If you want to catch the polar bear season VIA Rail Canada can get you there.

The three-day, two-night journey, which takes passengers from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, follows a scenic track that travels into the remote northern tundra region inhabited by polar bears – the largest concentration in the world. Enhancing this amazing sightseeing adventure is the addition of VIA’s Aurora Viewing Car during the polar bear viewing season - providing travellers with a bird’s eye view of the seldom viewed sub-artic region.  

 “Along with the amazing sightseeing adventure that unfolds as the train makes its way north, viewing these magnificent animals during the prime season makes the Hudson Bay service one of the most unique rail experiences to be found in the world.” 

As there are no highways connecting Churchill to southern Manitoba, VIA’s Hudson Bay service provides optimum opportunity to experience the tundra and arctic terrain by rail. First class sleeping car passengers enjoy 360-degree views from VIA’s famed dome “Park” car, taking in the endless vistas by day and dazzling “Northern Lights” (Aurora Borealis) by night.  Additionally, passengers sample delectable regional cuisine in the train’s dining car (including the popular Arctic Char) as well as enjoy exclusive access to the Park car, where complimentary coffee and tea are available throughout the day.

VIA’s Hudson Bay service departs three times per week, year-round, in each direction.  Travellers can choose from sleeper and comfort class (economy) accommodations. Sleeping car passengers can choose from a variety of accommodations, from the economical lower and/or upper berth to the enclosed single, double and triple bedrooms. All sleeping car accommodations include convenient amenities such as shower access and shower kits. 

Along with the fall Polar Bear season, travellers can view the colourful and rhythmical “Northern Lights” (Aurora Borealis) from September to April (peaking from January to March) or watch Beluga whales and birds in June and July.

Anchoring the Hudson Bay route are Winnipeg and Churchill:

Winnipeg, Manitoba is the province’s largest city and cultural centre. Once a centre for fur trading, visitors to Winnipeg can enjoy world-renowned ballet, a stroll around the city’s French Quarter, or a trip to the historical crossroads “The Forks,” the site of many of the city’s largest festivals where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. Assiniboine Park is a favourite amongst Winnipeg’s residents, featuring the city’s zoo, English and French gardens and various outdoor activities.

Churchill, Manitoba is located on the banks of Hudson Bay in northern Artic region, and is known as the polar bear capital of the world.  Churchill also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as ecological hikes, fishing, dogsledding and snowmobiling.  Visitors to Churchill should bring their cameras and make sure to capture the endless luminosity of the tundra during the day and magnificent northern lights at night. 

Travellers can connect with the Hudson Bay in Winnipeg by using VIA’s Canadian thrice-weekly service from Toronto or Vancouver.  Winnipeg also has an international airport with direct or one-switch access to cities across Canada.