The Town of Polar Bears!? 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Churchill, Canada

Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is a port town facing Hudson Bay. In autumn, wild polar bears visit, while in summer, beluga whales arrive in large numbers. Many tourists come to Churchill every year to catch a glimpse of these animals. In summer, you can even cross Hudson Bay to reach the Arctic Circle, and in winter, the aurora borealis can also be observed. Incidentally, the town was named after John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, an ancestor of Winston Churchill, the famous British Prime Minister. Now, let’s take a look at 5 recommended tourist spots in Churchill!

1. Eskimo Museum

The area around Churchill has long been inhabited by Eskimo peoples, represented by the Inuit. In the town center, there is the “Eskimo Museum,” where you can learn about the history and traditions of these indigenous peoples.
The museum exhibits a wide range of archaeological materials from the Pre-Dorset culture (around 1800 BC), to the Dorset culture (up to around 1300 AD), and up to the Inuit culture of today. Inuit traditional artworks and sculptures are also fascinating to see.
There is also a shop where you can purchase Inuit goods, books, and local items. It’s a great place to start your Churchill sightseeing.

2. Hudson Bay

Churchill’s greatest tourist attraction is, of course, the vast Hudson Bay right in front of the town. If you head out from the port into the bay, you can encounter polar bears and beluga whales, which are classified as near-threatened! Many tour companies operate in Churchill, drawing numerous tourists for Hudson Bay cruises.
To the west of town, there is the “Churchill Northern Studies Centre,” an accommodation facility run by an NPO, where polar bears gather nearby every October to November. Since polar bears usually live solitary lives, this is a rare and valuable experience.
In summer, you can also go on Arctic safaris in the wilderness, where you may see wolves, moose, caribou, beavers, and many other animals. Ecotourism, learning about nature while exploring it, is an essential activity in Churchill.

3. Parks Canada Visitor Centre

Located inside Churchill’s train station, the Parks Canada Visitor Centre provides information about sightseeing in Churchill and the surrounding area. Parks Canada is the government agency that manages 42 national parks across the country. Here, you can get resources and plans for nearby Wapusk National Park and the Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site across the river.
The center also has exhibits on local culture and natural history. There’s even a media corner with videos, making it an ideal facility for learning about Churchill before heading out. The staff are friendly and well-regarded by visitors, making it an easy and welcoming stop.

4. Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site

On a barren cape across the river from Churchill stands a heavy-looking early modern fortress that seems almost out of place. This is the Prince of Wales Fort, first built in 1717 by the Hudson’s Bay Company, which was engaged in the fur trade with beavers and other animals.
The original fort was wooden but was soon rebuilt into the sturdy stone fortress seen today. However, during the American Revolutionary War in 1782, when the French fleet attacked, the fort had already fallen into disrepair. With only 39 non-combatants inside, the fortress surrendered without firing a single shot and was abandoned afterward.
After the war, it was restored as a national historic site and is now managed by Parks Canada. As a valuable historical site that tells the story of Western settlement, it is well worth a visit.

5. Churchill River

Connecting Lake Churchill and Hudson Bay, the Churchill River is a must-visit sightseeing spot in summer! In July and August, beluga whales gather here to give birth, attracting many tourists eager to see them.
The river stretches 1,609 km and is home to many fish species such as walleye, cisco, and lake whitefish. Among them, the freshwater fish called inconnu can grow up to 19 kg, making it a rare species worth noting.
The river also plays an important role in power generation and the surrounding environment. After watching the thousands of belugas, you can continue exploring upstream to enjoy Canada’s great outdoors with its fish and wild birds.

◎Summary

Churchill is a sightseeing city on Hudson Bay that becomes the land of polar bears in winter and the land of belugas in summer. In spring, you can also see a wide variety of migratory birds. Crossing Hudson Bay from Churchill opens endless possibilities for exploration! With its aurora, Arctic safaris, and role as a gateway to Canada’s great wilderness, Churchill promises dynamic and unforgettable travel experiences!

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The Town of Polar Bears!? 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Churchill, Canada