Q: When is the best time to see Polar Bears in Churchill?
A: The bears begin to migrate towards the coast near Churchill in late September, early October. Generally, as the months of October & November progress, more and more bears move into the area. The number of bears we see at any given time varies and will depend on a number of things, especially weather conditions. The bears are moving towards the coast waiting for the Bay to freeze so that they can get out on the ice and begin hunting their favorite diet - Ringed Seals.
Q: When is the best time to see Beluga Whales?
A: The best time to see Beluga Whales in Churchill is from the beginning of July, through to the end of August. However, early break-up of the ice may result in an earlier return for the belugas to the Churchill River. The whales return to the Churchill River when the ice breaks to feed on crustaceans and care for their young as the river is warmer than the Bay.
Q: When is the best time to see the Aurora Borealis (a.k.a Northern Lights)?
A: The best time to see Northern Lights in Churchill is from January through to March. However, depending on sky conditions and weather, they can be seen year round. Note: Churchill is the only place where you can experience Northern Lights from the observation deck of a world famous Tundra Buggy or from the Aurora Domes. The domes were built in conjunction with the Churchill Rocket Range for observing the Aurora Borealis during atmospheric testing. The Churchill Domes facility provide a warm, comfortable venue in which to watch the night skies.
Q: Can I see Polar Bears and Beluga Whales at the same time?
A: The only time you might see both is during the summer months. There is the chance of seeing a Polar Bear during the summer, but Beluga Whales are not seen during October or November as they have migrated out of the Churchill River.
Q: How large are the Tundra Buggies? How many people on a buggy?
A: The Tundra Buggies vary in size; 26, 40 and 48 passenger Tundra Buggies exist. Specialist and Adventurer Tours will usually use a larger buggy; Enthusiast Tours use either size of buggy depending upon availability.
Q: Are the Tundra Buggies heated? Washroom equipped?
A: Yes. Each buggy has washroom facilities on board and is heated by propane. It is important to remember that the Buggies tend to cool off quickly when the windows and back door are opened for photography purposes.
Q: Where does my Tundra Buggy Adventure begin?
A: Winnipeg, Manitoba is the gateway city to our Churchill-based programs.
Q: What is the distance from Winnipeg to Churchill?
A: By rail Churchill is approximately 993-miles/1600 km. By air it is approximately 650-miles/1045 km. Churchill is not accessible by road.
Q: How long is the flight between Winnipeg and Churchill?
A: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes - one-way
Q: What type of planes fly up to Churchill?
A: Most often we fly 40 seat Hawkers or 32 seat Saab turbo props.
Q: How long is the train trip to Churchill?
A: Approximately 36 hours. (two nights and one day).
Q: If I am traveling as a "single," will you assist in finding someone to share with me?
A: Yes. We make every effort to match singles who wish to share. However, if there is no other person willing to share, single supplement will still have to be paid.
Q: What is the weather like in Churchill in the Fall? In the summer?
A: In the Fall, the temperature can vary from the upper 20°F to below 0°F (0°C to - 20°C). Often the deciding factor for comfort is the wind chill. In the summer, daytime temperatures can range from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 30°C). For either season dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable.
Q: What sort of clothing will I need to pack?
A: For Polar Bear programs (October/November): Wearing casual, comfortable clothing is suggested. It is best to plan on dressing in "layers." Layered clothing, consisting of warm, hooded parka, nylon, fleece or ski pants, fleece sweatshirt, wool sweater, turtleneck, wool socks, long underwear, warm gloves or mittens, flat, warm, waterproof, rubber-soled boots, woolen hat or toque. For summer programs (July & August): a light, windproof summer jacket, good flat hiking shoes/boots, comfortable cotton pants, pullover or sweatshirt and a bug jacket.
Q: Can I shop in Churchill? Will I be able to buy some nice souvenirs? What about Inuit carvings?
A: Churchill has a good selection of souvenir stores that carry everything from postcards to large stone carvings and other local art. The Tundra Buggy gift shop has a good selection of souvenirs.
Q: Can I use my cell phone in Churchill?
A: No. Churchill does not yet have cellular service.
Q: Is there Internet access in Churchill?
A: The library, which is situated in the Town Complex, has Internet access. It is suggested that time to use the library computers be arranged in advance. Most of the hotels in Churchill do have Internet access.
Q: What kind of identification do I require to visit Churchill?
A: Passports are recommended for all international travelers. Alternatively, a birth certificate and photo identification is necessary.
Q: Do I need Canadian currency? Can I use a credit card?
A: Most stores and restaurants accept VISA & MasterCard. It is always a good idea to carry some Canadian currency to use for gratuities or small purchases. The Royal Bank of Canada has a branch office in Churchill. As well, there is an automated-teller machine in town.
Q: Can I bring my two year old on a Polar Bear Tour?
A: While we do not have a strict policy, we do not encourage bringing a very young child for numerous reasons: (a) a small child can be disruptive for clients who are intent on photographing bears; (b) it is a long day out on the Tundra Buggy (8 hours) and (c) it can get quite cold on the Tundra Buggy for a small child, even though the buggy is heated.
Toll free (North America): 1 (800) 663-9832
International: 1 (204) 949-2050
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