Northern Lights, Indigenous Culture and Warm Hearts Await You in Churchill

February 8, 2024

northernlightscoolnightsky Explore Magazine

Get ready for some winter delights in Churchill, Manitoba.

Long after the belugas have left the river in late summer and the polar bears have found sea ice in the autumn, Churchill, Manitoba takes a nap. But it’s a short nap because come February, it’s time for the northern lights to come out and play. Those cold and clear nights are heavenly for aurora hunters, but it’s not just the skies that come to life. The northern town offers plenty to keep visitors busy during the crisp and clear days.

The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is a hotbed of serious research, where scientists flock to Canada’s only field station at the intersection of three distinct eco-zones to learn more about the North. But the doors are open to visitors too. Book a Road to Research afternoon that includes a tour of the impressive green building, a peek into the research that’s happening right now at the centre and a visit to the historic Rocket Research Range. You might even get to play in the snow, build your own inukshuk and find out things about the white stuff that you never knew.^{Frontiers North}

Hop aboard a dogsled at Wapusk Adventures and let the spirited team take you through the boreal landscape of the North. Dave Daley’s love of his dogs, family, land and Metis heritage runs as deep as the sub-arctic wilderness. Gather ‘round the woodstove and hear about the role that dogs play in the culture and Daley’s adventures as a competitive musher. Best of all, dog lovers will get to cuddle with Rea, Comet, Raven and the rest of the team.^{Wapusk Adventures}

Meaning things from the past in Inuktitut, the Itsanitaq Museum is where you’ll get your bearings for a discovery of Churchill’s history. The collection of ancient Canadian Inuit carvings, clothing, tools and boats is truly stunning. Look for one of its more unique entries—tiny carvings made from the teeth of the carver himself. The gift shop is the place for books about the North, along with postcards, jewelry and delicious fireweed jelly. ^{Travel Manitoba}

When night falls, venture into the boreal forest where Nanuk Operations invites visitors to snowshoe in the moonlight, navigate by the stars and see the northern lights show against a backdrop of towering black spruce. Tuck into the cozy yurt for stories by Metis elders, hot chocolate and a warm woodstove.^{Shel Zolkewich}

Serious aurora photographers should sign up for Discover Churchill’s four-day weekend getaway, where guides take shooters to the very best locations for creating magical imagery. Between the beginning of February and the end of March, sign up for the call list for a $25 deposit. You’ll only get a call when the lights are shining bright (yes, very late or in the middle of the night), be picked up at your accommodation and taken to the sweet spots for photography.^{Travel Manitoba}

For a truly unforgettable Churchill experience, ride one of Frontier North’s EV Tundra Buggy to Dan’s Diner, parked on the edge of the frozen Churchill River. Here you’ll be treated to a chef-designed, multicourse meal featuring sub-arctic treats like cloudberry jam and arctic char. Take your pick from libations including a boreal gin and tonic, Manitoba mule or “goddess of the dawn” featuring blueberries and rosemary. Then settle in the hear the stories of the Sayisi Dene people of the North, see their beautiful beadwork and learn about tools made from caribou. It all happens under the panoramic windows and skylights, offering a nearly unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape and sky. Then step out of the diner and onto the frozen ground, look up and wait for Lady Aurora to start the show.^{Frontier North}

Getting to Churchill: Churchill rests on the shores of Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. There are no roads into the town, so visitors arrive by air or train. Calm Air International flies to Churchill year-round. It’s roughly a two-hour flight. The Via Rail Canada train departs Winnipeg twice a week and takes roughly 48 hours to reach Churchill.

Best Times for Northern Lights: Churchill is located directly beneath the aurora oval, and the aurora borealis is best seen in February and March.