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21 Forks Market Road Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3C 4T7 1 855 PEG CITY (734-2489)

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Taking a tour is a great way to enrich your time in Manitoba. Join a tour guide on foot, bike, bus, trolley or even tundra vehicle to get amazing access to Manitoba’s best attractions and experiences.

Or, opt for a self-guided tour. Many museums and other attractions offer apps and audio guides to unlock more stories and additional content. Interpretive signs in communities and parks around the province offer interesting tidbits of information - from history to wildlife, geology and industry.

Shake Things Up

Looking to shake things up a bit this summer? A private, guided paddling trip to the remote wilderness of Manitoba is just what you’ve been searching for. Here are a few great reasons to hop in a canoe this summer for an experience you won’t soon forget.

Get to know Manitoba’s rich Indigenous cultures by supporting a local, Indigenous-led tour or workshop.

Explore Winnipeg

Winnipeg has a few intriguing surprises up its sleeve and a walking tour is the perfect way to make a few discoveries, while seeing the city in a whole new light. Here is a sampling of Winnipeg’s walking tours.

What do bison, birds and a boy of gold have in common? They are the main characters in three of Winnipeg’s best tours .

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Culture & History

Recreation & Adventure

Self-Guided

Adventure At Altitude

901 1st Street Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0

Ale Trail Craft Brewery Tour

1 Forks Market Road WINNIPEG, MB R3N 1E4

Arctic Nature Tours

153 Kelsey Blvd. CHURCHILL, MB R0B 0E0

Around the World in a Few Blocks Tour

621 Erin Street WINNIPEG, MB R3G 2W1

Art & Architecture

133 Albert Street Winnipeg, MB R3B 1G6

Art at Lunch

103—110 Princess Street Winnipeg, MB R3B 1K7

Bakers Narrows Lodge

#1 Hwy 10, Bakers Narrows FLIN FLON, MB R8A 1N1

Bee2gether Bikes

216 Borebank Street WINNIPEG, MB R3N 1E3

Beyond Boreal Expeditions

. Churchill, MB R0B0E0

Bike Winnipeg Tours

PO Box 162 RPO Corydon Winnipeg, MB R3M 3S7

Bikes & Brunch Tour

426 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0C9

Bon Appétit St-B - Artistic Culinary Tour

219, boulevard Provencher, Suite 100 Main Floor WINNIPEG, MB R2H 0G4

Bon Appétit St-B - Historical Culinary Tour

Boreal Ranch

84 Lagsdin Way Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0

Brandon Aviation Adventure

425 Agnew Drive Brandon, MB R7A 5Y5

The Breakfast Club Tour

Canoe River Tours

25 Keenleyside St. Winnipeg, MB R2L 1Y7

Carman Walking Tour

12 2nd Avenue SW CARMAN, MB R0G 0J0

Christmas Lights Tours

27 Red River Boulevard, Unit G WINNIPEG, MB R2V 4E2

Churchill Northern Studies Centre

1 LAUNCH ROAD CHURCHILL, MB R0B 0E0

Churchill Wild - Beluga Whale Tours

. Churchill, MB .

Churchill Wild - Northern Lights Viewing

Churchill Wild - Polar Bear Viewing

City of Ghosts Bus Tour

Via Rail Station - 123 Main Street, Unit G WINNIPEG, MB R2V 4E2

Beaches & Boating

Clear Lake Marina

Main Pier Wasagaming, MB R0J 1N0

Cocktail Crawl Tour

Compass Coach Lines

1800 14th St E, Bldg 2, Unit E Brandon, MB R7A 7V2

Custom Helicopters Ltd.

706 South Gate Road, St. Andrews Airport ST. ANDREWS, MB R1A 3P8

The Dawson Trail Heritage Tour

Death and Debauchery

Dene Routes

Discover Churchill

280 Kelsey Blvd Churchill, MB R0B 0E0

Downtown Flashback Tour

Duck Mountain Eco Tours

Box 1384 SWAN RIVER, MB R0L 1Z0

East Exchange Tour

Einarsson's Guide Service

Lot 1, Block 5 Dauphin River, MB R0C 1J0

Epic Rides Moto Tours

246 Beliveau Road Winnipeg, MB R2M 1T4

Curiosities

Farmery Estate Brewery

480 MB-5 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

Feast on Foot Food Tours - Comfort Tours

Feast on Foot Food Tours -Decadence in the District

Feast on Foot Food Tours -Savour the Exchange

Fehr-Way Tours Ltd.

318 McDermot Avenue, Unit 101 Winnipeg, MB R3A 0A2

Outdoor Amusement

FortWhyte Alive

1961 McCreary Road WINNIPEG, MB R3P 2K9

Founders Parks Walking Tour

Box 1586, 39 Main Street S MINNEDOSA, MB R0J 1E0

Frontiers North Adventures - Autumn Tours

Kelsey Blvd Churchill, MB R0B 0E0

Frontiers North Adventures - Summer Tours

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Tourist information
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.4.1 Within Canada
• 6.4.2 From the United States
• 6.5 On foot
• 7.3 By train
• 8.1 Historical sites
• 8.2 Museums and galleries
• 8.3 Wildlife and gardens
• 9.1 Bear watching
• 9.2 Fishing
• 9.3 Festivals
• 9.4 Beaches
• 9.5 Winter activities
• 14.1 Universities
• 14.2 Colleges and Technical Institutes
• 14.3 Language Schools
• 15.1 Weather
• 15.2 West Nile Virus

Manitoba is a province in the Prairies of Canada . It is well known for its agriculture, culture and history. Visitors come for the fishing and other outdoor activities, although there are several historical sites worth visiting.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 49.883333 -97.15 1 Winnipeg — with over half of the province's population, Winnipeg is its metropolis, with museums, galleries, a mix of cultures, and many historical sites
• 49.833333 -99.95 2 Brandon — the province's second largest city
• 58.7692 -94.1692 3 Churchill — the polar bear capital of the world
• 51.149444 -100.049444 4 Dauphin — it's named after the heir to the French throne, but a quarter of the population speaks Ukrainian
• 54.768056 -101.864167 5 Flin Flon — a mining town with a sense of humour: it was named after a character in a novel
• 49.5258 -96.6839 6 Steinbach — visit the Mennonite Heritage Village
• 49.972778 -98.291944 7 Portage la Prairie — its early 18th-century French fort is a must for history buffs, and the crossing of Canada's two transcontinental railways draws train fans
• 55.743333 -97.855278 8 Thompson — the bustling metropolis of the North (population 13,000)
• 49.1817 -97.9397 9 Winkler — explore the town's Mennonite heritage

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 50.5681 -96.5617 1 Grand Beach Provincial Park — 12-m-high dunes and kilometres of warm sand beach
• 55.197778 -98.396667 2 Pisew Falls Provincial Park — beautiful 13-m-high waterfalls accessible from the parking lot
• 50.8639 -100.036 3 Riding Mountain National Park — three different ecosystems converge in the area: grasslands, upland boreal and eastern deciduous forests
• 51 -95 4 Pimachiowin Aki – Canada's only mixed world heritage site

Understand [ edit ]

The province has 1.3 million inhabitants, half of them in Winnipeg , the capital. One-tenth of the population belongs to the First Nations (Indigenous) peoples.

It has a widely varied landscape, from arctic tundra and the Hudson Bay coastline in the north, to dense boreal forest and prairie farmland in the central and southern regions.

History [ edit ]

Indigenous peoples have inhabited what is now Manitoba for thousands of years. In the early 17th century, European fur traders began arriving in the area and establishing settlements along the Nelson, Assiniboine, and Red rivers, and on the Hudson Bay shoreline. Great Britain secured control of the region in 1673, and created a territory named Rupert's Land which was placed under the control of the Hudson's Bay Company. Rupert's Land, which covered all of present-day Manitoba, developed significant settlements of Indigenous and Métis people in the Red River Colony.

In 1869, negotiations with the Government of Canada for the creation of the province of Manitoba commenced. During the negotiations, several factors led to an armed uprising of the Métis people against the Government of Canada, a conflict known as the Red River Rebellion. The resolution of the rebellion and further negotiations led to Manitoba becoming the fifth province to join Canadian Confederation, when the Parliament of Canada passed the Manitoba Act on July 15, 1870.

Climate [ edit ]

Manitoba has an extreme continental climate. Because of the generally flat landscape, it is exposed to cold Arctic high-pressure air masses from the northwest during January and February. In the summer, air masses sometimes come out of the Southern United States, as warm humid air is drawn northward from the Gulf of Mexico. Temperatures exceed 30 °C (86 °F) frequently in the summer, and the combination of heat and humidity can bring the humidex value to the mid-40s. Within Canada, Manitoba has the clearest skies year round, and ranked second for clearest skies in the summer and for the sunniest province in the winter and spring.

Southern Manitoba (including the city of Winnipeg), falls into the humid continental climate zone. This area is cold and windy in the winter and often has blizzards because of the open landscape. Summers are warm with a moderate length. This region is the most humid area in the prairie provinces, with moderate precipitation. Southwestern Manitoba is drier and more prone to droughts than other parts of southern Manitoba. This area is cold and windy in the winter and has frequent blizzards due to the openness of the Canadian Prairie landscape. Summers are generally warm to hot, with low to moderate humidity.

Southern parts of the province just north of Tornado Alley, experience tornadoes, with 16 confirmed touchdowns in 2016.

The province's northern sections (including the city of Thompson) fall in the Subarctic climate zone. This region features long and extremely cold winters and brief, warm summers with little precipitation. Overnight temperatures as low as −40 °C (−40 °F) occur on several days each winter.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Travel Manitoba website

Talk [ edit ]

English is the predominant language. French is also spoken in Winnipeg and other parts of the province but is slowly disappearing. Ukrainian, Polish, German, Filipino (primarily Tagalog), Icelandic, and First Nations languages (Cree and Ojibway) are also spoken in local circles.

Get in [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

• Kasper Bus , ☏ +1-807-699-7200 , toll-free: +1-855-566-2378 . Operates bus service in Northern Ontario and Manitoba. ( updated May 2022 ) Operates a route between Winnipeg and Sioux Lookout . Same day connection available between Sioux Lookout to Thunder Bay .
• Rider Express , toll-free: +1-833-583-3636 . Offers interprovincial bus service on its Regina - Winnipeg route. ( updated Feb 2021 )

By plane [ edit ]

International travellers coming by plane to Manitoba will arrive in the international airport in Winnipeg. Smaller cities usually have domestic-only air service.

• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport ( YWG  IATA ), ☏ +1 204-987-9402 .

By train [ edit ]

• The Canadian transcontinental train makes six stops in Manitoba, with the primary hub in Winnipeg. Major cities outside Manitoba on this route are Vancouver , Edmonton , Saskatoon , and Toronto .
• Operating primarily in Manitoba and partly in eastern Saskatchewan is the Winnipeg-Churchill train, which travels to the Northern Manitoba town of Churchill on the shores of Hudson Bay.

By car [ edit ]

Within canada [ edit ].

Highway 1 ( Trans-Canada Highway ) runs for 519 km (322 miles) through southern Manitoba and Winnipeg. The Trans-Canada Highway connects westbound from Ottawa and eastbound from Regina . Nearly the entire route in the Prairies is a divided 4-lane roadway. It is also the only road that crosses the Ontario–Manitoba border.

Highway 16 ( Yellowhead Highway ) terminates at its junction with Highway 1 west of Portage la Prairie . The highway is an east-west highway travelling from British Columbia along a route significantly more north than Highway 1. Eastbound travel on Highway 16 includes from Edmonton and Saskatoon .

From the United States [ edit ]

Interstate 29 in North Dakota connects to Manitoba Highway 75 at the Pembina ND- Emerson MB border. From Minnesota, traffic on U.S. Route 75 will need to detour slightly west to the I-29 border crossing, as the Noyes MN-Emerson MB crossing on US 75 is closed. Route 59 is an alternative, though most of it is only a two-lane highway.

On foot [ edit ]

There is relatively little within walking distance of Manitoba's borders; this is sparsely-populated rural prairie and bitterly cold in winter (-20°C is not uncommon). The largest of these tiny border villages is Emerson (population 600), which is 8 km (5 miles) centre-to-centre from Pembina , North Dakota.

Get around [ edit ]

Like most of Canada's provinces, Manitoba is large, so a car or any other road vehicle is probably the most convenient way to get around Winnipeg and all areas in the province.

• Maple Bus Lines , ☏ +1 204-289-4197 , toll-free: +1-833-339-4197 . Service between Winnipeg , Swan River (via Neepawa and Dauphin ), Cross Lake and Thompson . ( updated Nov 2019 )

VIA Rail runs an intraprovincial service from Winnipeg Union Station to Churchill in the far north, three trains weekly. The complete 1700 km journey takes 37 hours. A branch line from The Pas continues northwest to Pukatawagan twice weekly.

See [ edit ]

Historical sites [ edit ]

There are many historical sites and ruins found in Manitoba from the fur trade era of Canada.

Learn about the life in the past by visiting the Lower Fort Garry Historic Site found in the Interlake region that shows how life was like in the 1800s.

Another place to visit is the remains of the St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg which was burned down now another church is placed inside the cathedral ruins.

The Forks National Historic Site is a place where people have been meeting for around 6000 years. The Forks is the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, Winnipeg 's founding place. There are many different activities to do at the Forks like shopping at the Forks Market, the Johnson Terminal. Skating on river paths is a popular activity during winter. The Forks is a beautiful place in the heart of the city that includes things like parks,gardens, sculptures, shops, and restaurants. The site is a model for urban renewal and waterfront development.

Another great place to visit in Winnipeg is the Exchange District in downtown Winnipeg, the Exchange District is well known for its well preserved and stunning turn of the century architecture telling the story of Winnipeg's amazing history. The Exchange District is now a days well known for its trendy boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and cool theatres. The Exchange District holds many festivals including The Winnipeg Fringe Festival.

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

Winnipeg has the spectacular Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which opened in 2014 as the first museum focused on human rights. The city is also home to the Manitoba Museum, the Winnipec Art Gallery, and many other cultural institutions. Smaller cities innthe province typically gave smaller, regional museums and galleries.

Wildlife and gardens [ edit ]

The International Peace Garden found on the Canada-US border near Bossivain in Western region is a beautiful place that celebrates the peace between Canada and US. Oak Hammock Marsh found in the Interlake region is a nature reserve where you can see many different type of birds including the Canada goose and the Snowy Owl. Riding Mountain National Park is an excellent area to see large wild mammals and many species of birds in their natural habitat.

Do [ edit ]

Bear watching [ edit ].

Churchill is known for its Polar Bears and Riding Mountain National Park and adjacent Prairie Mountain area for its abundant population of Black Bears that vary in color from blond, cinnamon and chocolate to black.

Fishing [ edit ]

During the summer time there are many fishing areas found in Manitoba like in Lockport found in the Interlake region is an example where you can see many fishermen around the Red River. During the winter time you can experience ice fishing where people can rent huts to go ice fishing in.

The Prairie Mountain region has world-class trout lakes.

Festivals [ edit ]

There are many festivals in different regions of Manitoba.

Some of the best known festivals celebrated in this region is the Folklorama festival found all over Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg Fringe Festival is a popular festival that takes place in Winnipeg 's Exchange District.

Another popular festival in Winnipeg is the Festival du Voyageur during February at Fort Gibraltar.

The Corn and Apple festival found in Morden found in the Pembina Valley region which sells some of its delicious Morden sweet corn and apple cider.

Beaches [ edit ]

There are also many inland beaches found throughout the province. Some of the well known beaches are Grand Beach and Winnipeg Beach in the Interlake region that are along Lake Winnipeg. Lake Winnipeg is the world's 11th-largest lake.

Winter activities [ edit ]

During the winter time there are many activities available like tobogganing on some of the toboggan slide like the one found in Kildonan Park in Winnipeg. Skating on the river paths including skating on world's longest skating trail on the Assiniboine and Red Rivers, and other skating trails in Winnipeg. Snowmobiling throughout the province is a fun way to get around.

Always check the weather report prior to going out in winter . Temperatures can reach as low as −40 °C (−40 °F) from late December to early March, presenting significant dangers for anyone who is unprepared.

Buy [ edit ]

An 8% provincial sales tax is added to most retail products sold in Manitoba, in addition to the 5% federal value added tax.

Eat [ edit ]

Enjoy the fine grain products such as the different varieties of bread offered in the different communities and restaurants. Manitoba also is known for producing the best pork products in the world, including back bacon. A popular dish in Manitoba are perogies.

Drink [ edit ]

The drinking age is 18 - younger than most other provinces in Canada. Manitoba is also the home of Crown Royal in Gimli .

The tap water in most communities is quite delicious, as far as water goes, though in some locales, where wells are used to supply the municipal water system, there is a pronounced mineral taste. The provincial capital of Winnipeg has an aftertaste to its water, though it does not settle-out solids like, say the water in Regina , Saskatchewan . Manitoba is known as one of the wettest provinces, and has in excess of 100,000 lakes.

Sleep [ edit ]

Those interested in meeting people and learning about Manitoba rural culture could stay at a B&B or a farm .

Study [ edit ]

Manitoba is home to many excellent educational institutions, offering a wide range of study options.

Universities [ edit ]

• University of Manitoba , [1] , located in Winnipeg, is the largest university in Manitoba. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields such as Arts, Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Business.
• University of Winnipeg , [2] , also located in Winnipeg, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields such as Arts, Business and Economics, Education, and Science.
• Brandon University , [3] , located in Brandon, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields such as Arts, Education, Music, and Science.

Colleges and Technical Institutes [ edit ]

• Red River College , [4] , located in Winnipeg, is Manitoba's largest institute of applied learning and research, offering diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs in various fields such as Business, Health Sciences, Trades, and Technology.
• Assiniboine Community College , [5] , located in Brandon, offers diploma and certificate programs in various fields such as Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, and Trades.

Language Schools [ edit ]

• Heartland International English School , [6] , located in Winnipeg, offers English language training for international students.
• International College of Manitoba , [7] , located in Winnipeg, offers programs for international students to improve their English language proficiency and to prepare for university studies in Canada.

Other [ edit ]

• Canadian Mennonite University , [8] , located in Winnipeg, is a Christian university offering undergraduate degree programs in various fields such as Arts, Business, Music, and Social Science.
• Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology , [9] , located in Winnipeg, offers certificate and diploma programs in various trades such as Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, and Information Technology.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Weather [ edit ].

Winters in Manitoba are harsh, and the relative lack of moderating effects by oceans and its relative flatness makes most of the province exposed to weather extremes. Parts of Manitoba near lakes are prone to lake effect snow. Summers are another story, with the possibility of high humidity when the warm air from the Gulf of Mexico in the south blows through the province.

West Nile Virus [ edit ]

There have been some cases of West Nile Virus in the province it is recommended that you do the following things:

• Reduce the number of hours you spend outside especially during dusk and dawn
• Use mosquito repellent
• Wear light coloured and loose fitting clothing

Go next [ edit ]

• Neighbouring provinces of Saskatchewan and Ontario , Nunavut and the Northwest Territories
• The state of North Dakota
• Travel on the Trans-Canada Highway

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15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Manitoba

Written by Lana Law Updated Sep 13, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law lived in Manitoba and returns every summer to spend time in Winnipeg and Whiteshell Provincial Park.

In the heart of central Canada, Manitoba is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but those who take the time to explore the province will find a wealth of unique experiences. Watching polar bears in the wild, seeing the northern lights, or enjoying a winter festival celebrating French Canadian history are just some of the memorable things to do in Manitoba.

The beaches around Lake Winnipeg and the beautiful provincial parks offer great retreats on hot summer days in this prairie province. For cultural attractions and city entertainment, it's hard to beat Winnipeg , the provincial capital.

For a more complete look at the highlights, see my list of top tourist attractions in Manitoba.

1. The Forks, Winnipeg

2. polar bears of churchill, 3. canadian museum of human rights, winnipeg, 4. grand beach, 5. riding mountain national park, 6. gimli & the icelandic festival of manitoba, 7. whiteshell provincial park, 8. festival du voyageur, winnipeg, 9. lower fort garry national historic site, 10. the royal canadian mint, 11. narcisse snake dens, 12. pinawa dam provincial park, 13. hecla island & lakeview hecla resort, 14. canadian fossil discovery center, morden, 15. mennonite village in steinbach.

The Forks , located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers near Winnipeg's downtown core, is the place to be in summer and equally fun in winter. The Forks Market and the Johnston Terminal Building are restored historical buildings housing a lovely market area with interesting shops, restaurants, and casual food stalls.

Some restaurants feature outdoor patios overlooking the Riverwalk that runs along the river. In winter, the outdoor skating rink is particularly popular with families. Also located at The Forks are the Manitoba Children's Museum and the new Canadian Museum of Human Rights . Skateboarders and BMX riders can try out their latest moves on Winnipeg's best skate park.

Churchill, popularly known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," lies on the harsh, rocky coast of Hudson Bay . In autumn, polar bears wander onto the ice-floes in the bay to hunt seals, and the town comes to life with visitors from around the world who come here to see these amazing animals. Tours in tundra buggies - giant large-wheeled vehicles with caged windows - allow visitors close up encounters with the bears.

Also of interest is the Itsanitaq Museum (also known as the Eskimo Museum) with exhibits of Inuit works of art and tools dating from 1700 BC through the Dorset and Thule cultures to the present day.

Fort Prince of Wales National Historic Site , built by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1700s, can be visited during July and August, and is reached by boat.

Depending on the night, visitors may also be lucky enough to see a display of northern lights .

The Canadian Museum of Human Rights is Winnipeg's newest major attraction and an important addition to Canada's national museums. Many years in the making, the structure containing the museum is a unique, standout building with a design based on the Canadian landscape.

The museum focuses on a variety of themes that tell the stories of human rights issues from different perspectives. Permanent exhibits offer a look at the subject of human rights as it pertains to Canada and around the world. Changing exhibits offer insight into current human rights issues taking place across the globe.

Determining which stories would be told became the source of much tension and controversy during the planning stages, an indication of how important this museum is to so many people.

Address: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Grand Beach Provincial Park encompasses a huge stretch of soft sand beach on the shores of Lake Winnipeg , one of Manitoba's best lakes . The beach here is one of the best beaches in Canada and in the summer, it's a hot spot for sunseekers looking to get away from the city.

The park is about a one-hour drive from Winnipeg, and there are a variety of accommodation options in the area, from motels to cottage rentals. Restaurants in the area offer casual dining and entertainment.

Nestled in the trees and just a short stroll from the beach and towering sand dunes is the park campground with 350 sites. Spread over 17 bays, the sites are a mix of serviced and unserviced; some bays are alcohol free.

Accessible throughout the year, this scenic park is a combination of recreation area and nature reserve, with a varied landscape of prairie, forest, and wonderfully clear lakes and streams. The park extends over part of the glacially-formed Manitoba Escarpment where a series of plateaus rising to heights of about 340 meters overlook the surrounding prairies of gentle hills, meadows, and lakes.

The deep lakes in Riding Mountain such as Clear Lake , Lake Katherine , and Deep Lake are popular fishing spots. Near Lake Audy, you'll find a herd of bison roaming freely in a 552-hectare enclosure, Bears, wolves, elk, and deer also inhabit the park.

Numerous walking and cycling trails can be found throughout the park. One trail leads to the log cabin formerly belonging to the English naturalist Grey Owl who, in the early 1920s, wrote books about the wildlife of the area.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/mb/riding/index.aspx

Gimli is a small resort town, approximately an hour's drive north of Winnipeg, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. In the summer, Gimli comes to life as visitors and cottagers flock to this area to enjoy the beaches, restaurant patios, and ice-cream stands, and to take a stroll along the 298-meter-long seawall.

One of the annual highlights is the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, known as Islendingadagurinn, which takes place over the long weekend at the start of August. The festival is a fun event for everyone with all kinds of activities and entertainment for children and adults.

Official site: http://www.icelandicfestival.com/

About a 1.5-hour drive east of Winnipeg is the Whiteshell Provincial Park, a popular summer destination for Winnipeggers looking to get away from the heat of the city and spend some time by the lake. The landscape is typical of the Canadian Shield , with hills, lakes, valleys, forests, and rivers. Moose, deer, black bear, and other wildlife inhabit the park. Cottages dot the shorelines of the lakes but much of the wilderness area is undisturbed.

The Whiteshell, as it's called locally, has four of the best campgrounds in Manitoba , and is also home to some of Manitoba's best beaches. The resort communities of Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake , located in the southern end of the park, are popular weekend destinations, with small towns back from the lakes.

Golfers take note: Falcon Lake has one of Manitoba's best courses, a 6,922-yard track with some seriously challenging holes. The course has recently built a brand new architecturally stunning clubhouse with a fantastic patio out front, a perfect spot to relive the highlights and lowlights of your recent game.

Official site: http://www.whiteshell.mb.ca/no_flash.html

One of Manitoba's premier winter events is the Festival du Voyageur, celebrating the French Voyageurs who transported furs in birch bark canoes. The Festival takes place each year in February in St. Boniface, the French-speaking district of Winnipeg.

The festival is popular with families, as well as adults. Outdoor events are featured prominently, from games to snow sculpting competitions. Traditional French music, cuisine, and other entertainment is held in outdoor tents. Despite the cold weather at this time of year, the event draws large crowds.

The Fort Garry National Historic Park outside Selkirk has as its centerpiece the only stone fort from the fur trading era to survive intact anywhere in North America. Lower Fort Garry was erected by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1830s , becoming an important center for the fur trade and serving as a base for the exploration of the Northwest Territories. In later years, Lower Fort Garry was used successively as a training camp for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a prison, a mental institution, and a company headquarters.

The fort displays period furniture and household items painstakingly gathered together over a period of years from within Canada and also from Britain and the USA. Costumed Parks Canada employees act out the roles of the fort's earlier inhabitants. Visitors are able to talk to the "Governor" and his wife and to various employees and domestic staff. The result is a vivid impression of the complexities of life in a fur trading community.

Displayed in the building where the furs were stored are samples of pelts of every kind and a Hudson's Bay Company shop has been recreated, stocked with everything from clothing and household goods to beads, horse bells, traps, and blankets.

Address: 5925 Hwy 9, St. Andrews, Manitoba

Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/mb/fortgarry/

If you've ever wondered where the coins we use on a day to day basis come from, then you should be sure to make some time when visiting Winnipeg to stop in at the Royal Canadian Mint. This high tech and high security facility is open to the public and provides informative tours.

The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide history and background and also explain the production process. A boutique on site sells specialty coins along with other souvenirs.

Official site: https://www.mint.ca/store/mint/visit-the-mint/visit-the-mint-1200026

The Narcisse Snake Dens offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness a spectacle of nature each spring. In late April and early May tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes emerge from their winter slumber and exit the dens, ready to mate. See the action from observation platforms near the four dens, and while you are peering down, watch for mating balls, which see as many as a hundred male snakes swarming a female.

The snakes leave the dens for the summer but return in the fall, where visitors again have the chance to see them, before the weather turns cold. The dens are six kilometers from the town of Narcisse, which is approximately 100 kilometers north of Winnipeg.

The crescent-shaped ruins of the 1906 Pinawa Dam are the central feature of this park, just a short drive north of the town of Pinawa. Set in a picturesque area of the Canadian Shield in Manitoba's cottage country, the park makes a nice day trip from Winnipeg, just 1.5 hours away.

Visitors can wander around the site on a self-guided tour and appreciate views of the old dam, which stopped operating in 1951, from the Centennial Spillway Trail . Also in the park are picnic facilities and an amphitheater.

For a nice escape to nature and a relaxing getaway in Manitoba, Hecla Island is a favorite destination. Part of Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park , Helca Island is located on Lake Winnipeg, two hours north of Winnipeg.

In summer, you can hike the trails, golf at the 18-hole golf course, or simply enjoy the beaches and lake. In winter, head out on the cross-country ski trails, book a treatment at the spa, or relax around a fire.

For many people, Lakeview Hecla Resort is the main reason to come to Hecla Island. Set on the northern tip of the island, this resort offers indoor and outdoor pools, dining, a spa, and lovely rooms with views, some of which are pet friendly.

Containing Canada's largest collection of marine reptile fossils, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Center is worth making the 1.5-hour trip from Winnipeg to see. All the fossils here, including the huge mosasaur, known as Bruce, are from Manitoba. Due to ongoing research in the field, fossils are continually being added to the collection.

The center is open seven days a week. If you're coming to the town or driving across Highway 3 in southern Manitoba, you may want to plan a little extra time to stop in at the CFDC.

Address: 111-B Gilmour Street, Morden, Manitoba

Official site: https://discoverfossils.com/

The Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach recreates Mennonite life from the 16th century to the present day, and features changing themes. More than 20 furnished buildings are spread over 17 hectares, showcasing a time when villages like this could be found all across Southern Manitoba.

One of the most prominent structures on the site is the large Dutch windmill, which can be seen from the highway. Be sure to stop in at the gift shop and check out the locally made hand crafted items.

Address: 231 PTH 12N, Steinbach, Manitoba

Official site: http://www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com/

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The Best of Canada: To make Manitoba part of your larger trip across Canada, have a read through our Canada Itineraries . Manitoba's central location means it's often visited in combination with the provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan , but flights from Winnipeg can quickly connect you with cities across the country. Explore other options with our articles on the Best Places to Visit in Canada and the Top Tourist Attractions in Canada .

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• Canadian Museum for Human Rights
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Visits to Manitoba lag behind pre-pandemic levels, but those who come are spending more

'i'd say the future is very strong in the tourism industry': travel manitoba ceo.

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Canada's heart is calling, but it might need to start shouting a little.

Travel Manitoba's marketing campaign and slogan, aimed at drawing tourists to the province, could use a little more urgency, based on the latest available data.

Visitors to Manitoba in 2022 spent just over $1.8 billion, exceeding 2019's record levels by about $160 million. That's also far above the goal set earlier this year, to hit the $1.6-billion mark by 2024.

"We were surprised at that, so there is cautious optimism," Travel Manitoba CEO Colin Ferguson said in an interview.

However, the number of tourists still lags well behind pre-pandemic levels.

According to data released Thursday by Travel Manitoba at its annual general meeting in Winnipeg, visits by Canadians to the province last year reached about 85 per cent of the 2019 levels, while visits from the U.S. were nearly half the 2019 levels and visits by people from overseas were about a third.

• New travel brand, slogan for Manitoba aim to tell the world 'Canada's heart is calling'
• Pandemic expected to hamper Manitoba tourism with a 3-year hangover

Overall, the majority of visitors — 87 per cent — were Manitobans visiting other parts of the province. Ten per cent were from other Canadian provinces, 2.4 per cent from the U.S. and 0.45 per cent from overseas.

"It remains clear that Manitoba's tourism industry still has a way to go from a recovery perspective, particularly for international markets," Ferguson said.

"The tourism industry was one of the first industries hit by the pandemic, and we will be one of the last, if not the last, to fully recover."

Inflation, economic uncertainty, labour shortages and air access continue to negatively affect the industry, he said, but noted at least one of those is starting to improve.

Direct flights between Winnipeg and Los Angeles, as well as Winnipeg-Atlanta and Winnipeg-Minneapolis have since come on board.

"We are hoping to get Chicago and Denver back, particularly to serve the U.S. angling and hunting markets," Ferguson said.

Fly-in hunting and fishing camps, which rely heavily on international visitors, were hit particularly hard during the pandemic and have had a slow rebound.

• U.S. visits to Manitoba bounce back, but still haven't returned to pre-pandemic levels
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However, the spending improvement is a sign the industry is headed in the right direction, Ferguson said.

In fact, the spending rate in Manitoba is ahead of the Canadian average, according to Travel Manitoba, which cited Statistics Canada.

The 2022 tourism spending exceeded 2019 by 10 per cent, while Canada as a whole was only three per cent above 2019 levels. Analysts say this is due to the fact that many parts of Canada rely more heavily on international travellers than Manitoba, and international travel has been slower to recover, the Travel Manitoba release said.

The hotel industry is also seeing positive signs with both revenue and occupancy exceeding 2019 levels last year. The occupancy levels were also ahead of the Canadian average, the release says.

However, those numbers are being taken with a grain of salt.

While leisure and business travel contributed, a portion is also due to housing people from around the province who were forced from their communities due to floods and fires, as well as newcomers, Ukrainian war refugees and construction and mining crews working in the province.

• Struggling Manitoba hotel industry pleads for tax relief from province
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Ferguson said he is excited about the province's new government, which was sworn in on Wednesday, because "they are very bullish on driving the economy … and we believe that the tourism industry is a key driver of that."

"Once those visitation numbers increase and we start to move back toward 2019 [levels] and beyond, we will see even greater spending in the province," he added.

"So I'd say the future is very strong in the tourism industry." 

The Manitoba Tourism Strategy, a document that guides the growth and development of the province's tourism industry, has set a target of 12.8 million visitors and $2.5 billion in visitor spending by 2030. That equates roughly to a 50 per cent growth in visitor spending levels compared to 2019.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darren Bernhardt spent the first dozen years of his journalism career in newspapers, at the Regina Leader-Post then the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. He has been with CBC Manitoba since 2009 and specializes in offbeat and local history stories. He is the author of award-nominated and bestselling The Lesser Known: A History of Oddities from the Heart of the Continent.

With files from Meaghan Ketcheson

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The top 10 attractions in Manitoba

Things to do

Museums, mysteries, and the Mint: jump right into the cultural experiences that define the capital city of this prairie province.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

One of the most eye-catching buildings in Canada is Winnipeg's  Canadian Museum for Human Rights External Link Title . The shining structure of curved steel and glass is really something to behold on its own, but it also houses a powerful collection of 10 core galleries housing exhibits that compel you to think about the human experience and your own place in it. This is the only museum in the world devoted solely to human rights awareness and education, and during your visit you'll come to learn about Indigenous perspectives on rights, the Holocaust and other genocides, how to break the silence and inspire change, and more, all through a uniquely Canadian lens.

The Forks National Historic Site

How many attractions can claim to have been a major meeting place for over 6,000 years? For thousands of years, Aboriginal Peoples met at what is now  The Forks National Historic Site External Link Title  on the banks of Winnipeg's two major rivers, the Red and Assiniboine. Today, the Forks is a nine-acre hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment that is popular among locals and visitors alike. Take a tour to learn the rich history of the site, through the sculptures, stone pictographs, and other displays that tell its story. Grab a seat in the riverside amphitheatre and enjoy a free concert, ice skate the frozen river or paddle down it in a canoe--depending on the season-- and then treat yourself to a meal at the market. There's so much going on, you'll have to see it for yourself!

The Manitoba Museum

The Manitoba Museum External Link Title  is the largest museum in Winnipeg, and its scope is as big as its collection. Nine permanent galleries showcase everything from a recreation of early bison hunts, to a full-size replica 17th century ship built in England in 1970 to commemorate the 300 th anniversary of the Hudson's Bay Company. The planetarium shows off the current night sky, giving you a panoramic view you won't forget. Regular touring exhibits also ensure a fresh, unique experience each time you visit. If you enjoy a good learning experience, a walk through the Manitoba Museum will help you sharpen your game in history, astronomy, science, and culture. Not too shabby for one afternoon.

The Manitoba Legislative Building

If you enjoyed the Da Vinci Code or National Treasure, you're probably going to want to make a pit stop at the Manitoba Legislative Building. The building has all the qualities of a beautiful government building, from a grand staircase to impressive statues (in this case, of twin bison), and all the classic trappings. But hidden throughout this building are hieroglyphics, masonic symbols, numeric codes and secrets that will leave you stumped. Occult links, sphinxes, ancient temples and more will be discussed and explained on a  Hermetic Code Tour External Link Title  of the building.

FortWhyte Alive

FortWhyte Alive External Link Title  is a 640-acre urban wilderness oasis located in the heart of Manitoba's capital city. The park has all the trappings of an outdoor hub: activities galore (fishing, paddling, snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, and tobogganing), a variety of wildlife (bison, whitetail deer, reptiles, muskrats, and over 160 bird species), but with cultural and historical exhibits, a farm, restaurant, and much more. Enjoy walking and cycling over four miles of forest trails, canoe and fish on sheltered lakes, get up close and personal with Canada's biggest beasts on a bison safari, or create your own adventure to enjoy.

Winnipeg Art Gallery

Over 27,000 pieces make up the collection of the  Winnipeg Art Gallery External Link Title  (WAG), the oldest civic gallery in the country dating back to 1912. These works span just about all eras and forms, from Ancient Greek statues to Renaissance paintings and modern photography displays. The gallery also features some of the most significant Canadian art, and includes the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. The WAG's collection has been displayed to critical acclaim everywhere from New York to Tokyo, but it never looks as good as it does at home. So stop by the gallery, get lunch at the restaurant overlooking the building's rooftop sculpture garden, and then let your eyes loose on this fantastic collection of art.

The Royal Canadian Mint

What's the deal with Manitoba and beautiful buildings?  The Royal Canadian Mint External Link Title  is, appropriately, an absolute architectural gem. The building sits alongside the water, its glass exterior shooting up from the ground like a big, reflective pyramid. Once you pry your eyes away from the exterior, a tour of the Mint will have you holding a $600,000 gold bar and checking out gold medals from the Vancouver Olympic Games that were made on site. Every single coin in Canada, representing billions every year, is made at this facility, as are coins for over 70 other countries. See how they do it, and walk away feeling like you got your money's worth.

Therm?a by Nordik Spa-Nature

You've kept busy on your trip to Manitoba, hopping from attraction to attraction, and taking advantage of all the cultural and outdoor experiences. Now, it's time to relax, which means paying a visit to  Therm?a by Nordik Spa-Nature External Link Title . This Scandinavian-style spa is the perfect place to unwind and de-stress. Go for a long soak in the thermal pools, sweat it out in the Finnish saunas, and treat yourself to a massage. Then enjoy some fine dining, because you've earned a good meal after all that relaxing, right?

Assiniboine Park Zoo

Tigers and leopards and bears, oh my!  The Assiniboine Park Zoo External Link Title  hosts all three of those animals, in addition to about 1,500 of their friends, in an 80-acre park that's yours to explore. Only minutes from downtown Winnipeg, the zoo will take you from continent to continent through the wide variety of species housed there. Reptiles, birds, fish, mammals... if you can think of it, they probably have it. A real highlight of the zoo is the Journey to Churchill experience. Watch polar bears swim and play above your head in the Sea Ice Passage underwater viewing tunnels. Explore the different landscapes of Churchill from the boreal forest to its tundra and see the animals who make the barren land their home: from caribou and muskoxen, to Arctic fox and wolves.

The Exchange District

Winnipeg's 20-block  Exchange District External Link Title  is a time capsule of around 150 incredibly preserved heritage buildings from the turn-of-the-century. This National Historic Site dates back to the 1880s when Winnipeg was booming, and the terra cotta and cut stone buildings used to contain banks and warehouses. Today, those same buildings are home to art galleries, boutiques, design, and architecture firms, studios, and plenty of restaurants. Take a walking tour and immerse yourself in the district's foodie culture, or take your pick from the 51 restaurants and cafes found in the area. Visit the Old Market Square for the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, the Soca Reggae Festival, and a number of other events or stop by the Centennial Concert Hall for an orchestral performance.

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Government of Canada announces funding for two key Manitoba tourist destinations

From: Western Economic Diversification Canada

News release

Two iconic Manitoba tourist destinations work towards safely welcoming visitors back with the help of the Government of Canada.   

Two iconic Manitoba attractions work towards safely welcoming visitors back with the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada  

July 31, 2020  – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Western Economic Diversification Canada

This summer, Manitobans are invited to explore their own backyard like never before. Whether taking the family to The Forks – Winnipeg’s traditional meeting place – or a journey to Churchill to explore the polar bear capital of the world, Manitobans are encouraged to “visit local” and enjoy all that their home province has to offer.

Manitoba’s ever-growing tourism industry is facing an unprecedented year. Though located over 1,700 km apart at opposite ends of the province, both The Forks Renewal Corporation and Churchill Chamber of Commerce are feeling the major impact that COVID-19 has had on travel and tourism. That’s why the Government of Canada has implemented significant measures to help tourism businesses keep their employees, pay rent, get access to capital, and help Canadians discover their country this summer.

Federal support to ensure safety of visitors to Manitoba destinations and help local tourism come back strong

Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, on behalf of The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $600,000 in federal support for two of Manitoba’s top tourist destinations: The Forks in Winnipeg and the town of Churchill.

This investment will support the tourism industry and the many Manitobans who work in it. In Winnipeg, the Forks Renewal Corporation will receive $500,000 to help maintain 1,500 jobs, stabilize operations, and assist with safety measures as they continue a phased reopening. In Churchill, the Churchill Chamber of Commerce will receive $100,000, which will ensure that 80 staff from 50 businesses receive support to help comply with physical distancing guidelines, apply for recovery programs, and welcome back visitors to Northern Manitoba.

On July 28, 2020, the Government of Canada announced over $95 million in funding for Western businesses affected by the pandemic. This support has already assisted over 1,760 businesses, including several in Manitoba’s tourism industry. The Government of Canada continues to take action to ensure that Manitoba’s tourism industry can support good, local jobs and remains an up-and-coming tourist destination at the heart of the continent.

“From polar bears in Churchill to delicious food and vibrant culture at The Forks, Manitoba has something for everyone. Manitoba’s tourism businesses – and those whose livelihoods depend on them – have been hit hard by COVID-19. Our message is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens, and we’ll get through this, together. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help Manitoba tourism come back strong.” -  The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada 

“From polar bears in Churchill to delicious food and vibrant culture at The Forks, Manitoba has something for everyone.  We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help Manitoba tourism come back strong.”  Hon. Mélanie Joly

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“Manitoba is full of vibrant cities, towns and villages, beautiful natural attractions, diverse cultures and a proud history. For years, both The Forks and Churchill have helped to not only attract visitors to our province, but have also served as important economic drivers for our tourism industry. Our government recognizes that the tourism industry has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and federal support measures will ensure this sector remains strong and resilient, while supporting the jobs that depend on it. This summer, we are encouraging Manitobans to experience what their own regions and communities have to offer and to “visit local” by discovering our province.”   -  The Honourable Daniel Vandal, MP for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital and Minister of Northern Affairs

“This summer, we are encouraging Manitobans to experience what their own regions and communities have to offer and to 'visit local 'by discovering our province.”   Hon. Daniel Vandal

“The tourism and travel sector have taken a severe hit and are in acute need. This support to The Forks and the Churchill Chamber of Commerce demonstrates the importance the Government of Canada places on helping businesses and entrepreneurs continue their operations, pay their employees, and safely welcome visitors to Manitoba. We are committed to assisting small businesses as they strive to recover and flourish through this pandemic.” -   Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency)

“We are committed to assisting small businesses as they strive to recover and flourish through this pandemic.”  Terry Duguid, MP

Quick facts

In 2017, Tourism contributed 3% to Manitoba’s GDP. The industry export revenue was $686.2 million and the total tourism jobs within the province totaled 20,618. 

The Forks attracts over 4 million visitors annually and generates approximately $190 million in direct and indirect economic benefits. 

Churchill is Manitoba’s most popular northern destination for attracting visitors. Every year, 530,000 people travel to Northern Manitoba. In 2017, Churchill generated approximately $36.9 million in direct annual expenditures due to tourism. 

Related products

• Over $95 million in relief and recovery funds flow to businesses in Western Canada

Associated links

• Western Economic Diversification Canada
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Alexander Cohen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages [email protected]     

Nathalie Leroux Director of Policy, Planning and External Relations Western Economic Diversification [email protected]

Stay Connected Twitter:  @WD_Canada WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378) TTY (telecommunications device for the 

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Plan your next trip in Manitoba with us!

The COMPLETE Guide for Visiting Churchill, Manitoba (updated 2024)

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

Compiled by the Road Trip Manitoba team

Last updated on March 27, 2024

One of the most amazing destinations in the province, Churchill, Manitoba is known as the polar bear capital of the world. And while seeing polar bears in the wild is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there are many other things to do in Churchill, too.

From the Northern Lights to kayaking with belugas to learning about the local Inuit culture, we’ve put together this guide for you with everything you need to know about Churchill. We’ve listed tour companies, where to stay, where to eat, and everything there is to do in the small community, no matter the season. Read on for your ultimate guide to visiting Churchill, Manitoba.

Land Acknowledgments

Churchill, Manitoba is located on Treaty 5 territory.

Brief History

Churchill has a history that dates back many centuries; Indigenous peoples established settlements and homes on the land we now call Manitoba thousands of years ago. Artifacts from Pre-Dorset, Dorset, and Inuit peoples have been found in the area, so it has been confirmed that people have been living in the Churchill region for many centuries.

Europeans first arrived in Churchill in the 17th century, and in 1717 the Hudson’s Bay Company built their first permanent settlement in the area. The fur trade became a popular industry in Churchill before quickly declining by the end of the 1700s.

Churchill then became a seaport, and with the completion of the Hudson Bay Railway in 1929, the focus of trading became grain.

Over the past few decades, however, Churchill has become famous as one of Manitoba’s biggest tourist attractions thanks to its abundance of polar bears (it’s the best spot to see polar bears in Canada ), beluga whales, and Northern Lights. The town with a permanent population of fewer than 1,000 people draws hundreds of thousands of tourists every single year.

Where is Churchill, Manitoba?

Churchill is found in Northern Manitoba on the Hudson Bay. As the crow flies, Winnipeg and Churchill are approximately 1,000 kilometres apart. There are no paved roads that lead to Churchill, so you’ll have to either fly there or take the train (more on that below).

As Manitoba is in Central Canada, you may have to connect to Winnipeg from Toronto or another Canadian city before travelling to Churchill (if you’re travelling from another province or country).

Churchill Weather

You guessed it… as an Arctic location, Churchill is very cold!

Churchill is very far north in Manitoba, and you’ll want to make sure to take the proper precautions in the winter months, i.e. dressing in lots of warm layers, checking the forecast for weather warnings, and so on. Even in the summer months, it is recommended to bring very warm clothing and to prepare for cold weather, including waterproof clothing, warm hats and mittens, and many layers.

In winter in Churchill, you can expect temperatures to range from a high of -15°C to a low of -24°C (although the windchill can make that feel much colder). If you’re photographing the Northern Lights at night, prepare for extremely cold conditions.

Spring in Churchill is quite cold as well, and you can expect anything from highs of 10°C to lows of -15°C.

The summer weather is warmer but can still bring cold and rain, with average highs around 18°C for June, July, and August. If you plan on any boat tours of the coast to see beluga whales in summer, make sure to bring lots of warm clothing.

Autumn (which is polar bear season) brings the same cooler temperatures as spring, but the average high will drop to -3°C by November.

In other words… plan for anything and everything, no matter when you visit Churchill! Always make sure to check the weather forecast for your visit to have a rough idea of the conditions.

And as Churchill is found in Northern Manitoba, it’s no surprise that you’ll find lots of snow there. While it’s extremely rare for it to snow in July or August, you can expect snow between September and June, and definitely from October until May. There are approximately 271 sunny days per year in Churchill, but summer brings an average of 8 rainy days per month.

Getting to Churchill, Manitoba

You’re in luck: we have a very detailed route guide on how to get from Winnipeg to Churchill ! If you’re coming from another province or country, you will most likely have to connect in Winnipeg before beginning your journey to Churchill.

The easiest and fastest route to Churchill is by plane. We recommend flying with Calm Air ; the most common route flown is Winnipeg to Churchill, which is a two-hour flight. You can also fly to Churchill from Thompson or Gillam, Manitoba.

One of the best ways to see a lot of Manitoba is to travel by train to Churchill. There are multiple stops along the way, but many people start the journey in Winnipeg; trains depart Winnipeg for Churchill every Tuesday and Sunday. While taking the train is usually cheaper than flying, be prepared to travel for at least 48 hours if you’re coming from Winnipeg. We recommend booking your train ticket to Churchill with Via Rail well in advance of your trip.

There is currently no possible way to drive to Churchill, as there are no paved roads that connect Churchill with the rest of the province. You can drive to Thompson or Gillam and then take the train or fly from either location.

As there are no paved roads that lead to Churchill, there are no direct bus routes to Churchill. You can take a bus to Thompson or Gillam and then take the train or fly from either location.

Practical Essentials

Thankfully, downtown Churchill is extremely walkable, and you’re never too far from many local restaurants or attractions when in town. It is extremely important to pay attention to the bear warnings, however, and stay far from restricted areas, even if you’re visiting outside of polar bear season.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any public transportation in Churchill, although there is a taxi service ( North Coast Taxi Service /Churchill Taxis, which you can reach by calling 204 675-2345). We recommend always calling ahead to book a taxi; it is rare to flag one down in the small town. Many hotels and tours also provide shuttle transportation to and from the airport and various attractions.

That being said, if you do have access to a car, Churchill and the surrounding area are incredibly easy to drive around. Most locations are within a few minutes’ drive from one another, and there is never any traffic. We do not recommend driving on your own to look for polar bears; always do that with an experienced guide (see more below).

If you’d like to rent a car or van while you’re in Churchill, Tamarack Rentals can help you out.

It is very easy to find parking around Churchill, and none of it is paid parking.

Polar Bear Warning

It should go without saying that polar bears are very dangerous animals, and it’s absolutely necessary to practice polar bear safety at all times when in Churchill. Polar bear attacks are extremely rare in Churchill, but that is because every precaution is taken to keep humans safe. It is recommended to always travel in a group, always stay near a vehicle or building, never walk at night after 10 pm, and avoid areas along the coastline with poor sightlines. We recommend joining guided tours for the safest way to explore Churchill and the surrounding area.

On the rare occasion that polar bears come close to the town of Churchill, they are dealt with swiftly and safely by trained professionals in order to minimize any harm to the bear or the community.

If you see a polar bear when you are in Churchill, do not attempt to approach it. Get inside a vehicle or a building as calmly as you can, and call 204 675-2327.

When to see the polar bears in Churchill

Autumn is polar bear season in Churchill, although you can often spot a few during the summer months as well. Mid-October until mid-November is the very best time to see the polar bears, as that’s when the Hudson Bay begins to freeze over and the bears can hunt for seals, bringing them out into the open. Special tours also take you to polar bear denning sites in February and March in order to see polar bear mothers with their cubs.

Fun fact: Polar bears don’t hibernate! They can hunt for seals all winter long, so there is no need for them to hibernate.

Tour Operators in Churchill, Manitoba

There are many tour companies in Churchill, all of which come highly recommended. Some are all-inclusive, meaning your tour includes airfare and accommodation. Many also provide transportation to and from the airport or around town.

Lazy Bear Expeditions

Lazy Bear Expeditions is one of the most popular tour companies in Churchill. Tours include the Ultimate Bears and Belugas Summer Adventure, the Ultimate Polar Bear Adventure, and the Bears and Aurora Arctic Adventure, all of which include airfare. The two-day Beluga Whale Dream Tour does not include airfare. There are also tour add-ons, including kayaking and AquaGliding.

Frontiers North Adventures

Frontiers North Adventures has perhaps the biggest variety of tours in Churchill available, and all offer a fantastic experience. Choose from tours that include polar bears, beluga whales, and/or the Northern Lights, some of which include airfare or train travel (check out this luxury 5-day option ). They also have the magnificent Tundra Buggy Lodge, a unique accommodation that allows you to stay overnight right on the tundra, as well as one-day tours to Churchill to see the polar bears from Winnipeg. It’s also possible to book summer and autumn day tours with Frontiers North Adventures, including the Tundra Buggy Adventure.

Wat’chee Expeditions

Indigenous-owned and operated, Wat’chee Expeditions is an incredibly respected tour company near Churchill. They are also one of the only tour companies that can take you to Wapusk National Park to see polar bear dens, therefore increasing your chances of seeing polar bear cubs. Their world-renowned lodge is famous among wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Great White Bear Tours

Great White Bear Tours has a variety of tours that include polar bears, beluga whales, and/or the Northern Lights. Some of their tours include meetings with local mushers who know the land better than anyone. They also have the Tundra Lodge, allowing you to stay directly on the tundra for an amazing experience alongside the polar bears. Want to plan your own tour? They offer individual tours at a price per person, per day. Their tours do not include airfare.

Discover Churchill Tours

Discover Churchill Tours are fantastic for day tours as well as multi-day tours. Whether you want to see the polar bears, Northern Lights, or belugas, there’s a tour for you. They also offer incredible photography tours, and are one of the only tour operators that takes you to Wapusk National Park to look for bear cubs (in February and March). They also have excellent town and area tours as well as Ithaka Shipwreck hikes in the low tide.

Beyond Boreal Expeditions

Beyond Boreal Expeditions is Indigenous-owned and operated and features tours of Churchill’s polar bears, Northern Lights, beluga whales, and more. Run by Tiffany Spence, tours range from weeklong expeditions that include airfare and accommodations to tours that last only a few hours (perfect for those who are visiting Churchill on their own or would like to tack on a few independent tours while in town). Tiffany also specializes in photography, so you can book portrait sessions to capture your time in Churchill.

Churchill Wild

One of the pricier tour operators on this list, there’s a good reason for that high price tag: Churchill Wild has an incredible selection of ecolodges that allow you to spend a few days in the remote wilderness, far from the tourist crowds of the town of Churchill. Head out on a polar bear safari in order to see the very best of the tundra and its amazing wildlife.

Iceberg Inn

The Iceberg Inn offers polar bear and beluga whale tours, as well as some all-inclusive deals that include the tours, meals, accommodation, and transportation. Respected for their knowledge and for their friendliness, Iceberg Inn is one of the smaller tour operators in Churchill, making them perfect for those looking for a more intimate experience.

Wapusk Adventures

Wapusk Adventures is Indigenous-owned and operated. Run by Dave Daley, a respected dog musher in Canada, tours offered include dog sledding and cultural talks, Northern Lights viewing, snowshoe walks, e-bike tours, and more. You can also custom-build your own tour of Churchill with Wapusk Adventures.

Sea North Tours

Sea North Tours is dedicated to beluga whale conservation and education. Take one of their day tours in order to learn more about the whales and the surrounding land; tours include whale watching on Zodiac boats, a walk around Fort Prince of Wales, floe ice tours, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. If you plan ahead, you can even book two tours in one day, as most last for two to three hours.

Is it possible to visit Churchill independently or do you have to be on a tour?

It is entirely possible to visit Churchill, Manitoba independently… however, it is not recommended that you try to see polar bears unless you have a professional guide with you.

If you’d like to visit Churchill independently or on a budget, you can certainly fly or take the train there on your own. The cheapest way to get to Churchill is by driving to Thompson or Gillam first before flying or taking the train there, or by taking the train the entire way (there are no paved roads that lead to Churchill).

Once in Churchill, there are a few places to stay (see below). Without a tour, you can see the town’s attractions, see the Northern Lights at night, and see beluga whales from the shoreline in summer. It’s also possible to join half-day or day tours when in Churchill, but we recommend booking these far in advance.

No matter what season you visit Churchill, tours and hotels book up very quickly. If you plan on going to Churchill without a tour company, we recommend booking everything months in advance of your trip.

Where to Stay in Churchill, Manitoba

You have a few options for where to stay in Churchill, and if you book a tour that includes accommodation, you won’t have to worry about where to stay. We also have an entire guide on places to stay in Churchill, Manitoba.

For such a small town, there are a great variety of Churchill hotels to stay in. Here are a few of our choices for hotels in Churchill, Manitoba.

Lazy Bear Lodge

Lazy Bear Lodge is an excellent choice for a hotel in Churchill whether you’re on one of their all-inclusive tours or not. With our favourite restaurant in Churchill as well as clean, cozy rooms, Lazy Bear Lodge is also home to some of the best expeditions in the area. A solid choice for both a group tour and an independent trip when it comes to Churchill hotels.

Head to the Tundra Inn for a family-run hotel that promises excellent service and comfortable rooms. With 31 rooms available, they’re popular for business travellers, tourists, and everyone in between. Also check out the Tundra Pub across the street for dinner and entertainment.

Bed and Breakfasts

Looking for an even more intimate experience? Check out one of these Churchill bed and breakfasts.

Bluesky Bed and Sled

Owned by world-renowned musher Gerald Azure and his wife Jenafor, the Bluesky Bed and Sled is a favourite among tourists. With four rooms to choose from, the homemade breakfasts are divine and the service extraordinary. Join Gerald as you learn about dog sledding and even get out on a sled on the tundra yourself.

Polar Bear B&B

With three guest rooms (each with two single beds) and two shared bathrooms, the Polar Bear B&B is a good budget option in Churchill. Please note that all rooms are on the second floor so require climbing stairs.

Home Rentals

There are a few places to stay using Airbnb in Churchill . While there are private rooms, shared rooms, and entire homes available for rent, our choice is this entire home for rent . Please note that even shared rooms are quite pricey in Churchill.

Specialty Lodging

There are some amazing options when it comes to specialty lodging in Churchill. If you’re looking to splurge on a stay that allows you to be up close and personal with polar bears even as you sleep, check out one of the lodges below. These lodges are found far from Churchill itself, so you’re also in a prime position to view the northern lights at night.

Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge by Churchill Wild

Churchill Wild has three luxury wilderness eco-lodges to choose from, and the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge near Churchill is, in our opinion, one of the most unique accommodations in the world. It’s incredibly remote, giving you the best vantage point for wildlife viewing in Canada’s north. Other highlights of the lodge include walking tours, photography tours, wellness retreats, and more. Make sure to check out their Seal River Heritage Lodge and Dymond Lake Ecolodge, too!

Great White Bear Tundra Lodge

Operated by the Great White Bear Tours company, this tundra lodge on wheels gives you a chance to spend as much time as possible with Churchill’s polar bears. Each guest has a private cabin with a sleeping berth, while viewing platforms take your experience to the next level.

Due to the danger of polar bears, there is no camping allowed in Churchill, Manitoba.

Things to Do in Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill has a ton of tourist attractions to add to your sightseeing itinerary. You can easily fill a week or more sightseeing in the town and the surrounding area. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Churchill!

See the Polar Bears

Perhaps the most famous reason to visit Churchill is to see polar bears … it is the polar bear capital of the world, of course! The best time to see polar bears in Churchill is in October and November, when the bears are waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze. That being said, you can also see polar bears in July, August, and September, though usually in smaller numbers (they’ll also be harder to find). You can also see polar bear mothers and their cubs on specialty tours in February and March. Remember, you can’t see polar bears independently; you’ll have to go on a tour to see them, both for your safety and for theirs!

See the Beluga Whales

There are many ways to see the beluga whales in summer in Churchill, whether by watching them from the shoreline or getting out on the water to get a closer look. Over 60,000 beluga whales migrate to the area every summer, and about 3,000 of them make their way to the mouth of the Churchill River. The best time to see beluga whales in Churchill is from mid-June to mid-August.

Go Kayaking on the Churchill River

One of the best ways to see beluga whales is to go kayaking on Churchill River during the summer months. Suitable for beginners, the beluga whales are just as curious about us as we are about them, so don’t be surprised if they come right up to you!

Take a Boat Tour

Take a tour of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay in order to see beluga whales and, if you’re lucky, polar bears walking along the shoreline of the bay. Boat tours are only available for a few months of the year, as most of the time the water is frozen!

Check out Churchill’s Murals

The SeaWalls CHURCHILL murals are a testament to the value and strength of the community of Churchill. Find these incredible murals all over town as well as outside of it; each one is unique, and artists were brought in from all over the world to complete them.

Look for the Northern Lights

It’s entirely possible to see aurora borealis year-round in Churchill, although you’ll have the best luck in February and March, when the skies are clearest. There are tons of tour companies that take you to see the northern lights, including companies that host photography tours. Churchill is definitely one of the best spots in Manitoba to see the Northern Lights !

Check out the Polar Bear Jail

Polar bears that are considered dangerous or troublesome in Churchill sometimes find themselves in “polar bear jail”. They’re kept here until they can be safely relocated, sometimes even by helicopter. Plan a short visit here to see the building – it has a beautiful mural on the side – as well as a polar bear trap.

Visit the Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site

The Prince of Wales Fort is a National Historic Site that is found across the Churchill River from the town. A bastion fort that began as a log fort in 1717 but soon turned into a massive stone structure, it was captured in 1782 by the French but returned to the Hudson’s Bay Company the following year. Today, it’s possible to walk around the ruins and imagine what life was like for those living there.

Wander Around the Itsanitaq Museum

The Itsanitaq Museum is a small but important museum found in Churchill, and is one of our top picks for Indigenous experiences in Manitoba . It has an incredible selection of Inuit carvings and artifacts and also has many fantastic local souvenirs for sale. Open year-round (though never on Sundays or holidays), the hours change depending on the season, so always check ahead before visiting.

See the Ithaca Shipwreck

Found 12 miles east of Churchill near Bird Cove, the Ithaca Shipwreck took place in 1960 when the ship was run into the gravel bank during a storm. At low tide, it is possible to walk out to the shipwreck (only with a professional guide, do not attempt this on your own).

Visit Miss Piggy

Miss Piggy is the nickname for a freight plane that crashed near Churchill in 1979. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, and the plane was left where it landed. Today, it is covered in graffiti and has become a popular photo opportunity.

Go Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is an integral part of Churchill’s history. Learn about the importance of dog sledding within the Indigenous community by booking a tour with Wapusk Adventures.

Try AquaGliding

AquaGliding is an activity you can try through Lazy Bear Expeditions. Lie on a floating mat tethered to a zodiac boat and put your face in the water for the ultimate beluga whale experience… if you’re lucky they’ll swim right up to you to say hello!

Get a Stamp in Your Passport

For those who love collecting stamps in their passports, head to the Churchill post office to get a special Churchill stamp! It’s the cheapest souvenir around.

Take to the Sky

For the ultimate sightseeing expedition, try a helicopter tour over Churchill and the surrounding area. Get a unique perspective on the landscape and try to spot as many polar bears as you can.

Festivals and Events in Churchill

Aurora winterfest.

Volunteer-run, Aurora Winterfest regularly hosts events in Churchill, and has a festival every year that includes ice carving, hockey, entertainment, games, food, and more. Check the Aurora Winterfest Facebook page for regular updates about what’s happening in Churchill.

Where to Eat in Churchill

There’s a nice selection of restaurants in Churchill , and you always know you’ll be supporting a local business when you eat in town. Here are a couple of our favourite places to eat:

Location: 23 Franklin Street, across from the Tundra Inn

This cozy hang-out is home to the famous Borealis Burger and consistently serves up home-cooked meals with a regional Arctic twist. Head here for hearty meals, a game of pool, and a lively atmosphere.

Lazy Bear Cafe

Location: 313 Kelsey Blvd, inside Lazy Bear Lodge

Lazy Bear Cafe is known for its excellent service, innovative menu, and warm atmosphere (we love the stone fireplace). Try some of the braised elk, Arctic char, or Manitoba bison.

Dan’s Diner

Looking for a truly unique dining experience in Churchill? For a few select evenings every February and March, Dan’s Diner operates as a pop-up on Churchill’s tundra so that you can dine underneath the Northern Lights. It’s the kind of meal you’ll never forget!

In the Area

Wapusk national park.

One of only two national parks in Manitoba (the other is Riding Mountain National Park ), Wapusk National Park is extremely remote and extremely beautiful. As the largest polar bear denning site in the world, it’s a popular spot to view baby polar bears in February and March. There are no roads into the park, so you must arrange aircraft transportation with a licensed tour operator; we recommend Wat’chee Expeditions.

It feels a bit ridiculous to say that Thompson is “in the area” of Churchill, as they’re 400 kilometres apart. But if you’re driving part of the way to Churchill or taking the train, you may pass through the small city on your way. Thankfully, there are lots of fun things to do in Thompson , so we recommend spending a day or two exploring if you have the time!

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Town of Churchill

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Located on the shores of the Hudson Bay, the Town of Churchill and the surrounding area are steeped in history as old as Canada. Archaeology in the area shows evidence of human presence dating back 4,000 years to the Pre-Dorset and Dorset people.  For centuries, Churchill has been a meeting place for culture and trade. 

The first European to explore "The Bay” was Henry Hudson in 1608.  Jens Munck lead the ill- fated Danish expedition and they were the first Europeans to winter in the Churchill area in 1619 to 1620.  Ill equipped for the harsh winter 62 of his 64-crew perished from effects of scurvy, trichinosis and exposure. In 1670, The Hudson’s Bay Co. was formed, and the fur trade had begun.  In 1689 the Hudson Bay Company established a trading post on the wintering site used by Jens Munck, the site was approximately 5 miles from the mouth of river, later that same year the post burned.  It was rebuilt in 1717 and named Fort Churchill and serves as a solid reminder of the fur trade which first put Churchill on the map.

In 1713 a young Chipewyan woman named Thanadelthur was captured by the Cree where she was enslaved for a year.  Thanadelthur escaped her captures and eventually came across the HBC York Factory Post where she worked with James Knight as a translator, with a wealth of local knowledge.  Her knowledge and skills served her and the HBC well as she was instrumental in harbouring peace between the Cree and Chipewyan which has had lasting impact on all involved. 

Churchill became the site of the first astronomical observations made in Canada in 1769.  It also became the departure point for the first overland journey made by a European, Samuel Hearne, to the Arctic Ocean.Unrest between the English and French produced a military fort which was eventually turned over to a superior French force by Governor Samuel Hearne in 1782.  Hearne re-established the original post one year later.

Fort Churchill, located five miles east of Churchill was first established in 1942 by the United States Air force as part of proposed overseas air operations to Europe.  After the Second World War, Canada and the US jointly sponsored a training and experimental centre.  The base was officially closed in August of 1980. Between the two world wars, the railway was completed connecting Churchill to the rest of the province.  A grain elevator was also constructed at this time and the town was then moved to the east side of the Churchill River. This helped Churchill grow from a remote  outpost  to a bustling seaport. 

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