Bear Country Inn
Area Guide
Called the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is also known as Manitoba's beluga whale watching hotspot and is a birder's paradise. The approach of winter also makes Churchill one of the best places to experience the northern lights. While in Churchill, take in some of its extensive fur trade history, adventure kayaking, hiking and outstanding cuisine (Arctic Char is a must!). So get set for your once in a lifetime tundra experience in Churchill.
Attractions
Beluga Whale Watching
Nicknamed "sea canaries" for their strange high-pitched whistles, clicking, chirping and other underwater vocalizations, thousands of beluga whales inhabit the warmer waters of the Churchill River after the ice breaks up. Zodiacs and larger passenger boats can take visitors out among the intelligent and curious pods of whales. Listen in on the whales' conversation using hydrophones and try to figure out what they are saying.
Nicknamed "sea canaries" for their strange high-pitched whistles, clicking, chirping and other underwater vocalizations, thousands of beluga whales inhabit the warmer waters of the Churchill River after the ice breaks up. Zodiacs and larger passenger boats can take visitors out among the intelligent and curious pods of whales. Listen in on the whales' conversation using hydrophones and try to figure out what they are saying.
Polar Bear Tours
Get up close and personal! Come face to face with the mighty polar bear from unique tundra vehicles that let you travel in comfort and safety over the snowy terrain. Follow the bears as they gather along the shores of the Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to freeze. Wilderness hikes offer a bears' eye view of the stunning coastal landscape. During prime polar bear viewing season, it's not uncommon to see an ambling bear pass by your window.
Get up close and personal! Come face to face with the mighty polar bear from unique tundra vehicles that let you travel in comfort and safety over the snowy terrain. Follow the bears as they gather along the shores of the Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to freeze. Wilderness hikes offer a bears' eye view of the stunning coastal landscape. During prime polar bear viewing season, it's not uncommon to see an ambling bear pass by your window.
Northern Lights
The aurora borealis (or northern lights) is a natural phenomenon caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the upper atmosphere. Scientists from around the world have come to Churchill to study the northern lights in the active night sky - Churchill is one of the top three places on the planet to see the northern lights.
The aurora borealis (or northern lights) is a natural phenomenon caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the upper atmosphere. Scientists from around the world have come to Churchill to study the northern lights in the active night sky - Churchill is one of the top three places on the planet to see the northern lights.
Bird Watching
The Churchill area is a world-renowned hotspot for birding opportunities. In spring and fall, birders flock here to see the 250+ species of birds that nest or pass through Churchill on their annual migrations. Tundra and taiga provide habitat for native birds, including a large variety of hawks and falcons like the Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon. Snowy Owls are common, as are Tundra Swans, tern and gulls. Avid birders search for Harlequin Ducks and the rare Ross's Gull for the potential sighting of a lifetime.
The Churchill area is a world-renowned hotspot for birding opportunities. In spring and fall, birders flock here to see the 250+ species of birds that nest or pass through Churchill on their annual migrations. Tundra and taiga provide habitat for native birds, including a large variety of hawks and falcons like the Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon. Snowy Owls are common, as are Tundra Swans, tern and gulls. Avid birders search for Harlequin Ducks and the rare Ross's Gull for the potential sighting of a lifetime.
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Transportation
| Taxi Companies | Car & Truck Rentals |
| Churchill Taxi: 204-675-2345 | Tamarack Rentals: 204-675-2192 |
| Kookum's Taxi: 504-675-8294 | Polar-U-Drive: 1-877-POLAR-33 |
Plane
Air Service to Churchill is available through Calm Air year-round, seven days a week. For fall trips, book your travel well in advance of departure date to ensure space. The airport is a short, 10-minute drive from town and most hotels and tour operators can arrange shuttle service to or from your accommodation.
Train
For those with more time to spare, rail service to Churchill operates several times a week from Winnipeg with VIA Rail. The two-day trip stops at many small northern communities along the way and offers a great opportunity to really experience the north.
For those with more time to spare, rail service to Churchill operates several times a week from Winnipeg with VIA Rail. The two-day trip stops at many small northern communities along the way and offers a great opportunity to really experience the north.
