Locally owned and operated for four generations, and serving northern adventurers since the 1950’s, North Star Tours has the expertise and experience to make your trip to Churchill an amazing experience. Our focus is to share the areas rich natural history, wildlife, indigenous culture, and heritage through unique tours on the shores of the stunning Hudson Bay. With our knowledgeable guides, wide variety of unique tours & services offered throughout the seasons, and our passion and respect for wildlife, you'll be sure to find an experience that will make your trip unforgettable.

Visiting Churchill With North Star Tours

When To Make The Journey

Churchill is an adventurer’s paradise. With each change of season comes new wildlife and new sites to experience. Choosing the right season for your visit is important; whether you’re hoping for a once in a lifetime wildlife encounter, a cultural immersion, or to experience the barren beauty of the Arctic winter, there is a perfect season for your visit.

There are three main seasons to travel to Churchill: Polar Bear Season (October & November), Northern Lights Season (January & February), and Beluga Whale Season (June, July, & August). Below is a break down of Churchill’s attractions: Wildlife, History & Heritage, and Culture, so you can easily choose the season that is right for your trip.

Wildlife

Churchill is not only known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World", but also the "Beluga Whale Capital of World" giving it some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet. With as many as 1000 polar bears in the fall, and the Hudson Bay bubbling with nearly 4000 belugas in the summer, it's easy to see why this frontier town has become a destination for adventurers from around the globe. With over 270 species of birds, Churchill is a birder's paradise. The area is teeming with other wildlife too: red, silver and arctic foxes, caribou, wolverine, arctic hare, wolves and seals. 

If you are hoping for a trip packed with exciting polar bear sightings and beautiful foxes, the best season for you is fall. If you want to interact with playful beluga whales, watch migratory birds, and see a wildflower covered Tundra, the best season for your visit is summer.

History & Heritage

The history and heritage of Churchill, Manitoba is rich and deep, dating back thousands of years. Starting with the first explorers who set out in search of the notorious North West Passage, continuing to develop with the bustling fur trade, flourishing with a massive military presence during the Cold War, and now with its new step into tourism, Churchill's history has always been an integral part of Canada's.

If the history and heritage of our frontier town is going to be the focus of your trip, we recommend visiting in the summer when historical sites are easiest to reach and the weather is mild. We also highly recommend the Town And Area Tour, which covers history and heritage and is offered during all travel seasons.

Culture

Churchill has a very unique cultural background. Churchill’s indigenous Inuit, Dene, and Cree people bring unique art, craftsmanship, music, and traditions to the North. There is much to learn from the people here, as their language and their way of life contribute greatly to the areas rich history. You can learn about indigenous culture during all of Churchills seasons, but we think it is most amazing to hear Inuit legends under the mystical Aurora Borealis, during the winter months.