Itsanitaq Museum
La Vérendrye Ave, Churchill, Canada
Dive into the indigenous history of Churchill, Manitoba at the small but impressive Itsanitaq Museum. The museum has a superb collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts dating from Pre-Dorset (1,700 BC) through Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times. A visit provides insights into how people have long thrived in a harsh landscape.
Highlights of the Itsanitaq Museum include a taxidermied polar bear and musk ox; tiny, highly-detailed, bone carvings that depict everything from animals to shamans; and scenes from traditional myths and legends. There are also larger sculptures, prints, and textiles on display. Visiting the Itsanitaq Museum is a typical activity on multi-day tours around Churchill, between dog-sledding and riding across the tundra in search of polar bears. Tours typically include a short presentation by a staff member.
The Itsanitaq Museum is free to visit.
The museum accepts donations to help with its upkeep.
If visiting independently, tours are self-guided, but staff are on hand to answer questions.
The Itsanitaq Museum is on La Verendrye Avenue in the tiny town of Churchill, Manitoba. It’s an easy, short walk from anywhere else in the town, including hotels, restaurants, and the train station. During polar bear season in the fall, practice caution when walking around (staying with your guide is advisable).
The museum is open in the afternoon from Monday to Saturday year-round. In summer, it is also open in the morning from Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays and holidays. Although the museum is small, you should give yourself plenty of time to explore its extensive displays—no less than one hour.
The Itsanitaq Museum’s gift shop is one of the best places in Churchill to buy souvenirs. As well as artwork, including soapstone carvings, prints, jewelry, and postcards, the store has an extensive collection of northern-themed books, including books on Churchill’s history and Inuit culture and language.
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