Churchill : Famous Town of the Polar Bears

In the far northern part of Manitoba Canada lays the exciting town of Churchill. Located right by the Hudson Bay Churchill is really famous for the diverse activities tourist can carry out in the city and in the wilderness around them. Churchill's nickname "Polar Bear Capital of the World" indicates why is the city so attracted by tourists. Polar bears and the Northern lights attract numerous tourists from all around the world. However not only these things can be seen and done in Churchill. What else can be visited here in the "Polar Bear Capital of the World"? Let's find out.

1. Eskimo Museum / Itsanitaq Museum

It is true that the museum itself is not that big but the collection in it is so much more valuable and definitely worth a visit. This one room museum showcases a very special collection of things from the Inuit people. It is always interesting to see another culture and the way they live and now you can catch a glimpse into one of the most interesting tribes. Visitors will be able to see whalebone carvings made by the Inuits and things that belonged to shamans. Soapstones and caribou antlers are showcases as well as other bone carvings and harpoon heads.

2. Cape Merry

One of the most stunning historical site of Churchill is Cape Merry. The outdoor beautiful place features a cannon behind the crumbling walls of a long abandoned battery that was built here on Cape Merry. Besides this historic site people also enjoy walking and exploring the area while soaking in Canada's beauty. Visitors can see some wild life showing up every once in a while such as the cute belugas and other native wild animals. The plants in the area are quite impressive and the sunsets are outstanding here at Cape Merry.

3. Fort Prince of Wales National Historic Site

Another great historical site of Churchill is the Fort Prince of Wales. Visitors will experience the history of the area here while taking the tour in the fort which took over forty years to build. The untouched cannons are still standing there however they were never used at all. Fort Prince of Wales has been standing on the Eskimo Point right across the Churchill River for a long time by now, since the 1720s. During the English- French tensions the fort was selected to carry out strategy however later on surrendered during the first attack.

4. Wapusk National Park

What a better place to go than the Wapusk National Park to see and experience the natural beauty of Churchill. The park is a remote place which extends along Hudson Bay's shore. The Wapusk park was first established to protect native animals such as polar bears and waterfowl and other shore birds inhabiting the area. The National Park lays between eastern forests and Arctic tundra which provide spectacular sightseeing opportunities. The visitor center is a great place to get more information on the area and to get closer to polar bears.

5. Polar Bear Holding Facilty

The Polar Bear Holding Facility or on it's more known name the Polar Bear Jail gives the opportunity to see and get to know the local animal that attracts tourist from all over the world. The facility was turned into a "jail" from a hangar which now holds troubled polar bears who come to Churchill and hint a little bit of danger to residents. Visitors can see the polar bears which are held at the jail for up to thirty days then they get released and if they turn up again they get relocated by helicopter which also can be witnessed.

6. York Factory National Historic Site

The extremely remote and secluded site of York Factory National Historic Site is another very popular and attracted place to visit. The historic site can only be accessed by air or by boat, no wonder it is very secluded. The way to the York Factory is just a huge adventure in itself and you haven't even seen the historic site yet. Near Hayes river this place was an important gateway and was active for two hundred and seventy three years. Visitors will be blown away by the white buildings and the surroundings of the area.

7. Arctic Trading Company

The top shop and souvenir store in Churchill is definitely the Arctic Trading Company. What is a trip without shopping and returning without mountains of souvenirs? Not much. That is the reason why the Arctic Trading Company is the most attracted place for souvenirs and it has the best selection with a variety of stuff. The objects include antler carvings, Inuit stone sculpture, native clothing and different kinds of paintings all made by local artists. People can also see the well known bone jewelry and a mountain of moccasins and mukluks.

8. Miss Piggy Plane Wreck

Near the airport lays a totally unmissable sight: Miss Piggy. A very interesting landmark in Churchill which attracts plenty of tourists to the area. Miss Piggy is an Curtiss C-46 designed to ship cargoes from one location to another. In 1979 due to an unfortunate error it crashed right at the place where it can be found today. However the plane crashed without fatality it developed an engine trouble which made it unable to land properly. The plane was told to be overloaded and carried pigs which gave the name Miss Piggy to the aircraft.

9. Seal River Heritage Lodge

The Seal River Heritage Lodge is another great historical site to visit on your trip to the mesmerizing Churchill. The place is located in the middle of the polar bear county which gives endless opportunities to visitors for a good peek into the wild life. People can join a safari trip to see the animals and obtain information on the way or can simply take a soothing walk in the nature of the beautiful Seal River Heritage Lodge area. There are also very great lodges which are located right in the way of the polar bears, giving visitors an exclusive image into the animal's everyday life.

10. Churchill Northern Studies Centre

The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent research facility founded in 1978. The center aims to teach especially about the northern sciences, however they have a broad variety of other programs as well. People can visit the Churchill Northern Studies Center and participate in interesting educational programs such as general interest courses. The research center is located along the Hudson Bay at a meeting point of three natural scenic locations which gives people the opportunity to tour and take a walk in the wilderness.

◎ Closing

Many people avoid the northern regions because they say it is cold. Well you can't exactly see a cute and furry polar bear or the breathtaking northern lights in the sun. However it is not always cold in Churchill, seasons change and the sun comes out too. Churchill is so worth a visit not only because of the natural beauty the region possesses but because of the sights that can be seen too. There is no place like Churchill that is for sure and this trip will bring you and your whole family unforgettable memories.