The SeaWalls Churchill murals are the town's open-air gallery. Painted by artists from around the world, the murals cover the sides of buildings in and around Churchill, and they turn an ordinary small-town streetscape into a series of colourful, large-scale pictures about the sea, wildlife and the people of the north. The project was coordinated and curated by Kal Barteski, in partnership with the PangeaSeed Foundation and its SeaWalls: Artists for Oceans programme, and it was presented by Travel Manitoba. Travel Manitoba counts eighteen murals on buildings in and around town. The Town of Churchill says the artworks span about 30 kilometres along the shore of Hudson Bay, reaching as far as the drivable road, and it publishes a map image so you can find them. Because the murals are painted on buildings and walls, they cost nothing to see and can be enjoyed at any hour of daylight, which makes them one of the easiest ways to fill a gap in the day.
Start with the map. The Town of Churchill page links to a murals map, and the project has its own website, which is useful for identifying artists and subjects. Some of the murals are in the town centre, where you can walk between them, while others are further out along the shore and need a vehicle. A town and area tour often passes several of them, and photographers can easily spend a couple of hours moving from wall to wall.
The subjects are a mix of marine life, polar bears, belugas, northern landscapes and human stories, and the larger works have a real impact against the grey sky and the flat tundra. The point of the project is to raise awareness of ocean conservation, so many of the images carry a message as well as a picture. Artists from different countries bring different styles, and that variety is part of the appeal.
Practical points
It is an outdoor activity in a place with extreme weather, so wear warm, windproof layers in winter and bring waterproofs in summer. Paint on exposed walls weathers over time and some works may fade or be repainted, so do not expect a fixed set of pictures. As always in Churchill, polar bears can wander through town, especially in autumn, so stay alert, avoid walking alone at night and follow local advice. If you are driving to the more distant murals, keep to the road and take care in changing weather.
The murals fit well with a day in town. Combine them with the Itsanitaq Museum, the Parks Canada Visitor Centre and St. Paul's Anglican Church for a self-guided cultural loop that costs little, and finish with a hot drink in a warm café. They are also a good wet-weather or cold-weather option when a wildlife outing has been cancelled.
If you enjoy photography, plan around the light. Low sun in the morning and evening warms the colours, while overcast days make the paint look rich and even. In winter the days are short, so use the middle of the day. Bring a wide lens for the biggest walls and a spare battery, because the cold drains them. The buildings are real homes, workplaces and public buildings, so be considerate, stay off private property and do not block entrances or roads while you shoot.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided hunt for large outdoor murals on buildings in town and along the shore, using a published map.
Best time
Any season, in daylight; dress for the weather and expect some works to fade or change.
How long
One to two hours in town, longer if you drive out along the shore.
Tips
Use the murals map, wear windproof layers and stay alert for bears when walking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who likes street art, photography or a free activity.
- Families
- Children enjoy spotting the animals and sea creatures on the walls.
- Couples
- A relaxed walk with plenty of photo opportunities.
- Pair with
- The Itsanitaq Museum, St. Paul's Church and the Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
- Time needed
- Allow one to two hours.
Good questions
How many SeaWalls murals are there in Churchill?+
Travel Manitoba counts eighteen murals on buildings in and around town. The Town of Churchill says the artworks span about 30 kilometres along the shore.
Who painted them?+
Artists from around the world, coordinated and curated by Kal Barteski with the PangeaSeed Foundation and its SeaWalls: Artists for Oceans programme.
Is there a map?+
Yes, the Town of Churchill page links to a murals map, and the project has its own website.
Is it free?+
Yes, the murals are painted on public buildings and walls and cost nothing to see.
Do I need a car?+
Not for the murals in the town centre, which you can walk between. The more distant works along the shore are easier by vehicle or on a tour.
