Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Churchill, available exclusively at Lazy Bear Cafe.
Community
Churchill is a northern community unlike anywhere else, where Hudson Bay, tundra wildlife, and deep local history meet beneath extraordinary skies. Polar bears, beluga whales, the Prince of Wales Fort, and the northern lights make it a proud home and a once-in-a-lifetime destination for visitors.
Where to find it
313 Kelsey Blvd
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The Churchill Mug began as a passion project, inspired by my love and curiosity for this extraordinary northern community. Our family loved learning about the polar bears and beluga whales, especially because my youngest daughter loves bears. I spent time drawing the places, wildlife, and details that make Churchill unlike anywhere else.
After I approached Dawn at Lazy Bear Expeditions, she helped identify additional elements, and our collaboration brought the design into focus. I especially love the wind-shaped trees along the shore, the polar bears and belugas, and the large Lazy Bear tundra vehicles used to take guests out to see the bears.
What began with one mug has grown into a full collection with Lazy Bear Expeditions, including totes, tumblers, a 40-ounce tumbler, skinny tumbler, candle, hat, hoodie, toque, and patches. We absolutely love working with Dawn and the Lazy Bear team to create high-quality keepsakes that help visitors remember Churchill.
Churchill in every season
The Churchill Mug grew into a collection of Artist Ashley Ann pieces at Lazy Bear Cafe, inspired by the wildlife, landscape, and unmistakable character of Churchill.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Lazy Bear Cafe to create a mug rooted in Churchill.
Research and community input highlighted Hudson Bay wildlife, northern history, and life in Churchill.
Ashley translated each selected place and symbol into an individual hand-drawn illustration.
The drawings were refined and arranged into a continuous design that rewards a closer look.
The finished mug became a locally available keepsake through Lazy Bear Cafe.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Churchill’s famous polar bears represent the dramatic wildlife of the Hudson Bay coast.
Belugas gather in the Churchill River each summer and are a beloved part of the community’s story.
The stone fort across the river recalls centuries of northern trade and history.
The railway is an essential connection between Churchill and the rest of Manitoba.
A northern stone marker reflects the landscape and Indigenous presence of the region.
The aurora captures the colour and wonder of Churchill’s long northern nights.
The place behind the drawings
Polar bears, beluga whales, northern lights, and the rugged landscape all helped shape the visual story wrapped around the Churchill Mug.
The creative process
I drew Polar Bears, Beluga Whales, Prince of Wales Fort, and Hudson Bay Railway as individual pieces before bringing them together. Their different shapes and stories gave me the rhythm for a wraparound composition that feels layered, personal, and specific to Churchill.
A meaningful local gift
Whether someone has just moved to Churchill, Manitoba, is preparing to leave, or still calls it home from miles away, this hometown mug offers a warm and useful connection to the community.