Trip to Churchill

In August we joined a trip arranged by Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities to Churchill, Manitoba. This was the first time that the children have been on a really long train trip- the journey each way from Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan to Churchill takes 25 hours. Although the train carries a sleeping car, we traveled sitting.

VIA rail operates both the locomotives and cars, which were almost fifty years old. However, this is not a preserved or cruise train but the ordinary means of transportation to the north, as Churchill cannot be accessed by road. We ate in the dining car twice a day, and the food was excellent.

The journey to Churchill is across flat forest and muskeg with the crossing of the Nelson River at the Kettle Rapids the most spectacular part. Trees gradually become smaller traveling north.

The attraction of Churchill to S.A.R.M. is that there is a grain terminal, which is much closer to northern Europe than the busier ports further south. For tourists, it is the most accessible place in the Artic. There is the Prince of Wales Fort , besieged and surrendered to the French.

Wildlife is the other attraction with a polar bear migration route going through the town. We saw a mother and one year old on the journey in, but August is not the best month. The mouth of the Churchill River had a large number of Beluga Whales which are white small whales. There were artic birds with terns and whimbrels.

We had a great time. We recommend traveling with a party because many of the attractions need boat or bus access, and there is limited accommodation in the town, most of which is booked to groups. A map, binoculars and snack food are necessary items too.