Manitoba
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Manitoba
Located right in the heart of Canada, Manitoba stretches from the southern border with the USA to the northern coast on the Hudson Bay and encompasses many unique environments with the plains of the great prairie, wooded parklands, metropolitan areas, lakes and rivers and the vast tundra. From the Northern Lights and whale watching to endless outdoor activities and city sightseeing there is plenty to see and discover. Explore the land of the majestic polar bear and take in the vibrant culture of the capital city of Winnipeg, see beluga whales and discover the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
Polar Bears in Manitoba
Two thirds of the world’s polar bears (approximately 25,000) live in Canada. They weigh between 900 and 1600 lbs. and measure up to 8 feet tall. Churchill is the polar bear capital of the world and they are found in northern Manitoba on the south western shores of Hudson Bay, at the mouth of the historic Churchill River. Churchill’s history is intertwined with the early days of Canada and the exploration of the Arctic. Cree, Dene and Inuit aboriginal cultures come together in this little community and the world famous Itsanitaq Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Inuit artefacts and sculpture. Outdoor adventure is readily available with hiking tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, kayaking, snorkelling and fishing all at hand in Churchill.
Polar bears are seen as early as July, but it is most common to see larger numbers of bears in October and November. This is due largely to the fact that the winter ice in Hudson Bay begins to melt in late June, forcing the bears back on land. The bears then migrate slowly along the coast towards the Churchill area, waiting for the ice to reform in late November. Once the ice is thick enough, the bears return back to the ice to hunt seals in order to restock the fat stores they used during the summer months.
The area is a year-round wildlife destination and arctic and boreal species of wildlife, birds and plants can be found along the tree line or the northern edge of the boreal forest. Commonly seen species include arctic and red foxes, arctic hare, caribou, gyrfalcons, snowy owls, ptarmigan and even the occasional lemming.
Winnipeg
Your trip will start and end in Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg, and extra days in the city can easily be added to your itinerary. Some of the city’s highlights are the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, The Forks, The Exchange District, Qaumajuq (new Inuit Art Centre in the Winnipeg Art Gallery), Journey to Churchill exhibit at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Winnipeg is a hip and multi-cultural metropolis that looks back on an exciting history, but at the same time sets real trends in our today’s world. It has more than 700,000 inhabitants who speak over 100 languages and bring plenty of diversity and creativity. The city's many different neighbourhoods are buzzing with festivals, culture, art and culinary delights.
