Churchill photo tour

Take a walk with photo editor Jessica Finn and associate editor Michela Rosano as they explore Churchill, Manitoba during polar bear season on assignment for Canadian Geographic

Apr 30, 2015
571 words
3 minutes

By Jessica Finn

At the Northern Store on Kelsey St., Churchillians can buy salad, snowmobiles and sweaters under one roof. However, like many northern communities, transporting goods is not an easy task and prices are high. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

These long, needle-like frost crystals are called hoarfrost, and only form when the conditions are just right to turn water vapour directly into ice. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Myrtle DeMeulles has lived in Churchill for more than 50 years and is well known for having put her own creative stamp on the aboriginal art form of caribou hair tufting. She carefully sculpts her creations into beautiful three dimensions works of art. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

An old boat sits at Town Beach on Hudson Bay behind the large community complex and serves as a playground in the summer. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Bazilik Jewellers on the main drag is a Churchill institution owned by Ed Bazilik, a resident who’s spent much of his life in the Arctic community. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Gypsys is the place to meet in Churchill where tourists and locals gather for good food and good conversation. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Spirit Way wolves, decorated wolf statues in Winnipeg, Thompson and Churchill were feature the work of Manitoba artists and highlight various cultural, historical and natural attractions in the province. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

At the Lazy Bear lodge, guests can sample local fare including Arctic char, elk and bison. The log-cabin style lodge was hand-built using local lumber from the nearby boreal forest. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Everyday after school for generations, children would darken the doorstep of the cookie lady, as she’s affectionately known, for one of her homemade treats. This park was recently built beside her old house on Button Street to commemorate the happiness she brought to the community. In the background, is a colourful row of Manitoba housing units. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

The Town Centre Complex was built in the 1970s and houses the Duke of Marlborough School, public library, health centre, longterm care facility, swimming pool and theatre and other recreational activities. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

St. Paul’s Anglican Church is more than 100 years old and houses numerous historical and cultural artifacts including a stained glass window donated by Lady Franklin in gratitude of the town’s efforts to find her husband, lost Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Since there are no roads leading to Churchill, vehicles are transported to the town by rail. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Dogs are a common sight in Churchill and serve as both companions and guards to warn against approaching bears. The port, looming in the background, is Canada’s only Arctic seaport shipping goods further north and overseas to Europe and Africa. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Churchill is connected to the electricity grid, however many residents also rely on other fuel for power and heat. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Buildings in Churchill are often decorated or painted bright colours to combat the dreariness of the winter months. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Three important signs in Churchill for tourists: be cautious of polar bears, especially during their fall migration, the Thanadelthur trail runs along the coast and commemorates the Chipewyan woman who was instrumental to the founding of the town. (Photo: Jessica Finn/Canadian Geographic)

Help us tell Canada’s story

You can support Canadian Geographic in 3 ways:

Donate Subscribe Shop

canada