Staff Pick

Road Trip Winnipeg to Churchill – Polar Bear Capital

Winnipeg Churchill
1700
km
48h
drive
All seasons
season

The Itinerary

Churchill, on Hudson Bay, is one of the few places in the world to view polar bears up close. Unreachable by road — take the VIA Rail train from Winnipeg or Thompson (45h) or fly.

Note: this road trip combines driving to Thompson (760 km, 9h) then the legendary 17h train ride to Churchill. Bear season: October–November when they wait for ice. Beluga whales in summer (July–August). Northern lights year-round. Tundra Buggies for safe bear viewing.

Points of Interest

  • ✦
    Tundra Buggy
    Véhicule sur pneus géants pour observer ours polaires.
  • ✦
    Bélugas (été)
    3 000+ bélugas dans la baie d'Hudson juill.–août.
  • ✦
    Aurores boréales
    L'un des meilleurs spots au monde, oct.–avril.
  • ✦
    Train VIA Rail Hudson Bay
    Train légendaire 17h The Pas–Thompson–Churchill.
Practical info
  • Departure Winnipeg
  • Destination Churchill
  • Distance 1700 km
  • Duration 48h
  • Category Very long (500+ km)
  • Best season All seasons
Themes
north epic bear wildlife whale aurora train

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