Cape Merry National Historic Site

Explore Cape Merry: A historic Hudson Bay landmark offering stunning views, wildlife sightings, and a glimpse into Canada's fur trade past.

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Cape Merry

Cape Merry, near Churchill, Manitoba, is a historic site featuring a stone battery built in 1746 to defend the area. Overlooking the Hudson Bay, it offers stunning views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and a glimpse into Canada's fur trade history.

A brief summary to Cape Merry

Churchill, Manitoba, CA
+1204-675-8863

Local tips

Visit during July and August for the best chance to see beluga whales in the Churchill River estuary.
Check with the Parks Canada office for guided tour times to learn about the history and ecology of the area.
Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for spotting polar bears and various bird species.
Dress warmly, as the weather along the Hudson Bay can be unpredictable, even in summer.

Getting There

Walking

From the Parks Canada Visitor Center in Churchill, Cape Merry is approximately 3 km northwest. Follow Cape Merry Centennial Parkway, which is a well-maintained gravel road, towards the coast. The walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour, offering scenic views of the tundra. There are no entrance fees for Cape Merry. However, remember that polar bears may be in the area, so it is important to stay vigilant. Consider joining a guided tour for safety and enhanced interpretation.
Taxi

A taxi from the Churchill train station or airport to Cape Merry is a convenient option. The ride is approximately 10 minutes. Taxi services in Churchill typically charge around $20-$30 CAD for a one-way trip within town limits. It's advisable to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey. This option is particularly useful if you have limited time or prefer not to walk the distance.

Discover more about Cape Merry

Cape Merry, a National Historic Site of Canada, boasts a wealth of history and natural beauty. Situated at the mouth of the Churchill River, where it meets Hudson Bay, the cape was initially known as Knight's Round Point. This name originates from James Knight, who sailed into the Churchill River in 1717 to establish a fur trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company. Later, the cape was renamed to honor Captain John Merry, the Deputy Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company from 1712 to 1718. In 1746, a stone battery was constructed at Cape Merry to provide additional protection to the Prince of Wales Fort. Designed with six cannon emplacements, the battery aimed to prevent enemy occupation by providing crossfire. Today, a lone cannon remains, serving as a reminder of the site's strategic importance. Visitors can also explore the remnants of a powder magazine, complete with its original limestone mortar. Although the battery was initially misplaced, it was rebuilt in 1749 on its current site. Cape Merry offers more than just historical significance. It's an excellent location for wildlife viewing, especially during the spring and summer months. Visitors can often spot polar bears, beluga whales, and various bird species. The site also provides panoramic views of the Churchill River, Hudson Bay, and the Prince of Wales Fort. For those interested in guided tours, Parks Canada offers in-depth explorations of Cape Merry's history, geology, and ecology.