Hello Reader, it's Kev!

This week, I’m talking about taking VIA Rail to see polar bears! Plus, an update on what I still need to do for next week’s trip.

Kev’s Last Minute Choices

You’d think I’d have ALL the details figured out by now. This trip has been rescheduled several times, but today and tomorrow I’m making my final two decisions: which train to Chicago and which bag to bring. Turns out you can’t pick one without picking the other.

Here’s the problem. The Metra train I planned to take has track work on the day, and at the time I need it. There’s another one, but it gets me to Chicago way too early. If I go Metra, though, the rolling bag makes sense — I’d check it at Union Station and only deal with my day bag the rest of the way. Then I can go out and do things in Chicago without dragging a rolling suitcase around.

My other option is Amtrak: catch the Hiawatha at Sturtevant, ride north to Milwaukee, then double back south to Chicago. Backward, yes. But it's easier to convince someone to take me to the station in the morning than in the afternoon, and I get a few hours to have coffee and see friends. Going straight down the Hiawatha would actually land me in Chicago even earlier than Metra would — so the Milwaukee detour isn't just for the coffee.

The catch is that I'd be walking around Milwaukee with everything on me, and nobody wants to lug a suitcase through downtown. That’s a great argument for a backpack — though I’ve dragged that suitcase through several downtowns before, as the wheels can prove.

And then there’s the weather. This trip means southern heat and Northeastern fall weather in the same bag. Shorts and T-shirts pack small; sweaters and jackets don't. Since forecasts change, I'm giving it a few more days before I commit.

I'll tell you what I actually picked next week. Place your bets.

Can You Take the Train to See Polar Bears and the Northern Lights?

Ruth H. recently asked me about traveling to Churchill, Manitoba, to see polar bears and the Northern Lights. Yes, you can take the train there! VIA Rail has a route to Churchill!

I looked into this trip a while back. I planned to fly one way and take the train back, or vice versa. But when I searched Google Flights, Churchill didn’t come up. That’s mainly because only one airline, Calm Air, is scheduled, and it isn’t listed on Google Flights. When I tracked the flight down directly, it was also very expensive. For many people, the train is the easier option to book.

When I looked at the 2.5-hour flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, it started around $1,000 one way! The train starts around $250. (Both in Canadian dollars)

About The Train

VIA Rail runs between Winnipeg and Churchill twice a week, and the journey takes about 45 hours, including two nights aboard. With this train’s schedule, it is easy to create a few-day layover to hopefully see polar bears and the Northern Lights. View VIA Rail’s route and schedule.

You can transfer to this train from the Canadian; a hotel room may make things easier. So if you wanted to take Amtrak or fly into Toronto, that is possible too.

Accomidations

You can travel in Economy or book sleeping accommodations, depending on availability.

One note for my fellow Amtrak travelers: meals are not included with your sleeper fare on this train. VIA currently lists light meals, drinks, and snacks for purchase on the Winnipeg–Churchill route. Check onboard services.

The train gets you to Churchill; you’ll still need to arrange lodging and wildlife outings, either separately or as part of a package. October and November are the main months for polar bear viewing.

You may also see the Northern Lights during a fall visit, but clear skies and aurora activity have to align. Explore Churchill polar bear trips, but other tour groups offer options as well.

My planning advice: check train availability, lodging, and tours together before booking, and leave some breathing room between your train’s arrival and an expensive excursion. For someone who enjoys overnight rail travel, the journey could be as much a highlight as the destination! At a quick glance, it looks like sleepers are already sold out.

What Is Kev Up To?

Not much happened this week. With the girls starting school, they are around a little less; the little guy has been around because he is not ready for school yet.

While I love them around, it is nice to have a little peace in the house and get more work done.

I spent most of this week wrapping up projects before the trip and gathering my gear. I am looking forward to next week; I think I needed that break.

Thank You!

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Until Next Week!

Safe Travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith