We’re here to help you and answer questions every step of the way on your journey to Churchill. Because the coast of the Hudson Bay is a remote location, there are many frequently asked questions by new travellers.
Q: When should I visit Churchill?
A: It depends on what you would like to see! The Fall (October & November) is best for wildlife like polar bears, foxes, arctic hares, and ptarmigan. Summer (July & August) is best for beluga whales, flora, and historic sites. Lastly, Winter (February & March) are great for Northern Lights and learning about Churchills rich cultural background.
Q: Can I see Polar Bears, Belugas, and Northern Lights all in one trip?
A: Though it could technically be possible, the different natural attractions of Churchill are rarely seen all in one trip. Churchill has different wildlife viewing opportunities with each season and we highly recommend planning your trip timing around the type you most want to see.
Want to see polar bears and whales on the same trip in the summer? Sure, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of a bear sleeping on shore during a beluga whale tour, but to see bears at their most active, plentiful, and for closer encounters, the only time to go is in the fall. Are you a Photographer who’s priority is to get stunning northern lights photos? You will likely see the Aurora during Bear Season but the brightest and best lights are during the winter months.
The same goes for all natural wonders in the area; you may see them during different seasons, but to see them at their best is something entirely different.
Q: How do I get to Churchill? Can I drive?
A: The short answer is no! There are actually no roads in and out of Churchill Manitoba. The only ways to travel here are by Train or by plane, which we thinks makes it an even more exciting destination. See www.viarail.ca for train travel options, and www.calmair.com for flights.
Q: What should I pack?
A: During Bear Season or Northern Lights season, warm clothing is priority! We recommend layers, long underwear, a neck warmer, beanie, gloves, & mitts (We suggest having thin gloves under mitts so you can remove your hands to manipulate a camera without exposing your skin). Luckily, parkas, snow pants and boots are available for rent at the Polar Inn Botique & Suites if you don’t own cold weather gear (be sure to call ahead of your trip to check availability of rentals).
Along with proper clothing, we also highly recommend bringing extra batteries! The cold will drain your devices batteries at a rate you might not expect. If you have USB power banks to charge your phone, and a USB charger for your camera batteries, we suggest packing these so you’ll never miss out on a photo opportunity during long, chilly tours on the Tundra.
In the warmer summer months, we recommend packing for a range of weather. Temperatures can be high during the day and low at night, meaning you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of layers you can pile on or peel off according to the weather. A waterproof jacket is the best outer layer. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and bug repellent are a must to keep you as comfortable as possible during your stay.
Q: Why is Churchill called “The Polar Bear Capital of the World?”
A: There are just under 20 places on Earth to see Polar Bears in the Wild. Thirteen of those places are in Canada, and Churchill is the most accessible place of them. The Western part of the Hudson Bay where Churchill is situated is the perfect spot for the bears to come ashore when the ice melts in the summer, and wait for it to freeze again in the winter. With a large bear population, easy accessibility, and amazing hospitality, it’s no wonder that the town draws an estimated 10,000 visitors every year during this time.
Q: How cold will Churchill be in October and November?
A: Weather can vary greatly in the North during any season, which is why we recommend coming prepared for anything. Typically during Polar Bear season in October and November it can be mild enough for a light jacket, or could be -30 Celsius, in which case you’d want full winter gear with no exposed skin. Unpredictable weather is a predictable part of adventuring this far north, and we hope you’ll embrace it as much as we do.
Q: What is included/not included in my tour with North Star?
A: Each of our tours has different add on options and includes different things. We recommend reading the tour description very carefully before booking. If you still have questions after reading, just contact us and we will be happy to clarify on anything. None of our tours include Travel insurance, so we always recommend you purchase this before coming, making sure your coverage includes Remote Area Travel and Trip Cancellation.
Q: How do I book my tours?
A: All of your tours can be booked over the phone, or via email. Just visit our contact page and reach out. We will happily book you for the tour of your dreams.
Q: Am I guaranteed to see a polar bear on my tour?
A: Although it is rare to not see a polar bear during peak season, sadly it does sometimes happen. Having a great guide exponentially increases your chance of seeing polar bears, but at the end of the day, we are all at the mercy of nature which can be unpredictable for even the best guides in the world.
Q: What if I book my Northern Lights Tour and don’t see the lights?
A: Just like with all of our nature tours, the lights are a natural phenomenon and we can not guarantee you will see them. We use your non refundable deposit money to pay our guides to stay up late and look for the lights every night you sign up. Our guides are working around the clock to provide you with the best Churchill experience possible (Even the ones that happen late at night), and we hope you understand the non refundable nature of our deposits.