On a clear July afternoon in Churchill, Manitoba, the unusual choice to explore the remote northern town by electric bike offers a fresh perspective on the rugged Hudson Bay coastline. Dave Daley, a lifelong resident and Indigenous tourism pioneer, and his daughter Danielle, guide visitors through the town and along scenic routes, blending local history with natural beauty. Their family-run company, Wapusk Adventures, has expanded beyond its well-known dogsled tours to include e-bike excursions both within town limits and along the more challenging stretch of Hudson Bay coast.

The ride reveals more than just the landscape: passengers encounter colourful murals, the harbour, and Cape Merry, where an old stone battery overlooks the Churchill River’s mouth. Along Coast Road, the tundra stretches between the road and the bay, covered in moss, low shrubs, boulders, and patches of blooming fireweed. Daley draws attention to Arctic cotton grass swaying in the breeze, describing its subtle scent as “what Churchill would smell like if it were a candle.” The slower pace of cycling allows riders to hear waves, smell wildflowers, and notice small details often missed from vehicles.

However, the natural allure of the area comes with caution. Cyclists are advised to remain vigilant for polar bears, especially in an area locals call Polar Bear Alley, where roadside rocks bear layers of graffiti from past visitors. Danielle Daley humorously warns that if a bear appears, riders should take cover behind her father, who carries a firearm for safety. While polar bears remain a key attraction, tours emphasize maintaining a safe distance.

Reaching Churchill itself is a journey that sets the tone for visits. Most travelers arrive by air, but the twice-weekly VIA Rail train offers a slower, more scenic route lasting about 44 hours from Winnipeg. The train, running year-round with stops and local passengers along the way, carries a diverse mix of tourists, residents returning home, and researchers. Along the route, passengers pass farmland, wetlands, forests, muskeg, and even wildlife such as moose at the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border. The lengthy journey, described by some as an adventure in itself, culminates as the tundra gradually appears and the train arrives in Churchill at dawn.

Visitors’ motivations vary widely—from an elderly man seeking to dip his toes in major bodies of water to a nurse exploring regions vulnerable to climate change, a solo birthday traveler from Florida, and a group of university students on a field research course. For many, the train ride offers unexpected opportunities to connect with fellow passengers and local communities, breaking the monotony of air travel.

Churchill, long famed for polar bears, beluga whales, and the Northern Lights, has recently garnered renewed attention amid increased interest in Arctic development and its port. While not traditionally a popular destination for some, the town’s unique combination of natural environment, history, and welcoming residents presents a compelling draw. Boat tours offer close encounters with belugas, while guided tundra vehicle trips provide safer opportunities to view polar bears.

Wapusk Adventures continues to develop activities that showcase the area’s distinct environment through accessible means such as e-bike tours, priced around $139 per ride. For those seeking a comprehensive northern experience, the VIA Rail service remains the sole overland connection to Churchill, with fares varying by class and departure point. Through these combined experiences, visitors gain deeper insight into the complexities and charms of Canada’s North.