The Polar Bear Capital and Winnipeg: Canada's Cool Destinations

August 8, 2021 | Erin Clarke

Polar Bear walking in Churchill, MB

At a first glance, Churchill, Manitoba may look like any other small town you’ve seen. Take another look and you will see that it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. Despite being located one thousand kilometres north of Winnipeg, Churchill draws wildlife enthusiasts from all over the globe. Each year, polar bears and beluga whales migrate their way through the area – giving visitors an opportunity to witness these beautiful creatures up close.

Your first clue that Churchill is a place for adventure is the fact that there are no roads leading into town. It is actually only accessible by plane or train. The best time to spot Polar Bears and other arctic animals in their natural habitat tends to run from fall into early November. Spring and Summer are the top seasons for birdwatching and the arrival of beluga whales into the bay. Churchill also provides an opportunity to see the magical Northern Lights dance across the sky. They are usually visible in the area for about 300 days of the year.

How did Churchhill, Manitoba become the Polar Bear Capital?

It’s simple! Approximately 1,000 polar bears migrate through Churchill each year - hence the nickname. The planet’s largest land carnivore spends the summer waiting for winter to freeze the bays over so they can perch on the ice to hunt for seals.

Winnipeg, a Historic Gathering Place

The capital city of Winnipeg, Manitoba should not be forgotten in all of this. The city offers many interesting attractions to travellers. The meeting of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers has always been a gathering place for people. Here you can find the Forks National Historic Site nicknamed Winnipeg’s “meeting place”.

Another popular image seen in the skyline of Winnipeg is The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) which is the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration, and future of human rights. It is the first national museum to be built in nearly half a century, and the first outside the National Capital Region of Ottawa.

Adventure seekers will definitely love their time in Manitoba. If this has you wanting to learn more about Churchill and all that Winnipeg has to offer, be sure to check out our Churchill, Manitoba – Polar Bear Capital tour and book your getaway today.

Tags: Travel, Journeys

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