Photo: James Brittain
Polar Bears International House
Interpretive center located in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, the famous polar bear gathering place
Photo: James Brittain
A home in the polar bear capital of the world
Every year, polar bears gather near Churchill, Manitoba to wait for the sea ice to return. And every year, scientists, photographers, tourists, and members of the media gather there, too—to learn first-hand about the challenges the bears face in a warming climate.
As polar bear central, Churchill has long served as a launch pad for our conservation and outreach efforts—and now we have a public center where people can come in and learn about polar bears and polar bear research.
About Polar Bears International House
Polar Bears International House is attractive, energy-efficient, and multi-purpose in design and scope. The building was designed by Blouin-Orzes, a Montreal-based architecture firm with experience working in the Canadian north. It:
Provides space to educate Churchill visitors about polar bears, climate change, and the urgent need to take action
Features cutting-edge interpretation on polar bears, sea ice, and current polar bear research
Hosts visiting scientists, educators, and special guests whose outreach work and support are critical to polar bear conservation
Serves as a gathering place for members of the Churchill community and provides local employment and internship opportunities
Includes a workspace, bunkhouse, kitchen, and place to store equipment
Inspires people to care about the Arctic and its wildlife by featuring live cams that highlight polar bears, beluga whales, and northern lights
Has become a meaningful community asset
Photo: James Brittain
Visit Us!
Address
241 Kelsey Boulevard, Churchill, Manitoba
2025 Northern Lights Season Hours
February 12 – March 13
Open to the Public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 12 pm – 5 pm CT
2024 Beluga Season Hours
July 1 – August 31
Tuesday – Saturday, 1–5 pm CT
2024 Bear Season Hours
October 1 – November 16 (but closed October 6)
10am – 6 pm CT Daily
Group Bookings
Group Tours can be booked separately by emailing pbihouse@pbears.org. Tours by appointment outside regular hours also available.
Funding from the Tourism Innovation and Recovery Fund was used to update interpretative centre programming at the Polar Bears International House.
