Prince of Wales Fort
A star-shaped stone fort built by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 18th century, on the opposite bank of the Churchill River mouth, now a Canadian National Historic Site.
Built by the Hudson's Bay Company between 1731 and 1771, this is one of the northernmost star-shaped bastion forts in North America, and dozens of cannons still line its walls. It surrendered to the French in 1782 without a fight. Today it is managed by Parks Canada, and in summer visitors must cross the mouth of the Churchill River by boat and tour the fort accompanied by an armed guide, as a precaution against polar bears. It is often combined with a beluga-watching cruise, and nearby Sloop Cove still bears carvings left by 18th-century sailors.
Opening hours
Jul–Aug, by boat tour only
Nearby sights
- Churchill River Beluga Whales
- Cape Merry Battery
- Churchill Station & Parks Canada Visitor Centre
- Itsanitaq Museum
- Miss Piggy Plane Wreck
- Polar Bear Holding Facility
- MV Ithaka Shipwreck
- Churchill Northern Studies Centre