Adventure to a tiny town with bags of character, where bucket-list polar experiences include magical polar bear sightings and one of nature’s most spectacular phenomenon, the Northern Lights. This is one the best wildlife holidays on the planet.

Why travel to Churchill

Do you want to discover polar bears at their natural habitat? Plan your luxury trip to Churchill, Canada, to experience the life of polar bears and beluga whales, enjoy dog sledding or see the Northern lights. Once a trading post of the Hudson Bay Company, the small town of Churchill is most famous for polar bears, substantial numbers of which migrate here from August until the bay freezes in mid to late November. Thanks to the natural topography of Hudson Bay, the big freeze starts here, at the mouth of the Churchill River, which creates the perfect haul out for ring seals – the polar bear’s favourite meal.

During the summer months, around 60,000 beluga whales migrate here also to breed and calf in safety of the open water. The sight of them is astounding but the sound of these ‘canaries of the sea’ is even more impressive.

If that is not reason enough for a trip to Churchill, this is also one of the finest places in the world to see the aurora borealis. Located directly under the Van Allen belt, the aurora is visible for some 300 days of the year. February is the perfect time to experience these fabled lights.

READ MORE +
KEY FACTS

CURRENCY

Canadian Dollar

LANGUAGE

English/French

TIME ZONE

GMT -04:00

TIPPING

15-20%

PEAK TIME

June - September

USEFUL PHRASES

Hello - Bonjour
I'm sorry - Je suis désolé
Thank you - Merci
Please - S'il te plaît
Good morning - Bonjour
Nice to meet you - Ravi de vous rencontrer
See you later - À plus tard
Goodnight - Bonne nuit

HOTTEST MONTH

July
15°C on average

COLDEST MONTH

January
-10°C on average

SUSTAINABILITY

We believe travel is precious

The world has transformed dramatically since cazenove+loyd was founded in 1993. On every trip we take, we wonder how that destination will look in another 30 years. We are passionate about our destinations and understand that it has become more important than ever to conserve their wildlife, habitats and communities for future generations.

Churchill

Our Destination Expert’s top tip

At the height of Polar bear season look left and right before crossing the road, you are checking for bears not cars.

Caroline 130 round
Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Polar regions, Central + South America and The Caribbean
Jackal Churchill
Local lowdown

No roads lead to Churchill – Churchill is not accessible by road. The only way to travel to Churchill is by a two-day, 1,700km train ride or a 3-hour flight.

Did you know

Not only is Churchill known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, but it is also the Beluga Whale Capital of the World. In the summer over 3,000 belugas swim right into the Churchill River. Not done there, it’s also the best place to see the Northern Lights!

Where to stay

Hotels in Churchill

Accommodation in Churchill is limited due to the size of the town. We work with a range of small properties, and rooms are assigned on booking to ensure the best option available is secured. However, there are no luxury options, this destination is all about the experience.

Do ask us about the opportunity to stay out on the tundra itself. There is one very special (if rather basic) option that gives you a chance to wake up with a polar bear outside your window.

Let us plan your perfect trip

YOUR TRIP
Currency
YOUR DETAILS
Name
What our clients say
From start to finish, everything was taken care of for our recent family trip. Each detail was handled precisely, and itinerary planning was easy and thoughtful. Will definitely use cazenove+loyd again.
What our clients say
It was absolutely everything that we could have asked for in terms of experiences, culture, guides and insight. The only real question is ... what next?
What our clients say
I am able to tell you that without exception, all the people I talked to wished they had had a trip as organised as mine was.

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch and one of our luxury travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream tailor-made holiday.

Other destinations you may like

Svalbard

Sail through the icy hunting grounds of the king of the Arctic and see just why the spectacular archipelago of Svalbard is the jewel in the Arctic crown.

View Country +
Antarctica

Take an adventure many have only dreamed of with a luxury expedition cruise to Antarctica. Also known as the Seventh Continent, the White Desert, the Land of Penguins or the Base of the Globe, Antarctica is ready to be discovered.

View Country +
Iceland

Europe’s most sparsely populated country is an awe-inspiring destination for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The land of fire and ice is calling.

View Country +