Wapusk National Park
One of the world's largest polar bear denning areas, reachable only by small plane or specialist tour, where mother bears and cubs emerge from their dens in late winter.
The national park lies southeast of Churchill, and its vast tundra, peat bogs and permafrost make it a major denning ground for polar bears. Every year in February and March, mother bears emerge from snow dens with three-month-old cubs. A small number of licensed operators run limited bear-viewing camp tours, and in summer you can take a helicopter or small plane over the park. There are no roads linking the park to the outside world, the trips are expensive and places are limited, so book up to a year in advance. Park information is available from the Parks Canada visitor centre in town.
Opening hours
Entry only with a licensed operator
Nearby sights
- Churchill Wildlife Management Area & Tundra Buggy Tours
- Churchill Northern Studies Centre
- MV Ithaka Shipwreck
- Polar Bear Holding Facility
- Miss Piggy Plane Wreck
- Itsanitaq Museum
- Churchill Station & Parks Canada Visitor Centre
- Cape Merry Battery