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Polar bear among fireweed, Churchill Manitoba credit Dennis FastChurchill, Manitoba, a small town in northern Canada, has been named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2023. The recognition highlights the town’s natural wonders, including polar bear and beluga whale migration, as well as its reputation as a sustainable travel destination.

This honour comes just two years after Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city, was included in the same list. Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba, expressed his excitement over the recognition, stating, “It’s no surprise to see Churchill on a list of spectacular locations from around the globe. Anyone who has been to Churchill knows this is a world-class place to visit.”

Polar bear in summer, Churchill Manitoba Credit Dennis Fast

Polar bear in summer, Churchill Manitoba Credit Dennis Fast

Churchill’s inclusion was due to the nomination of Brooklyn-based journalist Nicholas DeRenzo, who visited the town in August 2022 with support from Travel Manitoba and Churchill tour operator Frontiers North Adventures. DeRenzo praised Churchill as a “northern wonder,” highlighting the town’s innovative and conservation-focused tourism practices, such as the use of electric Tundra Buggies® for wildlife tours and tours alongside real scientists.

TIME’s list of the World’s Greatest Places is compiled based on recommendations from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with a focus on new and exciting experiences. Churchill is included among 49 other global destinations, such as Jerusalem, Kyoto, and Mexico City.

Churchill, known for its polar bear and beluga whale tourism, offers visitors a rare and intimate view of wildlife experiences in North America. Visitors can witness polar bears in their natural habitat, journey alongside beluga whales in the Churchill River, and experience the northern lights in all their glory.

The town’s outfitters are committed to sustainability, with conservation efforts at the forefront of their tours. Visitors can feel good about their impact as a tourist, knowing that Churchill’s outfitters are innovating in creative ways to protect and preserve the town’s natural wonders.

Travel Manitoba, a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation, leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.6 billion pre-pandemic tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research, and public information.

For those looking to visit Churchill, Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney, as well as direct flights between Brisbane and Vancouver four times per week. Qantas also offers direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver. Daily connecting flights are available from Vancouver to Winnipeg, in addition to the VIA Rail train service.

Churchill, Manitoba’s inclusion in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2023 is a well-deserved recognition of the town’s natural beauty, innovative tourism practices, and commitment to sustainability. As more travellers seek out authentic and sustainable travel experiences, Churchill is sure to continue capturing the world’s attention as a must-visit destination.

To see the complete TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2023 list can be viewed here.

 

 

 

Written by: Jason Smith

 

 

 

 

 

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