By Isabel Prontes
Churchill is a town located in the Canadian prairie province of Manitoba on the shore of the picturesque Hudson Bay. It is most noted for its abundance of polar bears that move inland during the fall. Because of that, it is often referred to as being the "Polar Bear Capital of the World." Its tourism industry is very strong due to the polar bears.
Background
Tourists to Churchill are able to view polar bears in a safe manner while in the town. Tundra buggies are special buses from which people can get up close looks at polar bears. The tundra buggies strongly drive the area's tourism. However, they are also known for bringing on ecological damage to the town when they are operated and driven off of the designated trails. For the most part they are a safe and pleasant way to enjoy and observe polar bears.
Time Frame
If you are traveling to Churchill to see polar bears, the most sensible time to visit is during the month of October. However, early October also brings a high likelihood of spotting polar bears around the shore. Visitors enjoy spotting hundreds of polar bears who all congregate on the large and wide peninsula up until the time when the Hudson Bay water freezes. That is the time when they go back to their main food source (ringed seals - seals without ears also commonly called "jar seals").
Polar Bear Jail
One interesting fact about Churchill's polar bears is that there is a "Polar Bear Jail" established by some of the town's authorities. The Polar Bear Jail exists to house polar bears (usually young ones) who linger in the area and don't leave when the rest of them do. They are tranquilized and kept in the polar bear jail, and finally released again when the bay freezes. Though many people believe that polar bears are reclusive creatures, many of Churchill's polar bears display a sense of kinship and closeness with each other.
Tours
The "Tundra Buggy Adventure" (See Resources) is the official name for the guided polar bear tours available in Churchill. This is by far the main draw for which people flock to Churchill every year. The tour focuses on immersing tourists in the polar bear environment. There are several different options for tour groups on the Tundra Buggy Adventure, including small groups guided by nature or photo specialists, medium groups lead by interpretive guides and large groups that are self-guided (and as a result, much cheaper). These tours are the best way to photograph and get close looks at Churchill's legendary polar bears.
Resources
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
