Wapusk National Park

Introducing Wapusk National Park

Established primarily to protect polar bear breeding grounds (wapusk is Cree for ‘white bear’), this remote and young park(204-675-8863, 888-748-2928; www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/wapusk) extends along Hudson Bay’s shores 45km east of Churchill. Its location between boreal forests and arctic tundra gives it importance for monitoring the effects of global warming. Changes in sea-level, temperature, vegetation, and polar bear and other animal patterns happen here first.

The park’s ecological sensitivity has required a lot of proactive thinking and red tape. It’s possible to visit, but only through licensed tour operators.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009