Churchill, Manitoba, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Churchill, Manitoba, Canada? If you're planning to go to Churchill, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Churchill, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Churchill, Manitoba, Canada by month

January

January in Churchill can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C). It snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Churchill can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C), with several days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you go to Churchill in March, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you go to Churchill in April, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Expect it to snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Churchill is cold and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right type. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Churchill is chilly and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August in Churchill is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in this region is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October is frigid and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

Traveling to Churchill in November, you will notice that it is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

In December, Churchill is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C) range. At night, lows are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Churchill, with of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Churchill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Itsanitaq Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Churchill is a beautiful town situated on the banks of Hudson Bay, in the northern region of Manitoba, Canada. Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, Churchill is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience for tourists. The town has an undeniably unique and remote setting that adds to its natural charm. There are many attractions and activities that make Churchill a must-see destination for tourists, including:

1. Polar Bears:

The foremost attraction of Churchill is its massive population of polar bears. The town is positioned directly in the middle of the annual polar bear migration, and it is one of the only places in the world where you can have up-close encounters. Every fall, dozens of polar bears collect around the edge of the Hudson Bay, waiting for the winter freeze so they can embark on their annual hunt for seals. For a close encounter with these magnificent creatures, tourists often opt for a tundra buggy tour or even a walking tour with an experienced guide.

2. Beluga Whales:

Churchill is a fantastic destination to witness Beluga whales. Located on the coast of Hudson Bay, Churchill is home to the largest migratory congregation of beluga whales, and visitors can go kayaking or go on a zodiac tour from several local operators to capture a glimpse of these beautiful sea creatures' antics.

3. Northern lights:

Due to Churchill's isolated location, it is one of the few places on earth where you can have a crystal-clear view of the northern lights. The town provides ideal conditions for observing this splendid natural phenomenon that reflects dancing greens, blues, yellows, and purples across the sky during the winter nights.

4. The historic Hudson Bay’s Churchill Heritage Railway Station:

The Hudson Bay’s Churchill Heritage Railway Station is a historic building that dates back to 1929. The station acts as a gateway to Churchill and serves as an informative center for everything that is Churchill.

5. Cape Merry:

Cape Merry is a point of architecture situated at the entrance to the Churchill River, and it served as an essential lookout and defense post during the 1700s-1800s, which makes it a significant historical landmark. The site is now an ideal picnic spot, as well as an excellent place to watch for marine wildlife such as whales and dolphins while enjoying a breathtaking view of the northern lights.

6. Wapusk National Park:

Wapusk National Park is situated around 45-60 minutes from Churchill, and it's an untouched wilderness. It's an excellent place for wildlife viewing, hiking trails, water activities, and hunting. The park is home to polar bears, wolves, caribou, arctic fox, lynx, wolverine, and many other species.

In conclusion, Churchill, Manitoba, is undoubtedly one of the few destinations in the world with a reputation that precedes it. Tourists from all over the world flock to Churchill to witness the polar bear migration and the northern lights. This is without a doubt an experience of a lifetime, combined with the opportunity to witness beluga whales and explore Manitoba's untouched wilderness. Churchill is a destination that caters for all age groups, and there’s something for everyone. Pack your bags and head out to Churchill to witness the natural magic that Manitoba has to offer.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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