Northern Lights Tours in Churchill, Manitoba

Looking for the Northern Lights? On our Churchill Manitoba Northern Lights tours, you can see this magical spectacle of vibrant hues swirling across the night sky.

Churchill, Manitoba — considered the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World' — also shines as a premier destination to see this natural light show. The town is one of the top places globally to view the Northern Lights due to its prime geographical location beneath the Aurora Oval.

The travel experts at northernlightscanada.com can help you plan your Northern Lights trip to Churchill. We take care of all the arrangements in the area, booking unique aurora-viewing tours, hotels, and iconic local experiences. You get to relax and enjoy your vacation as we provide personalized travel support from planning through travel.

Read on to discover more about seeing the Northern Lights in Churchill. 

See our favourite Northern Lights tours in Churchill Canada. 

Aurora and Astronomy in Churchill 

On this week-long adventure, travel to Churchill Northern Studies Centre — a non-profit research and education facility — and spend five nights learning about the subarctic landscape and interacting with local experts. Watch the colourful Northern Lights from the centre’s 360-degree indoor viewing dome or brave the cold and step onto the outdoor viewing platform. Highlights of this trip include a guided tour of the Churchill Rocket Research Range Historic Site and engaging cultural presentations.

Trip length (number of nights): 7  
Nights in Churchill: 5 
Aurora-viewing evenings: 5

Northern Lights of Churchill

From Winnipeg, fly to Churchill for an epic three nights of Northern Lights viewing. Each night of Aurora viewing is different. Look up at the sky from the comfort of a cozy yurt in the boreal forest. Cross the frozen Churchill River by tundra buggy for a unique culinary experience. In addition to viewing the lights, explore the town of Churchill, enjoy a thrilling dog sledding excursion, and go snowshoeing.

Trip length (number of nights): 6  
Nights in Churchill: 3  
Aurora-viewing evenings: 3

Photography Tour: Northern Lights of Churchill

This photo specialist trip takes you to Churchill, Manitoba — one of the best places in the world for seeing the Northern Lights. With a dedicated photographer guide, enjoy four aurora-viewing evenings, a photography workshop, and a variety of exciting daytime tours. Other highlights include crossing the frozen Churchill River in a tundra buggy and visiting Dan’s Diner, a remote dining experience surrounded by the subarctic wilderness.

Trip length (number of nights): 7
Nights in Churchill: 4
Aurora-viewing evenings: 4

Churchill, Manitoba: the perfect Aurora Borealis viewing destination

Geographical location

Churchill, perched on the shores of Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba, Canada, is known for its rugged beauty and pristine wilderness. It's the town's geographic location, smack dab in the Aurora Oval — the high-activity ring of Northern Lights — that makes it a dream spot for Aurora gazers. The town’s northern latitude and flat geographic landscape mean visitors have unobstructed views of this natural light show.

Climate

Churchill's subarctic climate, with long, clear, chilly winter nights, further amplifies the chances of basking in the surreal glow of the Northern Lights. December, January, and February are the coldest months, with temperatures averaging between -15 and -26 degrees Celsius.  

Best time to see Northern Lights in Churchill Manitoba 

The prime Northern Lights viewing season in Churchill is from January to late March. Northern Lights shine brightest in Churchill during the late winter and early spring months, primarily February and March. Early fall (August and September) also brings great chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Weather plays a crucial role in Aurora sightings. Clear, dark skies away from city lights and moonlight offer the best chance to capture this natural spectacle.

Timing is key: recommended duration of stay 

To heighten your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, we recommend a stay of at least three nights. This duration compensates for unpredictable weather and solar activity(1), giving you multiple opportunities to view the Northern Lights.  

Churchill, Manitoba Northern Lights tour: what to expect

Experiencing the Northern Lights in Churchill is truly otherworldly. The Northern Lights appear in Churchill up to 300 nights per year. However, the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon, and sightings can vary. Seeing the Northern Lights depends on the weather conditions and solar activity. The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. So, you are more likely to see the lights when there is an increase in solar activity. There must also be a lack of light (no moon or city lights) and clear, dark skies.

Where to stay in Churchill Manitoba to see Northern Lights 

Churchill offers a variety of accommodations, each with its charm. Choosing the right lodging can significantly enhance your Northern Lights experience.  

1. Tundra Inn

The Tundra Inn is a cozy, family-run hotel offering comfortable accommodations in Churchill.  

2. Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Not your typical accommodation, this active research facility offers "Learning Vacations." During winter, guests can join their winter program for prime Aurora viewing and learning.  

3. Lazy Bear Lodge

Handcrafted from locally sourced logs, this lodge provides a warm, rustic atmosphere. Its guided Aurora tours take guests away from the town lights into the vast, dark tundra for an unparalleled viewing experience. 

Where to eat in Churchill

Churchill is a small town with a population of 900. There are a few eateries in the town. Churchill Northern Lights packages often include meals. Here are examples of where you might go to eat in Churchill (depending on your itinerary).

Dan’s Diner

Getting to Dan’s Diner is an adventure that involves crossing the frozen Churchill River on a Tundra Buggy. Once there, enjoy delicious regional cuisine at the pop-up restaurant and watch the Aurora Borealis through the panoramic windows. 

Tundra Pub

The Tundra Pub is across the street from the Tundra Inn. The pub serves tasty home-cooked meals that feature regional ingredients.  

Churchill Northern Studies Centre

If you join a trip to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, meals are in a cafeteria where you can chat with visiting scientists, the in-house research team, and other life-long learners. 

Explore Churchill: transportation

Our Churchill Northern Lights trips include transportation to your accommodation in Churchill and a range of small-group guided tours. You can learn about the local history and culture as experienced guides take you to see the highlights of Churchill. 

You can travel by Tundra Buggy on our Northern Lights of Churchill trip. The Tundra Buggy is a vehicle designed specifically for crossing the rugged tundra terrain in all seasons.

Reaching Churchill

By air

Churchill is accessible by air with regular flights from Winnipeg. The flight takes about 2 hours. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Churchill. 

It also offers stunning aerial views of the Manitoban landscapes. Most Northern Lights packages include return flights from Winnipeg to Churchill. Ask your Vacation Advisor for more information about transportation to Churchill. 

Beyond the Aurora: explore Churchill’s activities

While the Northern Lights may be the star of your trip, don't miss out on Churchill's abundant wildlife, the rich local culture, and gentle outdoor activities that make your Arctic sojourn well-rounded.  

1. Dogsledding

Experience the thrill of mushing through the snowy landscape, guided by a team of energetic sled dogs. Dogsledding is suitable for seniors with good mobility. Tours follow an easy route through the snow, so you can do this activity if you are steady on your feet.  

2. Snowshoeing

Explore the pristine winter wonderland on snowshoes, allowing you to venture off the beaten path and immerse yourself in nature. 

3. Wildlife viewing

Depending on the time of year, you may see polar bears (during fall months), Arctic foxes, and other wildlife species that call Churchill home, with expert guides leading the way. 

4. Cultural immersion

Meet members of Indigenous communities to learn about their traditions, history, and way of life in the Canadian Arctic. Some cultures in this area have belief systems tied to the Northern Lights: the Inuit interpret them as spirits of animals or departed ancestors.  

5. Winter photography

Capture breathtaking shots of the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky and the stunning winter landscapes.

6. Churchill town highlights

Visit the Itsanitaq Museum to see Inuit carvings, see the Polar Bear Holding Facility, explore interactive displays and wildlife dioramas at the Parks Canada Centre, and more.  

These activities are an excellent complement to your Northern Lights experience in Churchill, Manitoba, ensuring a memorable and well-rounded adventure in the Canadian Arctic. 

Respect the glow: Northern Lights etiquette 

Remember to honor the environment, wildlife, and local communities during your Northern Lights experience. Embrace a 'leave no trace' ethos, keeping the magic of Churchill intact for future Aurora chasers. 

Savor the night’s spectacle: tips for viewing the Aurora Borealis

Dress warmly, pack patience, and immerse yourself in the spectacle when the sky dances. A camera with long-exposure settings can freeze the ethereal moments forever.

Here are some valuable recommendations to enhance your Northern Lights experience:   

1. Plan your visit during the best time: Visit Churchill between early fall and early spring, from September to March, when the Northern Lights are most active and visible due to longer nights and clearer skies. Most Northern Lights trips to Churchill take place in February or March.  

2. Check the Aurora forecast: Monitor the local weather and Aurora Borealis forecasts to see which nights are predicted to have higher auroral activity, increasing your chances of seeing vibrant displays. Aurora forecasts help you anticipate the intensity and timing of the Northern Lights. There are many resources available to help you plan your best viewing times, such as the Space Weather Prediction Center (1) and the app Aurora Alerts North (2). 
   
   On a Northern Lights Churchill trip, local guides will track the Aurora for you and help you capture the scene on camera.

3. Dress warmly and layer up: Bundle up in multiple layers of warm clothing, including thermal wear, hats, gloves, and insulated boots to stay comfortable in the cold temperatures. The Arctic climate can be harsh, so dressing appropriately will help you stay warm and enjoy the Northern Lights comfortably.

4. Bring essential equipment: Don't forget to pack a sturdy tripod for stable camera shots, extra camera batteries, and memory cards for capturing long-exposure photographs. The lack of light pollution in Churchill lends itself well to aurora borealis photography, making it a hotspot for professional photographers and stargazers alike.

5. Be patient and allow time: The Northern Lights can be unpredictable, so be prepared to wait for them to appear. Patience is key.
   
   
6. Enjoy the entire experience: Remember to take breaks, appreciate the peaceful surroundings, and embrace the awe-inspiring beauty of the Arctic wilderness while waiting for the Northern Lights. 

Following these tips will help you have an unforgettable Northern Lights vacation in Churchill, Manitoba. 

Did you know? Churchill Northern Lights tours offer travelers heated observation tents, cabins, or other structures where you can view the lights in comfort, even on frigid nights.  

Etiquette for watching the Northern Lights

Like with any natural wonder, it is crucial to practice responsible tourism when taking a trip to see the Northern Lights. Responsible travellers are sure to respect the environment and its wildlife, as well as the local cultures and communities. To preserve our natural world for future generations, all travellers should try to leave no trace no matter where their journeys take them. Refrain from littering, damaging vegetation, or disturbing wildlife habitats.