MV Ithaca Shipwreck

The MV Ithaca is a shipwreck that has sat on the shore at the western tip of Bird Cove, close to Churchill, for more than sixty years, and it is one of the most photographed sights on this stretch of coast. Accounts of how it came to be there differ. One story says the vessel ran aground in a windstorm in 1961 while carrying nickel ore from Rankin Inlet to Montreal. Another says it lost its rudder and foundered in 1960 while carrying supplies from Churchill to Rankin Inlet. What is not in dispute is that the hull has stayed where it ran aground and has slowly rusted into a skeleton of steel against the grey water. It is part of the working history of the Hudson Bay shipping route, which carried cargo to and from the north through the port at Churchill. Travel Manitoba notes that boarding the wreck is too dangerous, but that a short guided hike at low tide takes you closer to it.

Tides decide how you see the Ithaca. At high water the hull sits in the cove and can be viewed from a distance, while at low tide the shore around it is exposed and a short hike becomes possible. The terrain is rocky and can be slippery or muddy, and the tide returns, so go with a local guide who knows the timing rather than trying to work it out yourself. Do not attempt to board or climb the hull, because the metal is corroded and unstable.

As with every shoreline sight in Churchill, polar bears are a real consideration, especially in autumn. Bird Cove is on the coast where bears can pass, so the sensible approach is to go with a guide or tour, stay with the group and follow instructions. Dress for wind and cold, and wear sturdy boots with good grip. In summer, expect mosquitoes and bring repellent.

The wreck is a favourite with photographers. The rusted hull against the bay makes a dramatic foreground, and in winter it has been photographed under the northern lights, which adds a second reason to put it on a winter itinerary if the sky cooperates. In the summer light, the wreck sits in a landscape of low tundra and wildflowers and makes a quieter, gentler picture.

The Ithaca fits neatly into a half day of shoreline sights. Combine it with the Miss Piggy plane wreck, the rocket range and Cape Merry, or ask about it when you book a town and area tour. Allow an hour or two depending on the tide, and check the tide times with your guide or hotel before you plan the day.

It also helps to think about why a ship was here at all. Churchill is a deepwater port on Hudson Bay, and for much of the twentieth century cargo moved through it between the north and the south, including supplies for communities along the coast. A wreck on the shore is a physical reminder of that trade and of how risky it could be, with storms, ice and tides all working against crews.

Bring a long lens if you have one, and a spare layer, because the shore is exposed. If the weather turns, do not push on; the wreck will still be there tomorrow, and the tide will not wait for you.