Churchill holidays

A Tundra Buggy is a specially constructed vehicle that travels across the tundra in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of polar bears. The large tires on each buggy are 1.7 meters high and 1.1 meters wide so they allow the buggies to travel through rough terrain. The vehicles also stand 4.5 meters above ground level, meaning that they are high enough off the ground to be safely out of the tallest reach of a polar bear.  

On a standard Churchill package, you can expect to spend at least one day out in the Wildlife Management Area on one of these buggies, they are heated but we suggest you still wear layers as there is an outdoor viewing platform so you can go outside if you want. In October and November, you will be most likely to see polar bears, but you should also be able to spot arctic foxes, ptarmigan and other unique arctic wildlife.

There are a couple of ways you can see the friendly beluga whales, either from the comfort of a touring boat or for the more adventurist pop on a wetsuit and jump get out on the water in a kayak. A great way to see the beluga whales and learn a bit of history of the area is to join a boat trip that goes to the Prince of Wales Fort. Enjoy some time on the water and see large pods of belugas as you cross over the Churchill River towards the fort and then disembark for a tour of the fort.

Those that are more active can take part in a kayak trip out on the Churchill River. With wetsuits provided you don’t have to worry about getting wet or being cold, you can paddle of from the shore and within no time you will be kayaking with belugas. It’s a very unique experience that will really impress your friends and family back home.

As Churchill is a small town you won’t find any big hotels or chains, but you will be welcomed by warm hospitality and cosy accommodation. There is a small selection of lodges and inns to choose from in the town itself or you can choose to stay on one of the specially modified Tundra Buggies and say out in the wilderness, although this isn’t for everyone as it’s bunk style sleeping arrangements.  

Lazy Bear Lodge is a traditional lodge style property with traditional rooms and a great restaurant/café on site. Polar Inn and Suites is a great hotel style property with double rooms or family rooms with kitchenettes, plus there is a self-service kitchen with breakfast items daily. The Tundra Inn is also a great option with comfortable rooms, a guest lounge and a pub across the road, what more could you need during your stay in Churchill.

Winter in Churchill is mighty cold as you might expect with it being on the edge of the arctic circle. With lows as cold as -30 degrees Celsius in December, January and February this weather is not for everyone. However, if you have thermals and layers as well as snow boots and a decent coat and woolly hat you’ll be okay. During the peak polar bear viewing months, October and November your looking at lows of -16 degrees Celsius so a bit more manageable.

Summer in Churchill can be quite pleasant with temperatures reaching the high teens and sometimes even warmer. It can get chilly in the evenings through so we still suggest you take layers and a coat. One thing to note about the summer though is that there tend to be a lot of bugs so make sure you take some bug spray and long light long sleeve tops to keep your arms covered.