Prince of Wales Fort ' imagine the first fur traders huddled here through those winters. Learn about bear safety at the Parks Canada Visitor Reception Centre, then stroll the town, visiting the gift shops to find a souvenir for Aunt Martha. Be sure to learn about the Churchill Rocket Research Range ' the launching silos which dominate the horizon will intrigue young scientists. All too soon it's time to get back on the train to Thompson and home.

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You Are: Young professionals with a yearning for adventure and unusual experiences, but limited time. You’d like to travel this summer.

 

Your Plan: Fly directly to Churchill. Jump right into the excitement by first kayaking on Hudson Bay and then changing to a wet suit to swim and snorkel with the beluga whales. Rent a truck, and poke around every road that you can find: climb the Goose Creek Marina Viewing Tower, nip into the Wildlife Management area, then find 'Miss Piggy'. It's amazing what you can see with just 20 km of road! Ramp up the excitement with a helicopter tour to view the unique ecosystem and wildlife of Wapusk National Park. Not bad for one day. Change the pace and go out to a remote lodge, where you will likely see a polar bear, and really touch the arctic. Relax (briefly) before returning to your job and amazing your friends with your stories.

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You Are: A retired couple with a love of learning and a passion for nature and history.

 

Your Plan: It's hard to decide when to go, since all seasons have attractions. Choose late spring and begin with a leisurely drive to Thompson. Take the train on the way up, but plan on flying back down, since you want to see the land from the air. Flowers and birding are your priorities for the first few days: started with a naturalist led hike and then explore a bit on your own. Follow the signs of the self-guided Akudlik Marsh trail and you may add a few species to your birding life list. Find the best time to take a tundra buggy tour, and maybe you will see the bears coming off the ice. Now turn your attention to history. Visit the Eskimo Museum, the Parks Canada Visitor Reception Centre and the historic church that houses the stained glass window donated by Lady Jane Franklin in memory of the numerous expeditions sent to find her husband's expedition. Bundle up and take a boat tour to see coastal birds, seals, beautiful ice formations and possibly the first beluga whales of the season. So much to enjoy!

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You Are: A romantic couple looking for a distinctive honeymoon and willing to travel anytime.

 

   
   

And of course Churchill is world famous for its polar bears. The best season to see bears is October and November. If that is your priority, book early, since space is limited and tours are popular. Be sure to include other activities as part of your itinerary. Then plan to come back in a different season, when there are so many other experiences to relish ' those beluga whales virtually are in your back yard!

Churchill ….. Easier than you believe!

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Destination Churchill wants you to enjoy the best that Churchill has to offer in all the seasons. Here is a quick summary of activities and services offered by the partners who are part of Destination Churchill. Scroll down this page for more details on each company, and click through to their Web:sites to book.

See you in Churchill!



  Sport & Adventure Leisure & Wildlife Lodging History & Culture Shopping & Dining Transportation
Calm Air          
Eskimo Museum        
Four Points Sheraton (Winnipeg)        
Frontiers North Adventures
Great Canadian Travel
Hudson Bay Helicopters    
Iceberg Inn / Hunter's B&B          
Northern Nights Lodge          
Parks Canada Agency - Wapusk National Park / Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site      
Polar Inn & Suites / Polar U-Drive  
Seaport Hotel          
Tamarack Rentals        
The Tundra Buggy® Adventure    
Tundra Inn    
Wapusk General Store & Wapusk Adventures      
Wat'chee Lodge  
             
             
             

Thanks to our Sponsors:
Home Hardware
RBC
 

           


Calm Air

 

Phone: Reservations 1-800-839-2256
Web: Reservations www.calmair.com
General Inquiries 1-888-225-6247

 

Calm Air offers frequent daily flights from Winnipeg to Churchill and a weekday flight from Thompson to Churchill. Book 10 days in advance for your best fares. Calm Air is the leading supplier of daily scheduled passenger and cargo services throughout Manitoba and Nunavut, offering flights from Winnipeg to the Arctic Circle.

 

 

Eskimo Museum

 

Phone: 1-204-675-2030
Fax: 1-204-675-2140
Email: chhbay@mts.net

 

An internationally recognized collection of Inuit art in stone, bone and ivory depicting the life and spirituality of a people deeply rooted in the Hudson Bay region and Circumpolar Arctic. Recognized in 2006 by the Province of Manitoba for its contributions to bringing “the life of the Inuit into the forefront of Canadian society and beyond our country’s borders.” Reservations for groups 10 and over.

 

Four Points Sheraton – Winnipeg Airport

 

Phone: 1-204-775-5222
Fax: 1-204-775 5333
Email: contact@fourpointswinnipeg.com
Web: www.starwoodhotels.com

 

The Four Points by Sheraton Winnipeg International Airport is Winnipeg's only hotel conveniently connected to the airport via skywalk. Our first-class, full-service hotel features 132 guest rooms and suites. We are dedicated to providing superb customer service and meeting every need of the business and leisure traveler. Four Points is a gateway to your northern adventure. Fly to Winnipeg, stay with us and then continue on to Churchill.

 
 

Frontiers North Adventures

 

Phone: 1-204-949 2050
Toll Free: 1-800-663-9832
Fax: 1-204-667-1051
Email: info@frontiersnorth.com
Web: www.frontiersnorth.com

 

Frontiers North Adventures specializes in adventuring in Canada's north. Churchill is our marquee destination where we offer beluga whale, Northern Lights, dog-sledding and polar bears tours.

In 2006 we were one of three national finalists for the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award. In 2005 and 2004 we were bestowed the Travel Manitoba Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism awards (respectively).

 

Great Canadian Travel

Phone: 1-204-949-0199
Toll Free: 1-800-661-3830
Fax: 1-204-949-0188
Email: sales@gctc-mst.com
Web: www.greatcanadiantravel.com

 

The Great Canadian Travel Company is a full-service destination management company, tour operator and travel agency specializing in the design and implementation of customized tours, activities and transportation requirements. For over 25 years our extensive local knowledge and expertise has assisted visitors in seeking out the best travel experiences through individual or group arrangements.

 
 

Hudson Bay Helicopters

Phone: 1-204-675-2576
Fax: 1-204-675-2331
Email: info@hudsonbayheli.com
Web: www.hudsonbayheli.com

 

HBH is the only Churchill-based helicopter company holding permits to conduct commercial wildlife viewing tours in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area and Wapusk National Park. HBH is proud to be the sole supplier of aircraft for polar bear research in Manitoba.

 

Iceberg Inn / Hunter's B&B

 

Phone: 1-204-675-2228
Fax: 1-204-675-2228
Email: hunterdj@mts.net
Web: www.iceberginn.ca

 

The Iceberg Inn has eight rooms with two single beds in each room, one of the rooms is wheelchair accessible. All of the rooms at the Inn are non-smoking. The Inn is a member of Canada Select with a 2 ½ star rating. The Inn offers a common area with a microwave and a fridge.

 
 

Northern Nights Lodge

 

Phone: 1-204-675-2999
Fax: 1-204-675-2060
Email: nnlodge@mts.net
Web: >www.northernnightslodge.ca

 

Northern Nights Lodge is located within easy walking distance of the train station, shops and local tours. There are 25 spacious rooms with amenities including fridge, microwave, hair dryer, wireless internet and cable TV. The Lodge has a licensed restaurant and there is also a well stocked lounge with a good humoured northern atmosphere for your evening enjoyment.

 

Parks Canada Agency - Wapusk / Prince of Wales Fort

 

Phone: 1-204-675-8863
Fax: 1-204-675-2026
Email: For Wapusk: wapusk.np@pc.gc.ca
Email: For Prince of Wales Fort: mannorth.nhs@pc.gc.ca
Web: www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/wapusk/
Web: www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/mb/prince/index.aspx

 

Parks Canada is responsible for Canada's National Parks, National Historic Sites and National Marine Conservation Areas. At the Parks Canada offices located in the Heritage Railway Station in Churchill, learn more about Wapusk National Park and Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site of Canada.

 

 

Polar Inn & Suites / Polar U-Drive

 

Phone: 1-204-675-8878
Reservations only 1-877-POLAR-33
Fax: 1-204-675-2647
Email: polarinn@mts.net
Web: www.polarinn.com

 

3.5 star from Canada Select. Hosts a daily continental breakfast. Accommodations vary from standard units, kitchen studio suites to one bedroom apartments. Centrally located. U-Drive rentals and gift shop on site. In room voice mail, fridge, hairdryers and coffee makers. Wireless Internet. Service en Français.

 

Seaport Hotel

 

Toll Free: 1-877-558-4555
Fax: 1-204-675-2795
Email: seaport1@mts.net

 

The Seaport Hotel is the northern most all amenities facility, located in the middle of town within easy walking distances of shops and tours. Twenty one comfortable rooms. On site facilities include The Reef Coffee Shop, The Reef Dining Room, The Captain's Cove Lounge & The Pier Bar. Free airport shuttle. Wireless internet available.

 

 

Tamarack Rentals

Phone: 1-204-675-2192
Fax: 1-204-675-8234
Email: tamarent@mts.net
Web: www.tamarackrentals.ca

 

Tamarack Rentals Ltd. offers a variety of vehicles that can accommodate 2 to 15 passengers. You can choose from either a 2WD truck or van or a 4WD truck, suburban or SUV. We’ll provide the map and you enjoy the freedom of touring at your own pace.

 

The Tundra Buggy® Adventure

 

Phone: 1-204-949 2050
Toll Free: 1-800-663-9832
Fax: 1-204-667-1051
Email: info@frontiersnorth.com
Web: www.tundrabuggy.com

 

In 1979 we ignited Churchill's polar bear tourism industry with the invention of the Tundra Buggy®. We offer the most comprehensive number of departures, at the best locations in Churchill, to experience polar bears in their natural environment. We cater to nature and culture enthusiasts and adventure seekers as well as film crews and amateur and professional photographers. Individual and agency enquiries welcome.

 

 

Tundra Inn

 

Toll Free: 1-800-265-8563
Fax: 1-204-675-2764
Email: info@tundrainn.com
Web: www.tundrainn.com

 

Our modern hotel features 31 spacious rooms with double or queen size beds; private bath and shower; cable TV; Phone:s; high speed internet; fridge; coffeemaker; hair dryers and in house laundry facilities. Small kitchenette with microwave and toaster off the lobby. Our adjacent licensed dining room and cocktail lounge provide true northern hospitality. Aurora Borealis tours are provided to the 'Tundra Domes' during February and March when it is clear and cold.

 

Wapusk General Store & Wapusk Adventures

Phone: 1-204-675-2887
Fax: 1-204-675-8042
Email: wapusk@mts.net
Web: www.wapuskadventures.com

 

David and Valerie Daley are long time residents of Churchill. Valerie's dream was to have a gift souvinier shop, and Dave's was to offer nature tours of this area. Hard work, sacrifice and personal integrity have made their dreams come true with the creation of Wapusk General Store and Wapusk Adventures. Wapusk Adventures is the proud winner of the Manitoba Aboriginal Tourism Award and the Manitoba Hydro Spirit of the Earth Award.

 
 

Wat'chee Lodge

 

Phone: 1-204-675-2114
Fax: 1-204-675-2185
Email: tamamike@mts.net
Web:www.watchee.com

 

Wat'chee Lodge Northern Eco-Expeditions is the original northern expedition outfitter and tour operator Commune with the breathtaking wilderness of the true north! Experience the crisp night air and the magical ambience of the Aurora Borealis! Wat'chee Eco-Expeditions has the province's leading experts in Polar Bear tracking and northern guiding.

 
DestinationChurchill.com