Churchill Polar Bear Tips-N-Things

 

Most visitors come to Churchill, The Polar Bear Capital of The World, during bear season in organized tours anywhere from one day to multi-day stays costing from $2-7,000.00. However, there are a few independent travelers that might find the following information useful.

The cheapest way to Churchill is by train from Winnipeg about $400 RT in a non-sleeping car. A journey that takes about 44 hours and is only available certain days of the week. An alternate to save time is to drive or fly to Thompson and take the train from there. If you do drive to Thompson, I am told it is better to park at the City Hall lot which is relatively cheap and has 24 hr security.

 

Some airfare bargains can be found if you plan to travel early or late in the season. Otherwise, a charter package is probably a better deal.

 

 

 

 

 

In Churchill, I recommend the following:

HOTEL:

 

Polar Inn & Suites. I paid $100 per night including free continental breakfast and Wi-fi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very quite hotel with an at home feeling to it. Has a gift shop and they also operate a tour company.

From what I saw all hotels are basically in the same area and all seem to be the typical small town hotels.

 

 

 

RESTAURANTS:

 

 

 

When a restaurant has a “sinful” bakery, is often crowded and comes highly recommended by locals, not much more needs to be said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tundra Dining Room & Bar: Across the street from and owned by the Tundra Inn.

This is the place if you want to sample local fare like Elk meatloaf ($23) or a Bison burger, lean and delicious for $15 especially with a $3 Standard Lager (labeling looks like Budweiser but taste much better).

 

 

 

 

 

 

POLAR BEAR TOUR COMPANY

 

 

I chose Great White Bear Tour company for CAD$ 400 per day. I will almost guarantee you that you will not be disappointed if you do the same.

 

 

 

 

 

Friendly staff and no doubt better equipment than the competition. Although tundra buggies can hold about 36 passengers, they carry a maximum of 18 plus a tour guide on group tours.

 

Although we had only 7 passengers on our tour, we came across other buggies that we could tell were much more crowded. While this might be good for business it might not necessarily be good for the customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From airline type seating for ride comfort, to huge slanted windshields and a rear observation area with a see through flooring, I think you cannot go wrong in choosing Great White Bear Tour company.