Know Before You Go

© 

Cold Weather Tips for Churchill, Manitoba

Loose, comfortable layers are far better than single, bulky garments, as each layer you add traps warm air close to your body. We recommend wearing a base layer (silk, polypropylene, lightweight wool, etc.) closest to the skin, a second layer (warm sweater or fleece), and an outer layer that is water- and wind-repellent. NHA will provide heavy down parkas and boots for your use during your Churchill adventure. This way, you will stay toasty if outside temperatures are cold, and you can always shed layers if you get too warm.

Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they trap warm air and stay dry. Many synthetic fabrics—polar fleece in particular—are also good for keeping you warm and dry.

It is important to note that rain is a possibility both in Winnipeg and Churchill, especially in October. Please keep this in mind when deciding what to pack.

 

PARKA & BOOTS

Fall in Churchill can be very cold, and we want you to be prepared for the possibility of frigid temperatures. We will provide a down winter parka and boots (to be worn with socks only, not over your shoes) for your use while in Churchill, which you will receive and return in Winnipeg. You may be able to pick up your gear the afternoon you arrive. The gear room is typically open from 2 pm to 6 pm, and your shuttle driver will be able to confirm the gear distribution schedule upon your arrival. However, if you require an exceptionally large or small size of either, please call our office to find out if we can accommodate you with our regular supply. Use of boots and parkas is provided at no additional charge.

Typically boots and parkas are not necessary for the Extra Day in Winnipeg extension; however, if the weather warrants it, and you would like to use Nat Hab's boots and parka on that day, please let a staff member know.

Should you wish to bring your own gear, your parka should be warm and roomy enough to accommodate several layers underneath. Your boots should be warm, water-repellent or waterproof (remember, you may be walking in cold, snowy or rainy conditions), and have slip-resistant tread.

We highly recommend removing your boot liners (if possible) in the evenings to let them dry overnight, even if they do not feel wet. Your feet often sweat during the day, and if the liners are not dried properly, they may make your feet feel cold when you put your boots on again.

GLOVES, HAT & SCARF/NECK GAITER

Body heat is most likely to be lost from the extremities—head, hands and feet. For maximum warmth, we recommend packing two pairs of gloves to protect your hands: thin glove liners and warm outer gloves/mittens (mittens are usually warmer than gloves). Glove liners with fingers are helpful, as you can take your heavy gloves/mittens off to take pictures but still protect your hands from the cold. You may want to pack a second set of gloves or mittens in case the first pair gets wet.

Also pack warm, windproof protection for your head, face, and neck. Be sure your hat covers your ears and you can protect your face sufficiently if there is a cold wind blowing.

WARM TROUSERS

Layering works well for the legs, too. Long underwear beneath an outer pair of pants should be sufficient. A wind-resistant outer shell can add further insulation. It's also advisable to bring at least one pair of water-resistant pants so you stay dry if you come in contact with snow on the dog sledding excursion included on all Churchill trips. 

SOCKS

Layering works well for your feet, too. For maximum warmth, wear thin sock liners made of wicking fabrics, such as silk or polypropylene, underneath warm socks. Bring several pairs so they have time to dry completely between uses. Also bring several pairs of thick socks made of wool or warm synthetic material (not cotton) to wear with your loaner boots, to finesse the best possible fit.

OUTER LAYERS

Garments that “breathe” will help keep you warm and dry. Wool and fleece are excellent materials that trap heat against the body.

UNDERCLOTHING

Silk, wool or polypropylene long underwear are great for adding warmth without bulk. Long underwear is available in a variety of weights, which allows you to choose the version that best suits your personal thermostat. Turtlenecks are also good for layering because they provide added warmth for your neck.  

Photo Credit: Brad Josephs
Visit Churchill on These Polar Bear Adventures
Admin Note : Repeater Settings
Current Settings: trip
Edit Settings
Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure 16
New 2024 Dates!

Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure

Meet the King of the Arctic! Our flagship polar bear tour is an expertly guided small-group adventure to see the world's largest concentration of polar bears in their wild tundra home on Hudson Bay.
6 or 7 Days / Oct–Nov
$7795 (+air)
16
Photo Expeditions Available
Make it Custom Make it Private
New 2024 Dates!
View Trip
Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari 15
New Itinerary!

Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari

A total immersion in the world of the polar bear! View bears from our custom Polar Rover, visit a polar bear den, survey the tundra by helicopter, and learn about the history and culture of the Canadian North.
7 Days / Oct–Nov
$10495 (+air)
15
Photo Expeditions Available
Make it Custom Make it Private
New Itinerary!
View Trip
Tundra Lodge Adventure 29
New Itinerary!

Tundra Lodge Adventure

Watch polar bears around the clock from our private Tundra Lodge, stationed in an area of high bear density. This is arguably the most extraordinary polar bear encounter in the world!
6 Days / Oct–Nov
$12895 (+air)
29
Photo Expeditions Available
Make it Custom Make it Private
New Itinerary!
View Trip
Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge & Town 29
New Itinerary!

Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge & Town

Stay at our exclusive Tundra Lodge, situated for unparalleled proximity to roving polar bears—then add two nights in the frontier town of Churchill to experience the culture of the Canadian North.
7 days / Oct–Nov
$10495 (+air)
29
Photo Expeditions Available
Make it Custom Make it Private
New Itinerary!
View Trip
Know Before You Go

Send Me Travel Emails

Get the Inside Scoop on the

World of Nature Travel

Our weekly eNewsletters highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Get Weekly Updates

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more.

Privacy Policy
We're Proud of the Reputation We’ve Earned
Voted "World's Best Travel Company" by Outside Magazine
Travel & Leisure logo
Voted "Top Tour Operator" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
Newsweek logo
Voted "Best Adventure Travel Company" in Newsweek Reader's Choice Awards
VIEW MORE AWARDS

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Nathab 2024 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly 100 nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Logos
Request Your 2025/26 Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Continued - Page 2 of 2
To help us customize your catalog request, please tell us more about your travel needs:
Thank you for requesting a catalog
We’ve received your request. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917.

Get Weekly Updatess

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Us a Message
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your message

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Refer a Friend,
Get $250 Off
Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for the referral!

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

View Our 2025/2026

Digital Catalog

Help us save paper! We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details here. To view our digital catalog, please enter your info in the form to the right.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
View Digital Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Happy browsing!

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Our Trips

Polar Bear Tours

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Photography Expeditions

Photography Expeditions

Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Women's Adventures

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us.

Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sunday
Call 800-543-8917
Questions? Click to Chat
Questions? Click to Chat
/know-before-you-go/churchill/polar-bears/cold-weather-tips/