VACATION DETAILS

The "Polar Bear Capital of the World," the town of Churchill transports visitors to an authentic experience within the tundra of Manitoba Canada. An ecotourists' dream, watch the polar bear migration across the ice of the Hudson Bay from the safety of a "tundra buggie." In the summer, witness the beluga whales who enjoy the warm waters of the Churchill River. Gaze in awe at the stunning aurora borealis, which comes to life during the winter nights in a spectacular show of colors, lights and true natural beauty.

Winnipeg surprises. It's a large and cosmopolitan city rising from the vast plains of southern Manitoba, not the regional town some may expect. Winnipeg is home to the world-class Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Blue Bombers football team and many other treasures. Fine museums, good local transit and a stimulating, multicultural atmosphere contribute to the sophistication.

Settlers in Winnipeg have included indigenous aboriginal people, French- and English-speaking Canadians, Germans, Ukrainians, Chinese, Filipinos and others. This mix gives the town its international flavor, which manifests in a wonderful variety of markets, restaurants and cultural centers.

This sophistication is nicely balanced by the town's wide-open, Western feel, its proximity to the surrounding farmlands and by the fact that it's relatively small, as big cities go. Winnipeg is easy to get to know and yet complex enough for an interesting visit.