Activities
Things to Do in Churchill, Manitoba
Beyond polar bear tours: dog carting, beluga whales, Prince of Wales Fort, museums, aurora nights and coastal walks that fill out a Churchill Canada itinerary.
Tundra days occupy the middle of a Churchill itinerary, but mornings, evenings and weather days need filling — and the town rewards the effort.
Here are the activities travellers most often add around their polar bear tours in Churchill, Manitoba.
Wildlife beyond polar bears
In summer, beluga whale trips by zodiac, kayak or boat run daily from the Churchill River. In autumn, Arctic fox, ptarmigan and snowy owls are regular sightings, and birders visit in early summer for shorebirds and rarities.
Dog carting and dog sledding
Local mushers run rides on wheeled carts before snow arrives and on sleds once it does. Time with the dogs and their handlers is often a highlight of the whole trip.
History and culture
Prince of Wales Fort, the stone fur-trade fortification across the river, dates from the eighteenth century. The Itsanitaq Museum holds an outstanding collection of Inuit carvings, and the Parks Canada visitor centre covers the region's natural and human history.
- Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site
- Itsanitaq Museum's Inuit art collection
- The Ithaca shipwreck on the bay shore
- Churchill's outdoor murals from the Sea Walls project
Aurora watching
From late August onward, dark, clear nights bring the possibility of northern lights. Many travellers watch from a lodge deck or a short guided drive away from town lights.
Coastal walks and photography
With a guide, the rocky Hudson Bay shoreline offers dramatic light, tidal flats and driftwood. Even in town, the grain terminal, the harbour and the tundra edge make strong photographs.
Weather-day options
When flights or tundra trips are delayed, the museum, visitor centre, local cafés and artist studios keep a day worthwhile. Build one flexible day into any itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do in Churchill besides polar bear tours?
- Beluga whale trips in summer, dog carting, Prince of Wales Fort, the Itsanitaq Museum, aurora watching and guided coastal walks.
- Can you walk around Churchill on your own?
- Within the townsite in daylight, yes. Beyond town limits you should be with a licensed guide because of polar bear activity.
- How many days do you need in Churchill?
- Three nights covers a focused bear trip; five to seven lets you add culture, dog carting and aurora nights.