Churchill Wild, the polar bear tour operator based in Churchill, Manitoba, was named a finalist for the Fourth Annual Tourism Awards Winnipeg | Manitoba in an announcement made January 28, 2026. The recognition highlights the company’s role in bringing visitors to the northern region for wildlife photography and walking-with-polar-bear safaris.
The awards are co-hosted by Travel Manitoba and Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism (Tourism Winnipeg) to celebrate businesses that contribute to the province’s tourism economy. Churchill Wild is listed as a finalist in multiple categories, including Small/Medium Business of the Year and the Sustainable Tourism Award.
Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba, has emphasized that enhanced tourism marketing and destination development attract diverse visitors who contribute to sustainable growth and shared prosperity for local communities. For residents in Churchill, being named a finalist could provide a promotional boost for local staff and businesses ahead of the 2026 season.
Churchill Wild operates several lodges, including Seal River Heritage Lodge and Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, and the company’s website describes ground-level polar bear viewing as a core part of its safaris.
Winners for the awards will be announced at the gala scheduled for April 23, 2026. The nomination comes after a strong provincial tourism performance in 2024 and follows challenges faced by some northern operators in 2025 related to environmental factors and cross-border travel issues.
