Car Hire Churchill - Mini guide to Churchill

Situated in the northern part of Manitoba, Churchill is Canada’s polar bear capital. The area is famed for its natural beauty and wildlife, making it a popular destination for those seeking a trip into the beyond. Untainted and infinitely beautiful, Churchill offers visitors many opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Probably the best place to visit in the area is the Wapusk National Park as it is home to a polar bear denning area. At the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, situated about 24kms from Churchill, you can learn just about all there is to know about these endearing and fascinating creatures.

Single and multi-day tours depart Churchill for the tundra in custom-designed vehicles with a covered cab. With such a large number of polar bears residing in the area, the chances that you will actually see one are very high.

Magnificent beluga whales migrate into Churchill River from June through August, and there’s no doubt that you will see these whales in all their beauty. There are several tour companies in Churchill offering whale-watching tours, and there’s even a possibility that you might get to swim with the whales.

Wildlife enthusiasts should also note that the area is inhabited by arctic foxes, ptarmigan, caribou, seals, arctic hare and lemmings. During winter, you can travel the area by dogsled or snowshoe; it’s also possible, but not as much fun, to use a snowmobile. During the summer, the main attraction is the startling array of migratory birds.

For 300 days of the year, visitors can be enthralled by the incredible natural wonder of the Northern Lights, and there’s no better place to see this phenomenon. Because of the limited accommodation in Churchill, all tours, transport and accommodation should be booked months or more in advance.

Churchill is located about 960kms northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city. Since it is so far north, there are only two means of getting here: by air or rail. Highway 6 only runs to Sundance, just south of Hudson Bay. Flights on regional airlines to and from Winnipeg are more frequent than rail transportation, and take about two hours. Flight service to Winnipeg is possible from major cities in Canada and the USA, as well as from major centres throughout the world.