Churchill, Manitoba, is one of Canada’s most remote towns and one of the only places in the world where you can reliably see polar bears in the wild. It also attracts visitors for beluga whales in summer and the northern lights in winter. But getting there is not straightforward. With no roads leading directly into town, most visitors fly. For those who want a slower and more adventurous approach, the train to Churchill offers a unique experience.
The journey combines road travel to reach the train line and then a two-day rail trip across the northern wilderness. It is long, sometimes uncomfortable, but unforgettable.
Why Churchill Is Hard to Reach
Churchill sits on the shore of Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. Its isolation comes from geography: boreal forest to the south, tundra to the north, and wetlands in between. No permanent road has ever been built to connect Churchill with the rest of Canada. That leaves two options—flying in or taking the train.
Flying is fast but expensive. The train, while cheaper, takes about 48 hours from the railhead in Thompson or The Pas. For travelers with time and patience, the train is part of the adventure, offering views of landscapes that few people ever see.
Getting to the Train
To catch the train, most travelers first drive or fly to Thompson, Manitoba, about 760 kilometers north of Winnipeg. The drive from Winnipeg takes 8 to 9 hours, while flights from Winnipeg are about 2 hours.
Another option is to join the line further south at The Pas, which connects to Winnipeg by road and rail. From The Pas, the train to Churchill takes about 36 hours. From Thompson, it takes about 16–18 hours.
Most people drive or fly to Thompson, park or overnight there, and then board the train north.
The Train Experience
The train to Churchill is operated by VIA Rail. It is not a luxury train but a practical lifeline for northern communities. It carries local residents, supplies, and travelers bound for Churchill.
- Schedule: Trains run a few times a week, depending on the season.
- Classes: Economy seats are cheapest, while sleeper and cabin options offer beds for the long ride.
- Facilities: A dining car serves simple meals, and there are lounge areas for socializing.
Trains in this part of Canada are often delayed. Weather, track conditions, and freight traffic can add hours to the journey. Travelers should expect flexibility and not plan tight connections.
Scenery Along the Route
The train covers hundreds of kilometers through landscapes that change dramatically.
- Boreal forest: Dense stands of spruce and pine, dotted with lakes and rivers.
- Taiga and tundra: As the train heads north, trees thin out, replaced by shrubs and open wetlands.
- Wildlife: Moose, black bears, and countless birds are often visible from the windows.
Because the train moves slowly, there is plenty of time to take in the scenery. Many travelers describe it as one of the quiet pleasures of the journey.
Arriving in Churchill
After nearly two days, the train pulls into Churchill, a small town with fewer than 1,000 residents. The town is compact, and most hotels and tour operators are within walking distance of the station.
Depending on the season, travelers come for different reasons:
- October–November: Polar bear viewing on guided tundra buggy tours.
- July–August: Beluga whale watching in the Churchill River.
- Winter (January–March): Northern lights displays on clear nights.
The train adds to the sense of accomplishment. You have not just flown in—you have arrived the hard way, with a deeper appreciation for how remote Churchill really is.
Costs
- Train fare: Economy from Thompson to Churchill starts around $100–$150 CAD one-way. Sleeper accommodations cost more, usually $300–$500 CAD depending on class.
- Food: Meals in the dining car are reasonably priced, though many bring snacks.
- Flights: By comparison, flights from Winnipeg to Churchill often cost $800–$1,200 CAD round trip.
For budget travelers, the train is the more affordable choice, though the time investment is significant.
Pros and Cons of the Train
Pros:
- Cheaper than flying
- Scenic, slow travel through remote wilderness
- Memorable experience and chance to meet locals
Cons:
- Very long journey (up to 48 hours)
- Delays are common
- Limited comfort in economy class
Practical Tips
- Book early in peak seasons (polar bear and beluga whale months).
- Pack food and drinks to supplement dining car options.
- Bring layers as temperatures can shift dramatically, even in summer.
- Expect delays and plan your itinerary with buffer days.
- Consider upgrading to sleeper class for more comfort on the long ride.
Why Take the Train Instead of Flying?
Most travelers choose the train not for convenience but for the experience. Flying drops you in Churchill in a couple of hours. The train makes you feel the distance, the remoteness, and the effort it takes to live in northern Manitoba. It also supports the communities along the line, many of which rely on the train for supplies.
For those who like slow travel, the train is part of the story. It builds anticipation for Churchill and provides memories that last as long as the wildlife encounters themselves.
Final Thoughts
Reaching Churchill is never simple, but that is part of its appeal. The road-and-train journey forces you to slow down, look out the window, and see landscapes that few visitors ever witness. By the time you arrive, you feel the remoteness in your bones.
Whether you come for polar bears, beluga whales, or the northern lights, taking the train is about more than getting to a destination. It is about understanding what it means to live on the edge of Hudson Bay, connected to the rest of the world by a single set of tracks.
For travelers with patience, the train to Churchill is one of the great journeys of Canada—long, rugged, and deeply rewarding.
