The Churchill Area
the accessible arctic
The Edge of the Arctic
Surrounded by wildlife
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada is located along the southern edge of Canada's arctic. Churchill is surrounded by the wildlife and habitat of three distinct eco-zones: arctic marine, arctic tundra and boreal forest. It is home to the most accessible population of polar bears, both for adventure travel and scientific research. The town of Churchill lies underneath the auroral oval, resulting in over 300 nights of northern lights activity.
Over 500 species of arctic wildflowers and boreal plants grow in this environment. Arctic migratory birds and northern nesting fowl are seen in great numbers each spring making Churchill an ideal place for unique birding. Beluga whales congregate in the Churchill River each summer attracting whale watchers from around the world. Notably, the area is also home to arctic foxes, caribou, snowy owls and harbour seals.
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre offers 5-7 day adventure study programs throughout the arctic seasons. More information about wildlife viewing and ecological study in Churchill can be found at our Learning Vacation page.
Churchill Attractions
Other Wildlife
Other Wildlifeof churchillChurchill AreaWildlife of the Sub-ArcticThe Churchill Northern Studies Centre is located in the transitional zone between arctic tundra and boreal forest allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy a wide var...
Polar Bears
Polar Bearsof hudson bayChurchill AreaIntroduction to the polar bears of churchillDiscrete populations of polar bears are found throughout ice-covered waters of the circumpolar Arctic. In Canada, there are 13 populations, totaling approx...
Beluga Whales
Beluga Whalesin churchillChurchill AreaHow can I identify a Beluga?Adult beluga whales are white while young calves are grey-brown in colour. As the calves mature, their colour fades to a grey-blue, and lightens to white as they approach...
Birds
Birds of Churchill the accessible arcticChurchill AreaBirdsThe following birding information has been prepared by Professor Renee Will, who has been to Churchill, Manitoba six times since 1988. Renee is a member of the Department of Nurs...
Plants
Sub-Arctic Wildflowers & Plantsthe accessible arcticChurchill AreaPlants of the Sub-ArcticWith over 500 varieties of vascular plants, Churchill's northern and arctic wildflowers are as diverse as they are beautiful. This transitional zon...
Northern Lights
Northern LightsOver 300 Nights a YearChurchill AreaAurora borealisChurchill is one of the BEST spots on the planet to see the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis) Churchill lies directly beneath the Auroral Oval in the Northern Hemisphere. ...
The History of Churchill
History of ChurchillEdge of a frozen seaChurchill AttractionsOur HistoryThe following history of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada is based on a publication by Parks Canada - "On the Edge of a Frozen Sea" by Robert Coutts.First People's Histor...