Find the perfect gift in Fifty Eight North!
Churchill, Manitoba may be small but its charm is mighty. And while it may be known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, there’s a lot more to it than that. Here are a few suggestions designed to help you soak up the essence of this quaint seaside town as you’re passing through during your Churchill Wild safari.
Shopping in Churchill
We have small gifts shops at all of our lodges but if you’re looking for a little something more in the way of a perfect souvenir, there are several great options in Churchill. Plus, all of these are right on Kelsey Boulevard, the Champs-Élysées of Churchill.
1. The Arctic Trading Company
This quaint shop carries hand-beaded moccasins, Inuit carvings, sculptures made from caribou hair and a host of other treasures representative of the region.
2. Fifty Eight North
This store, run by Frontiers North Adventures, carries an extensive collection of Hudson’s Bay Company merchandise and cozy winter gear, as well as books, artwork and gifts.
3. Northern Images
Looking for art? Northern Images probably has something that will speak to you. This shop carries breathtaking traditional sculptures, prints, wall hangings and jewellery.
BONUS: Stop by The Northern Store, Churchill’s grocery store, to compare prices to your hometown.
Eating in Churchill
You’ll love the ambience of the Lazy Bear Café.
If you’ve been on one of our polar bear safaris, you’ve already partaken in our culinary experience and are probably thinking, how can you suggest even MORE food?! But you really should try to stop by one of these local spots if you have time for a meal or even a quick snack while you’re in Churchill.
4. Gypsy’s Bakery
This is the place where locals gather to drink coffee and catch-up. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in is a display case of pastries — don’t even try to resist. They taste as good as they look, and you’re on vacation, so why not treat yourself! Grab a latte to go along with it.
5. Lazy Bear Café
The ambience of this cozy café is perfection. Log furnishings, a roaring fire and entrees such as Braised Peppered Elk and Manitoba Bison await you. Grab a seat and enjoy one last northern meal to cap off your adventure.
6. Tundra Inn Dining Room & Pub
Featured on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here, the Tundra Inn has a menu that will make your mouth water. There’s something for everyone, from their famous vegetarian Borealis Burger to the Elk Meatloaf served with cranberry jus. If you’re spending the night in Churchill, grab a drink at the pub and catch live music on Friday nights.
Sightseeing in Churchill
Make sure to check out “Miss Piggy” on your Churchill trip!
7. Visit the Inukshuk
Your trip to northern Manitoba isn’t complete without the quintessential shot of Churchill’s giant Inukshuk, located behind the town complex. Better yet, make it a selfie!
8. Meet Miss Piggy
This Curtiss C-46 Commando aircraft crashed just after taking off from the Churchill airport. Rumour has it that she was overloaded with cargo and this is where her nickname came from. All three crew members survived the crash and now she rests on the rocks just north of town.
9. Ithaca Shipwreck
The rudder on this 80-metre British ship broke in strong winds and she ran aground just outside of Bird Cove near Churchill in September 1960. During low tide you can walk right up to her, but keep an eye out for rising tides!
10. Cape Merry
Grab one last breath of salty sea air at Cape Merry, a National Historic Site of Canada. This old fortress site is sandwiched between Hudson Bay and the mouth of the Churchill River and you can still see remnants of the cannon battery that was constructed here in 1717. If you visit in the summer, keep your eyes out for belugas!
For more, visit EverythingChurchill.com.
