Churchill in Manitoba is iconic of three wonders of nature: beluga whales, polar bears and the aurora borealis. While it is possible to see the phenomenon of all three in the same trip, each spectacle is distinguished during one or two seasons of Churchill’s three distinct seasons. Your trip of what you want to see in the north will help you decide when you should visit. Read more as we share with you the seasons of Churchill and when to see what.
Photo credit: Frontiers North
Wonder at The Northern Lights
What sets Churchill apart from other northern lights viewing destinations is its prominent location directly beneath the auroral oval. This means there is northern lights activity year-round, however the clear winter air in the months of February and March opens the sky for the best aurora borealis viewing opportunities and photography on the planet. Options for viewing the northern lights include exclusive access to Frontiers North’s Thanadelthur Lounge and a culinary experience at the pop up restaurant of Dan’s Diner. A winter adventure also sees you enjoying outdoor activities including dog sledding and snowshoeing through the boreal forest. Traverse breathtaking northern landscapes as you travel to a new and secluded location each night for incredible aurora viewing and photography from the tundra.
Best time to go: February & March
Average hours of daylight: 14 hours
Tour: Photo Adventure: Northern Lights in Churchill 8D7N
Photo credit: Frontiers North
See Beluga Whales
Churchill is the place to be in the summer months for beluga whales by thousands making their way in from the Hudson Bay to feed and breed. One for the wildlife and nature lovers, summer also boasts hundreds of migratory bird species and an array of flowers in full bloom. If you’re lucky, even polar bears! Experience Churchill’s beluga whales on a zodiac, kayak or paddleboard adventure. On land your adventures are just as exciting with cultural museum visits, dog carting and discovering the vibrant flora and fauna of the Churchill Management Area on an iconic Tundra Buggy adventure.
Best time to go: July & August
Average hours of daylight: 16 hours
Tour: Churchill Belugas & Bears Explorer 6D5N or Canada’s Big Five Safari 8D7N
Photo credit: Frontiers North
Search for Polar Bears
Autumn is all about the polar bears where a highlight of this season is the excitement of experiencing other arctic wildlife for the first time. Known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, Churchill is the most accessible location in the world to get up close with polar bears in its natural environment. Have the best of both worlds as you adventure the northern frontier town of Churchill and its phenomenal wildlife. A stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge gives unforgettable polar bear viewing and safaris from a Tundra Buggy where you can wake up to see a polar bear from your room window. Read more about the Tundra Buggy Polar Bear Experience here.
Best time to go: October & November
Average hours of daylight: 9 hours
Tour: Polar Bears at Tundra Buggy Lodge 7D6N or Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure 6D5N
