Twin Lakes Road and Boreal Forest

Most visitors to Churchill think of the open tundra and the shore, but there is a quieter landscape inland. An old military road runs out of the Churchill area to Twin Lakes, and it provides access to boreal forest, small lakes and wetlands where you can look for wildlife, watch birds and hike. The Town of Churchill describes it as a way into the boreal forest for wildlife viewing, birdwatching and hiking, and lists a day of birdwatching as one of the things to do. The area lies in a transition zone where forest gives way to tundra and the coast, and that mix of habitats is why Churchill is so rich in birds, especially in the spring and summer when migrants pass through. The wider region includes the Cape Churchill and Cape Tatnam Wildlife Management Areas, which protect habitat for polar bears, caribou and geese. A trip out here is a good way to see the landscape that most tours skip and to enjoy some peace after a busy wildlife schedule.

Birds are the main draw. Spring and early summer bring waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds, and the forest edge, ponds and marsh along the road are good places to scan. Bring binoculars, a field guide or a bird identification app, and be ready for insects in summer, so repellent and a head net are sensible. Early morning and evening are the best times for activity. In winter the same road is quiet and snowy, and wildlife sightings are less predictable.

Wildlife can include caribou, foxes, hares and other mammals, and the area is within polar bear range, so safety must come first. Go with a local guide or a licensed operator, and do not hike alone. Polar bears have been known to roam inland, especially in autumn, and there may be other animals to consider in the forest.

Carry water, wear sturdy footwear and tell someone where you are going. Check the condition of the road before you go, because it is an old track that may be rough, muddy or snow-covered depending on the season.

Getting there requires a vehicle or a tour. Many visitors arrange a guided birding or wildlife outing from town, and the Parks Canada Visitor Centre can suggest operators. Allow a half day for the trip with stops, and combine it with the Itsanitaq Museum or the Churchill Northern Studies Centre to mix nature with culture and science. For visitors who have already seen the polar bears and belugas, this is a gentle, rewarding way to round out a stay, with room to slow down, listen and look closely at the smaller details of the north.

It is worth thinking about the seasons here. In May and June the forest edge and wetlands come alive with arriving birds, and the long daylight of summer gives plenty of time for an unhurried outing. By late summer the insects ease off and the berries ripen on the tundra. In autumn the colours change and the days shorten, and the road is a place to look for foxes and other animals as the year turns.

In winter the forest is silent and snowbound, and a trip out here is more about the stillness and the sky than about wildlife, so go with realistic expectations and plenty of warm clothing.