Northern Lights of Churchill by Train
Travel by train to view the Northern Lights in Churchill
Head north on a train journey to Churchill. Embark on exciting daytime activities, like dog sledding, before chasing the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) at night.
Three nights of Northern Lights viewing from three different locations
Once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience under the night sky in Dan's Diner
Sleep in a cozy Churchill hotel
Guided dogsledding and snowshoeing
Interpretive presentations & tours
Suggested length
8 days / 7 nights
Price
From Loading... per person
When to go
February
From Loading... pp
The insider
Experience
Aurora Borealis Viewing
Spend three evenings searching for the Northern Lights at different locations in Churchill.
Dog Sledding in Churchill
Enjoy an authentic dog sledding experience with a local Métis musher. Hear tales of Arctic racing, meet the pack of lovingly cared-for sled dogs, then feel the exhilaration of racing a team.
Tundra Buggy
Cross the frozen Churchill River in a tundra buggy to reach unique dining and northern lights viewing destinations.
Snowshoe Trek
Head out on an exhilarating snowshoe trek in one of Churchill's nearby forests.
Train to Churchill
Journey north through the remote regions of Manitoba, past the tiny communities that rely on this train line.
Explore Churchill
During the day, see Churchill's top sights: Polar Bear International House, the Polar Bear Holding Facility, Itsanitaq Museum and more.
Itinerary
![Your Northern Lights Adventure Begins]()
- 1
Your Northern Lights Adventure Begins
Known affectionately as Winter-Peg, Winnipeg was historically established as a fur trade post, but is now a vibrant, cultural hub in the heart of Canada’s prairies.
- 2
VIA Rail - Depart Winnipeg
Board VIA Rail's Winnipeg-Churchill train and begin your journey north today.
![VIA Rail - Depart Winnipeg]()
![VIA Rail - Northern Manitoba]()
- 3
VIA Rail - Northern Manitoba
Read a book, relax, and enjoy the company of your group as you travel through remote northern Manitoba.
- 4
Arrive in Churchill, View the Northern Lights
Your journey on board VIA Rail ends as you arrive in the small northern town of Churchill today, accessible only by air or rail. Start your northern lights viewing adventure!
- Churchill Town and Area Tour
- Itsanitaq Museum Visit
- Northern Lights Forest Excursion
![Arrive in Churchill, View the Northern Lights]()
![Experience Churchill]()
- 5
Experience Churchill
Over the next few days, immerse yourself in Northern life.
- Polar Bears International House
- Interpretive Snow Shoe Tour
- Northern Lights Culinary Experience
- 6
Explore the North, View the Lights
Enjoy another day of extraordinary experiences in Churchill.
- Dog Sledding Adventure
- Northern Lights Viewing - Thanadelthur Lounge
![Explore the North, View the Lights]()
![Churchill to Winnipeg]()
- 7
Churchill to Winnipeg
After a final day in Churchill, travel back to Winnipeg.
- Parks Canada Centre Visit
- 8
Depart Winnipeg
After checking out of your hotel, leave Winnipeg at your leisure.
![Depart Winnipeg]()
Like this trip?
Prices
This trip is available on multiple dates. Please download the full itinerary or get in touch with us to explore what suits you best.
Itinerary
Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.
Train to Vancouver
IN STYLE
These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
- 0102
Exterior of the Tundra Inn Tundra Inn
Example of a Comfort hotel in Churchill
The Tundra Inn is a charming, family-run hotel located in the northern town of Churchill. With comfortable accommodation and complimentary amenities, this is the perfect place to relax before or after your arctic adventure.
- 0102
Exterior of the Inn at the Forks Inn at the Forks
Example of a Superior hotel in Winnipeg
In the heart of downtown Winnipeg, right where the Assiniboine River meet the Red River, lies the Inn at the Forks. The hotel’s superb location means that the city’s top attractions, including the Forks National Historic Site, are all nearby.
Insider's tip
Canada is such a magical place in winter. Seeing the northern lights shimmer across a dark northern sky is a life-changing experience!
Natalie
Northern Lights Viewing Insider
your questions answered
What's included
Frequently asked questions
All of our overnight train journeys feature a private cabin on board the train. In addition, you'll typically enjoy the train's viewing areas, common lounges, and dining cars where you can socialize with fellow travelers.
The Northern Lights are most commonly a greenish-yellow hue, though they can appear pink, red, blue and even violet.
Yes! In spite of its cold and snowy reputation, Canada is one of the world’s best destinations for winter sports and activities, from downhill skiing and heli-skiing (invented in Canada), to dog sledding and snowshoeing. Canada is also one of the top places on the planet to see the Northern Lights, with best viewing between November and March.
You can photograph the Northern Lights, but you will need a tripod and preferably a DSLR camera where you can control the shutter speed. A wide angle lens is also recommended to capture their full scope.
Similar Trips
View some of our other favorite trips
True NorthNEWSLETTER
Sign up for vacation inspiration, insider tips, exclusive offers and more.