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DESTINATION
CHURCHILL
There are no roads to Churchill, Manitoba (and sometimes it feels
like there is no way out...just kidding, sort of). So, the only
way to get here is by plane or train or perhaps dogteam if you
have a few months.
Getting
to Churchill is expensive, there is no two ways about it. Flights
from Winnipeg range from $800-$1500 return and a train ticket
(for a minimum 36 hour roundtrip) is about $300-$800, depending
on your options.
Still,
it is very much worth it. My only tip is to spend as much time
here as you can - don't just show up for one day!
The truth and gossip about Churchill's polar bears.
Biology of western Hudson Bay bears, climate change stuff and
polar bear photo gallery. Includes our famous Polar
Bear Attack page!
Tourist's guide to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada includes hotels,
tours, trip planning and some survival tips.
Churchill's monthly newspaper published occasionally. Churchill
news, history, wildlife, poems and the ever popular BayLine Girl.
Inspired by Churchill, Lost City Chronicle is a collection
of remote destinations and travel stories.
Glimpse into the future through the eyes of a gifted Siberian
Husky.
Links to polar bear tours, polar bear sites, churchill links and
stuff that polar bear alley thinks is neat.
---
KNUT FREE ZONE ---
No
Knuts is good Knuts...
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DESTINATION CHURCHILL ---
Churchill,
Manitoba is best known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World
but also is home to beluga whales, 200+ species of birds and a
host of sub-arctic wildlife and wild flowers.
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| Travel
to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada |
| HOW
DO I GET TO CHURCHILL, MANITOBA BY AIR?
TRAVEL
TIPS, VEHICLE STORAGE AND PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
TAKE
THE PLANE TO CHURCHILL -
The 2-1/2 hour flight from Winnipeg to Churchill takes you over
Lake Winnipeg, pristine northern Manitoba's wide expanse of boreal
forest and, finally, the patchwork landscapes of the Hudson Bay
Lowlands. On a clear day, it is offers stunning vistas. On a cloudy
day, it is still 32-1/2 hours less than the train. Sound nice?
It is... but it's also around $1,000-1,200 CDN even with advance
booking.
Three
airlines serve Churchill, offering varying pricing and comfort
levels. Calm Air is the primary carrier for the Churchill area.
Kivalliq is somewhat (not much) less expensive with less frills.
CALM AIR - REGULAR FLIGHTS TO CHURCHILL
www.calmair.com Tel: (800) 839-2256
Calm Air is offering a summer airfare special from Thompson,
Manitoba to Churchill. This Calm Air flight is $400.00 Thompson
to Churchill return, taxes included. The requirement to stay overnight
on Saturday is waived with this fare, but it is subject to availability
in July and August. Please see the listing for Calm Air on the
Best of Churchill page, and quote code M0775YQ when you are ready
to book.
KIVALLIQ AIR - REGULAR FLIGHTS TO CHURCHILL
Tel: (204) 888-5619 or (877) 855-1500 Intl: 001-204-888-5555
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| SURVIVAL
GUIDE FOR THE CHURCHILL TOURIST
GRAB
A NEWSPAPER... A newspaper with today's date is gold
in Churchill. Read it on the plane then use it to trade with locals
for trinkets and shiny things.
BRING
WARM CLOTHES... If it's summer in Winnipeg, it is autumn
in Churchill. If it's autumn in Winnipeg, it is winter in Churchill.
If it's winter in Winnipeg, well, let's just say be prepared.
Carry
on a change of clothes...We are not trying to scare anyone but
sometimes, especially in 'polar bear season', luggage gets temporarily
misplaced. Usually only a day late, it is still a good idea
to bring clothes for one night anyway...
EAT
A COOKIE... Calm Air has good cookies!!!
If you sit at the very front or the very back, you have a decent
chance at seconds. |
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| HOW
DO I GET TO CHURCHILL, MANITOBA BY TRAIN?
TRAVEL
TIPS, VEHICLE STORAGE AND PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
TAKE
THE TRAIN TO CHURCHILL-
Almost a day and a half from Winnipeg, this route can either leave
you with a unique travel experience or bored beyond belief...it's
up to you...
The
trek from Winnipeg to Thompson is usually sparsely populated with
fellow travellers or northerner heading back after a big trip
'South'. Don't be shy...strike up a conversation! Most people
are more than happy to share a few stories - true or not... Start
off by spending some time in the dining car and see what happens...
The
first day of the journey takes you through Manitoba's northern
forest. Okay, yes... it is technically just trees mile
after mile...but give it a chance and you might see some wildlife
along the way. Keep your eye out for Golden and Bald Eagles, Moose,
White-tailed Deer, Red Foxes, Pelicans and other boreal critters...
As well, small communities and isolated trapper's cabins pop-up
here and there in addition to river crossings, lakes and creeks.
| Depart
Winnipeg: |
8:45 PM |
Tuesday,
Thursday, Sunday |
| Depart Thompson: |
5:55 PM |
Monday,
Wednesday, Friday |
| Arrive
Churchill: |
scheduled for
8:30 AM - in real life, 11AM-1PM |
Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday |
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| Depart Churchill: |
8:30 PM |
Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday |
| Arrive Thompson: |
11:30 AM |
Wednesday,
Friday, Sunday |
| Arrive Winnipeg: |
8:05 AM - same deal,
expect 11AM |
Thursday,
Saturday, Monday |
WARNING:
DO NOT TAKE THE TRAIN TO CHURCHILL FOR A ONE-DAY TRAIN TO TRAIN
TRIP. OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE TRACKS HAVE DEGRADED AND THE
TRAIN IS CONSISTENTLY LATE NOW (ABOUT FOUR HOURS LATE). IT WILL
MESS UP YOUR PLANS AND LEAVE YOU TIRED AND FRUSTRATED.
WINNIPEG
- CHURCHILL RETURN
- Budget travellers, booking seven days in advance, can travel
for $317.58 CDN on VIA Rail Economy Class. Roomettes are available
(an additional $400 CDN or so...) but are usually booked well
in advance during peak tourism seasons. There is also the opportunity
to book a roomette once the journey has begun. Your best option
is just to ask one of the VIA employees and see what happens.
Don't rely on this option but its worth a shot if you would like
a bit of privacy...
THOMPSON
- CHURCHILL RETURN - The 'Bay Line' is a bit more
reasonable than the 36 hours from Winnipeg. Scheduled at 14-1/2
hours, this overnight trip is a great introduction to the north.
The dining car temporarily becomes a moving community hall as
locals from the communities of Pikwitonei, Ilford and Gillam return
from shopping and visiting in Thompson. After Gillam, the ride
is quiet with northern lights often decorating the sky. At $112.41
(seven-day advance), this is an affordable and attractive option.
The
drive to Thompson is also quite enjoyable. The 762 km (474 mile)
stretch from Winnipeg to Thompson is paved with gas stations at
least every 200km. The average trip runs approximately 8-10 hours
so depart early (6:00am!) or stay overnight in Thompson. If you
are ahead of schedule, stop at Pisew Falls, one of Manitoba's
nicest wilderness areas.
GILLAM
- CHURCHILL RETURN - It's a late-night start (boarding
at 11:50pm - if the train is on schedule...) but at $62.92 and
only 8-1/2 hours to Churchill, you might consider staying up that
extra hour or two. Of course, the drive from Thompson to Gillam
is...interesting... and there probably won't be anyone at the
train station when you get there so be prepared to sleep in your
car or just wander around town...of course, it all adds to your
adventure... |
SURVIVAL
GUIDE FOR CHURCHILL TRAIN
TRAVEL
40 winks at 4 mph... A travel pillow and blanket
are mandatory for economy class!!! For some reason, the train
can range from sauna hot to goosebump cold. A nightcap is optional
but be prepared nonetheless...
Books Are Fun and Make You Smart... Bring a
book or two or four...if you finally want to tackle War &
Peace - seize the moment!!! An IPod is also quite helpful...
Double
Your Pleasure...Get seats that face each other. If
its crowded, find a partner in crime or one will be assigned
to you (of course, it's an easy way to meet new people...)
Met
up with A Gambler...The dining/ lounge car is always
interesting. Residents from Pikwitonei and Ilford hop on at
Thompson and the dining car becomes a big gambling house and
gossip room for a few hours. (Hint: Don't join their card games
- they'll kick your butt.)
Bar
service is also available until 10:00pm (and ABSOLUTELY NO LATER
if the wrong employee is on board). Plus thanks to our modern
society, it is now smoke-free all the time! (althought there
are smoke break if the right employees are on board). And speaking
of board... it's a change of scenery if you're a little bored...
Stretch
Your Legs... Take the opportunity for a walkabout in
The Pas, Thompson, or even Gillam. VIA personnel are helpful
and will let you know how long the stop lasts.
Healthy Snacks For Healthy Minds... There is decent
food onboard and not overly expensive but snack food is relegated
to chips and chocolate bars. Bring some veggies!!!
Speaking
of veggies...ask for their veggie burger or veggie
chili. It's always on the menu but rarely listed (???). Is it
one of the best veggie burgers I've had? Darn-tootin'!!!
Help
us change VIA for the better...even if you want to
use your own mug, serving staff still have to throw away a styrofoam
cup for inventory purposes. Fill out a comment card or contact
VIA to make them start recycling!!!
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