Churchill, Manitoba is a must-see destination for polar bear and bear lovers alike. Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, this remote area becomes a hotspot for polar bears as the bears migrate in the fall. Aside from polar bear sightings, Churchill offers stunning landscapes, beluga whale watching, and a chance to see the northern lights.
Planning a trip to Churchill, Manitoba in the near future? Before you pack your bags, there are a few things to consider in order to make the most of your trip. Proper planning will make your experience more enjoyable and ensure you stay safe while doing so. Let’s dive into the top five things you need to know before heading to see polar bears in Canada’s arctic.
1. The best time to visit
If your travel dates are flexible, try aiming for the middle of the season. Polar bear season is short and sweet, so it’s important to get the timing right to maximize your polar bear sightings. The peak time to visit polar bears in Churchill is between October to early November. During this time, polar bears tend to be most active, as they gather on the shores of Hudson Bay waiting for the ice to freeze before setting out to hunt seals. While they can also be spotted during other times of the year, fall is your best bet to spot a polar bear!
2. How to dress for the Arctic weather
Churchill is located in northern Manitoba, where the weather can become frigid and cold during polar bear season. The temperature can dip below freezing, with strong winds making it feel even colder. Make sure you’re prepared with multiple layers, including:
- A warm parka and snow pants
- Insulated gloves, warm toque, and scarf
- Thermal socks and boots
- Sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the snow glare
Even if you’re in a heated tundra buggy for part of the day, you’ll want to be prepared for the chilly conditions whenever you step outside.
3. Where to stay
Polar Bear season in Churchill is short, and it’s one of the most popular times of the year for visitors. Accommodations and tours fill up quickly, sometimes booking up months in advance. To avoid missing out, book your tours, lodging, and flights as early as possible.
When booking, be sure to check out some popular accommodations in Churchill including:
4. Polar bear safety
While seeing polar bears in their natural habitat is nothing short of amazing, it’s also important to remember that they are still wild animals, which means safety is non-negotiable. When it comes to seeing polar bears up close, safety is the top priority. Tundra buggies are special all-terrain vehicles that are used to take visitors onto the tundra for safe bear-viewing experiences. The bears are used to these vehicles and often come right up to them, offering amazing photo opportunities. Be prepared for bumpy rides across rough terrain, but the views are definitely worth it!
The town of Churchill has developed safety protocols to make sure that residents and visitors can coexist safely with the bears. One of Churchill’s safety measures is the Polar Bear Alert Program. This program was implemented to keep both people and polar bears safe by getting conservation officers to take the polar bears to the Polar Bear Holding Facility when they get too close to town. From there, the bears are held temporarily before being release back into the wild.
5. The right travel insurance
Lastly, it’s a good idea to invest in travel insurance before heading to Churchill. Polar bear season falls during a time of year when the weather can be unpredictable. Snowstorms and extreme weather conditions can sometimes lead to flight delays or cancellations. Since Churchill is so remote, any disruption to your travel plans could be costly and stressful.
Having comprehensive travel insurance can give you peace of mind in case your plans change. Whether it’s a delayed flight or unexpected interruption, insurance may cover the costs that come with these disruptions. Additionally, make sure to include emergency medical coverage. While Churchill is a safe place to travel, accidents can happen, and access to medical facilities can be limited in remote areas.
Preparing for the unexpected is always a good idea when travelling to a remote destination, and having travel insurance is one way to make sure you’re covered not matter what. Not sure what insurance has you covered? Take a look at some tips to help you buy travel insurance or ask the right questions to your broker or advisor.
From the best times for polar bear peeping to the best places to stay and what to pack, there’s a lot to consider when planning your trip. With this preparation, you’re ready to see one of the Arctic’s most incredible animals, right here in our own backyard of Canada. So, bundle up, plan ahead, and get ready for your adventure to Churchill, Manitoba!
Safe travels,
Kyra
