View source for Wapusk National Park

'''Wapusk National Park''' protects vast tundra, peatlands, coastal marshes, and boreal forest on the western shore of [[Hudson Bay]] in northeastern [[Manitoba]]. Internationally known as one of the world’s most important '''polar bear''' maternity denning areas, the park spans the transition from taiga to Arctic coastal lowlands south and east of [[Churchill, Manitoba|Churchill]]. The Cree word ''Wâpask'' (''Wapusk'') is often translated as “white bear.”

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<div style="font-weight:700; color:#b91c1c; margin-bottom:6px;">At a glance — Wapusk National Park</div>
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! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Location
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Hudson Bay Lowlands, NE Manitoba (south/east of '''Churchill'''; toward the historic '''York Factory''' area)
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Province
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Manitoba
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Established
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | 1996
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Area (approx.)
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | ≈ '''11,475 km²'''
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Notable features
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Polar bear maternity dens; Cape Churchill headlands; tundra & coastal marsh; peat plateaus & polygonal ground; migratory bird staging
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Nearby communities
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | '''Churchill''' (primary gateway), Gillam; related site: [[York Factory National Historic Site]] (seasonal access)
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== Overview ==
Wapusk safeguards a sweeping segment of the Hudson Bay Lowlands where permafrost, peatlands, and shallow lagoons meet the sea. The park is critical habitat for '''polar bears'''—especially for denning females and newborn cubs—as well as for migratory geese, shorebirds, and waterfowl moving along the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways. Because of sensitive wildlife and extreme remoteness, most visitor experiences are guided and tightly managed through permits and licensed operators out of Churchill.

== Lands and relationships ==
Wapusk lies within the traditional territories of Cree and other Indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands for millennia. The park’s name reflects this connection. Parks Canada works with Indigenous partners on cooperative management, cultural interpretation, and conservation research.

== Landscapes and ecosystems ==
* '''Coastal zone:''' Intertidal flats, barrier beaches, and lagoon systems along Hudson Bay with sea ice forming seasonally.  
* '''Tundra & peatlands:''' Wet polygonal tundra, peat plateaus, fens, and patterned ground; permafrost strongly shapes drainage and vegetation.  
* '''Boreal fringe (taiga):''' Open black spruce and tamarack with willow/alder lowlands transitioning inland.  
* '''Wildlife (highlights):''' Polar bears (denning and coastal travel), Arctic and red fox, wolves, wolverine (rare), caribou, lemmings/voles; immense spring/fall bird use (snow geese, shorebirds, raptors). Offshore near Churchill, beluga whales are common in summer (outside the park boundary).

== Things to do ==
* '''Guided wildlife viewing (seasonal):''' Licensed tour operators based in Churchill offer tightly controlled viewing in approved areas/times (e.g., late autumn bear viewing near Cape Churchill, weather/permits dependent). Denning areas are strictly protected—no approach.  
* '''Photography & learning:''' Operator-led outings focus on tundra ecology, bird staging, and coastal landforms; research/education groups may obtain special-use permits.  
* '''Winter & shoulder-season travel:''' Specialized ski/snowshoe or over-snow vehicle itineraries may be available through permitted guides; extreme conditions and wildlife require advanced planning and authorization.  
* '''Backcountry expeditions:''' Very limited; require comprehensive permits, experience in polar bear country, and a robust safety plan.

== Access and visitor services ==
There are '''no public roads''' into Wapusk. Most visitors stage out of '''Churchill''' and then:  
* travel with a '''licensed operator''' via tundra vehicles or over-snow transport on authorized routes, or  
* charter aircraft (helicopter/fixed wing) under permit for research/authorized trips.  

Churchill provides accommodations, food/fuel, and logistics; scheduled air/rail services connect to southern Manitoba. Facilities inside the park are minimal and not comparable to frontcountry national parks.

== Safety and low-impact travel ==
* '''Polar bears:''' This is prime bear habitat. Travel only with qualified guides where required; follow bear-safety protocols; never approach or bait wildlife.  
* '''Remoteness & weather:''' Severe cold, wind, whiteouts, and sudden storms are common; carry satellite communications, maps, and emergency kits. Self-rescue may be the only option for extended periods.  
* '''Fragile terrain:''' Wet tundra and permafrost features are easily damaged—stay on approved routes and use low-impact travel practices.  
* '''Permits & closures:''' Obey all seasonal closures (especially denning areas) and Parks Canada bulletins.  
* '''Leave No Trace''' applies strictly: pack out all waste; protect vegetation and cultural sites.

== See also ==
* [[Riding Mountain National Park]] • [[Prince Albert National Park]] • [[Aulavik National Park]]  
* [[National parks of Canada]] • [[Travel in Canada]] • [[Geography of Canada]]

== External links (official) ==
* Parks Canada — Wapusk National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/wapusk
* Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, safety): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp
* Parks Canada — Churchill area travel info (gateway): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/wapusk/visit
* Parks Canada — York Factory National Historic Site: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/mb/yorkfactory