Manitoba Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Manitoba? This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know, including the best places to visit, hiking routes, activities, food and drink, and local culture.


Introduction to Manitoba

Manitoba, located in the Prairies region of Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Manitoba offers something for every traveler. From exploring the rugged wilderness to taking in the city’s cultural heritage, this guide will show you everything you need to know to experience the best of Manitoba.

List of Places to Visit in Manitoba

Are you ready to start exploring Manitoba? Here are some of the top places you should visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Manitoba Museum: This museum showcases the province’s natural and human history through interactive exhibits, ranging from a full-size replica of a ship to a life-sized replica of a Hudson Bay Company post.
  • The Canadian Museum for Human Rights: This museum focuses on human rights and tolerance, featuring exhibits on issues like the Holocaust, apartheid, and the fight for LGBTQ rights.
  • Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site: This site is home to a restored Hudson’s Bay Company fort and offers guided tours of life inside the fort during the fur trade era.

Natural Attractions of Manitoba: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wapusk National Park: Home to one of the world’s largest polar bear maternity denning areas, this park showcases the beauty of the Arctic tundra and the incredible wildlife that lives there.
  • Riding Mountain National Park: This park offers a host of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, and camping, as well as stunning views of the northern lights.
  • Whiteshell Provincial Park: With its crystal-clear lakes and hiking trails through the Canadian Shield, this park is a nature lover’s paradise.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Manitoba

If you’re looking to hit the trails, Manitoba has plenty of options. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes:

  • The Whiteshell River Trail: This hiking trail takes you through the beautiful wilderness of Whiteshell Provincial Park, offering stunning views of the forest and the river.
  • The Mantario Trail: This rugged trail winds through the Canadian Shield and offers challenging terrain and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
  • Assiniboine Park Conservancy: This park is home to a host of hiking and biking trails, including the popular Leo Mol Sculpture Garden trail.

Best Things to Do in Manitoba: Activities and Tours

Looking for some activities to add to your Manitoba itinerary? Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Polar Bear Watching: In Churchill, you can take a guided tour to see polar bears up close in their natural habitat.
  • The Forks: The Forks is a historic district in Winnipeg that offers a range of activities, including shopping, dining, and indoor and outdoor recreation options.
  • Horseback Riding: Many of Manitoba’s parks offer guided horseback rides through some of the province’s stunning landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Manitoba

If you have a week to spend in Manitoba, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore Winnipeg, take in The Forks and Assiniboine Park
2-4 Spend a few days in Riding Mountain National Park
5 Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
6-7 Take a guided tour to see polar bears in Churchill

Food and Drink Scene of Manitoba

If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss out on Manitoba’s culinary scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Perogies: These pillowy dumplings stuffed with potatoes or other fillings are a popular Ukrainian dish popular in Manitoba.
  • Bison: Manitoba is home to a large bison population, making it a great place to try this lean and tasty meat.
  • Nanaimo Bars: This Canadian dessert features a sweet graham cracker crust, vanilla buttercream filling, and a layer of chocolate on top.

Local Beverages

  • Farmery Estate Brewery: This brewery creates beer using barley grown and harvested on their farm, offering a uniquely Manitoba taste.
  • Crown Royal Whisky: This distillery in Gimli offers tours and tastings of their award-winning whiskies.
  • Fruit Wine: Manitoba’s cool climate is perfect for growing fruit used in wine production, offering unique flavors like Saskatoon berry and chokecherry.

Where to Stay in Manitoba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for a luxury stay or budget-friendly accommodations, Manitoba has something for every type of traveler. Some options include:

  • The Fort Garry Hotel: A historic hotel in Winnipeg, known for its architecture and luxury amenities.
  • Hostelling International: This chain offers budget-friendly hostels across Manitoba, including Winnipeg and Riding Mountain National Park.
  • Airbnb: With plenty of unique accommodations available across the province, Airbnb is a great option for travelers looking for a local experience.

What to Buy in Manitoba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to bring home a piece of Manitoba, here are some souvenirs and local products to consider:

  • Honey and Maple Syrup: Manitoba is home to many local beekeepers and maple syrup producers, offering tasty options for foodies.
  • Polar Bear Art: Local artists in Churchill create artwork celebrating the iconic polar bear that represents Manitoba.
  • Jewelry: From First Nations beadwork to contemporary designs, Manitoba offers a variety of unique jewelry options.

Local Culture and Customs of Manitoba

Manitoba has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of First Nations, French, Scottish and Ukrainian traditions. Visitors can learn more about these cultures by attending festivals and events such as Festival du Voyageur and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Additionally, visitors should be respectful of Indigenous culture and traditions, like smudging ceremonies and powwows.

Best Time to Visit Manitoba

The best time to visit Manitoba depends on what you’re looking for. In the summer months, Manitoba offers plenty of outdoor activities and festivals. In the fall, visitors can take in the stunning fall foliage in the parks. Winter brings the opportunity to see the northern lights and polar bears, while spring brings the chance to see newborn wildlife.

Do’s and Don’ts of Manitoba

When visiting Manitoba, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Do try local cuisine and beverages.
  • Do respect Indigenous culture and traditions.
  • Do take in the outdoor beauty that Manitoba offers.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the environment.
  • Don’t approach or disturb wildlife.
  • Don’t make derogatory or disrespectful comments about Indigenous culture.

Safety and Health

Manitoba is generally a safe destination for visitors. However, travelers should be aware of these safety and health considerations:

Safety in Manitoba

  • Be aware of wildlife when hiking or camping.
  • Be cautious when driving in rural areas, as wildlife may cross the road.
  • Be aware of the potential for severe weather, including winter storms and tornadoes in the summer.

Health in Manitoba

  • Be aware of the risk of Lyme disease from ticks in grassy or wooded areas.
  • Bring sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor activities.
  • Bring adequate medication and health insurance coverage.

Getting to Manitoba: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Manitoba is easy, with plenty of transportation options available:

Airports Near Manitoba

  • Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport: Located in Winnipeg, this airport offers flights across Canada and the United States.
  • Brandon Municipal Airport: This airport located in Brandon, Manitoba, offers domestic flights with small airlines.

Bus Stations Near Manitoba

  • Winnipeg Bus Terminal: This station is located in downtown Winnipeg and offers connection to regional and national destinations.
  • Greyhound: This bus company offers service from Winnipeg to other Canadian cities, including Toronto and Vancouver.

Other Options

  • Train: Via Rail offers service from Winnipeg to select Canadian cities, including Vancouver and Toronto.
  • Driving: Manitoba is connected to the Trans-Canada Highway, making it easy to drive to the province from other parts of Canada or the United States.

How to Get Around in Manitoba

To get around Manitoba, you’ll want to have a car or rent one. However, in Winnipeg, there are plenty of public transportation options available, including buses and a light rail transit system.

Where to Go Next from Manitoba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to extend your trip, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Kenora, Ontario: Just across the border from Manitoba, this town is home to stunning lakes and outdoor activities.
  • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: A few hours west of Manitoba, this city offers a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor activities.
  • Thunder Bay, Ontario: A longer drive from Manitoba, this city is known for its striking natural beauty, including the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Conclusion

Manitoba is a unique and beautiful destination that offers plenty of activities and experiences for any traveler. From exploring the natural beauty of the parks to learning about the province’s rich cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone in Manitoba. By using this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan your perfect Manitoba adventure.

Bison herd, Riding Mountain National Park Bison herd, Riding Mountain National Park Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Union Station, Winnipeg Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Union Station, Winnipeg Churchill is the Polar Bear Capital of the World Churchill is the Polar Bear Capital of the World A nice wintry visit to the beach at Hudson Bay, Cape Churchill, Wapusk National Park A nice wintry visit to the beach at Hudson Bay, Cape Churchill, Wapusk National Park


    Beaudry Provincial Park
    Central Manitoba
    Eastern Manitoba
    Interlake
    North of 53
    Prairie Mountain
    Winnipeg