Churchill is a small, welcoming town perched on a promontory where the Churchill River meets Hudson Bay. It’s one of the oldest places in Canada in terms of European exploration, serving as a stopping point in the 16th century for explorers seeking the Northwest Passage and later as a fur trading outpost. Its strategic location on Hudson Bay made it a thriving port town, and it remains a key transportation hub for central Canada today. Inland, the town is surrounded by vast expanses of Arctic tundra — the realm of the polar bear.

In late autumn, polar bears gather along the edge of Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to freeze so they can head out in search of food. Churchill is the closest town to this natural gathering point, making it the perfect base for a polar bear adventure. Specially adapted vehicles, accompanied by expert naturalist guides, take you out onto the tundra, offering an incredible chance to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat.

In summer, Churchill is alive with beluga whales, which gather in large numbers in Hudson Bay. This is also when polar bears leave the ice and return to land, making it another excellent time for wildlife viewing. Plus, it’s a bit warmer than the autumn months, making summer a wonderful alternative for your Churchill adventure.