Tundra Inn renovations highlight Churchill’s ‘growth potential’

Frontiers North Adventures has recently completed a major renovation and expansion of the Tundra Inn in Churchill, modernizing one of the northern Manitoba community's most renowned hotels. The $205.00 initial payment, plus GST, will renew at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks, representing a 10% discount from the regular annual price of $259.35. This annual subscription is available to both new and qualified returning subscribers, with the option to cancel anytime.

The project added 21 new guest rooms, bringing the total room count to 44. While the net increase was 13 rooms, after the demolition of an aging section containing eight rooms, the renovation was more than a decade in the making. Frontiers North Adventures first commissioned plans in 2014 before settling on the current design this year.

Lisa-Joy Gunter, president and co-owner of Frontiers North Adventures, expressed the project's motivation as a desire to improve the guest experience and invest in the community. The expansion was primarily aimed at accommodating Frontiers North's guided tour groups, operating multi-day trips focused on polar bears, beluga whales, and northern lights viewing. The company aims to host multiple tour groups simultaneously, although it will continue partnering with other hotels to accommodate guests.

The additional space will offer Frontiers North greater flexibility in hosting tour groups, while guests not part of the tours can still stay at the hotel. Angela Cassie, interim president and CEO of Travel Manitoba, praised Frontiers North's confidence and investment in Churchill's growth potential. With a particularly busy beluga season and a promising northern lights season from January to March, Cassie emphasized that visitors seek the unique adventures and authentic Indigenous tourism experiences that Churchill is known for.

The logistical challenges of completing the construction project in Churchill were addressed through the use of a prefabricated construction model, with floors, walls, and ceilings assembled in southern Manitoba before being shipped north by rail. Bathroom units were built in Winnipeg and installed fully finished in Churchill, reducing construction time and minimizing material transportation into the community.

Locally sourced materials, such as plywood, were also prioritized. The company aims to reinvest in its infrastructure and community, contributing to year-round employment opportunities in tourism. Plans are already underway for a second phase, focusing on renovating the remaining older wing of the hotel, containing an additional 24 rooms.