Nestled in the heart of the Arctic wilderness in Churchill, Manitoba, Lazy Bear Lodge offers an extraordinary blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Built by hand with sustainable materials, this historic northern haven serves as the ultimate base camp for thrilling polar bear expeditions, beluga whale encounters, and mesmerizing Northern Lights viewings.
Guests enjoy comfortable log cabin accommodations complete with private modern baths, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a cozy signature Scandinavian stone fireplace.
Dining at the on-site Lazy Bear Café elevates the experience with delectable, locally sourced Arctic delicacies like pan-fried Arctic char and braised elk, paired with 100% organic produce grown in their own sub-Arctic greenhouse.
Their story
Built by hand over a 10-year period starting in 1999 by owners Wally and Dawn alongside local craftspeople, Lazy Bear Lodge was created out of a deep passion for Arctic wildlife, indigenous heritage, and sustainable tourism.
The vision was to craft an authentic northern wonder that provides a comfortable home away from home while preserving the delicate Arctic ecosystem. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- Constructed using 90% recycled logs from 30 tree species (including White and Black Spruce and Eastern Larch) harvested after local forest fires in 1990 and 1997.
- Interior finishings incorporate reclaimed lumber salvaged from a 1919 Canadian National Railway warehouse, a local church, and a community hall.
- The windows feature wavy antique glass recycled from an 1800s Hudson Bay Trading Post, and walls/fireplaces are built using local stone.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The property operates on renewable energy, using a combination of hydro-generated electricity, solar, and wind power supported by an 800-amp power station. Sustainable design details include double-core plastic greenhouse insulation, a 600-watt battery bank for the marina, and high-efficiency four-stroke boat engines.
Pioneer in waste management
- The lodge utilizes low-flow toilets and showers to conserve water, alongside all-natural, biodegradable soaps and cleaning supplies.
- To minimize waste, kitchen vegetable scraps are composted for greenhouse soil, paper products are made from recycled materials, and all billing is paperless via email.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The lodge operates the 40-acre Boreal Gardens Research Facility, Manitoba’s most northerly farm, featuring a 100% organic, pesticide-free, and fertilizer-free greenhouse.
- Using locally blended natural soil, it grows tomatoes, carrots, peas, beans, peppers, lettuce, herbs, rhubarb, and even an apple orchard across a 10-month season.
- The Lazy Bear Café serves these fresh harvests alongside local delicacies like Pan-Fried Arctic Char, Braised Peppered Elk, and Slow-Roasted Manitoba Bison.
Actively protects nature and community
- The lodge holds coveted permits for equal access to the protected Churchill Wildlife Management Area.
- It employs local Indigenous staff for evening storytelling and wildlife tours, while its whale-watching boats feature Prop Guard™ technology to keep marine life safe, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Most Popular Activities Near Lazy Bear Lodge
- Polar bear viewing expeditions (Arctic Crawler™ tundra vehicle and helicopter)
- Beluga whale watching and Zodiac tours
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing
- Kayaking
- Beluga AquaGliding™
- Dog sledding / mushing tours
- Evening storytelling by local Indigenous staff
- Tundra and river coastal water tours
- Visits to historical sights (Prince of Wales Fort, Cape Merry Battery, Miss Piggy Plane Wreck, Polar Bear Jail, Itsanitaq Museum, MV Ithaca)
READ ON – Guide to Canada Bear Watching and 10 Most Visited National Parks in Canada
Best Time To Visit Lazy Bear Lodge
- The best time to visit spans from June through November, depending on desired experiences. June to August for Beluga whales and kayaking, late July to early August for fireweed and polar bears, and September through November for optimal Northern Lights photography and Polar Bear tundra excursions.