Journey to Churchill

Discover the magic of the north in the heart of the continent.

The award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit is the most comprehensive northern species exhibit of its kind in the world. Experience a variety of naturalistic landscapes, animal viewing areas, interpretive signage and interactive displays which invite visitors to learn about biodiversity, climate change and conservation. It is an educational classroom like no other, inviting exploration, challenging thinking and promoting personal action.

At the Wapusk Lowlands, a towering inukshuk welcomes visitors to Journey to Churchill. With no visible barriers between the species, visitors experience the vastness of the tundra. The Churchill Coast presents a façade resembling the town of Churchill, where visitors will feel as though they have been transported to the northern frontier. 

Gateway to the Arctic

In Gateway to the Arctic, underwater viewing tunnels known as Sea Ice Passage give visitors the rare opportunity to view polar bears and seals swimming from below the surface of the water. With only a clear wall bisecting the two species habitats, the polar bears and seals see and smell each other, creating a dynamic and enriching environment. Step into the 360 degree Aurora Borealis Theatre to enjoy our short feature film, Rhythms of the North, to learn about the people and animals that live in Canada’s north.

Guests visiting the Journey to Churchill exhibit may observe a diver cleaning the underwater viewing tunnels every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM throughout the year. After the tunnels are scrubbed, the water can remain cloudy for up to two hours as the filtration system clears the debris, which may temporarily reduce visibility. However, seals will still be visible, and polar bears can be seen in other areas of their habitat during the cleaning process.

Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre

When you visit Journey to Churchill, stop by the interactive interpretive centre at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. Here, you’ll learn about polar bears, the Arctic ecosystem, research in action, climate change, and what you can do to reduce your impact on our environment. Programming at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre is made possible in part by Calm Air.

Animals

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Learn more about the Zoo’s polar bears
Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca)
Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus)
Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Harbor (Common) Seal (Phoca vitulina)

Awards

  • 2015 Exhibit Award Top Honours - Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
  • 2015 Thomas R. Baines Award for outstanding achievement - Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA)
  • 2015 Innovation Award - Travel Manitoba

Journey to Churchill Photo Gallery

Muskox

Two polar bears sniffing the air

Seal swimming in its enclosure

Two snowy owls in their enclosure

Assiniboine Park
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