This vast bay, at over 1,200,000 km2 is surrounded by the provinces of Nunavut, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec and is famed for its isolation and remote natural beauty. Each winter Hudson Bay completely freezes over and it is for this reason that the area around Churchill, in northern Manitoba, is a hotspot for polar bears. Churchill and the surrounding coastline is famed for the annual congregation of polar bears and allows a unique wildlife experience.
Other wildlife species that call the area home are beluga whales, Arctic fox, wolf, caribou and snowy owl. There is even the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) when darkness falls.
Other wildlife species that call the area home are beluga whales, Arctic fox, wolf, caribou and snowy owl. There is even the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) when darkness falls.
When to Go
When visiting the area you need to take in to account exactly what you want to see, whether it be wildlife or other natural wonders.
If your main reason to visit the area is to enjoy the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is February and March. Be prepared for some very cold weather!
For those of you whose main focus is on the Arctic birdlife, then you need to explore the area at the height of the breeding season, May and June.
Beluga whales visit the area around Churchill during the summer months of July and August. You can either enjoy and organised boat tour or it is also possible to enjoy kayaking trips specifically in search of these beautiful cetaceans.
Most people’s focus when visiting Hudson Bay is the polar bears that gather along the coastline around the town of Churchill. With that in mind, the best time to visit is during October and November.
If your main reason to visit the area is to enjoy the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is February and March. Be prepared for some very cold weather!
For those of you whose main focus is on the Arctic birdlife, then you need to explore the area at the height of the breeding season, May and June.
Beluga whales visit the area around Churchill during the summer months of July and August. You can either enjoy and organised boat tour or it is also possible to enjoy kayaking trips specifically in search of these beautiful cetaceans.
Most people’s focus when visiting Hudson Bay is the polar bears that gather along the coastline around the town of Churchill. With that in mind, the best time to visit is during October and November.
Getting there
Realistically there are only two different ways to reach the town of Churchill, its isolated position means driving there is not at all practical.
By Train
If you are after an adventure you can take the train from Winnipeg to the town of Churchill, it is a long journey, but it is a great way to see swathes of the province of Manitoba.
By Plane
Without a doubt, the easiest way to reach Hudson Bay is by using a regional airline such as Calm Air. There are regular flights from major conurbations to some of the more remote settlements along the Hudson Bay coastline.
By Train
If you are after an adventure you can take the train from Winnipeg to the town of Churchill, it is a long journey, but it is a great way to see swathes of the province of Manitoba.
By Plane
Without a doubt, the easiest way to reach Hudson Bay is by using a regional airline such as Calm Air. There are regular flights from major conurbations to some of the more remote settlements along the Hudson Bay coastline.
Where to Stay
Along the shoreline of Hudson Bay, there are numerous lodges and other accommodation options, here are a few we recommend.
Why not combine with
We recommend you combine Hudson Bay with the following destinations in Canada: