Take This 49 Hour Train Ride to a Remote Town Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”
Tourists are now discovering Manitoba’s VIA train route to Churchill for the first time: You can’t drive here!
Looking for an adventure that’s both scenic and unforgettable? Hop aboard the VIA Rail train from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, and discover one of Canada’s most incredible experiences. This 1,700-kilometer (1,055 miles) journey transports you from the bustling city of Winnipeg to the remote Arctic tundra, where the charming town of Churchill—known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”—awaits. There are only two ways to get here and driving isn’t one of them. Traveling by train means comfort and relaxation as you enjoy sweeping views of Canada's diverse landscape from the panoramic windows of the VIA Rail cars.
Image Courtesy: VIA Rail Canada
As you travel further north in the upper deck glass-enclosed observation car, you’ll watch the environment transform from sprawling fields to boreal forest, eventually giving way to the stark, mesmerizing tundra. Not only is this train ride a breathtaking way to see Canada's rugged landscapes, but it also offers a unique chance to witness wildlife and natural wonders that few other destinations can match. The train experience itself feels like a journey back in time, with cozy sleeper cabins, delicious onboard dining — and the chance to disconnect from the fast pace of everyday life because there’s no working wifi to interrupt.
Along the route, you’ll pass through the vast boreal forests, sweeping prairies, and eventually enter the subarctic tundra, where wildlife like caribou, foxes, and even the iconic polar bears roam freely. Beyond the polar bears, Churchill offers rich Indigenous culture, opportunities to kayak with beluga whales, and front-row seats to the northern lights during certain times of the year.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHURCHILL, MANITOBA
To get between Churchill, Manitoba, Canada and Winnipeg, Manitoba, there are only two options: A $1,100USD one-way flight that takes 2.5 hours or a scenic 45-49 hour train ride. This is a $200USD train ride is a “scenic adventure” like no other.
Image: Polar Bear in Churchill, Manitoba
The train's leisurely pace allows you to soak in the dramatic changes in scenery, making the trip a photographer’s dream. Once you arrive in Churchill, the adventure truly begins—whether it’s spotting polar bears, beluga whales, or catching the mesmerizing northern lights, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring moments.
Image Courtesy: VIA Rail Canada
Churchill’s connection to the rest of the world
Unlike any other rail journey in Canada, the Winnipeg to Churchill route transports passengers from the urban comforts of Manitoba's capital to the remote wilderness of the Arctic in just two days. Forget the hassle of airports and crowded highways—this rail journey is the perfect way to experience Canada's wild beauty in comfort and style!
