Churchill Tours (Fly-In Lodges on Hudson Bay)

What You'll Experience on Our Churchill Tours

• Observe polar bears, beluga whales, wolves, and other Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat
• Exclusive fly-in lodges right on Hudson Bay—accessible by small plane or seaplane
• Small groups of 12 to 16 people maximum
• Three seasons: summer, early fall, and the classic polar bear season in late fall
• Northern Lights over Hudson Bay—with minimal light pollution and excellent viewing conditions

Churchill, Manitoba – Gateway to the World of Polar Bears

Anyone who has ever seen a polar bear roaming the tundra with Hudson Bay glimmering on the horizon will immediately understand why Churchill has achieved cult status among nature travelers. This small Canadian town in northern Manitoba has a population of about 900 and is accessible neither by road nor by highway—and that’s exactly what makes it special. Located about 1,000 km from Winnipeg, it has become one of North America’s most famous wildlife destinations.

Remote lodges right on Hudson Bay

Depending on the itinerary and season, different lodges and camps along Hudson Bay are used—all accessible by plane and located right in the habitats of Arctic wildlife.

Heritage Lodge

Heritage Lodge is located on the coast of Hudson Bay near the Seal River and is accessible only by seaplane. With a maximum of eight rooms, it is one of the smallest and most exclusive lodges on Hudson Bay. In the summer, its location offers direct access to beluga whales, polar bears—which roam the coast even during the ice-free months—polar foxes, caribou, and a rich variety of birdlife.

Hudson Bay Polar Bear Lodge

The Hudson Polar Bear Lodge is located in the Cape Tatnam Wildlife Management Area, a remote protected area on the southwestern shore of Hudson Bay with a high concentration of wildlife. The region is one of the areas where polar bears can be regularly spotted as early as summer and early fall. The area is also home to black bears, wolves, moose, and migratory birds.

Ecolodge by the Lake

The Ecolodge at the Lake combines a stay at a remote lodge on Hudson Bay with a Tundra Buggy® tour around Churchill. This allows guests to experience both the secluded wilderness of Hudson Bay and the famous polar bear region near Churchill.

Barren Lands Tundra Camp

Some trips take travelers to the remote Barren Lands Tundra Camp in northern Canada. The camp is located on Schmok Lake, just a few kilometers from the border with Nunavut, and offers overnight accommodations in the middle of the open tundra. In the fall especially, the long nights and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights. The secluded location also allows for in-depth nature observation in one of northern Canada’s most pristine landscapes.

When is the best time to visit Churchill?

Hudson Bay doesn't have just one season—it has three, each with its own character.

Summer (July/August)

Summer transforms Hudson Bay: beluga whales fill the river mouths, and kayaking tours bring you face-to-face with these sociable whales. At the same time, the first polar bears come ashore, the tundra blooms, and the long days allow for extended observation periods. It is one of the most biodiverse times of the entire year.

Early fall (August/September)

The transition from summer to polar bear season is perhaps the most diverse time of year to travel. Wolves are active, black bears and moose are visible, and the first migratory birds are passing through. The tundra is changing color. Polar bears are becoming more common. As early as the end of August, the first northern lights may be visible over Hudson Bay on clear nights.

Late fall (October/November)

October and November are considered the peak season for polar bear viewing in Hudson Bay. As the nights grow longer, so do the chances of witnessing spectacular auroras over the tundra. If you want to see polar bears in their natural habitat, this is the season to do it. Wildlife viewing is always conducted under the guidance of experienced guides and with the necessary respect for the animals—no one walks alone through the tundra here in search of polar bears.

Polar bears, beluga whales, wolves—the wildlife of Hudson Bay

Hudson Bay is one of the most important wildlife regions in northern Canada. The species you can see on your wildlife expedition depend on the season and the lodge—but the variety is exceptional in any case.

Depending on the time of year, you can see, among other things:

• polar bears
• beluga whales
• Wolves
• Arctic foxes
• Caribou
• Black bears
• Snow Hares
• Arctic bird species (including snowy owls and ptarmigans)

The combination of Arctic wildlife, vast landscapes, and unique lighting conditions makes Hudson Bay an exceptional destination for nature photographers as well. Select expeditions are led by renowned photographers, including National Geographic photographer Jad Davenport.

Travel to Churchill and the Lodges

Churchill is accessible only by plane or train. From Winnipeg, there are flights as well as a multi-day train journey with Via Rail along Hudson Bay. The inventia lodges can be reached from Churchill by small plane or seaplane.