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Region · Canada

Churchill Wildlife Checklist

Churchill, on the shore of Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba, is known as the polar bear capital of the world. Bears gather along the coast in October and November waiting for the sea ice, and in July and August thousands of belugas fill the Churchill River estuary. This checklist covers 58 animals, from arctic foxes to snowy owls and tundra birds.

There is no road to Churchill: you arrive by plane or on the train from Winnipeg. Wapusk National Park, one of the world's largest polar bear denning areas, lies just to the south-east.

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See all 58 animals
Animals to find
58
Where
Canada
Best time
Jul to Aug, Oct to Nov
Belugas in the estuary
3,000 to 5,000

Churchill's headline animals

  • Polar Bear, one of the animals to look for in Churchill

    Polar Bear

    Bears spend the summer on land, then gather on the coast east of town in late October and November before the bay freezes. Viewing is from tundra vehicles in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area.

    Photo: Emma, CC BY 2.0

  • Beluga, one of the animals to look for in Churchill

    Beluga

    Parks Canada counts 3,000 to 5,000 in the estuary each day at the peak. See them from zodiacs, kayaks or on a snorkel trip in July and early August.

    Photo: TravelingOtter from Houston, Texas, USA, CC BY 2.0

  • Arctic Fox, one of the animals to look for in Churchill

    Arctic Fox

    White in winter, brown in summer. Most often seen in autumn trailing polar bears for scraps, and on the snow in late winter.

    Photo: Emma, CC BY 2.0

  • Snowy Owl

    Most likely from autumn to spring, perched on posts, rocks and snow drifts on the tundra near town.

  • Ringed Seal

    The polar bear's main prey. Look for round heads in the river and bay in summer.

  • Caribou

    Small groups wander the coast near town and in Wapusk, mainly in summer and autumn.

  • Willow Ptarmigan

    Flocks feed in the willows around town, pure white in winter. Males call loudly from rocks in spring.

  • Hudsonian Godwit

    A Churchill speciality for birders. It nests on the tundra and perches on spruce tops in June.

All 58 animals to spot in Churchill

Grouped the way you'll meet them. Tips show where to look.

Mammals 9

Whales and seals 4

Birds of prey 8

Water birds 12

Shorebirds 9

Tundra and forest birds 14

Amphibians 2

  • Last reviewed September 2026.
  • Sources are listed below the questions.
  • Wild animals only. Please give them space.

Best time to see wildlife in Churchill

Churchill has two main seasons and a quieter third. From late June to mid-August belugas crowd the river mouth, the tundra flowers, and polar bears that have come ashore can be seen along the coast from boats. June is the birding peak, with shorebirds, Harris's sparrows and Smith's longspurs on their breeding grounds, and mosquitoes from July. The polar bear season runs from October to mid-November, when bears gather on the coast until Hudson Bay freezes, and tours often sell out a year ahead. February and March are best for the northern lights, and arctic foxes and ptarmigan are easy to spot on the snow. Winter temperatures often fall below minus 30°C.

  • JunBirding peak, ice breaking up
  • Jul-AugBelugas in the river, summer bears
  • Oct-NovPolar bear season
  • Feb-MarNorthern lights, arctic foxes

Tips for spotting wildlife in Churchill

  1. Book bear season early

    Tundra vehicle tours for late October and early November often sell out a year or more ahead. The freeze date changes every year, so the middle of the season is the safest bet.

  2. Never walk out of town

    Polar bears can turn up anywhere near Churchill from July to November, including on the rocks by the town. Obey the bear warning signs and only go onto the tundra with a guide.

  3. Get on the river for belugas

    In July and early August the estuary is full of belugas. Zodiac and kayak trips leave from the port, and many boats carry a hydrophone so you can hear the whales calling.

  4. Scan from Cape Merry

    The rocks at Cape Merry, by the river mouth, give views of belugas, seals and seabirds in summer. Go with a guide or check for bear warnings first.

  5. Bird in early June

    As the ice breaks up, the widest range of birds arrives. Check the Granary Ponds, Goose Creek Road and the tundra near the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

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Churchill wildlife FAQ

When is the best time to see polar bears in Churchill?

The best time to see polar bears in Churchill is October to mid-November, with the peak usually in late October and early November. Bears gather on the coast waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can hunt seals on the ice, and they leave soon after it does. Summer bear viewing from boats is also possible in July and August.

When can you see beluga whales in Churchill?

Belugas are in the Churchill River estuary from late June to mid-September, with the best viewing in July and early August. Parks Canada estimates 3,000 to 5,000 gather there each day at the peak, part of a western Hudson Bay population of about 55,000. Boat, kayak and snorkel tours all run from the port.

What other animals can you see in Churchill?

Besides polar bears and belugas, Churchill has arctic foxes, snowy owls, caribou, arctic hares, ringed and bearded seals, and willow ptarmigan. In June the area draws birders for breeding shorebirds, Arctic terns, Pacific loons and sandhill cranes. In autumn, arctic foxes often shadow bears along the coast looking for scraps.

Can you see polar bears and belugas on the same trip?

Yes, in July and August you can see both. Belugas fill the river mouth, and polar bears that have come ashore for the summer rest along the coast, where boat tours often find them. You won't see the large autumn gatherings, but a summer trip combines whales, bears and tundra flowers.

How do you get to Churchill?

You can only reach Churchill by plane or train. Flights from Winnipeg take about two hours, and the VIA Rail train from Winnipeg takes about two days. There is no road. Most visitors in bear season book a package that includes flights, lodging and days out on tundra vehicles.

Sources

Last reviewed September 2026

Photo credits

All photo credits. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, resized.

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