The Best Time to Visit Churchill

Photo courtesy of Churchill Northern Studies Centre Facebook page

Set on a rugged stretch along the Hudson Bay, on the edge of the Arctic, Manitoba’s famed northern city, Churchill is best known as one of the top three places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Although it is home to less than 1,000 residents, it attracts an estimated 10,000 visitors annually, who come to see the aurora borealis, as well as the town’s famed polar bears and beluga whales.

Ask any resident what is the most frequently asked question by visitors, and you’ll probably hear a near-unanimous response. “Can I see the northern lights, polar bears and beluga whales all in one trip?”

While the short answer is yes, it is possible, the longer answer is that it’s rare. To help guide your travel decisions, here’s a handy guide of the best time to visit Churchill based upon your travel preferences.

When to See the Northern Lights

Because of its location directly under the aurora oval, Churchill is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Although nature’s spectacular light show can appear any time of the year, February and March have the clearest skies and the best chance of sightings. Of course the middle of the night is the best time to keep watch. Churchill offers plenty of ways to maximize your viewing pleasure. The Churchill Northern Studies Centre has an aurora dome that offers 360 degree views or grab a seat in the new, custom-designed Aurora Pods. Take a ride into the wild along the frozen Churchill River on a Tundra Buggy, or book a stay at a remote Churchill Wild eco lodge, far away from the interference of any city lights.

When to Go Birdwatching

The northern coast of the Hudson Bay and the Churchill River estuary welcome more than 250 species of Artic birds every year. Catch the annual spring migration in May or June to add the most entries to your life list. There are guided tours from a number of local outfitters, who have reported sightings of red-throated loons, arctic terns, eiders, sanderlings, long-tailed jaegers and snow geese. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare Ross's gull, a local boat tour might net better results.

When to See Beluga Whales

Nearly 60,000 Beluga whales make their way into the Churchill and Seal estuaries for breeding every summer, making July and August the best time to visit. Enjoy excursions into the Hudson Bay to see these lively, inquisitive animals at play. Or sign up for a multi-day, guided summer arctic safari.

When to See Polar Bears

Churchill, known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” is one of the most accessible place on Earth to view polar bears in the wild. They can usually be spotted between July and November, so if you prefer a snowier climate, be sure to visit in October to November. Dozens of bears congregate along the Hudson Bay coastline, just as it begins to freeze over. You’ll watch them, safely, from massive tundra vehicles.

Although there are fewer polar bears in July and August, some sightings, especially outside of town, can still found. Lazy Bear Lodge's Ultimate Summer Safari provides a full-day jet boat tour along the Hudson Bay coast to Hubbard Point, where polar bears like to play.

Getting to Churchill

There are no roads into Churchill, but flights are available on Calm Air International or Hudson Bay Helicopters. The most scenic way to get to Churchill is by booking a rail journey on Via Rail Canada. The 1,700-kilometre train trip from Winnipeg taks about 48 hours.

For more information on exploring Churchill, visit www.everythingchurchill.com or www.travelmanitoba.com.

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