Sight

Polar bear jail

Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

Polar bear jail is a one-of-a-kind detention center in Churchill, Manitoba, designed to temporarily hold polar bears that wander too close to town. The facility, essentially a converted military building, houses bears in individual cells until they can be safely relocated by helicopter to remote areas. Visitors can observe the exterior and learn about the program, which is crucial for both human safety and bear conservation. The jail underscores Churchill's unique coexistence with the world's largest land carnivore.

Don't miss

  • View the exterior of the converted military building that serves as the bear jail
  • Learn about the capture and relocation process from interpretive signs
  • Understand the challenges of managing polar bear populations near human settlements

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Polar bear jail

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Churchill

Planning your trip to Churchill? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Churchill itinerary.