Know Before You Go: Polar Bear Tours

Churchill Accommodations

Why Should I Stay at the Tundra Lodge?

The Tundra Lodge is one of the most unique accommodations on Earth—exclusively for Nat Hab guests. Stationed on the subarctic plains near Hudson Bay, just outside the town of Churchill, Manitoba, the lodge sits in an area of exceptionally high polar bear density. This location offers some of the best polar bear viewing in the world during October and November, when bears gather to wait for the sea ice to form. For wildlife lovers and photographers, the Tundra Lodge offers an unparalleled Arctic wilderness experience.

What Makes the Tundra Lodge Unique?

• 24/7 Immersion in Polar Bear Habitat: Unlike town hotels, the lodge places you directly in the bears’ environment, offering round-the-clock chances to spot wildlife.

• Train-Style Sleeping Quarters: The lodge has cozy rooms, each like a train compartment with either an upper or lower berth.

• Shared Facilities: Six toilets and four showers are shared among guests, balancing comfort with the adventure of being on the tundra.

• Wildlife Viewing Spaces: A lounge car with panoramic windows, a dining car with sliding photography windows, and outdoor observation platforms all allow close-up bear encounters.

• Northern Lights Viewing: With no town lights nearby, the lodge is an excellent location for aurora watching when skies are clear.

Is the Tundra Lodge Safe and Comfortable?

Guests remain inside the lodge or on elevated decks for safety—walking outside on the ground is not permitted, as polar bears roam freely around the site. The lodge is built to provide safe, comfortable immersion in the wild, with warm interiors, hearty meals, and expert guides on hand.

What are the Hotels Like in Winnipeg and Churchill?

Accommodations for Churchill polar bear tours feature Winnipeg’s historic Fort Garry Hotel, a grand railway landmark with modern amenities, and Churchill hotels that are clean, comfortable and centrally located. These lodging options balance luxury and convenience, ensuring travelers experience both iconic heritage in Winnipeg and practical comfort in Churchill, Manitoba.

Winnipeg: The Historic Fort Garry Hotel

In Winnipeg, guests stay at the Fort Garry Hotel, one of Canada’s iconic grand railway hotels. Built in 1913 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, this French château–style landmark is the city’s finest hotel and a symbol of its heritage as a hub of commerce and culture. Located just one block from Union Station, the Fort Garry blends historic grandeur with modern comforts.

Highlights include:

• Elegant rooms with classic style

• A cozy lounge and antique bar for unwinding

• Ten Spa, a full-service spa on the top floor featuring authentic Turkish-style baths and luxurious treatments

Churchill: Simple, Comfortable Local Hotels

Churchill is a frontier outpost with a population of fewer than 1,000 residents. Accommodations here are small, modest, and functional, reflecting the remote Arctic setting. While you won’t find luxury hotels, you can expect:

• Clean, comfortable rooms, each with en suite bathroom and shower

• Central locations close to shops, restaurants, and cultural sites

• A warm welcome from local hosts who embody northern hospitality

Because hotel space in Churchill is extremely limited, Nat Hab partners with several local properties. Room size, amenities, and services may vary, but all provide the essentials for a comfortable stay during your polar bear adventure.

Accommodation FAQs

Can I combine stays between the Tundra Lodge and Town? 

Yes. Some polar bear trips are designed to give you the best of both worlds. Spend nights at the Tundra Lodge for 24/7 immersion among polar bears, then transition to a hotel in Churchill for access to cultural sites, town tours, and a taste of local life. It’s an excellent way to maximize both wildlife encounters and community experiences.

Are Churchill accommodations family-friendly? 

• Churchill Hotels: Best suited for families, with private rooms, en suite bathrooms, and easy access to town activities like dog sledding and museums.

• Tundra Lodge: Better for older kids and teens. Facilities are shared, space is limited, and the immersive tundra setting appeals to adventurous families.

Do rooms have private bathrooms?

• Town Hotels: Yes, all hotel rooms include private en suite bathrooms with showers.

• Tundra Lodge: Shared toilets and showers, similar to train sleeper-style accommodations.

What are the dining options?

• In Town: Meals are served at local restaurants. Expect hearty, simple fare—soups, roasts, pastas, and fresh-baked bread—that warms you after a day on the tundra.

• At the Tundra Lodge: Gourmet-style meals prepared daily by an on-site chef. Enjoy hot soups, baked entrées, fresh salads, and homemade desserts in the cozy dining car.

• On Polar Rovers: Packed lunches are served aboard, typically including homemade soups, sandwiches, and cookies.

• Dietary Needs: Most restrictions can be accommodated with advanced notice.

How do we look for polar bears from our accommodations?

• From Town Hotels: Guests head out daily on Polar Rover excursions. These vehicles are heated and feature rooftop viewing platforms for safe, elevated perspectives of the tundra.

• From the Tundra Lodge: Bears often wander right past the lodge. Guests watch from lounge windows, outdoor observation decks, or elevated platforms. Lodge-based itineraries also include outings aboard Polar Rovers for wider exploration.

Is there Wi-Fi or cell service in the Churchill accommodations?

• Town Hotels: Limited Wi-Fi is usually available, though speeds are slower than in major cities. Cell service is available but can be inconsistent.

• Tundra Lodge: No Wi-Fi or cell service. The experience is designed as a digital disconnect so you can fully immerse yourself in the Arctic environment.

What should I pack for staying in Churchill hotels or the Tundra Lodge?

• Warm indoor layers—both town hotels and the lodge are heated, but you’ll want comfort clothing inside.

• Slippers or cozy socks—handy for walking between lodge cars.

• A headlamp or small flashlight—useful for lodge stays when moving between shared facilities at night.

Will I see the northern lights from my accommodation?

Although Churchill sits beneath the aurora oval, northern lights sightings in October and November are sporadic due to cloud cover and snow squalls.

• Tundra Lodge: Excellent chances, with wide-open tundra views and no light pollution.

• Town Hotels: Good potential, though lights from town can limit visibility. Many tours drive outside Churchill for darker skies when aurora activity is high.