If you’ve always wanted to see real-life polar bears in their natural habitat, you’ll definitely want to add Wapusk National Park to your bucket list. Situated on the western shore of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, the incredible park is known for its expansive wilderness and guided polar bear tours, and this time of year is optimal for viewing them.
The 11,475-square-kilometre park is situated on the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Inuit, and Red River Métis peoples, at the crux of the boreal forest and the arctic tundra. It protects hundreds of thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as one of the largest polar bear maternity dens in the world!
The polar bear capital of the world
According to World Population Review, Canada is already home to approximately two-thirds of the world’s polar bears, with an estimated 16,000 polar bears spread across Labrador, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, and Yukon Territory.
Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the “polar bear capital of the world,” offering visitors unparalleled access to this magnificent, endangered species. No roads lead to this remote town, but a plane or train ride from Winnipeg or Thompson will transport you to a whole new world—one that’s straight out of National Geographic.
Northern lights up to 300 days a year
In addition to polar bears, visitors can go on beluga whale-watching tours during peak migration periods and see the northern lights (aurora borealis) up to 300 nights of the year, according to Travel Manitoba.
In fact, scientists from across the globe have come to Churchill to study this spectacular natural phenomenon, as this tiny Canadian town is one of the top three places on the planet to view it.
“The northern lights can be viewed in Churchill most of the year; however, January, February and March are ideal times of year to view due to the longer nights and cold weather,” says the Town of Churchill. Guides and tour services available during the winter months include Discover Churchill, Frontiers North Adventure, Great White Bear Tours, Nanuk Operations, North Star Tours, and Sub Arctic Explorers.
Dog-sledding is also a popular activity that feels as magical as it does characteristic of Churchill’s heritage. The Town explains that dogs have always played a part in Manitoba’s history, as they’ve been essential to the transportation of mail and supplies during the fur trade. During the snowy winter months, it remains the most efficient way to travel, making it a truly Canadian experience.
These tours start with some bonding time in the dog yard, so visitors can get to know these energetic, friendly dogs before hitting the open tundra.
Those who want to spend some time at Wapusk National Park should know that park access is through licensed commercial tour operators only, including the two recommended by Parks Canada: Wat’chee Expeditions and Hudson Bay Helicopters (also known as Prairie Helicopters).
Campers have two fenced compounds to choose from when it comes to overnight stays, both of which are located along the Broad and Owl Rivers, and are accessible by canoe, plane, or helicopter.
How to get to the park
While Churchill is the access point to Wapusk National Park, visitors can also access the southern portion of the park via the town of Gillam, according to Parks Canada. As there is no road access to Churchill, you can take a direct flight to Churchill or Gillam via Calm Air from Winnipeg or Thompson.
There’s also train service through VIA Rail to both communities.
Once you arrive in Churchill, you’ll find the Parks Canada office in the Churchill Heritage Railway Station, which has ample info on programs, services, and the history of the park and the surrounding area.
Your quintessential outdoor Canadian experience awaits!
Where: Churchill, Manitoba
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