Hudson Bay

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Hudson Bay is a Nature Preserve at Churchill MB, Canada

Hudson Bay is a vast inland sea, a shallow arm of the Arctic Ocean reaching deep into the heart of Canada. It covers more than 1.2 million square kilometres. This point lies on its western shore at Churchill, a remote town in northern Manitoba reachable only by rail or air, which bills itself as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. The bay shapes the seasons here. Each autumn, as it begins to freeze, polar bears gather along the coast to wait for the sea ice that will let them hunt seals. In summer thousands of beluga whales fill the Churchill River estuary, and migratory birds pour through the surrounding tundra and wetlands. Churchill also sits at around 59°N directly beneath the auroral oval, the ring of most frequent aurora activity, which gives it some of the most reliable northern lights viewing in the world. With clear skies over the bay and next to no light pollution, the lights show on a high proportion of dark winter nights, shimmering in curtains of green and violet over the frozen water.

Where to find Hudson Bay?

58°46'22"N, 94°9'24"W

Aurora hunting in Churchill?

The aurora season here runs from September to April, with the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in October, February and March. Hudson Bay offers dark skies and wide horizons - perfect for aurora spotting.

Other places to try near Hudson Bay