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Frequently Asked QuestionsA great reference for travellers to Churchill can be found at Steve Hutchens website. After travlling to Churchill in the late 90s, Steve has compiled an excellent resource of frequently asked questions and travel tips. Website is continuously updated as new information arises. How do I get to Churchill?What's the weather like?What should I bring?What kind of accommodation/food does the Centre offer?What services are available in Churchill?How can I help the Study Centre?How do I get to Churchill?(top)There are no roads into Churchill and although the town is accessible by air and rail, it is sometimes difficult making travel arrangements. It is always best to get the advice of a travel agent when planning your trip. *IMPORTANT NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS (INCLUDING US CITIZENS): When traveling, please ensure that you have proper photo identification and health insurance cards with you. Air Travel*Please note that flight schedules vary with the season. Delays and cancellations due to unpredictable weather are common in Churchill and flight schedules are subject to change at anytime. Calm Air International Ltd. (www.calmair.com) is the major air carrier to Churchill, with daily scheduled flights north from Winnipeg. For current flight schedules, please consult with your travel agent or call toll-free 1-800-839-2256. For the best fare, book tickets at least two weeks in advance of your trip and enquire about senior and student discounts. Please note that you will have to go out of doors in both Winnipeg and Churchill to board or disembark aircraft (so ensure that your warm clothes are accessible during winter months!) Kivalliq Air (division of Keewatin Air) (877) 855-1500 www.kivalliqair.com Train TravelVIA Rail Canada provides a two-night train journey three times a week from Winnipeg to Churchill. A train trip to Churchill from Thompson leaves in the evening from Thompson and arrives in Churchill the next morning. For fall trips, we suggest booking well in advance of departure date. Enquire about special rates for seniors and students. For rates and schedules, you may call VIA at 1-888-VIA-RAIL (toll free for Canada and the US). If you would prefer a shorter train ride, another option is flying or driving to The Pas or Thompson, Manitoba and boarding this same train mid-route. Note: If you are staying at the Centre, we provide airport/station pick-up when you arrive and drop-off when you depart. Simply inform us of your travel plans in advance. What’s the weather like? (top)Click here for the current Environment Canada forecast for Churchill. Fall/WinterWeather in Churchill is variable and very unpredictable, especially due to wind chill*. The northwest wind can be vicious! Dressing in layers and windproof outerwear will help keep you warm, but be prepared for almost anything! *Wind chill combines temperature and wind speed to tell you how cold the wind makes it feel outside. Cold wind makes your body lose heat much faster.
Spring/SummerSpring weather in Churchill is similar to winter months in more southerly regions of Canada. Sub-zero temperatures can be expected. Churchill summers can be quite pleasant but day to day temperatures fluctuate widely. Warmer days do not occur until late June/early July. Winds ranging from a gentle breeze to gale force are a constant factor, especially along the Hudson Bay coastline. Occasional heavy fogs and even snowfall can be observed during summer months although a typical summer involves at least a few very hot days.
What should I bring? (top)NOTE: Following are general suggestions on what to bring during your stay at the CNSC (depending on season). More specific items may be required, depending on the purpose of your stay. Researchers, volunteers, course participants and visitors may contact us for further information. FALL/WINTER
NOTE: Layering is important. Cotton is often a poor insulator. Synthetic fabrics such as fleece and polyester are better choices. A store specializing in outdoor clothing/equipment can provide guidance if you need to purchase any clothing. SPRING/SUMMER
Insect Protection: Wet areas and warm weather mean A LOT of biting insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, and horse/deer flies ("bulldogs"). For protection, wear clothing that covers as much exposed skin as possible. Insect repellents are a good idea, as well as bug jackets and hats (available for rent at CNSC.) What kind of accommodation/food does the Centre offer? (top)AccommodationsThe dormitory provides sleeping quarters for up to seventy-six people. There are no single rooms available during busy seasons. Rooms are basic and most provide bunkbeds for four to eight guests. During our peak times, such as "bear season" (in October/November), all of the beds are usually occupied. All rooms on the lower floor are heated by electric baseboard heaters and each heater has a control which allows you to set your own comfort level. Supplemental heating is available, but is rarely required. There are two washrooms in the dormitory, one female and one male. Each provides two showers, two toilets and two sinks. Bed linens, blankets, pillows and towels are supplied, and laundry service is available for personal clothing for a fee. Personal toiletries are not provided. FoodThe kitchen provides three meals a day. Meals are prepared and served by our cooks, however washing-up of plates/cutlery and wiping down the tables is the responsibility of the guests. Meals are homestyle and there is plenty to choose from. There is usually a single entree with plenty of side dishes, desserts and beverages (juice, coffee/tea) and a vegetarian alternative. We suggest that you try our bannock, a northern specialty that has received many compliments from our guests! We are happy to accommodate those with special dietary requirements or allergies, provided we are informed in advance of our guests' needs. While meal schedules are fairly strictly observed, the kitchen is not locked after hours, and we hope that guests will feel free to help themselves to a snack (toast, bannock, muffins, fruit, juice, coffee, etc.) whenever they feel the need. We only ask that people clean up after themselves and make sure that everything is put away so as not to create an unpleasant situation for the cooks in the morning. What services are available in Churchill? (top)The town of Churchill (23 km east of CNSC) provides a variety of services. Business hours vary according to season and are usually extended in October. Hotels and Motels - Area Code (204)
Bed and BreakfastsBlue Skies Bed and Sled 675-2001 BankingThere is a Royal Bank with an ATM machine (in Bayport Plaza). The bank is open Mondays to Thursdays from 11:00 to 3:00 and Fridays from 11:00 to 5:00. ATMs are located in some of the local hotels. ChurchesThere are three churches in Churchill:
EmergenciesThere is a fire hall, an ambulance and four RCMP officers in Churchill. Health and MedicineChurchill is a small and remote community and although there is a 33 bed hospital and pharmacy (in the Town Centre Complex), certain medications may not be available. We strongly suggest that you bring both prescription and non-prescription medication with you. InformationParks Canada has an interpretive centre in the newly renovated heritage train station, providing exhibits, information and audio-visual presentations on human and natural history. Park staff also provide on-site interpretation at Prince of Wales Fort, Cape Merry, Sloop's Cove and York Factory. Restaurants
Stores/Gift Shops
Town Centre ComplexA large town complex includes a hospital, pharmacy, daycare, local government offices, a public library, cafe, movie theatre, curling/hockey rinks, commercial video rental (Nanuk Entertainment), swimming pool, and gymnasium. The Manitoba Department of Conservation has offices with information on management programs, licensed outfitters and guides. Transportation
Other Services
How can I help the Centre? (top)As well as donating your time to the Centre as a volunteer, you can support the on-going research at the CNSC by making a donation. DonationsThe Churchill Research Centre Inc. is a registered Canadian charity and as such can issue tax deductible receipts for donations of money, equipment, etc. In the case of non-cash donations, the CNSC must determine the fair market value of the donated item for receipt issue. Evidence of this value should be sent with the donated items. Items we are particularly interested in include magazines, books, journals, and other personal library holdings, office supplies, computer equipment, towels, linens (twin-sized sheet sets, pillows, pillow cases and comforters), kitchen supplies including dishes, cups, glasses, flatware, soup bowls, dish towels and the like. Desk-top lamps are in short-supply and much appreciated. Donations of field/lab equipment, hand tools, and wrenches are always put to good use. Donated items can be sent most easily by surface post. If crossing international boundaries, indicate on the package that the items inside are donated. Our shipping address is: P.O. Box 610 |
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