famous places to visit in manitoba

15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Manitoba

Written by Lana Law Updated Sep 13, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law lived in Manitoba and returns every summer to spend time in Winnipeg and Whiteshell Provincial Park.

In the heart of central Canada, Manitoba is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but those who take the time to explore the province will find a wealth of unique experiences. Watching polar bears in the wild, seeing the northern lights, or enjoying a winter festival celebrating French Canadian history are just some of the memorable things to do in Manitoba.

The beaches around Lake Winnipeg and the beautiful provincial parks offer great retreats on hot summer days in this prairie province. For cultural attractions and city entertainment, it's hard to beat Winnipeg , the provincial capital.

For a more complete look at the highlights, see my list of top tourist attractions in Manitoba.

1. The Forks, Winnipeg

2. polar bears of churchill, 3. canadian museum of human rights, winnipeg, 4. grand beach, 5. riding mountain national park, 6. gimli & the icelandic festival of manitoba, 7. whiteshell provincial park, 8. festival du voyageur, winnipeg, 9. lower fort garry national historic site, 10. the royal canadian mint, 11. narcisse snake dens, 12. pinawa dam provincial park, 13. hecla island & lakeview hecla resort, 14. canadian fossil discovery center, morden, 15. mennonite village in steinbach.

The Forks , located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers near Winnipeg's downtown core, is the place to be in summer and equally fun in winter. The Forks Market and the Johnston Terminal Building are restored historical buildings housing a lovely market area with interesting shops, restaurants, and casual food stalls.

Some restaurants feature outdoor patios overlooking the Riverwalk that runs along the river. In winter, the outdoor skating rink is particularly popular with families. Also located at The Forks are the Manitoba Children's Museum and the new Canadian Museum of Human Rights . Skateboarders and BMX riders can try out their latest moves on Winnipeg's best skate park.

Churchill, popularly known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," lies on the harsh, rocky coast of Hudson Bay . In autumn, polar bears wander onto the ice-floes in the bay to hunt seals, and the town comes to life with visitors from around the world who come here to see these amazing animals. Tours in tundra buggies - giant large-wheeled vehicles with caged windows - allow visitors close up encounters with the bears.

Also of interest is the Itsanitaq Museum (also known as the Eskimo Museum) with exhibits of Inuit works of art and tools dating from 1700 BC through the Dorset and Thule cultures to the present day.

Fort Prince of Wales National Historic Site , built by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1700s, can be visited during July and August, and is reached by boat.

Depending on the night, visitors may also be lucky enough to see a display of northern lights .

The Canadian Museum of Human Rights is Winnipeg's newest major attraction and an important addition to Canada's national museums. Many years in the making, the structure containing the museum is a unique, standout building with a design based on the Canadian landscape.

The museum focuses on a variety of themes that tell the stories of human rights issues from different perspectives. Permanent exhibits offer a look at the subject of human rights as it pertains to Canada and around the world. Changing exhibits offer insight into current human rights issues taking place across the globe.

Determining which stories would be told became the source of much tension and controversy during the planning stages, an indication of how important this museum is to so many people.

Address: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Grand Beach Provincial Park encompasses a huge stretch of soft sand beach on the shores of Lake Winnipeg , one of Manitoba's best lakes . The beach here is one of the best beaches in Canada and in the summer, it's a hot spot for sunseekers looking to get away from the city.

The park is about a one-hour drive from Winnipeg, and there are a variety of accommodation options in the area, from motels to cottage rentals. Restaurants in the area offer casual dining and entertainment.

Nestled in the trees and just a short stroll from the beach and towering sand dunes is the park campground with 350 sites. Spread over 17 bays, the sites are a mix of serviced and unserviced; some bays are alcohol free.

Accessible throughout the year, this scenic park is a combination of recreation area and nature reserve, with a varied landscape of prairie, forest, and wonderfully clear lakes and streams. The park extends over part of the glacially-formed Manitoba Escarpment where a series of plateaus rising to heights of about 340 meters overlook the surrounding prairies of gentle hills, meadows, and lakes.

The deep lakes in Riding Mountain such as Clear Lake , Lake Katherine , and Deep Lake are popular fishing spots. Near Lake Audy, you'll find a herd of bison roaming freely in a 552-hectare enclosure, Bears, wolves, elk, and deer also inhabit the park.

Numerous walking and cycling trails can be found throughout the park. One trail leads to the log cabin formerly belonging to the English naturalist Grey Owl who, in the early 1920s, wrote books about the wildlife of the area.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/mb/riding/index.aspx

Gimli is a small resort town, approximately an hour's drive north of Winnipeg, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. In the summer, Gimli comes to life as visitors and cottagers flock to this area to enjoy the beaches, restaurant patios, and ice-cream stands, and to take a stroll along the 298-meter-long seawall.

One of the annual highlights is the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, known as Islendingadagurinn, which takes place over the long weekend at the start of August. The festival is a fun event for everyone with all kinds of activities and entertainment for children and adults.

Official site: http://www.icelandicfestival.com/

About a 1.5-hour drive east of Winnipeg is the Whiteshell Provincial Park, a popular summer destination for Winnipeggers looking to get away from the heat of the city and spend some time by the lake. The landscape is typical of the Canadian Shield , with hills, lakes, valleys, forests, and rivers. Moose, deer, black bear, and other wildlife inhabit the park. Cottages dot the shorelines of the lakes but much of the wilderness area is undisturbed.

The Whiteshell, as it's called locally, has four of the best campgrounds in Manitoba , and is also home to some of Manitoba's best beaches. The resort communities of Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake , located in the southern end of the park, are popular weekend destinations, with small towns back from the lakes.

Golfers take note: Falcon Lake has one of Manitoba's best courses, a 6,922-yard track with some seriously challenging holes. The course has recently built a brand new architecturally stunning clubhouse with a fantastic patio out front, a perfect spot to relive the highlights and lowlights of your recent game.

Official site: http://www.whiteshell.mb.ca/no_flash.html

One of Manitoba's premier winter events is the Festival du Voyageur, celebrating the French Voyageurs who transported furs in birch bark canoes. The Festival takes place each year in February in St. Boniface, the French-speaking district of Winnipeg.

The festival is popular with families, as well as adults. Outdoor events are featured prominently, from games to snow sculpting competitions. Traditional French music, cuisine, and other entertainment is held in outdoor tents. Despite the cold weather at this time of year, the event draws large crowds.

The Fort Garry National Historic Park outside Selkirk has as its centerpiece the only stone fort from the fur trading era to survive intact anywhere in North America. Lower Fort Garry was erected by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1830s , becoming an important center for the fur trade and serving as a base for the exploration of the Northwest Territories. In later years, Lower Fort Garry was used successively as a training camp for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a prison, a mental institution, and a company headquarters.

The fort displays period furniture and household items painstakingly gathered together over a period of years from within Canada and also from Britain and the USA. Costumed Parks Canada employees act out the roles of the fort's earlier inhabitants. Visitors are able to talk to the "Governor" and his wife and to various employees and domestic staff. The result is a vivid impression of the complexities of life in a fur trading community.

Displayed in the building where the furs were stored are samples of pelts of every kind and a Hudson's Bay Company shop has been recreated, stocked with everything from clothing and household goods to beads, horse bells, traps, and blankets.

Address: 5925 Hwy 9, St. Andrews, Manitoba

Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/mb/fortgarry/

If you've ever wondered where the coins we use on a day to day basis come from, then you should be sure to make some time when visiting Winnipeg to stop in at the Royal Canadian Mint. This high tech and high security facility is open to the public and provides informative tours.

The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide history and background and also explain the production process. A boutique on site sells specialty coins along with other souvenirs.

Official site: https://www.mint.ca/store/mint/visit-the-mint/visit-the-mint-1200026

The Narcisse Snake Dens offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness a spectacle of nature each spring. In late April and early May tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes emerge from their winter slumber and exit the dens, ready to mate. See the action from observation platforms near the four dens, and while you are peering down, watch for mating balls, which see as many as a hundred male snakes swarming a female.

The snakes leave the dens for the summer but return in the fall, where visitors again have the chance to see them, before the weather turns cold. The dens are six kilometers from the town of Narcisse, which is approximately 100 kilometers north of Winnipeg.

The crescent-shaped ruins of the 1906 Pinawa Dam are the central feature of this park, just a short drive north of the town of Pinawa. Set in a picturesque area of the Canadian Shield in Manitoba's cottage country, the park makes a nice day trip from Winnipeg, just 1.5 hours away.

Visitors can wander around the site on a self-guided tour and appreciate views of the old dam, which stopped operating in 1951, from the Centennial Spillway Trail . Also in the park are picnic facilities and an amphitheater.

For a nice escape to nature and a relaxing getaway in Manitoba, Hecla Island is a favorite destination. Part of Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park , Helca Island is located on Lake Winnipeg, two hours north of Winnipeg.

In summer, you can hike the trails, golf at the 18-hole golf course, or simply enjoy the beaches and lake. In winter, head out on the cross-country ski trails, book a treatment at the spa, or relax around a fire.

For many people, Lakeview Hecla Resort is the main reason to come to Hecla Island. Set on the northern tip of the island, this resort offers indoor and outdoor pools, dining, a spa, and lovely rooms with views, some of which are pet friendly.

Containing Canada's largest collection of marine reptile fossils, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Center is worth making the 1.5-hour trip from Winnipeg to see. All the fossils here, including the huge mosasaur, known as Bruce, are from Manitoba. Due to ongoing research in the field, fossils are continually being added to the collection.

The center is open seven days a week. If you're coming to the town or driving across Highway 3 in southern Manitoba, you may want to plan a little extra time to stop in at the CFDC.

Address: 111-B Gilmour Street, Morden, Manitoba

Official site: https://discoverfossils.com/

The Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach recreates Mennonite life from the 16th century to the present day, and features changing themes. More than 20 furnished buildings are spread over 17 hectares, showcasing a time when villages like this could be found all across Southern Manitoba.

One of the most prominent structures on the site is the large Dutch windmill, which can be seen from the highway. Be sure to stop in at the gift shop and check out the locally made hand crafted items.

Address: 231 PTH 12N, Steinbach, Manitoba

Official site: http://www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com/

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Best of Canada: To make Manitoba part of your larger trip across Canada, have a read through our Canada Itineraries . Manitoba's central location means it's often visited in combination with the provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan , but flights from Winnipeg can quickly connect you with cities across the country. Explore other options with our articles on the Best Places to Visit in Canada and the Top Tourist Attractions in Canada .

More on Canada

The 28 BEST Things to Do in Manitoba [2024 Guide]

• Last Updated: February 8, 2024

The heart of Canada is filled with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, rich cultures and inspiring traditions. For a truly memorable adventure on your travels across the Great White North, don’t miss these incredible things to do in Manitoba!

The west has the grandeur of the Rockies and the east boasts historic cities, but it’s Manitoba in the heart of the Canadian Prairies that is home to the nation’s most sought-after wildlife experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

With rich boreal forests, arctic tundra, and countless lakes, rivers, marshes, and waterfalls, travellers can spend weeks traversing the majestic wilderness, constantly being left in awe by the province that’s been heralded as ‘Glorious and Free’.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to sky-dive, whitewater raft, and kayak with beluga whales, or a tourist looking to gain insight into the local culture through festivals, museums, and pow wows, Manitoba is a destination that really has it all.

The central province is particularly intriguing for animal lovers. The diverse landscape and protected wilderness areas make Manitoba a top-tier location for wildlife spotting.

Your days will be filled on the search for bison, polar bears, caribou, moose, whales, birds, snakes, and more.

READ MORE: Add additional activities to your epic bucket list with our expert guide to the best things to do in Canada !

Highly knowledgeable local guides and immersive eco-lodges will help you achieve the wildlife-filled adventure of your dreams, all while providing a fascinating insight into the Indigenous culture and history of this spectacular region.

Whether you’re cruising through on a Manitoba road trip , on a mission to the Polar Bear Capital of the World, or just find yourself in the bustling and vibrant city of Winnipeg, you’re sure to fall in love with the landscape, wildlife, and culture of the province.

Table of Contents

1) Hang Out with the Polar Bears

2) stay in a log cabin at falcon lake, 3) go kayaking with beluga whales, 4) wander the exhibits at the canadian museum for human rights, 5) spend a weekend in portage la prairie, 6) capture the splendour of the aurora borealis, 7) search for bison in riding mountain national park, 8) learn about the caribou migration at schmok lake, 9) take part in a pow wow at the manito ahbee festival, 10) canoe one of the canadian heritage rivers, 11) go fishing at gangler’s north seal river lodge, 12) explore the caddy lake tunnels, 13) ziplining with hy-wire zipline adventures, 14) hiking in manitoba’s fantastic provincial parks, 15) go on a horse riding adventure, 16) spend the night in a remote eco-lodge, 17) hike the spirit sands and devil’s punch bowl trail, 18) go hang gliding above manitoba’s stunning landscapes, 19) rug up and tackle manitoba’s incredible winter activities, 20) wander around the forks national historic site, 21) learn to windsurf or kiteboard on lake winnipeg, 22) go whitewater kayaking, 23) explore the wetlands at oak hammock marsh, 24) relax at thermea by nordik spa-nature, 25) go to an awesome and unique festival , 26) visit the narcisse snake dens, 27) cross the province by train, 28) check out the canadian fossil discovery centre, the best things to do in manitoba – activities, attractions and experiences.

From seeing wild animals up close, to witnessing the northern lights, to kayaking, hang gliding, ice fishing, and more, here are some of the most unforgettable things to do in Manitoba, Canada.

The majestic polar bear is one of the world’s largest apex predators, living in the most remote and frigid regions of the globe.

Many people go to great lengths to see the white bear in the furthest reaches of the planet, but did you know that it is entirely possible to get up close and personal with polar bears while travelling through Manitoba?

Churchill, a small town in northern Manitoba that is accessed by rail or plane, is best known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, thanks to the high population and abundance of research and studies that are conducted on the mammals here.

During the summer months, polar bears migrate to the area near Hudson Bay, the huge water expanse where Churchill is located, as this is typically the first place that sea ice begins to form when winter sets in, allowing them to begin their seasonal hunts.

In the winter while many of the bears hunt for seals, pregnant females retreat to their dens to give birth, emerging again in the springtime with cubs in tow – a scene that truly is one of the most sensational wildlife experiences in Canada .

There are a number of ways to see the polar bears in Churchill, with the famous Tundra Buggies operated by Frontiers North Adventures being one of the most popular and easily accessible.

For a more in-depth adventure, get in touch with the award-winning pioneers Churchill Wild , who organise exhilarating walking tours without the barriers of a tundra buggy at their remote, fly-in wilderness lodges.

This can be booked as part of world-class packages with Churchill Wild that are guaranteed to have you coming back again and again.

So whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or just a traveller keen to see these massive white carnivores in real life, seeing polar bears in Churchill is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Manitoba.

Bordered by towering pine forests, holiday cabins, and hiking trails, Falcon Lake is a gorgeous place to spend a weekend in Manitoba.

Falcon Lake is situated in southeastern Manitoba near the border with Ontario. It is right next to the Trans Canada Highway and is part of Whiteshell Provincial Park, so it’s a convenient stop on a road trip through Canada.

The best way to experience the charm and beauty of the area is to stay in a cozy log cabin. There are lots of amazing options, with Falcon Trails Resort being one of the best.

After you check in to your traditional and luxurious lakeside cabin, spend your weekend hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, sightseeing, or simply relaxing in front of the fire.

Detailed directions are available on their website !

The abundance of wild animals in Churchill is really one of the best Manitoba attractions! This tiny town is also considered the world capital for beluga whales, in addition to polar bears.

Thousands of beluga whales migrate to the waters of the Hudson Bay during the summer months. These sea mammals are quite curious and love to interact with humans, so the best way to see them is by getting out on the water.

While you can try to spot them from the shore, or from the comfort of a Zodiac, we personally recommend booking a kayaking tour in Churchill so you can glide through the water alongside adorable beluga whales.

Sea North Tours is a reputable local company partnered with Travel Manitoba that offers subarctic safaris and wildlife tours.

This company is passionate about the conservation of animals, and with over 30 years of experience, they are certain to help you see lots of belugas.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a must-see if you’re visiting Winnipeg , the capital of Manitoba.

Canada is a country celebrated with rich Indigenous cultures, and this museum reflects on the history and treatment of these Indigenous Peoples.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is dedicated to telling stories and showcasing art, architecture, and exhibitions about the human experience and the development of human rights over time.

Set in a unique and modern glass building with eye-catching architecture and poignant, interactive content over ten permanent galleries, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a reminder of the darkness of days past and a beacon of hope towards a brighter and more just future.

In fact, it is the only museum in the world dedicated to the topic of global human rights issues.

Located at The Forks in Winnipeg, you can combine this museum with a visit to other cultural icons and landmarks in the city.

Check out the Royal Canadian Mint coin-making facility, or Qaumajuq, the newly opened Inuit Art Centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Also consider visiting the Manitoba Museum, which has nine permanent galleries full of history, science, art, and more.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day away from Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie is a charming city to visit. It is only an hour west of Winnipeg and has lots of fun attractions for a small town.

The town was founded by fur traders as they travelled by canoe from the Assiniboine River to Lake Manitoba.

Nowadays, it is a friendly Canadian town with nice accommodation, campgrounds, recreation areas, and a seasonal museum.

Be sure to check out the Fort La Reine Museum, which features a well-preserved historical village, and Island Park, which has biking trails and an indoor wave pool.

Witnessing the Northern Lights is easily one of the best things to do in Manitoba, and all of Canada.

If you’re going to travel that far north, you really can’t leave without hoping to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows.

Churchill is one of the country’s best locations for viewing the Northern Lights, particularly from January to March.

You have a good chance of seeing the shimmering green lights just by exploring on your own. But to be safe, you can book a guided tour with a local expert.

While staying in Churchill, chat to your accommodation hosts and the local tourism offices for recommendations on seeing the Northern Lights.

Some operators to check out are Nanuk Operations , Nat Hab and Frontiers North Adventures .

Located in southern Manitoba on Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park is one of the best places to see bison in the entire country.

It is pretty rare to see bison in the wild these days. They were aggressively hunted by humans over the last couple of centuries, so sadly their numbers have dropped.

But the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure in Riding Mountain National Park has allowed a new generation of plains bison to thrive in a protected environment. You can drive through the enclosure in the hopes of seeing some of these huge, furry creatures.

Riding Mountain National Park is also a great location for camping, mountain biking, hiking, and cross country skiing in winter.

For one of the most unique and remote wildlife experiences you may ever have, venture to the remote Schmok Lake to catch a glimpse of polar bears, black bears, wolves, and if you’re lucky, caribou!

In the north of Manitoba by the border with Nunavut, herds of caribou migrate across the Arctic in large numbers, and a fortunate few who are in the right place at the right time may have the chance to see the elusive spectacle.

Due to the isolation and harsh conditions that are found up here, the only way to see the caribou is to join a guided tour departing from Winnipeg through Churchill, staying at the Seal River Heritage Lodge.

You may also see other different species such as bears, foxes, moose, and other animals. If you’re looking to venture outside the tourist trail and go deep into Northern Manitoba to see nature taking its course.

One of the most memorable things to do in Manitoba is experiencing and learning about the Indigenous culture.

You can learn about First Nations culture from books or museums, but taking part in a pow wow is the best way to immerse yourself right into it.

A pow wow is a social gathering where First Nations people can celebrate their music, art, and traditions. The annual Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg welcomes any guest who wants to learn more about First Nations culture and community.

This is an amazing opportunity to sing, dance, create, and learn about First Nations history and lifestyle. Just be sure to honour the traditions and respect the local’s rules.

Visit the official website for Manito Ahbee to learn more about this magnificent First Nations festival!

Adventurous travellers in Canada should definitely add a canoe trip to their bucket list.

Whether you want to embark on a multiday canoe trip of the northern Seal River, or just dedicate a few hours to paddling along the Assiniboine River near Winnipeg, there is no shortage of canoeing opportunities.

Manitoba has 4 heritage rivers, each with their own unique history. In addition to the Assiniboine River and the Seal River, paddling the Hayes River on a wilderness canoe trip provides the only way to access the York Factory, a former fur trade depot of the Hudson Bay Company.

Another option is the Bloodvein River, part of an area known as the Pimachiowin Aki, a UNESCO world cultural and natural world heritage site.

Canoeing along one of these rivers allows you to surround yourself with nature and potentially see some wildlife in a relaxed setting.

For world-class fishing in Canada, head to Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge.

This fishing lodge on Egenolf Lake is known for its remote and untouched waters, and a fishing trip up here will put you far away from any other resorts or commercial fishing areas.

Fishing fanatics venture up to Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge in search of Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Arctic Greyling. Not only will you most likely achieve your fishing goals, but you’ll get to spend some time away from civilisation.

This spot is so remote that there is no public transport, so you’ll have to book an all-inclusive package that includes flights from Winnipeg through the lodge itself.

But the journey is worth it, as the Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge is small and cozy, allowing you to really enjoy the serenity of northern Manitoba while you fish.

Located in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Caddy Lake is a beautiful spot to visit. This long, skinny body of water is wedged in between West Hawk Lake and South Cross Lake, but it’s not the lakes themselves that attract travellers to the area.

There are super cool man-made tunnels that connect Caddy Lake to its neighbouring lakes, and you can canoe or kayak through them.

When railroads were built in Canada in the early twentieth century, the workers had to blast through the granite to build the railways, and to allow the water to flow freely between lakes.

The result is 2 magical tunnels on the lake, located about 5 kilometres apart.

There are a few different camping and lodging options on Caddy Lak e, many of which offer their own canoe or kayak rentals.

For an adrenaline-filled day in southern Manitoba, why not go ziplining over a dense forest?

Soaring over the treetops is one of the most exciting ways to see a landscape, and it’s more affordable than skydiving or hang-gliding.

Hy-Wire Zipline Adventures is a family-owned business near Manitou. Their ziplines are located over the Pembina Valley, and they are the highest and longest ziplines in the province. Call or visit their website to book your spot.

Take it from us – if you’re travelling through the central parts of Canada, exploring the provincial parks is one of the best things to do in Manitoba.

Whiteshell Provincial Park is Manitoba’s largest park, and is well worth spending a few days here.

There are so many stunning lakes and rivers found within the park, you can easily combine hiking with canoeing, camping, and fishing. If you’re visiting in winter, this park also has amazing cross country ski trails.

Hecla Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Winnipeg offers a more nautical landscape, complete with lighthouses, cycling trails, islands, and the popular Grassy Narrows Marsh walking trail.

Pisew Falls Provincial Park is home to majestic waterfalls and rivers, located in Northern Manitoba outside the city of Thompson, an 8-hour drive from Winnipeg.

Birds Hill Provincial Park is easily accessible from Winnipeg from those who are short on time or money. The latter even hosts the annual Winnipeg Folk Festival.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of provincial parks in Manitoba to satisfy any type of traveller!

Lovers of animals and nature are sure to love galloping through the fields on top of a mighty stallion. Combining quality time with animals and a journey through the forest makes for a heavenly day in Manitoba.

Horse riding is a very popular activity in the area, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a tour company.

Falcon Beach Ranch in Whiteshell Provincial Park is a top-rated operator that offers lots of fun, family-friendly outdoor activities. Their tours cater to any age and any riding level, and their prices are incredibly affordable.

You’ll get to ride horses through the diverse landscape of the Whiteshell boreal forest, enjoying exercise and sightseeing all in one go.

This is a fun alternative to just hiking on your own two feet, so book in early and make the most of your Manitoba holiday!

One of the best ways to treat yourself while travelling through Manitoba is booking an in-depth, all-inclusive stay at a remote eco-lodge.

Venture to a secluded spot amidst the vast wilderness and experience some real Canadian hospitality, but be sure to reserve ahead as these kinds of accommodations are as exclusive as you can get.

There are lots of amazing, cozy luxury lodges around Canada , and if you managed to stay in them all it’d be a lifetime well spent.

If you find yourself curious about Churchill, polar bears, beluga whales and the Northern Lights, look into the wildlife tours out of Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge .

This lodge creates a safe, protected space near Hudson Bay. You can relax in comfort, and then embark on a guided wildlife safari or a photography tour.

This is one of the best ways to guarantee your sightings of wildlife in the epitome of eco-luxury.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park is one of the most popular places to go hiking in Manitoba.

The scenery here is so varied and unique that it doesn’t even look like typical Canada.

Expect sand dunes, cacti and snakes in addition to forests, prairies, and lakes.

Spirit Sands and Devil’s Punch Bowl Hiking Trail is the top activity in the park. The entire loop is 10km long and you’ll get to climb the towering sand dunes of Spirit Sands and admire the turquoise waters of the lake known as Devil’s Punch Bowl.

The trail is well-marked and there are drinking water and toilet facilities. Most travellers recommend doing the hike in autumn, as the summer can get extremely hot in Spruce Woods Provincial Park.  

One of the most adventurous things to do in Manitoba is hang gliding. Hang gliding is bucket-list material for many people, and there are few places more stunning to fly over than the rich prairies of Canada.

Manitoba Hang Gliders is an established company with experienced and knowledgeable pilots, giving intrepid travellers an opportunity to view the colourful patchwork quilt of the fields of the Canadian Prairies in summer.

They take the time to prep you before your first ride to ensure you feel comfortable. They even offer pilot lessons and rides for people of all experience levels.

Visit the Manitoba Hang Gliders website for a full list of rides, lessons, and prices.

Manitoba truly is a year-round destination, and despite the cold temperatures that come in the winter months, not even the mercury dropping below zero can stop people from getting outside and enjoying the province’s remarkable terrain.

On Hecla Island, 2 hours north of Winnipeg, you can rent ‘ SnoBears ‘, well-insulated and propane heated buggies to travel safely and comfortably around Lake Winnipeg to try your hand at ice fishing, under the tuition of your expert local guide.

Prairie Gal Fishing offers ice fishing gear and shack rentals and lessons out of Winnipeg. Roselle’s guided trips are highly recommended.

If you’re in Winnipeg, you can rent a fat bike to explore the ice skating trails on both rivers at The Forks, which also allows you to visit the Warming Huts pop up art displays.

Outside of Winnipeg there is Guinness World Record-holding ‘world’s largest snow maze’ in St. Adolphe, guaranteeing fun for the whole family.

If downhill skiing is more your style, the family-owned and local favourite Falcon Ridge Ski Resort can be found in the woods of Whiteshell Provincial Park.

As you can see, winter in Manitoba is an incredible time to travel to the province, so pack your thermal boots, wrap up in a heavy jacket and don’t forget your sense of adventure!

The Forks National Historic Site is the heart and soul of Winnipeg. Located at the meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the Forks acts as a conglomeration of art, history, entertainment, and culture.

There is a market, an inn, a theatre, a kids’ playground, and multiple green spaces with orchards, gardens, and other historic landmarks. You can also find your typical shops, restaurants, and breweries.

It is also home to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Manitoba Children’s Museum.

Not only is the Forks National Historic Site a treasure in the modern world, but it has been used as a cultural meeting point for thousands of years.

It operated as a trading place for Indigenous people for over 6,000 years and has since been used as a centre for trade, commerce, and communication for immigrants and pioneers of many cultures.

While visiting Winnipeg, a trip to this interesting and multicultural space definitely deserves a place on your itinerary.

Visit the Forks National Historic Site website for updated information on all the attractions.

Water sport lovers may congregate near the coastlines of Canada, but the land-locked lakes should not be overlooked.

Lake Winnipeg is Manitoba’s biggest lake, making it a popular spot for water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. So don’t think you can’t surf while exploring Manitoba and the rest of central Canada!

Windsurfing and kitesurfing are both pretty advanced sports, but with the right teachers and equipment, you can learn the basics and have an epic time doing it.

After an exciting day on the water, you can relax on the popular Grand Beach on the eastern coast of Lake Winnipeg.

For more information about windsurfing or kiteboarding lessons, check out Winnipeg Windsurfing and Boost Kiteboarding , a family owned, Winnipeg-based business that offers guided lessons.

Another exciting water sport to try while exploring Manitoba is whitewater kayaking.

Even though Manitoba is a prairie province of Canada, it’s not entirely flat and calm all the time. There are some bodies of water with intense rapids for those who want to take their kayaking to the next level.

Pinawa is not far from Whiteshell Provincial Park, and it’s a much smaller and quieter location than Winnipeg.

Looking to rent your own gear such as tubes, kayaks and SUPs? Check out Float & Paddle or Pinawa Unplugged Eco Tours .

If you’re planning on staying close to the capital city, Lake Winnipeg is also fun for stand up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, with Prairies Sea Kayak Adventures offering great tours.

Wilderness Supply is the stop in Winnipeg for all your watercraft rentals.

To observe one of Manitoba’s most delicate ecosystems, visit Oak Hammock Marsh. This thriving wetland is a great place to explore nature, find peace, and disconnect from the hustle of daily life.

The Wetland Discovery Center is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the marsh. It is located outside the town of Stonewall, about 20km north of Winnipeg.

Here you can educate yourself about the flora and fauna of Oak Hammock Marsh before setting off into the wilderness.

The discovery center also offers canoe tours, snowshoeing tours, bird-watching tours, guided walks, and has a cool gift shop and theater to entertain families.

Of all the fun things to do in Manitoba, this one will probably appeal to everyone. Who doesn’t want to treat themselves to a relaxing spa day full of massages, thermal baths, and holistic body treatments?

Located 15 minutes outside of Winnipeg, Nordik Spa Nature is the perfect place to unwind after sightseeing and exploring. The spa also offers a restaurant if you want to go all out.

If you’re looking to travel Manitoba and gain an insight into the local culture, consider attending a local festival.

There is a powerful Indigenous presence in Canada, so there is no shortage of opportunities to learn about the Indigenous Peoples and their traditions.

The annual Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg is one of the province’s most popular winter celebrations. It is held in Winnipeg’s French Quarter, called St. Boniface, every February and lasts for 10 days.

Located on the homeland of the Métis nation, the festival celebrates the French -Canadian and fur trade influence in Manitoba through food, art, music, and family-friendly games and activities.

Another fun cultural festival is the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba , held every August in Gimli. This is one of North America’s oldest ethnic festivals, and it celebrates all things Icelandic.

In the 19th century, volcanic eruptions in Iceland destroyed many people’s homes, so lots of Icelandic people immigrated to Canada. This festival is a way of preserving their heritage in their new home.

Even if you’re not in town for the annual festival, you can visit the New Icelandic Heritage Museum in Gimli year-round to learn more.

This is one of the most interesting Manitoba attractions, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. But if you love seeing wild animals and you’re not afraid of snakes, definitely check out the Narcisse Snake Dens.

There are 4 safely monitored snake dens in Narcisse where you can see huge numbers of red-sided garter snakes taking their yearly course.

Every spring, thousands of snakes leave their dens to breed. Every fall, the snakes return to their dens for winter. The best months for viewing the snakes are mid-May, and mid-September.

Narcisse is located a 1.5-hour drive away from Winnipeg. This official Manitoba Government website has detailed information about driving directions, contact information, and snake behaviour.

If Winnipeg and Churchill are both on your bucket list, consider traveling between the two by train.

It is much quicker to fly from Winnipeg to Churchill, but crossing the province by train is one of the best things to do in Manitoba.

This train journey is the only nonstop land connection between the two tourist hotspots. The journey takes 2 days and 2 nights, covering over 1600 km of breathtaking scenery.

If you have the time to spare, and you want to see more of the landscape, a long train journey is an incredible way to do so.

Via Rail Canada offers a direct train journey from Winnipeg to Churchill, and being a 2-day journey it is worth considering a sleeper cabin. Their website can also help you book tours in Churchill.

READ MORE: Why not tick off another one of Canada’s great rail journeys by jumping onboard Rocky Mountaineer !

Those interested in science and natural history should definitely check out the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre .

Located in the town of Morden, this interactive and family-friendly educational space has Canada’s largest collection of marine reptile fossils.

This Canadian museum is a fun place to bring kids, and it’s only a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Winnipeg.

DISCLAIMER: This article was created in partnership with our friends at Destination Canada and Travel Manitoba. All thoughts, opinions and hours spent daydreaming about our next big trip to Canada’s heartland is, as always, our own.

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

The Ultimate 3 Days in New York City Itinerary (2024 Update)

17 AWESOME Things to Do in Wanaka (Epic 2024 Guide)

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in New Zealand (2024)

Related Posts

Kayaking in doubtful sound – everything you need to know, the 21 best sydney beaches not to miss, from caves to farmland – mountain biking in phong nha, new year, new adventures – an update on our partnership with kathmandu, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Must-see attractions in Manitoba

Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site

For a glimpse of the vanishing past, make the detour to tiny Inglis. A stunning row of five 1920s grain elevators – the sentinels of the Manitoba prairie …

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Housed in a stunning contemporary building designed by American architect Antoine Predock, this terrific museum explores human rights issues as they…

Itsanitaq Museum

This one-room museum showcases an exceptional collection of Inuit carvings made of whalebone, soapstone and caribou antler, as well as millennia-old…

Winnipeg Art Gallery

This ship-shaped gallery displays contemporary Manitoban and Canadian artists, and has the world's largest collection of Inuit carvings (at the time of…

Manitoba Museum

Nature trips through the subarctic, history trips into 1920s Winnipeg, cultural journeys covering the past 12,000 years – if it happened in Manitoba, it's…

Assiniboine Park Zoo

White snow leopards, white Bengal tigers and polar bears are some of the 2000-plus animals seen close-up at Assiniboine Park Zoo, which specializes in…

St-Boniface Museum

A mid-19th-century convent is Winnipeg's oldest building and the largest oak-log construction on the continent. The museum inside focuses on the…

Oak Hammock Marsh

Smack in the middle of southern Manitoba's wetlands, this watery home and migratory stopping point for hundreds of thousands of birds is one of the best…

Pisew Falls Provincial Park

Northern Manitoba

Around 80km southwest of Thompson along Hwy 6, Pisew Falls Provincial Park is a must-stop for anyone passing. A short boardwalk runs from the parking area…

A lone cannon behind a crumbling wall is all that's left of the battery built at Cape Merry, 2km northwest of town. It's an incredibly beautiful location…

Assiniboine Park

Winnipeg's emerald jewel, this 4.5-sq-km urban park is easily worth at least a half-day's frolic. Besides the top-notch zoo, there are playgrounds,…

Fort Prince of Wales National Historic Site

It took 40 years to build and its cannons were never used, but the star-shaped, stone Fort Prince of Wales has been standing prominently on rocky Eskimo…

Forks National Historic Site

In a beautiful riverside setting, modern amenities for performances and interpretive exhibits in this park outline the area's history as the meeting place…

Riding Mountain National Park

The dense forest and numerous lakes of this vast national park attract hikers, cyclists and wilderness enthusiasts. Using Wasagaming as a base, you can go…

Manitoba Legislative Building

Designed during Winnipeg's optimistic boom of the early 20th century, this 1920 building flaunts neoclassical beaux-arts design, limestone construction…

Wapusk National Park

Established primarily to protect polar bear maternity denning sites (wapusk is Cree for 'white bear') and critical habitats for waterfowl and shore birds,…

Upper Fort Garry Heritage Provincial Park

Original 1830s oak, stone and mortar walls stand where four different forts have stood since 1738. The entire site – known as Winnipeg's birthplace and…

New Iceland Heritage Museum

This small, lovingly put together museum tells the story of intrepid Icelanders who settled an unlikely part of Canada in 1875 after fleeing hardships in…

Winnipeg Railway Museum

Winnipeg's imposing and underused Union Station (opened in 1911 and designed by the same firm that did New York's Grand Central Terminal) houses a…

Lower Fort Garry

Huge stone walls on the banks of the Red River bank surround the only stone fort still intact from the fur-trading days. The walls are surprisingly low,…

Hecla Heritage Historic Village

Picturesque Hecla Village has been a lived-in Icelandic settlement since 1876. You can go on a 1km self-guided tour of the old lakefront buildings, most…

Polar Bear Jail

Located in a former aircraft hangar near the airport, this secure facility serves as holding center for problem polar bears who repeatedly turn up in…

Grassy Narrows Marsh

Near the entrance to the park, this channel between Hecla Island and the mainland is one of Manitoba's most important marshes and a major nesting site for…

Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Un-Manitoban shifting sand dunes in this 270-sq-km park provide a home for unlikely cacti and creatures, including Manitoba's only lizard: the 20cm-long…

York Factory National Historic Site

Around 250km southeast of Churchill and impossibly remote, this HBC trading post, near Hayes River, was an important gateway to the interior and active…

Clearwater Lake Provincial Park

Boreal forests surround amazingly clear waters and there's camping (tent sites $12 to $24, RV sites $16 to $29) with pelicans at Clearwater Lake…

Fort Gibraltar

Behind wooden walls sits this recreated fur-trade fort. Along with inspired interpreters, the genuine clothes, tools, furs, bunks, and bannock and…

Royal Canadian Mint

Producing loonies to the tune of billions of dollars, this high-tech mint produces money for Canada and 60 other nations. Tour the pyramid-shaped glass…

Manitoba Children's Museum

Kids learn by doing at Manitoba Children's Museum, where 'hands off' is not part of the program. The colorful, high-tech, interactive exhibits encourage…

International Peace Garden

The setting – a very quiet B-level Manitoba–North Dakota border crossing – is certainly appropriate for this cross-border garden, which honors the…

Royal Canadian Artillery Museum

On CFB Shilo, an active military base a 15-minute drive east of Brandon, the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum displays uniforms, guns, ammunition and 60…

Fort Churchill

Amid the undulating rocks, late-season ice and scraggy, stunted trees looms a Cold War relic. Just north of the airport, Fort Churchill was Canada's Cape…

Living Prairie Museum

This park protects 12 hectares of original, unplowed and now-scarce, tall prairie grass. A self-guided walk from the nature center showcases the prairie…

Riel House National Historic Site

After Louis Riel's 1885 execution for treason, his body was brought to his family home before being buried in St-Boniface Basilica. Riel grew up on this…

Parks Canada Museum

There's a small museum and nature center in the train station along with the Parks Canada info desk. It has a good model of the fort and excellent nature…

St-Boniface Basilica

Though the basilica was mostly destroyed by fire in 1968, the original white-stone facade still stands as a 100-year, imposing reminder of the building…

Wolf Statues

There are 49 whimsical concrete wolf statues scattered all over Thompson, Churchill and Winnipeg (with the majority in Thompson), each uniquely decorated…

FortWhyte Alive

A vast, trail-laced natural site with an eco-focus; here you can spot bison, deer and other wildlife. Learn about sod houses and rent seasonal activity…

Out toward the airport lies the wreck of a Curtiss C-46 freight plane that crashed here in 1979 after developing engine trouble, but without a single…

Grand Beach Provincial Park

There is hiking in Grand Beach Provincial Park, where hundreds of species of birds use the lagoon behind the beach and the nearby dunes reach 12m. It's…

More destinations you need to see

Top Things to Do in Manitoba, Canada

Places to visit in manitoba.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Central St. Boniface
• St. James Industrial
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Canadian Museum for Human Rights

2. Leo Mol Sculpture Garden

3. Manitoba Museum

4. Assiniboine Park

5. The Forks National Historic Site

6. Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

7. Riding Mountain National Park

8. Royal Canadian Mint

9. Manitoba Legislative Building

10. Assiniboine Park Zoo

11. Itsanitaq Museum

12. Fort Whyte Alive

13. The Forks Market

14. Shaw Park

15. Churchill Northern Studies Centre

16. Winnipeg Art Gallery

17. Parks Canada Visitors Centre

18. Mennonite Heritage Village Museum

19. Hecla Provincial Park

20. Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

21. Kildonan Park

22. Tinkertown Family Fun Park

23. Grand Beach Provincial Park

24. Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

25. Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC)

26. Manitoba Planetarium & Science Gallery

27. Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre

28. Assiniboia Downs Horse Racing Track

29. Fort Gibraltar

30. Prince of Wales Fort

What travellers are saying.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

38 BEST Things To Do in Manitoba

September 29, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 42 Comments

Sharing is caring!

Things to Do in Manitoba last updated: September 29th, 202 2

Smack dab in the middle of Canada and often overlooked, Manitoba is home to some of Canada’s top signature experiences, including beautiful landscapes and unique adventures. It’s home to Winnipeg, which is one of Canada’s biggest cities as well as some of Canada’s top lakes and beaches, festivals, and world-famous northern attractions.

Kayaking with beluga whales, spying on polar bears, learning about human rights, cracking the code of mystic messages and Masonic symbols, and admiring the Northern Lights are just some of the incredible opportunities in this central province.

We’ve been to Manitoba many times and even lived in Winnipeg for five months, giving us first-hand insight into this wonderful place. In this Manitoba travel guide, we aim to let you know about the top things to do in Manitoba, as well as how to get there, where to stay, and more!

Fun Facts about Manitoba

• Churchill is not only home to polar bears but is also home to the largest beluga whale migration in the world!
• The character of James Bond was inspired by a spy from Winnipeg! So was Winnie the Pooh!
• The Centre of Canada landmark is less than 30 minutes from Winnipeg!

For more cool facts, check out our guide to the most interesting facts about Canada .

Table of Contents

Getting to Manitoba 

Located right in the middle of Canada, Manitoba is quite convenient for those looking to visit. Known as the heart of Canada as well as a historic transportation hub, there are a variety of options for arriving. It is located east of Saskatchewan, west of Ontario, and north of both North Dakota and Minnesota.

Getting to Manitoba By Car 

Travelling by car is typically the best way to explore Canada. With such vast distances, it’s just an easier way to travel. The Trans-Canada Highway runs right through Manitoba, including the biggest city of Winnipeg. You’ll either enter from Ontario to the east, Saskatchewan to the west, or the USA to the south. The distance from Regina, Saskatchewan to Winnipeg is about six hours, whereas the distance from Thunder Bay, Ontario to Winnipeg is about eight hours.

Getting to Manitoba By Plane 

If you’re flying into Manitoba, then you’re likely going to be flying into their capital city of Winnipeg. There are several airlines with regular flights to and from the Winnipeg International Airport, with connecting flights to destinations throughout the world.

Getting to Manitoba By Bus

For those keen on travelling via bus, there are several bus lines and local companies that offer daily transportation to and from Winnipeg and dozens of Manitoba’s rural centres.

If you’re heading to Brandon, Brandon Air Shuttle provides daily shuttle services between Brandon and Winnipeg for pre-booked flights, while Dauphin Air does the same for service between Brandon and Dauphin with Dauphin Air Shuttle.

For northern Manitoba, you can travel with Maple, Mahinkan or Thompson Bus lines, and as the only bus line travelling outside of the province, you can travel with Kasper between Manitoba and Ontario.

We recommend using Busbud to search for and book bus tours within Canada .

Getting to Manitoba By Train

Via Rail Canada, Canada’s major rail passenger service, arrives and departs from Winnipeg and many of Manitoba’s smaller communities. There is also a 2-night train that goes from Winnipeg to Churchill if you’re looking for polar bears and beluga whales.

Getting Around Manitoba

Like most of Canada’s provinces, Manitoba is quite spread out and underpopulated. With the exception of Winnipeg, there is very little public transportation infrastructure and it is best to have your own vehicle. However, if you’re just looking to get from one city to the next, there is often some sort of shuttle service. There is also a train that connects Winnipeg to Churchill, as well as the options for flying.

Since Winnipeg is the only major city and the main place tourists visit, there are lots of normal city options, including bus and taxi. There is no metro in Winnipeg but there is the Splash Dash Water Taxi service, which takes you around the city via the river. A popular place to jump on is at the Forks.

Best Time to Visit Manitoba

Manitoba is known to have some of the most extreme weather in Canada, with very hot and humid summers and very cold winters. We lived in Winnipeg for the summer and we can confirm that it is indeed very humid and quite hot. This is due to all the surrounding lakes. Winnipeg is also home to some of the coldest winter temperatures in the country and in fact, Winnipeg is known as the coldest city in all of Canada.

With that being said, there are many things to do throughout the year. However, the summer is definitely the most popular time to visit, with many incredible outdoor festivals, boating, fishing, rafting, golfing, and so much more. In Churchill, this is also the time to witness thousands of beluga whales migrating through the Hudson Bay.

The shoulder season can also be a good time to visit Manitoba, especially in the fall when the temperatures are neither hot nor cold. The tourism season is slower and so prices will drop and there will be fewer crowds. In Churchill, this is also the time to see polar bears.

For the winter, although it can be cold, there are many incredible opportunities, such as snowmobiling, dog-sledding, ice fishing, and a variety of opportunities to see the Northern Lights!

Please note: If you visit in the winter, make sure you know how to dress for Canadian winters!

Road to 150 – Manitoba

Back in 2017, we did a 150-day road trip across Canada to showcase the best of each province, coast to coast to coast. This series, which has more than three million views on YouTube, features Manitoba as our 7th episode and includes snorkelling with beluga whales in Churchill, exploring the Museum of Human Rights, learning about Canada’s history with the Hudson Bay Company, and splashing around one of the many lakes near Winnipeg.

What To Do in Manitoba

Manitoba is a big province with lots of things to do and places to see. However, outside of the capital city of Winnipeg, the towns are small and the distances can be vast. To simplify it, we’ve broken down the areas into Winnipeg, north of Winnipeg, Western Manitoba, and Churchill.

What to Do in Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a vibrant multicultural city with loads of incredible festivals during the summer months. Here you’ll find beautiful museums, gorgeous legislative buildings, historical areas, and so much more. You can also take a short drive out to the centre of Canada, visit the Canadian Mint, or explore lots of outdoor attractions nearby.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Not only is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights the first museum dedicated to the evolution, celebration, and future of human rights. It’s also one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country. It can be heartbreaking to learn about human rights violations that have happened in Canada and around the world but also a very important topic that everyone should learn about. You’ll also learn about the inspiring people who’ve fought for human rights and will leave the museum feeling inspired as well as getting one of the best views of the city.

A visit to Winnipeg just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Forks. Located right next to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and saturated in 6,000+ years of history, the Forks is both a historic site and the #1 outdoor gathering space for locals and tourists alike. It’s the place where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet and is located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. At 54-acres in size, you’ll find all sorts of things to do, including a bustling central market, exceptional dining and accommodations, beautiful treelined paths overlooking the riverbank, a world-class skate park, a children’s play area and water park, and all the best things a Winnipeg winter has to offer, like skate rentals and access to one of the world’s longest skating rinks.

Assiniboine Park Zoo

Everyone loves polar bears and the Assiniboine Park Zoo is home to a polar bear that came from Churchill, Manitoba. It’s the main attraction of the zoo and everyone loves walking under the glass tunnel to see the polar bear swim all around them. However, there’s much more than polar bears. The zoo is also home to muskox, wolves, moose, and seals, as well as rare animals such as red pandas, snow leopards, and more than 200 other species.

Lower Fort Garry Historical Site

This national historic site is a former Hudson Bay Company trading post filled with some of Canada’s important history. As a “living museum”, costumed interpreters recreate life from the 1800s, including a general store, blacksmith, and various households. You’ll also find Canada’s oldest collection of stone fur trade buildings!

Tip: After visiting Lower Fort Garry Historical Site, continue heading north to Grand Beach and experience one of the best lake beaches in all of Canada!

Royal Canadian Mint

Not only does the Royal Canadian Mint produce money for Canada and other countries around the world, but it’s also situated inside one of Winnipeg’s most beautiful buildings with a reflective glass exterior that is quite remarkable at sunset. It’s a cool place to take a tour and learn about how money is made and you’ll also get the opportunity to hold a $600,000 gold bar, admire Olympic gold medals, and get a photo of your face inside a penny!

Winnipeg Art Gallery

Architecturally striking and centrally located in the heart of downtown, the WAG houses an internationally acclaimed collection of nearly 24,000 works of art featuring a great deal of Canadian pieces, including the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. Critically acclaimed touring shows are also brought in throughout the year, featuring everything from the Renaissance to Dadaism, to Ancient Greece and the best in contemporary photography.

The Manitoba Museum

If you’d like to learn about ancient creatures of the Cretaceous Period,  the cosmos, and the prairie plains all under one roof, you’ve come to the right place. The award-winning museum features immersive permanent galleries that adults and kids will like. Whether you catch a Planetarium show on one of the world’s most advanced projection systems or admire some of Canada’s most important historical artifacts and specimens, the Manitoba Museum is one for the bucket list.

Hermetic Code Tour at the Manitoba Legislative Building

For a whole summer, we lived near the legislative building and didn’t get tired of its beauty. However, admiring the outside is just one of the things to do. Even more remarkable is the Hermetic Code Tour , which takes visitors on a journey to decipher the hieroglyphics, Freemasonic symbols and numeric codes that are housed inside this grandiose interior of this ode to Olympus.

FortWhyte Alive

If you’re looking for beautiful wilderness within the city, there’s no better place than FortWhyte Alive, which is home to 640 acres of pristine prairie beauty. In the summer, you can go canoeing on one of the many lakes or simply admire the views while sipping a locally brewed beer on their restaurant patio. You may even spot some bison, North America’s largest animal. Even in the winter, it’s a great place to be, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sliding on the Richardson Rrrun Toboggan slide, and more!

The Exchange District National Historic Site

By far the most beautiful part of downtown Winnipeg is the Exchange District, which is home to North America’s most extensive turn-of-the-20th-century buildings. It’s a great place to go for a stroll, step into some of the city’s trendiest and tastiest small plate restaurants and bistros, admire a number up-and-coming and established galleries, or go shopping in a variety of vintage and antique shops.

Birds Hill Provincial Park

Not very far from Winnipeg is Birds Hill Provincial Park, which is also the site of the world-famous Winnipeg Folk Fest. Featuring hills and ridges formed by ancient glaciers, this park is home to a lake, oak and aspen forests, native prairie wildflowers, deer, waterfowl and songbirds. There are also opportunities for hiking, walking, camping, swimming, having a picnic, fishing, and more! Interpretive programs are available on a year-round basis for groups of all ages and the Winnipeg Folk Fest takes place in July.

Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre

Although this attraction is 1.5 hours south of Winnipeg, it’s really in an area of its town. Home to the largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada, this is your opportunity to see some of the most amazing and ferocious toothed beasts to ever exist.

Thermëa Nordik Spa

This is truly paradise within the city. After 75 days on the road, this was like a dream. After an incredible 1-hour massage, we spent the entire day rotating between eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, dry saunas, hot pools, and relaxing in hammocks amongst the tall trees. There’s also a restaurant where we had a delicious lunch. I would literally travel to Winnipeg just to go to Thermëa. It’s that good.

For more, check out our detailed guide to the best things to do in Winnipeg !

What to Do North of Winnipeg 

Since Winnipeg is practically the only city in the province, it’s a great base for exploring further into the region as well. In fact, many awesome things to do can be found just north of Winnipeg.

Grand Beach Provincial Park

Beaches are likely not the first thing you think about when it comes to Manitoba, but it’s actually home to some of the top beaches in Canada. This is a popular place to swim, windsurf, hike, or relax in the sun, as it rests along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, Canada’s sixth-largest lake. You’ll also find the historic La Vérendrye Trail, which is home to powdery white sand beaches and grass-topped dunes that can reach as high as 30 feet!

The Park also features a campground, outdoor amphitheatre, picnic shelters, a restaurant, concession services, and wheelchair access to the beach.

Visit Gimli

Another popular feature of Lake Winnipeg is the charming town of Gimli . Canada is never short of small-town surprises and Gimli is no different. Gimli is actually a settlement created by Icelanders who came here to found “New Iceland” back in 1875. It’s now home to some charming restaurants and accommodation, as well as the wonderful New Iceland Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and presenting this fascinating chapter of Manitoba’s history.

Gimli is a welcoming harbour, an ideal spot for scenic drives or bicycle rides to the small towns, beaches, unique eateries and artists’ studios. Watch for pelicans, bald eagles, ducks and purple martins, which have their own downtown apartment tower.

Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre

Located just 20 minutes outside of Winnipeg on Highway 67, Oak Hammock Marsh is one of North America’s top birding hotspots. This wetland is home to 25 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, numerous amphibians, plus reptiles and fish. During the migration season, the number of waterfowl can exceed 100,000 daily!

Hecla Provincial Park

Yet another incredible feature of massive Lake Winnipeg is Hecla Provincial Park, which is home to lush forest, rugged shoreline, beautiful beaches, and lots of wildlife. In the park, you’ll find many hiking and cross-country ski trails, as well as a campground, vacation cabins, tennis courts, a championship 18-hole golf course, and so much more.

The park is also home to Hecla Village, which features a 1-km self-guided trail through the restored village, allowing you to trace the history of Icelandic settlement in the area. Restored buildings include a church, community hall, 1920s school, an Icelandic home and a village store still in operation. Guided walks by a park interpreter are available in summer.

Stonewall Quarry Park

Mostly popular with locals, Stonewall Quarry Park is a summer excursion, located 40 minutes north of Winnipeg. Giant limestone kilns form the focus of this unique park and it’s popular for its walking trails, picnic areas, white sand beach, and swimming in the man-made lake. However, it’s also home to a campground and the Quarry Park Heritage Art Centre, which is open daily.

Pisew Falls Provincial Park

If you’re like us and you love dramatic waterfalls, then perhaps an adventurous road trip up to Pisew Falls Provincial Park should be on your bucket list. Located almost as far as you can possibly drive north in Manitoba, this can easily be turned into an incredible adventure with lots of natural hot spots along the way. Extend the trip a little longer and go all the way up to Thompson!

What to Do East of Winnipeg

Winnipeg is also in the Eastern part of Manitoba, but there’s much more than Winnipeg.

Whiteshell Provincial Park

This spectacular park offers over 2,729 km² of lush forests and lakes. Park visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, quiet beaches, and water sports of all kinds. In fact, there are more than 200 lakes, all of which offer fishing for fish such as walleye, northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. Whiteshell Provincial Park is also year-round, as winter explorers can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, winter hiking, skating, and snowmobiling.

What to Do in Western Manitoba

Western Manitoba, in terms of this article, is going to range from the border of Saskatchewan to the half-way point between the border and Winnipeg. There are no major cities but there’s a lot of beautiful nature and some small towns to be seen.

Riding Mountain National Park

There are only two national parks in Manitoba and Riding Mountain National Park is the most accessible. The other one is way up near Churchill. We’ve been here a number of times and truly love it. In fact, on one short drive, we saw a Moose and three bears!

Located approximately 100 km north of Brandon, Riding Mountain National Park has something to offer everyone. Not only is it a great place to spot wildlife and enjoy outdoor adventure, but it’s also home to the charming cottage town of Wasagaming, a picturesque town located along the shores of Clear Lake, which gets very busy during the summer as it’s home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a beach, golf course, boat rentals, and even a dinner cruise around the lake.

It’s also home to one of the very few remaining original park entrances that were built in the 1930s. So, whether you’re looking for a laid-back lake town or some outdoor adventure, this is a great place to visit.

The City of Brandon 

The only other “big” city in Manitoba is Brandon. With a population of less than 50,000, it’s dwarfed by Winnipeg, but still home to some cool things to do, such as visiting the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, the Daly House Museum, and the Westman Reptile Gardens.

Fort la Reine Museum

Located right in between Winnipeg and Brandon, The Fort la Reine Museum is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Canadian Prairies, and of the City and Municipality of Portage la Prairie. The Fort la Reine Museum has over 25 buildings displaying thousands of individual artifacts including pre-European contact First Nation’s artifacts to more modern collections including historic fire trucks, an old print shop, a general store, the “West Prospect” school, churches, and historic homes.

Explore Dauphin

Just north of Riding Mountain National Park and tucked between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis, Dauphin is a hub for arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and specialty shopping. With three stages and an 11,000-seat amphitheater at the Selo Ukrainian festival site, the town also attracts North America’s premier country music acts each July during Countryfest.

It’s also home to the Fort Dauphin Museum, which takes you on a history tour throughout their village, including a trapper’s cabin, a trading post, a blacksmith’s shop, a pioneer log house, a schoolhouse, a church, and the main log building, which are all located inside palisade walls. In addition, the Parkland Archaeological Laboratory houses over 80,000 artifacts, and the Museum hosts the Fur Traders Rendezvous in September.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Looking for some unique outdoor adventure? Head to Spirit Sands, a desert-like area with sand dunes that tower 30 metres above the prairies, or visit Devil’s Punch Bowl, an eerie pond formed by underground streams. Spruce Woods Provincial Park is home to self-guided trails and horse-drawn covered wagon rides. You may even spot the unique northern prairie skink (Manitoba’s only lizard), a western hognose snake and/or two species of cacti.

Visit Boissevain

The little community of Boissevain is steeped in history and beauty. It’s home to four museums, a giant outdoor art gallery, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, the International Peace Garden, and Tommy Turtle.

Turtle Mountain Provincial Park

Nestled within the rolling forested hills of the park is a variety of mountain biking trails, canoe routes, horse riding trails, self-guided hiking, and campgrounds. The Turtle’s Back Tower is accessible via a hiking trail and offers a panoramic view of the Turtle Mountains and surrounding farmlands. There are also lots of popular boating and fishing lakes for those wanting to get out on the water.

The International Peace Garden

Located right on the Canadian/American border, not far from Boissevain, is a park where visitors can roam freely within the garden from one country to the other. The Peace Garden is home to many flowers, as well as summer camps and camping. However, it is also dedicated to peace and has sites such as our Conservatory, Interpretive Centre, North American Game Warden Museum, and Peace Chapel.

The Garden is open year-round with the exception of the week between Christmas & New Year and it’s an exquisite example of landscaping,  featuring nearly 3,000 flowers.

Manitoba Agricultural Museum & Campground

Interested in farming? The Manitoba Agricultural Museum holds the largest collection of vintage farm machinery in Canada with more than 500 implements, many dating back to the Pioneer era of Manitoba. You’ll also find the Homesteaders’ Village, which represents village life in the late 19th century with an 1883 schoolhouse, a post office, typical log houses of the era, an elegant clapboard mansion, a general store, a railway station, and more! In July, you’ll also find the Manitoba Agricultural Museum’s annual festival – the Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede.

Asessippi Ski Area and Resort

Manitoba is certainly not a skiing hotspot, but it is home to the Asessippi Ski Area, which has 3 chair lifts, 26 downhill ski/snowboard runs, 2 terrain parks and a snow tubing park. It’s not Banff National Park , but it’s a great place to enjoy the winter in Manitoba!

What To Do in Churchill

Located in Canada’s deep north, Churchill is an unforgettable place for those interested in unique wildlife encounters and Inuit culture. After all, it’s both the polar bear capital of the world and the beluga whale capital of the world. It’s probably one of Canada’s most accessible northern communities, but it still takes some work or some money. There are two ways of getting to Churchill. You can fly (it takes about three hours from Winnipeg) or you can take the train, which takes about 40-hours coming from Winnipeg.

Snorkel or Kayak with Beluga whales

Although the rules have changed since we were there in 2017, we will never forget the experience of snorkelling in a dry suit with dozens of beluga whales, all of whom were just over an arms-length away, singing to us as we sang back to them. It was truly a magical moment. These days, snorkelling is no longer allowed but visitors can still dip their heads in the water from a floating dock towed by a boat, giving you a similar experience, albeit a bit different.

Regardless of whether you choose to admire them from the boat, a kayak, or the floating dock, this is a rare opportunity to witness the highest concentration of beluga whales in the world. This typically occurs from July to August.

For our experience, we went with Lazy Bear Expeditions .

Get Close to Polar Bears

Perhaps what Churchill is most famous for is the polar bears. After all, polar bears have been enchanting people for decades. Although quite fierce, even by “bear standards”, tours will bring you up close and personal, typically between September and October. The most popular tours are typically done in heavy-duty arctic buses, all of which have the windows barred off by metal pipes. This allows you to see them, and sometimes even feel their breath, without the risk of being eaten. We haven’t done this yet but it’s on the top of our bucket lists.

View the Northern Lights

Canada is known for its incredibly beautiful Northern Lights and Churchill is one of the best places in the country, and in the world, to see this wonderful natural phenomenon. We actually see them during our summer tour to see the beluga whales, but they’re even easier to see during the colder darker months of the fall and winter. They can be hard to time, but if you get the chance to see them dance amongst the sky, you’ll never forget!

Itsanitaq Museum

Another delight of visiting Churchill is stepping foot into the small but impressive Itsanitaq Museum. This museum has a collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts that are among the finest and oldest in the world dating from Pre-Dorset (1700 B.C.) through Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times. The gift shop specializes in northern books, Canadian Inuit art, unique postcards, art cards, stationery, and local wild berry preserves.

Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site

The British certainly left their mark on Canada, including all the way up in Churchill with the Prince of Wales Fort. This National Historic Site is visited only by tour (it takes a boat to get there) but is quite impressive to see, especially with the stories that come with it. Built more than 250 years ago, you’ll get a real sense of a fur trader’s life in the subarctic at this massive stone outpost.

Wapusk National Park

This national park, which is located in a remote subarctic region of Canada, is a whopping 11,475 square kilometres in size! It encompasses the transition between boreal forest and arctic tundra and even protects one of the largest polar bear maternity denning areas in the world! Wapusk is located within the range of the Western Hudson Bay population of polar bears, which numbers approximately 1000 bears. Nature lovers can hope to see arctic foxes, arctic hares, wolves, caribou, and wolverine as well as more than 200 bird species. This park is remote and only accessible with authorized commercial tour operators in Churchill.

Miss Piggy Plane Wreck

In terms of great spots for an “Instagram photo”, this is probably the best. Home to the remains of a plane crash, and now decorated in graffiti, this makes for one of those interesting, unique, and obscure tourist attractions. This is the wreck of a Curtiss C-46 “Commando” twin-prop cargo aircraft owned by Lamb Airways Ltd. Widely used by the US military during the Second World War, the plane crashed on November 1979 as it attempted to return to the Churchill airport shortly after takeoff. The plane landed in rough terrain and was badly damaged but no one died.

Things to Do in Thompson

Although Thompson is virtually in the middle of nowhere, it is on the way to Churchill if you’re going by train. It sounds like an interesting place, so if you make it there, here are some things to do.

Spirit Way 

This award-winning walking and biking pathway highlights 16 remarkable points of interest including Canada’s largest mural of a Robert Bateman wolf painting, the start of Canada’s largest rockface sculpture, an aviation tribute, scenic vistas, and more.

Manitoba Star Attraction Mining Museum

The Manitoba Star Attraction Mining Museum has a collection of mining artifacts complete with mining equipment such as drills, mucking machines, old mine rescue equipment and old maps. See a replica of a raise and drift, a painting of a cross-section of a mine, and clothes the miners wore. Guided tours are offered late June to September long weekend.

Exploring Manitoba and Beyond

As you can see, Manitoba is an exciting province to explore. Whether you’re looking for the city delights of Winnipeg, the incredible wildlife adventures of Churchill or some of North America’s top lakes and beaches, Manitoba has something for everyone.

If there’s something we missed, please let us know in the comments.

For more on things to do in Canada, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in Winnipeg
• Things to Do in Saskatchewan
• Things to Do in Ontario
• Things to Do in Regina

LIKE THE ARTICLE? PIN IT!

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

March 27, 2021 at 6:40 pm

I love Manitoba. Can you please send the travel guide? Thanks

March 29, 2021 at 10:30 am

We haven’t created a physical travel guide at this point. Our main guide would be this article, and also our top things to do in Winnipeg article.

April 1, 2021 at 11:37 am

I can’t wait to travel and see more of Manitoba this summer.

April 2, 2021 at 1:25 am

let’s go

April 2, 2021 at 11:36 pm

Great article!

April 4, 2021 at 7:18 am

My home province has so much to offer. I cannot wait for our first staycation this year!!

April 4, 2021 at 11:58 pm

What about pisew falls!

April 5, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Oh cool! Never heard of it. Will look it up now

April 5, 2021 at 9:25 pm

Cool. Awesome Manitoba.

April 8, 2021 at 8:55 am

Great article, with great information and places to see, thank you.

April 12, 2021 at 9:01 am

I am looking forward to checking some of these places! Lots of hidden gems.

May 10, 2021 at 7:31 am

Looking to explore some of Manitoba. Some great ideas here.

April 19, 2021 at 9:43 am

Thanks for sharing all there is here in Manitoba, some I have never even heard of and look forward to checking out.

April 19, 2021 at 4:24 pm

My favourite place so far in all of Manitoba is Wasagaming in Clear Lake National Park!

April 20, 2021 at 8:35 am

Perhaps while reading I missed it but I didn’t see any reference to the Souris Suspension Bridge. On a trip out West one year we took an unplanned visit to the area and thoroughly enjoyed it. Worth the stop.

April 20, 2021 at 8:59 am

Oh cool! We’ve never heard of it but happy to include it. We gotta get back to Manitoba soon

April 20, 2021 at 9:09 am

Best site for getting comprehensive info regarding what to see in Manitoba. Thanks for sharing.

May 7, 2021 at 4:52 pm

One of these days we’ll get to Manitoba to see family who love there.

May 13, 2021 at 3:59 pm

So many ‘Must Dos’ in my very own province. Thanks for the chance to win!

May 26, 2021 at 3:11 pm

Reading this article, makes me realize I need to spend more time exploring my own province 🙂 Thx for the chance to win

May 29, 2021 at 4:52 am

Great article. Churchill is on our list to do yet. Manitoba is a wonderful place to live 🙂

June 9, 2021 at 5:52 pm

Love how you capture and highlight the great adventures to be taken right in our own back yard.

June 11, 2021 at 12:30 pm

happy to see that Snow Lake made the cut!! there is also a great provincial campground outside of Snow Lake with some awesome fishing!

June 19, 2021 at 5:44 am

Thanks for the ideas of things to do! It’s hard to stay entertained during the pandemic.

February 5, 2022 at 9:25 pm

So much to do and see in Manitoba – who would have guessed?! Thanks for highlighting!

February 6, 2022 at 12:42 pm

So many people complain about winter in MB because of the cold! Personally I find that you can dress for almost any temperature it there is not a strong wind. I just spent my 10-day vacation doing winter activities I love in different areas of the province! Cross country skiing in Sandilands and Hecla Island, skating the river trail at The Forks, and snowshoeing in Riding Mountain National Park. There is beauty in every season in this beautiful province!

February 6, 2022 at 1:07 pm

totally! Manitoba is very underated. Thanks for sharing!

March 11, 2022 at 11:48 am

Wasagaming, Clear Lake in Riding Mountain is one of our favorite places to visit.

March 16, 2022 at 6:37 pm

Nothing beats the Keystone province!!

March 19, 2022 at 5:31 am

I love Manitoba and I go every summer!

May 4, 2022 at 11:00 pm

Churchill definitely on my to do list

May 5, 2022 at 6:31 am

The centre of Canada is right close to where I live. Manitoba is an amazing holiday destination.

May 6, 2022 at 11:54 am

so many things to do in manitoba

May 8, 2022 at 7:59 pm

May 16, 2022 at 7:42 am

Thanks for the great info. Will need to check out some of these places.

May 22, 2022 at 8:29 am

RMNP…..lots to see and do.

May 28, 2022 at 7:44 pm

Manitoba and Canada has such a rich history and so many fascinating places to explore and discover. Excellent for families as well as solo travel. I’m hoping to explore more of the places in Mb that I have forgotten about previously.

May 31, 2022 at 4:43 pm

Ugh I would love to go to church hill!!!!!

September 1, 2022 at 9:14 am

Lots of great things here. Thanks!

September 5, 2022 at 8:44 am

Friendly reminder, traveling can be dangerous if you’re not paying close attention to your environment.

September 5, 2022 at 8:43 pm

Love to go to Churchill. MB!! 🙂

[…] all over the world and this is easily one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. When we snorkeled with a family of Beluga whales they came so close we could almost touch […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please enter an answer in digits: 9 − 8 =

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© 2022 Must Do Canada. All Rights Reserved.

Things to Do in Canada

• Privacy Policy
• Work With Us
• Get in Touch
• Facts about Canada
• Canadian Languages
• Canadian Money
• Canada Flags
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Best Canada Road Trips
• Best Road Trip Essentials
• Fall in Canada
• Travel Resources

Travel Across Canada Every Week

Join our weekly newsletter for the latest articles, videos, top photos, and more!

• Tourism Industry
• Travel Media
• Meetings & Conventions
• Travel Trade
• Email Signup
• Beaches & Boating
• Hiking & Biking Trails
• Indigenous Experiences
• Urban Escapes
• Stunning Stays
• Northern Manitoba
• Dog Sledding
• Ice Fishing
• Snowmobiling
• Skiing & Snowboarding

Arts, Culture & History

• Outdoor Adventures
• Canadian Museum For Human Rights
• French Manitoba
• Historic Places
• Performing Arts
• Public Art Galleries
• Equipment Rentals
• Wildlife Viewing
• Northern Lights
• Horseback Riding
• Manitoba Adventure Dog
• Polar Bears
• Beluga Whales
• Recreation & Gaming
• Spas & Wellness
• Peg City Grub

Eastern Region

Central region, interlake region, parkland region, western region, manitoba north.

• Clear Lake Country
• Morden-Winkler
• Portage La Prairie
• St. Boniface
• The Pas / OCN
• Island Getaway on the Prairies
• Wheat City Wanderings in Brandon
• Escape to the water and the wild
• St. Boniface Winter: Passion and History
• Follow the path to a story in Neepawa
• Unleash your inner Viking this winter
• Explore Clear Lake this winter like never before
• Breathe in the Whiteshell this winter
• Go North for a boreal forest escape
• Treaty Areas
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Cabins & Cottages
• Private Campgrounds
• Provincial Campgrounds
• Fishing & Hunting Lodges
• Hotels & Motels
• Vacation Farms
• Travel Deals
• Educational Resources
• Update Your Information
• Visitor Guides Request Form
• Visitor Information Centre
• Explore Churchill Pass
• Manitoba Brew Pass
• Manitoba Flight Pass
• Manitoba Perogy Trail
• How To Play
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Know Before You Go
• #ExploreMB Blog

Navigation Options

Places To Go

Destinations that showcase the best of Manitoba.

Whether you know where your journey will end or you’re just along for the ride, you will be surprised by the charm, character and exciting experiences in Manitoba’s favourite destinations. Capital city Winnipeg brings family-friendly attractions plus an eclectic mix of shopping , dining , art and culture . On the edge of the Arctic, Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world and is a world-class destination for wildlife viewing.

In a city built around the place where two rivers meet, a thriving arts scene converges with pristine green spaces.

Must-See Destinations

Discover some of Manitoba’s favourite places to visit.

Lake shores, boreal forests and Indigenous connections.

Central Manitoba stories of prehistoric fossils and agricultural heritage.

Between Manitoba’s inland oceans, adventures are waiting.

Forest oasis with infinite adventures.

Climb into the stories of the past and present.

Where wilderness and culture collide.

Discover who Manitobans really are when you experience our arts, culture and history. Resilient Manitobans are renowned for creating amazing art and dazzling, high quality performances.

For thousands of years, the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers has been a meeting place. Today, Winnipeg is a hub of culture.

Lasting Memories

Are you planning a family vacation or looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with the grandkids? Manitoba delivers fun and affordable things to do with the whole family .

Your first clue that Churchill is a place for adventurers is the fact that there are no roads that lead here. Coming by plane or train are the only ways to get to this remote town on the shores of Hudson Bay.

Passes & Deals

Explore craft breweries, museums and...

Experience builder.

Loading your recommendations…

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Manitoba

Things to do in manitoba, explore popular experiences, popular cities in manitoba.

Ways to tour Manitoba

Tundra Buggy Summer Day Tours

Private City Tour in Winnipeg

The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour

Classic 5 Night Churchill Polar Bear Adventure

Tundra Buggy Autumn Day Tours

Belugas, Bears and Blooms in Churchill Manitoba

Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Subarctic Discovery: Churchill Polar Bears

Walk Downtown Winnipeg: 4 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours

Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge

Top attractions in manitoba.

Fun & Games

Audio Guides

Walking Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Self-guided Tours

Cultural tours, historical tours, what travellers are saying.

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Assiniboine Park Zoo
• Assiniboine Park
• Birds Hill Provincial Park
• West Hawk Lake
• Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Fort Whyte Alive
• Manitoba Legislative Building
• Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
• Itsanitaq Museum
• Manitoba Museum

15 Things To Do In Manitoba To Experience The Heart Of Canada

There is more to Manitoba travel than you know. These mind-blowing things to do in Manitoba will have you booking a trip to the heart of Canada

Deep in the heart of Canada sits the province of Manitoba. This sprawling province is often forgotten by those exploring the wonders of Canada. But those who take the time to explore the center of Canada will discover all of the incredible things to do in Manitoba. From the beaches of Lake Winnipeg, the roaming polar bears of Churchill , the sprawling parks, and culture-rich towns, travel in Manitoba offers a series of unforgettable experiences. 

While many visitors to Manitoba spend their time exploring things to do in Winnipeg and Churchill, there are many more Manitoba attractions if you explore beyond those borders. There is more to discover in Manitoba than the vast prairies and farmland. And once you’ve explored some of these amazing Manitoba things to do, you’ll never look at this province the same way again.

Where To Find The Best Things To Do In Manitoba

Table of Contents

Whether you’re exploring the province with your family, as a couple, or solo, you won’t be left wanting for things to do in Manitoba. I was out exploring what to do in Manitoba for kids, and what I found was a province that has slipped under the radar for far too long. When I flew to Manitoba I didn’t have high expectations. Sure Churchill was on my bucket list. But I wasn’t prepared for Winnipeg to become one of my all-time favorite Canadian cities. 

When my son and  I drove out of town to explore the parks I prepared him for a boring drive. “Things in Manitoba are flat and full of farms,” I said. Boy was I wrong. We came across fields of sunflowers, magical sunsets, raced trains down the Trans-Canada Highway, jumped through waterfalls, and even came face to face with Bison. It turns out there are a lot of things to do in Manitoba. And almost all of those things are awesome. So if you’re looking for what to do in Manitoba, here is a list of some of my favorites.

Explore The Winnipeg Forks

If the province of Manitoba has a soul, it’s located the confluence of the Red River and Assiniboine River in the Winnipeg Forks. This former railyard is now a thriving market and food destination. Home to the Forks Market and the Winnipeg Riverwalk, the Forks wraps up 6,000 years of history into a thriving scene that has become one of the hottest destinations in Winnipeg.

Visitors to the Forks in Winnipeg can also take in the Manitoba Children’s Museum. And to get a unique view of the city you can do a riverboat tour. This is a great way to learn about the rich history of Winnipeg and Manitoba. Next, enjoy a drink on the riverside patio or eat inside the antiquey Forks Market to make your visit complete. There is no doubt that The Forks is one of the best places to visit in Manitoba. Make your visit to the Forks complete with a stay at Inn at the Forks , right in the core of the action.

Go Kayaking With Beluga Whales

One of the most amazing Manitoba things to do is experience the ridiculous number of wildlife experiences in the province. For this, there is no better place to get in touch with nature than up in Churchill Manitoba on the edge of Hudson Bay. Here, in the mouth of the Churchill River, you can go kayaking with Beluga whales . These playful white whales love when you sing to them. If you are lucky, they may even start a little game of tag.

Beluga tours are run by both Frontiers North and Sea North Tours in Churchill.  You can choose to experience it via a boat tour, RIB boat, kayak, or even on a stand-up paddleboard Beluga tour. You may even get the chance to see Polar Bears walking along the shores when you do.

You can check out our complete guide to visiting Churchill Manitoba here .

Meet The Bison At Riding Mountain National Park

Speaking of incredible Manitoba wildlife experiences, the sprawling Riding Mountain National Park gives visitors the chance for an up-close and personal view of one of Canada’s great beasts. On top of spectacular scenery and hiking trails, you can drive through the Plains Bison preserve.

Riding Mountain has loads of other amazing activities as well. You can hike to the highest point in Manitoba. Also, Riding Mountain is one of the best places in Manitoba to watch the sunset. And whether you’re camping or staying in one of the Riding  Mountain lodges, you’ll have an incredible Manitoba experience. Make sure to pack a pair of binoculars so you can see where on the Riding Mountain plains these beasts are hanging out.

You can read all about our time at Riding Mountain National Park here .

Take In The History Of Pinawa Dam Provincial Park

Pinawa Dam Provincial Park is one of the hidden gems of Manitoba. This small park on the eastern edge of the province is home to the remains of one of Manitoba’s oldest hydro-electric dams. The classic, almost Romanesque architecture of Pinawa Dam gives it an otherworldly feel. But the dam isn’t all Pinawa has to offer. It’s a popular destination for boaters to pull up the Pinawa channel for a picnic. And the trails surrounding the channel make for a spectacular place to explore. You may even come across white water canoe and kayakers braving the rapids near the dam. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy lunch on the far side of the dam. It’s wonderful, especially when the flowers are in bloom.

Go On A Polar Bear Safari

Polar Bears are synonymous with the best things to do in Manitoba. And if you visit Churchill between late-summer and mid-fall, you’re going to see them lounging out on the rocks by Polar Bear Alley. The great white bears of the north come in droves to the shores of Hudson Bay to wait for the sea-ice to form. Bears are so common here that they had to set up a polar bear jail to deal with the pesky beasts that would wander too close to town. It’s no surprise that this has made it on to our list of the best wildlife experiences in Canada .

Some of the best ways to see Polar Bears in Churchill are by joining a Tundra Buggy adventure with Frontiers North  or staying overnight in one of the magnificent eco-lodges. But book early. With all of the National Geographic and BBC filmmakers coming up here, this small town can book up mighty fast.

Witness The Northern Lights

The northern lights make for one of the greatest natural light shows on Earth. I’ve been lucky enough to witness them in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories , Finland, and Norway. Another big draw for those looking for things to do in Manitoba is aurora viewing in Churchill . This city sits just south of the Arctic Circle. This makes it a prime destination for seeing the Northern Lights in Canada. By late summer, the Aurora is pretty common in this small town. So, pack up the tripod and camera and let’s get shooting.

Experience Icelandic History In Gimli

Just an hour north of Winnipeg on the shores of Lake Winnipeg sits a little piece of Iceland. Manitoba has a special connection to this North Atlantic country. Early in the century, huge numbers of Icelandic refugees made the trek to Manitoba to escape famine. Many of these newcomers made their home on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. They settled in communities that, to this day, continue many of those Icelandic traditions. After our family travel in Iceland , it was amazing to see these customs carry on in towns like Heckla and Gimli Manitoba . Those searching for what to do in Manitoba shouldn’t skip the Icelandic Festival that happens in Gimli every summer. Make your stay complete with a night or two at the Lakeview Gimli Resort .

Stroll The Gardens Of The Assiniboine Park And Zoo

Manitoba was voted among the top regions to visit in 2019 by the Lonely Planet. Much of this acclaim comes from incredible experiences like The Forks and the Assiniboine Park and Zoo in Winnipeg. The Assiniboine Zoo has one of the most expansive Polar Bear enclosures in the world. You can even walk through an underwater tunnel beneath their swimming area while these magnificent animals swim around you.

The surrounding Assiniboine Park has ponds, gardens, and beautiful walking paths. Make sure to look for the Winnie the Pooh sculpture. You can learn about how this wonderful character has connections with White River, Ontario, Winnipeg, and London, England.

Walk Through History At The Museum For Human Rights

The Museum for Human Rights is the only museum of its kind in the World. This powerful Winnipeg experience takes visitors through some of the most important revolutions and human rights movements from the history of our planet. Not only are the exhibits themselves moving, but the architecture of the Human Rights museum alone makes this a destination worth exploring.

The Human Rights Museum should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Manitoba. Check out their website to learn about the revolving series of special exhibits at the museum as well.

Learn About The Canadian Pioneers At Lower Fort Gary Historic Site

The Manitoba fur trade is at the core of what built Manitoba, and much of Canada into the country that it is today. One of the best things to do in Manitoba is to learn about this rich history is to visit the Lower Fort Gary Historic Site. Lower Fort Garry is about 3o minutes from downtown Winnipeg, but it’s about 200 years back-in-time. This Parks Canada historic site features locals in period costumes sharing stories from the life within the Hudson Bay Companies trading posts.

Canoe Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre

A visit to Oak Hammock Marsh is a must for nature-loving families and couples in Winnipeg. Oak Hammock, which is about 15 minutes west of Lower Fort Garry, is a beautiful piece of land that is teeming with hundreds of species of birdlife. Immerse yourself in their educational programs, or rent a canoe and explore the wetlands to see how many different kinds of birds you can find.

Build A Sandcastle At Grand Beach

Manitoba has some amazing beaches. This shouldn’t be a surprise considering that they have two of the world’s largest lakes. Grand Beach is on the southeast shores of Lake Winnipeg. This popular Manitoba beach features swaths of white sand backed by stunning sand dunes. You can pull up your own piece of sand during the summer. But if you visit in early August, you can time your Grand Beach experience with the Grand Beach Sandcastle competition. Don’t forget to bring a beach towel and some sand toys!

Swim In A Crater Lake At Whiteshell Provincial Park

One of the most beautiful parks in Manitoba is on the eastern border with Ontario. Whiteshell Provincial Park is filled with lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and boreal forests. You can even walk among the magical petroforms.  These indigenous rock forms have been created over centuries and represent a sacred place for the local indigenous communities.

One of the coolest features of the park is West Hawk Lake. This amazing lake at the southern tip of Whiteshell was created by a meteor impact. This led to the unique shape and structure of this lake. It’s now one of the most popular nature escapes in Manitoba. You can read more about our experiences at Whiteshell Provincial Park here . You can make your visit to Whiteshell Provincial Park with a stay at nearby Falcon Lake Resort .

Take A Photo At The Center Of Canada

It doesn’t get much more Central Canada than Winnipeg. But, if you make the drive about 30-minutes east from the city you can stand right at the longitudinal center of the country. This kitschy and fun tourist spot is a blast for that Instagram photo worthy of a drive across Canada. With gorgeous fields of Manitoba agriculture as a backdrop, this spot screams Canadian prairies. To help you out on your road trip there are washrooms available here too. To access it you need to be on the Northern side of the Trans-Canada highway and exit onto the service road that runs along the highway.

Climb The Massive Sand Dunes Of Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Spruce Woods Provincial Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Manitoba, especially for lovers of hiking and the outdoors. This small but mighty provincial park features massive sand dunes formed by glacial deposits. There are many species of plants and animals in Spruce Woods that can’t be found anywhere else in Manitoba. For those visiting Manitoba in winter, many of the trails are groomed into cross country ski trails.

Exploring What To Do In Manitoba For Kids

If you’re traveling to Manitoba with kids, you’ll be so happy to know that every single one of these amazing Manitoba activities can be experienced with children. Exploring Manitoba for kids is amazing. The spectacular Children’s museum in The Forks of Winnipeg is just a start. There are fantastic food experiences, excellent outdoor parks, and even one of Canada’s biggest skateboard parks .

And then there are the outdoor experiences. From the beaches of Lake Winnipeg to the wilds of Churchill, Manitoba is family-friendly. We found that nearly every destination had special activities set aside specifically to make exploring Manitoba for kids amazing. So if you’re considering making the journey, don’t hesitate. You might just fall in love with Manitoba as much as we did.

When Is The Best Time To Experience Things To Do In Manitoba?

The old statements about Manitoba being a destination where you can choose between bugs and cold is starting to get shaken off. In reality, Manitoba is a year-round destination. If you’re visiting Churchill, your experiences will vary drastically by the season. You can check out our guide to Churchill here . As for southern Manitoba, it’s a booming destination in the summertime. But winters in Manitoba have a lot to offer as well.

For example, Winnipeg has one of the world’s longest ice-skating surfaces. Even nudging out the legendary Rideau River in Ottawa from time-to-time. Many of the Manitoba parks open up trails to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can even take part in Western Canada’s largest winter festival, Le Festival du Voyageurs. You can read more about that here .

DISCLOSURE: Some of these activities were made possible with the support of Travel Manitoba . All opinions remain our own. This post may contain compensated links. Any purchases made may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information please read our disclaimer . Wandering Wagars is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

You May Also Like To Read:

Jennifer Brommer

Tuesday 10th of December 2019

Exploring some different parts of Canada is definitely on our bucket list! These are all very exciting things to consider! Thanks!

Kevin Wagar

There's a lot of Canada to explore! I'm happy to hear that I sparked some idea. Manitoba is waiting for you.

Kathryn Dickson

Monday 9th of December 2019

Winnipeg has always held a special place in my heart from the time I worked there. It's too bad I never got to venture out beyond the city as it looks like I missed out huge on what Manitoba has to offer!

Ryan K Biddulph

The beluga whale kayaking is something else. Amazing being so close to such gorgeous creatures.

It's unforgettable Ryan! I can't say enough about our experiences in Churchill while exploring Manitoba.

Julie Thorne

Ok, you had me at beluga whales!! I love them! Ok and the northern lights. Where can I sign up?? Saving for my bucket list!

The Belugas are one of my all-time favorite things to do in Manitoba! We loved it so much that we went and saw them three different times!

Privacy Overview

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Manitoba

Things to do in manitoba, explore popular experiences, popular cities in manitoba.

Ways to tour Manitoba

Tundra Buggy Summer Day Tours

Private City Tour in Winnipeg

The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour

Classic 5 Night Churchill Polar Bear Adventure

Tundra Buggy Autumn Day Tours

Belugas, Bears and Blooms in Churchill Manitoba

Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Subarctic Discovery: Churchill Polar Bears

Walk Downtown Winnipeg: 4 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours

Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge

Top attractions in manitoba.

Fun & Games

Audio Guides

Walking Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Self-guided Tours

Cultural tours, historical tours, what travellers are saying.

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Assiniboine Park Zoo
• Assiniboine Park
• Birds Hill Provincial Park
• West Hawk Lake
• Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Fort Whyte Alive
• Manitoba Legislative Building
• Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
• Itsanitaq Museum

18 Best Things To Do In Manitoba

Discover the province of Manitoba, in the heart of Canada, where you'll find breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures. There are many unique things to do in Manitoba and something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the outdoors and seek adventure, visitors are sure to be entertained at one of Canada's major cities. Manitoba also has the best lakes, beaches, and festivals.

Kayaking with beluga whales, witnessing polar bears in the wild and uncovering the mysteries of Masonic symbols are the top things to do in Manitoba, Canada. Enjoy the beauty of the Northern Lights, dance at music festivals, and soak up the sun on the beaches.

Plan fun things to do in the Manitoba getaway with Canadian Train Vacation . They have a wide range of activities to suit all interests. Discover the great outdoors, immerse yourself in local culture, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

You'll have the best Manitoba vacation with the help of their friendly and knowledgeable staff. Allow them to plan the itinerary and book your tickets for the ultimate Manitoba experience. Book now and discover what Manitoba has to offer!

1. Polar Bears of Churchill

Discover the gorgeous polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, where you may visit them in the wild. You can see these wonderful creatures while on a guided tour of the area, snapping pictures and being awed by their beauty.

Churchill is often called the " Polar Bear Capital of the World ." For those who love the outdoors and are looking for a unique and memorable experience, it is a must-visit location. To view these famous animals in action, reserve your tour right away.

2. Stay in a Log Cabin

Falcon Trails Resort in Manitoba is a great destination. Its cosy log cabins in the middle of the wilderness make this resort the perfect place for romantic getaways or family outings. The resort attracts both tourists and residents, with more than 40,000 annual visits. Yoga classes, art classes, and music festivals are among the events it also hosts.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing fans frequently travel to the resort for these winter sports. For an unforgettable trip, reserve your stay right away.

3. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, there is a well-known museum called the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR). It advocates for human rights and also helps people understand the issues facing communities around the world.

The museum is open every day of the week. On Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can take in the building lit up at night. The entry fee is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $16 for students. Every year, thousands of people visit the CMHR. It is considered one of the top things to do in Manitoba in summer.

4. Go Kayaking with Beluga Whales

Try kayaking alongside beluga whales in Manitoba for a singular experience. Fly to Churchill from Winnipeg International Airport or take a train. There are no roads into Churchill.

The best time to go kayaking is from June to August. It is when beluga whales start to migrate. Kayaks, life vests, and trained guides are provided on tours that last two to three hours and prices start from $150 to $200 CAD per person. Some multi-day Churchill vacation packages also include kayaking experiences. Book in advance during peak season, as demand can be high for the unique things to do in Manitoba.

5. The Forks National Historic Site

The Forks National Historic Site in Winnipeg is a must-visit thing to see in Manitoba for history, culture, and outdoor enthusiasts. This famous location is near where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet. It is open all year round, with longer hours in the summer. Although entry is free to the public, there are admission fees for the Forks Market and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

Explore the site during the day or take in the views at sunset. Don't miss the many events, festivals, and activities hosted all year. Get there by car, bus, bike, or on foot.

6. Capture the Splendour of the Aurora Borealis 

A must-see in Manitoba is the Aurora Borealis. It is one of the most stunning sights in the entire world. Each year, hundreds of people flock to see the Aurora Borealis, a beautiful natural wonder. The ideal months to view the lights are December through March, though they might also be seen in the summer.

Look for the lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. for the best viewing. A guided tour can take you to the best spots. Some even take visitors out onto the tundra.

7. Grand Beach 

Grand Beach, a fantastic beach resort in Manitoba, is just one and a half hour drive from Winnipeg. Every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. it is open. Each guest must pay an entrance fee of $7 CAD. Sun, sand, lake activities, a boardwalk with cafes and shops, and water sports such as boat rentals and beach volleyball are available at the beach. Between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. is the best time to visit.

8. Gimli & the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba 

An annual festival of Icelandic culture is held in Manitoba and is also referred to as Gimli. The event spans a few days in early August and includes musicals, culinary delights, works of art, and works by Icelandic performers.

Due to its proximity to Winnipeg and ease of access by car, bus, or flight, it receives a lot of visitors from across the world. Enjoy yourself and explore a new place while learning about Iceland's rich cultural legacy at the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba.

9. Climb the Sand Dunes at Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Spruce Woods Provincial Park in Manitoba, Canada, is a haven for those who love the outdoors. The park's most popular features include the sand dunes. Due to the gorgeous sand dunes, it is the ideal spot for sandboarding, hiking, and camping. You can stroll along the park's paths and take in the scenery all summer.

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

10. festival du voyageur, winnipeg .

Winnipeg hosts the 10-day Festival du Voyageur winter celebration to commemorate the history and culture of the fur trading era. Admission is free, though some special activities do require a fee.

The festival takes place in mid-February. It is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. It is one of the best things to do in Manitoba for those interested in Canadian history and culture and to experience Winnipeg's unique winter atmosphere.

11. Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site 

For history and culture lovers in the area of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site is a must-see. It presents a rare window into Canadian history and is a well-preserved illustration of the fur trading post built by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 19th century. Vehicles, roads, aircraft, and public transportation may all get you to the location with ease.

It is open daily and offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and plenty of historical activities. Visitors can get the most out of the fort by visiting during the day.

12. Visit The Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint's location in Winnepeg is responsible for producing coins for Canada and other countries. It offers a chance to see coin production, learn about the history of the mint, hold an Olympic medal, and see rare coins.

The Mint is located off the Trans Canada Highway and can be reached by car or public transit. You can take a guided tour. It is best to visit early in the morning or during the weekdays due to its popularity. Admission is $12 CAD for adults and $8 CAD for children.

13. Narcisse Snake Dens

The greatest population of Red-sided Garter Snakes in the world can be found at the Narcisse Snake Dens. It is a rare natural phenomenon close to Narcisse, Manitoba, Canada. Thousands of snakes come out of their dens each spring to breed and enjoy the sun. The Dens are open to the public and can be reached by car through Highway 17.

You can take guided tours or explore the trails on your own. It is best to visit during the day when the snakes are most active.

The Dens are become increasingly popular and have been featured in a lot of books and movies. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and carry bug repellant.

14. Pinawa Dam Provincial Park 

In Manitoba, Pinawa Dam Provincial Park is a well-liked holiday spot. The park provides outdoor pursuits like boating, fishing, hiking, and picnics. The park, which houses the storied Pinawa Dam, is close to Winnipeg. It is 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by bus.

The stunning environment, fun activities, and peaceful surroundings draw thousands of visitors each year.

15. Hecla Island

Hecla Island is a well-known holiday spot in Manitoba, Canada, renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It offers a variety of activities such as bird watching, fishing, boating, hiking, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.

The local resort has cozy rooms and cottages, as well as a restaurant, a lounge, a spa, and a fitness centre. Hnausa Heritage Park and the historic Mennonite village of Hnausa are also worth a visit. Hecla Island is a must-see destination for those looking for a one-of-a-kind and memorable Manitoba experience.

16. Canadian Fossil Discovery Center

In Morden, Manitoba, there is a distinctive attraction called the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre. History and science fans are sure to love this place for its huge collection of marine reptile fossils from the Cretaceous Period. The centre provides a free shuttle service from the Morden Visitor Information Centre and is easily reachable from the Trans-Canada Highway.

The opening hours change from summer to winter. You can visit it any day of the year, seven days a week. It is advisable to schedule your visit in advance.

17. Mennonite Village in Steinbach

Another unique destination at Steinbach, Manitoba is the Mennonite Village. It serves as a one-of-a-kind cultural showcase for the Mennonite way of life. The spot is conveniently close to the Winnipeg International Airport and is accessible by car or bus in 30 minutes.

More than 50,000 people visit it every year, making it a popular site. It is best to visit the village in the morning or late in the day. For a relaxed experience, visit the spot during the off-peak season.

18. Manitoba Legislative Building

For lovers of history and architecture, the magnificent Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg is a must-see. It offers free guided tours of the legislative chamber, great staircase, rotunda and grounds. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm for visitors to explore. No entrance fee is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to stay in manitoba.

Manitoba has something for everyone, whether you want a luxurious stay in the city or a cozy cabin in the great outdoors. Here are some of the best hotels in Manitoba to stay at:

The Fairmont Winnipeg : The height of comfort and style can be found at this opulent hotel. It lies in the centre of Winnipeg. it is for the guests who wish to take in the finest of the city. It is the ideal option thanks to its roomy accommodations, first-rate amenities, and convenient location.

The Inn at the Forks : This chic hotel offers a nice blend of contemporary style and old-world charm. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine.

Clear Lake Resort : The perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life is this charming hotel. On the Clear Lake beaches in Riding Mountain National Park. You have access to its cozy cabins, gorgeous surroundings, and outdoor fun.

The Grand Beach Resort : This classic beachfront resort is located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. It offers a serene escape for those looking for a relaxing getaway. With its on-site restaurant, fitness center, and indoor pool, it's a great choice for families and couples.

How to reach Manitoba by Train?

Manitoba is easily accessible by train. VIA Rail, the national rail service in Canada, runs two major train routes through Manitoba. Get to see the beauty of Manitoba from the comfort of a train journey. The trip from Toronto to Winnipeg takes 32 hours, while the trip from Vancouver to Winnipeg takes 65 hours.

Once you arrive in Winnipeg, you can connect to other forms of transportation. Enhance your journey with Canadian Train Vacations, offering all-inclusive packages with sleeper-class accommodation, delicious meals, and exciting off-train excursions.

What is the best time to visit Manitoba?

Planning a trip to Manitoba? The best time to visit this central Canadian province depends on your interests and travel style. If you're looking for warm weather and outdoor activities, summer is the perfect time to go, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Enjoy everything from kayaking and swimming to hiking and camping.

There are some cool things to do in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the winter, like skiing and snowboarding. So, the best time to travel is during the winter, from December to March. The province transforms into a winter wonderland. You can try a variety of sports, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

October and November are the best months to see polar bears. You may also see the Northern Lights. The skies are darkest and clearest from January through March, making this the best time to see the aurora borealis.

What is Manitoba best known for?

The best-known features of Manitoba are its natural scenery, culture, and northern climate. The Red River Settlement, the Forks of the Assiniboine, and the Red Rivers are just a few of the historical sites that can be found there.

Is Manitoba worth visiting?

Manitoba is home to national parks, thriving cities, and many cultural sites. Canoeing, camping, fishing, and hiking are just a few of the outdoor activities the province is famous for.

Why is Winnipeg famous?

Winnipeg is home to some of the best museums, galleries, and arts venues in the country. It's also known for its music, art, and nightlife.

What do people in Manitoba do for fun?

Manitobans enjoy a wide range of activities. There are also art galleries, museums, and music venues.

Related Content

Best of Canada

Best Things To Do in Nova Scotia

Travel Guide

Best Times to Visit the East Coast of Canada

Best Time to Visit Quebec

Guide to the Québec City Winter Carnival

7 Canadian Train Journeys to Book Right Now

Best Winter Vacations In Canada

Discover more.

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

Or call us toll free

Current promotions

Sign up for special offers, monthly Canadian Insider tips, and vacation inspiration.

• South Africa
• Philippines
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Solomon Islands
• Itineraries
• About Travel2Next
• Hotel Reviews
• Travel2Next TV
• Travel Shop

• Explore Canada
• Landmarks and Monuments

20 Incredible Landmarks In Manitoba For Your Bucket List

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Each year, around 1000 polar bears migrate to the town of Churchill in Manitoba, earning it the moniker of the ‘polar bear capital of the world’. This annual migration attracts thousands of visitors who are keen to see the polar bears in their natural environment but few realise that Manitoba is also home to other treasures. There are hidden gems in every corner of the province, from historical sites left as a legacy from the province’s wild fur trading days to contemporary landmarks celebrating the province’s rich cultural tapestry.

From the uber-contemporary Canadian Museum of Human Rights to the quirky mining town of Flin Flon, named after a cartoon character; from 1500-year-old petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park to the boreal forest of Pimachiowin Aki to the sign marking the centre of Canada, these historical, natural and quirky landmarks in Manitoba will give you plenty of reasons to visit.

1- Canadian Museum For Human Rights

2- qaumajuq, 3- st boniface cathedral, 4- assiniboine park pavilion, 5- churchill’s polar bear ‘jail’, 6- immaculate conception church, 7- york factory national historic site, 8- gimli viking park, 9- thompson wolf mural, 10- centre of canada sign, 11- inukshuk in churchill, 12- northern lights, 13- pisew falls, 14- little limestone lake, 15- bannock point petroforms, 16- narcisse snake dens, 17- bruce the mosasaur at canadian fossil discovery centre, 18- pimachiowin aki, 19- centennial river skating trail, 20- flin flon, 20 incredible landmarks in manitoba, manmade landmarks.

The Canadian Museum For Human Rights is a 21st-century architectural marvel and a Canadian landmark that makes a design statement with bold geometric curves, irregular surfaces and walls that slope at odd angles. The gleaming glass and steel monument has 1669 pieces of cut glass and one kilometre of alabaster-clad ramps. Supported by 5,400 tonnes of steel framework, glass panels in ‘The Cloud’ contain argon gas for insulation.

The CMHR is a unique 21st-century temple that thoroughly explores human rights through innovative displays, exhibitions and events. The building, which stands on the ancestral lands of the First Nations and the Métis, is a bridge between the past, present and future.

The museum’s management is committed to protecting the environment. Several measures are in place such as sourcing water from the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation as well as harvesting rainwater for air conditioning and toilet flushing. It has 2800 sqm of roof seeded with prairie grass and indigenous Manitoba plants.

The Canadian Museum For Human Rights opened on 20 September 2014 and is at 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Winnipeg’s uber-contemporary Qaumajuq (pronounced kow-ma-yourk) is an architectural landmark built as an addition to the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Home to Manitoba’s Inuit art centre, Qaumajuq means ‘it is bright, it is lit’ and its name along with the names of its various spaces were decided by Indigenous language keepers and elders in a virtual gathering.

The building’s contemporary architecture is eye-catching, with an undulating white Bethel granite façade hovering above the glass lobby. The Visible Vault in the entrance hall is a massive three-storey curved glass vault with thousands of carvings on display and a live showcase of curators and conservators at work.

The centre brings Inuit art and culture to Winnipeg through exhibitions, research, education and art. The collection of 14,000 carvings, drawings, prints, textiles, and new media is the world’s most extensive public collection of Inuit art.

The collection is more than just a beautiful display of carvings and drawings. The museum shares the stories that these pieces tell, which makes it easier for visitors to understand how they relate together as part of an intricate culture with deep meaning behind each piece.

The displays provide engaging ways to experience art and connect to the lands, peoples and cultures of the North. It’s also a space for Inuit elders to pass their teachings to the broader community and future generations.

Qaumajuq is in the Winnipeg Art Gallery at 300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The 1908 facade of St Boniface Cathedral is a historic landmark of Manitoba’s French culture. The latest cathedral was build in 1972 and still operates today, making the monument a fusion of old and new buildings.

The cemetery is the resting place of historical figures who played key roles in the province’s development, such as Louis Riel. The St. Boniface Cathedral Cemetery guided tour offers a theatrical experience that brings history to life.

Before merging with Winnipeg in 1972, St Boniface was a city with the largest francophone community in Western Canada. Walk across the Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge from The Forks and hang out in cool cafes, listen to live music, buy French books and eat beef bourguignon and coq au vin at St Boniface .

Saint Boniface Cathedral is at 180 Avenue de la Cathedrale, Winnipeg.

Assiniboine Park Pavilion is a lesser-known landmark in Assiniboine Park, home to the well-known Assiniboine Park Zoo, English Garden and Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. It’s worth visiting, especially for its Winnie-the-Pooh gallery .

Did you know that the black bear that inspired A. A. Milne’s famous character Winnie-the-Pooh was named after Winnipeg? Canadian Lieutenant Harry Colebourn took a bear cub to England at the start of World War I and left the cub at London Zoo when his unit went to France.

The Pavilion’s original building dates back to 1908 and was rebuilt after a fire in 1930. It houses the largest collections of works by famous Manitoba artists Ivan Eyre, Walter J. Phillips, and Clarence Tillenius.

Assiniboine Park & Zoo is at 55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg.

Churchill has earned the title of polar bear capital of the world because polar bears gather in the area each year while waiting for the sea ice to return. There are around 1,000 polar bears around the Churchill area, attracting tourists, scientists and photographers who flock to see, study and photograph polar bears in their natural environment along the shore of Hudson Bay.

In winter, polar bears hunt for food on sea ice, but global warming has forced them to spend more time on land because the Arctic waters are freezing later and thawing earlier.

This cycle has increased the number of encounters between polar bears and people in Churchill, as sometimes bears get too comfortable around town. As a result, bears that keep venturing into town are tranquilised and held in the Polar Bear Holding Facility or polar bear ‘jail’ and stubborn individuals are sometimes relocated back into the wilderness by helicopter.

The Polar Bear Holding Facility is in a former aircraft hangar near the airport and visitors are not allowed inside. However, Churchill is also home to Polar Bears International, an organisation dedicated to the conservation of polar bears. You can see polar bears by Tundra Buggy or on a walking tour while staying at a lodge or by boat or helicopter.

The multi-domed Immaculate Conception Church is a grand Ukrainian church that is an unexpected sight in Manitoba. The impressive Prairie cathedral-style church was built by volunteers between 1930 and 1951 from concrete, stucco and painted with Ukrainian motifs.

The complex includes a grotto and cemetery and there’s a medieval festival in summer, with jousting, archery and food stalls.

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is a symbol of the Ukrainian community. The first settlers came to Cooks Creek during the mid-1860s, followed by a more significant influx in 1897 when Polish and Ukrainian migrants went to the western prairies to farm the land.

Immaculate Conception Church is at Cooks Creek Road, Hazelridge.

York Factory is a legacy of the fur trade and was a fur-trading post for the Hudson Bay Company for 273 years. The depot had a vibrant community of hundreds of inhabitants during its heyday, including a doctor, church, and cooperage. In addition, there was a Cree community not far away.

These days, only the cemetery, the ruins of a gunpowder magazine and the depot building remain. The depot was constructed in 1832 and is the oldest timber building still standing on permafrost, worth visiting for its history and archaeological artifacts recovered from the site.

The remote site in the subarctic wilderness can be reached by private boat or air charter and offers guided tours in July and August.

York Factory National Historic Site is in a remote location on the shore of the Hayes River near its confluence with Hudson Bay.

According to Norse mythology, Gimli is a beautiful place in the afterlife where only the worthy are allowed. Manitoba’s Gimli, however, is a popular place for its beaches in summer and ice fishing in winter.

It’s also famous for its massive Viking statue, erected in 1967 to mark Canada’s 100th anniversary. Gimli is also known as New Iceland because Viking heritage and Icelandic culture and attractions flavour the town, from tasting traditional vinatarta prune torte to seeing displays at the New Iceland Heritage Museum to going Nordic skiing.

Gimli Viking Park tells Norse mythology stories, with tiny houses for elves and troll faces carved into stones. The heritage wall documents the community’s history and includes a key to solving the rune puzzles carved into the stone pathway.

Icelanders emigrated to Canada in the early 1870s to look for greener pastures and escape from cities ravaged by volcanic eruptions. As a result, Canada has the largest population of Icelandic descendants outside of Iceland. One-third of Canada’s Icelandic population calls Gimli home.

Gimli Viking Park is at 104 2 Ave, Gimli and is 89 km from Winnipeg.

Manitoba is home to around 5000 grey wolves that hunt for elk, moose, caribou and deer in the province’s boreal forests. Wolves are shy and are not easy to spot, but Thompson has a wolf landmark you can’t miss.

The massive Bateman Wolf Mural is a 10-storey photo reproduction of wildlife painter Robert Bateman’s Wolf Sketch. The wolf landmark is the most noticeable along the Spirit Way Millennium Trail, a two-kilometre biking and walking pathway lined with 56 painted wolf statues and other points highlighting the area’s art, geology, heritage, culture, and scenery.

Canada has the largest population of grey wolves globally (about 50,000). Thompson hosted two International Wolf & Carnivore Conferences in 2012 and 2017. In 2017, the city broke the Guinness World Record for the most number of people howling like a wolf when 2,033 people participated in the group howl.

Thompson is in northern Manitoba, 761 km (473 miles) north of Winnipeg. The Bateman Wolf Mural is on the side of the Highland Tower building. 

The sign marks the longitudinal centre of Canada and is a unique landmark in Manitoba on the Trans-Canada Highway.

The exact coordinates are 96° 48′ 35″ on the road sign and the spot is the centre of Canada based on the distance from its farthest outlying islands on either side.

The Centre of Canada is at 99 Trans-Canada Hwy, 15 km east of Winnipeg’s city limits near the town of Landmark.

Inukshuks are Inuit landmarks used as navigational aids, coordination points, message centres and places to respect loved ones throughout the Arctic. Hunters used them to mark migration paths or fishing locations by the river.

‘Inukshuk’ means ‘in the likeness of a human’ and constructed from stones placed roughly to resemble the human form. They are inconsistent in size and built using whatever stones are available. The arrangement of stones signals the reason for the marker.

The Inukshuk on the beach in Churchill is one of the most popular places to photograph the Northern Lights.

Natural Landmarks in Manitoba

The Aurora Borealis is a mark of nature that can appear in the sky and be seen anywhere in Manitoba, but one of the best places to see Northern Lights is in Churchill, where the lights appear almost 300 nights a year.

According to Inuit mythology, the Northern Lights are the spirits of their ancestors playing ball with a walrus skull. The more scientific explanation is that the aurora borealis is caused by geomagnetic storms that cause the sun’s solar wind to move towards the earth. The magnetic field that protects the planet causes atoms and molecules to collide in the atmosphere to form protons that make up the aurora.

Although the Northern Lights is visible all year round, February and March are the best months because the skies are clear and the cloud cover isn’t a hindrance during the colder months.

Pisew Falls is a waterfall where the Grass River drops 13 m (43 ft), changes direction and gushes down through a gorge. There are two boardwalks with views of the falls, but keen hikers should step up to the challenge of the multi-day, 30 km round trip hike to Kwasitchewan Falls and back.

The Upper Track Trail follows the Grass River and was the main waterway during the fur trade in the late 1700s. First Nations trackers showed traders from the Hudson Bay Trading Company how to follow the Upper Track to reach western Canada’s interior. The Woodland Cree used this track for thousands of years.

Pisew Falls is in Pisew Falls Provincial Park on the Grass River. It’s 73 km from Thompson.

Little Limestone Lake is a 15 km-long lake that is one of the biggest marl lakes in the world.

Marl occurs when the limestone bedrock beneath the lake erodes and calcium carbonate is released into the water, forming the tiny white marl crystals. The quantity of marl increases as the temperature of the water rises during the day, causing a stunning colour transformation. This phenomenon causes the colour of the lake to change dramatically, from brilliant turquoise in the morning to a milky blue to white later in the day.

The area is home to threatened woodland caribou and other wildlife like lynx, foxes, muskrat and moose. Fortunately, the lake’s eastern shore borders Mosakahiken Cree Nation territory and the Manitoba government has an agreement to cooperatively manage the park’s resources by focusing on balancing ecotourism and preservation. However, as the lake’s ecosystem is fragile, roads, trails and buildings are not allowed.

Little Limestone Lake is in Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park in northern Manitoba, about 500 km north of Winnipeg. The nearest town is Grand Rapids, which is 65 km away.

Bannock Point Petroforms are ancient rock art created with stones or small boulders arranged on bedrock outcrops in the shape of turtles, snakes and other geometric designs.

The purpose of the rocks that date back to AD500 is still a mystery, however, the First Nations people use these rocks for healing and learning. The Anishinaabe people consider the petroforms as sacred and pay homage by leaving gifts of fabric and tobacco.

Bannock Point Petroforms are in Whiteshell Provincial Park , 140 km from Winnipeg, and must be visited with a First Nations guide.

The Narcisse Snake Dens is a provincial wildlife management area home to tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes. The dens writhe with red-sided garter snakes in spring as they slither from their winter den for the annual mating ritual.

The ritual is spectacular but short, usually between one and three weeks. The window to visit is in late May and can be unpredictable.

A 3 km self-guiding interpretive trail connects four active snake dens, where the mating rituals of the snakes are fascinating. In early spring, up to 100 male snakes lie in wait for females in a mating ball.

Narcisse Snake Dens is off Highway 17, six kilometres north of Narcisse.

Bruce the mosasaur holds the Guinness World Record as the largest publicly displayed mosasaur in the world. The tylosaurus pembinensis measures more than 13 m (approximately 43 feet) long and is an impressive Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre feature.

The centre is also home to Canada’s most extensive collection of marine reptile fossils and has many treasures on display from the late Cretaceous period.

The centre runs educational programmes and the opportunity to join their crew on a real fossil dig.

Bruce is in the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre , 126 km south of Winnipeg, at 111 Gilmour St B, Morden.

Pimachiowin Aki, which means ‘The Land That Gives Life’ in the Anishinaabemowin language, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site straddling Manitoba and Ontario.

It’s a living cultural landscape with over 3200 lakes, 5000 freshwater marshes and 32,000 km of shoreline wetlands. Pimachiowin Aki is a wonderous natural landscape home to an abundance of wildlife, fish, birds and plants, including at least 10 bird species at risk. It has three herds of threatened woodland caribou, including one of Manitoba’s largest herds.

Pimachiowin Aki is the only mixed site of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage sites recognised for its cultural and natural values and Manitoba’s first on the World Heritage list.

The 2.9 ha Pimachiowin Aki has North America’s largest protected area of boreal shield, which is an ecosystem where boreal forest and Canadian Shield overlap.

The Centennial River Trail is a natural landmark in Manitoba on the Assiniboine and Red Rivers, built upon a moving body of water. The opening and closing dates of the trail are entirely dependent on the weather and conditions of the ice. In the past, the trail has opened in January and usually closes in March.

How far the Centennial River Trail extends each year depends on weather conditions and how the river freezes. The trail is groomed daily and free for everyone to use.

Warming huts are built on the trail, usually around the third week of January but is also weather dependent. Find out more here . 

Flin Flon is a mining city that sits on the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border and is known as the ‘city built on rock’ because most of Flin Flon’s surface consists of exposed Canadian Shield bedrock.

Due to its rocky ground and climate, agriculture is generally not viable. The Flin Flon Belt is a Precambrian volcanic belt formed 1.9 billion years ago by aquatic volcanic eruptions that, along with multiple episodes of glaciation, moulded the unique landscape seen today. This belt produces the area’s vast mineral deposits, primarily zinc, copper, silver and gold. The extensive bedrock exposure has forced the residents to be creative. For example, in the northwestern areas of the city, sewer boxes are placed above the surface as it’s not possible to bury water and sewer lines.

Named after Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin, the hero of the science fiction novel ‘The Sunless City’, Flin Flon has a population of just over 5,000 and was established initially to mine the area’s copper and zinc ore.

A quirky statue of the professor, designed by American cartoonist Al Capp, stands on the city’s outskirts.

• 20 USA Landmarks
• 23 Canada Landmarks
• 22 Ohio Landmarks
• 21 Arizona Landmarks
• 21 Minnesota Landmarks
• 21 Oregon Landmarks
• 21 Illinois Landmarks
• 21 Colorado Landmarks
• 21 Georgia Landmarks
• 21 Michigan Landmarks
• 23 Los Angeles Landmarks
• 21 Washington Landmarks
• 21 Maryland Landmarks
• 20 Manitoba Landmarks
• 20 Kansas Landmarks
• 21 New Mexico Landmarks
• 20 Idaho Landmarks
• 20 Montana Landmarks
• 20 Oklahoma Landmarks
• 21 Wisconsin Landmarks
• 20 Tennessee Landmarks
• 21 Iowa Landmarks
• 20 Alaska Landmarks
• 20 Miami Landmarks
• 21 West Virginia Landmarks
• 21 Kentucky Landmarks
• 20 Louisiana Landmarks
• 21 Arkansas Landmarks
• 20 Cincinnati Landmarks
• 20 San Antonio Landmarks
• 25 Indiana Landmarks
• 21 New York Landmarks
• 20 Texas Landmarks
• 21 Boston Landmarks
• 20 Florida Landmarks
• 20 Hawaii Landmarks
• 5 South Dakota Landmarks
• 21 Pennsylvania Landmarks
• 23 New Jersey Landmarks
• 21 Virginia Landmarks
• 21 North Carolina Landmarks
• 21 Utah Landmarks
• 21 Nevada Landmarks
• 20 Massachusetts Landmarks
• 20 Washington DC Landmarks
• 20 Vermont Landmarks
• 20 Nebraska Landmarks
• 20 North Dakota Landmarks
• 21 Missouri Landmarks
• 20 Rhode Island Landmarks
• 21 Maine Landmarks
• 21 Connecticut Landmarks
• 20 San Diego Landmarks
• 20 Landmarks In South Carolina
• 20 Mississippi Landmarks
• 20 Las Vegas Landmarks
• 20 Dallas Landmarks
• 20 Houston Landmarks
• 20 Seattle Landmarks

This post was published in partnership with Travel Manitoba .

Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

Things to do in Canada

26 famous landmarks in canada, what is canada known for, banff in winter, 20 things to do in ontario, christmas in toronto, editor's picks, 101 travel quotes – inspiring the journey, 60 luxury escapes for your bucket list, 25 australian landmarks.

Ways to tour Manitoba

Tundra Buggy Summer Day Tours

Private City Tour in Winnipeg

The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour

Classic 5 Night Churchill Polar Bear Adventure

Tundra Buggy Autumn Day Tours

Belugas, Bears and Blooms in Churchill Manitoba

Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Subarctic Discovery: Churchill Polar Bears

Walk Downtown Winnipeg: 4 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours

Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge

Top attractions in manitoba.

Fun & Games

Audio Guides

Walking Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Self-guided Tours

Cultural tours, historical tours, what travelers are saying.

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Assiniboine Park Zoo
• Assiniboine Park
• Birds Hill Provincial Park
• West Hawk Lake
• Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Fort Whyte Alive
• Manitoba Legislative Building
• Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
• Itsanitaq Museum
• Manitoba Museum

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Plan your next trip in Manitoba with us!

15 INCREDIBLE Manitoba Beaches to Visit (for 2024)

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

Compiled by the Road Trip Manitoba team

Last updated on January 16, 2024

Manitoba beaches? That’s right! With over 100,000 lakes in the province, it’s no surprise that there are so many incredible beaches to choose from. Thankfully, many of them are beautiful to boot, with silky soft sand, calm blue waters, and stunning horizons perfect for watching a sunrise or sunset.

While the water can be chilly even in summer – which explains why so many popular beaches are in Southern Manitoba – there are so many fantastic spots to enjoy for some fun in the sun. While it’s almost impossible to narrow it down to only fifteen, here are our recommendations for the best beaches in Manitoba.

Please note: many of Manitoba’s beaches are found within provincial parks, so you’ll need a provincial park pass to enter and park. If you’re spending at least a few days exploring Manitoba, we recommend purchasing an annual park vehicle pass, although there are also day passes and 3-day passes available. Passes can be purchased online and often within the parks themselves.

Road Trip Manitoba covers travel through Manitoba, which is made up of Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Territory, as well as communities that are signatories to Treaty 6 and Treaty 10. Manitoba is home to the original lands of the Anishinaabe, Anish-Ininiwak, Dakota, Dene, Ininiwak, and Nehethowuk peoples, as well as the homeland of the Métis peoples.

Beautiful Beaches in Manitoba

Grand beach.

Grand Beach is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in Manitoba, and it’s often included on lists of beaches with the most amazing sand… in the world! That’s right, the beautifully soft white sand of Grand Beach Provincial Park is perfect for lazing the day away. Part of the “Beaches of 59” strip along Highway 59, Grand Beach is only about an hour’s drive north of Winnipeg; visit nearby Patricia Beach, Beaconia Beach, Lester Beach… your options are endless if you’re looking for sun, sand, and splashing in the waters of Lake Winnipeg.

Grand Beach Provincial Park also has plenty of hiking trails, concession stands, playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic tables, and one of our recommendations for the best campgrounds in Manitoba . It does get quite busy in the summer months, but the wide beach that stretches for nearly three kilometres means you’re always able to find a spot.

Beaches near Grand Beach: Patricia Beach, Beaconia Beach, Sunset Beach, Albert Beach, Hillside Beach, Lester Beach, Bélair, Victoria Beach

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of Riding Mountain National Park . And one of the best things to do in Riding Mountain in summer? Swim, of course! Clear Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Manitoba , and with its crystal clear waters, you can’t help but want to jump right in. Thankfully, there are plenty of sandy beaches in the park, the most popular of which is found conveniently in the Wasagaming townsite.

Here, you’ll find communal change rooms, bathrooms, and picnic facilities. Also nearby? Campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, shops, hiking trails, and tons of opportunities for water sports, including fishing, boating, water skiing, and more. All in all, a visit to Clear Lake in summer should encompass at least a few days.

Other popular spots for swimming in Riding Mountain include Moon Lake, Lake Audy, and Lake Katherine.

Winnipeg Beach

We couldn’t write a list of the best beaches in Manitoba and not include Winnipeg Beach. In fact, it’s where Road Trip Manitoba’s Brenna spent her summers as a child! With a central location that allows you to explore nearby Gimli, Matlock Beach, and tons of other fun locations along Lake Winnipeg, Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park has a lot to offer.

Explore the little town, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and events, or take advantage of the long boardwalk and sandy shores along the lake. A bonus for dog owners: there’s a dog-friendly beach at Winnipeg Beach, too.

Wanting to stay awhile at Winnipeg Beach? There’s the Winnipeg Beach Provincial Campground, but there are also plenty of Manitoba cabin rentals in and around the area to choose from.

Beaches near Winnipeg Beach: Matlock Beach, Gimli Beach, Whytewold Beach, Ponemah Beach, Sandy Hook, Pelican Beach

Birds Hill Beach

For one of the closest beaches to Winnipeg, head to Birds Hill Provincial Park. While the beach fills up quickly every summer, the manmade lake and sandy shores are the perfect place if you only have a few hours to soak up some sun or are looking for a beach day trip from the big city.

It’s a little bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beach itself, so you’ll want to bring a wagon or stroller if you have little ones; the pathway is also wheelchair-friendly. There’s a small concession stand, some shady trees nearby, and a good swathe of sand to relax upon, while the water is extremely calm and shallow (making it ideal for families).

Make a day of exploring Birds Hill Provincial Park and try some of the hiking trails, or head to nearby Pineridge Hollow for its excellent restaurant, small petting zoo, and newly opened “Village” filled with shops.

Steep Rock Beach

Not to be confused with North Steeprock Lake near Swan River, Steep Rock Beach is found on Lake Manitoba and is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of Winnipeg. The highlight of a visit to Steep Rock is the jaw-dropping scenery; take in the unbelievably gorgeous rock formations and cliffs that are among the most photographed locations in all of Manitoba.

Made of limestone, thousands of years of water pressure have formed beautiful cliffs, caves, and other geological wonders. But it’s not just about the rocks here… there’s also terrific swimming, boating, walking trails, canoeing, kayaking, and much more to enjoy!

The sandy beach at Steep Rock has picnic tables, public washrooms, and a playground, while there’s also camping and cabin rentals for longer stays. If you’re looking for a beach with a view unlike any other, this is definitely it.

Found less than an hour’s drive south of Winnipeg or an hour’s drive east of Winkler, St. Malo Provincial Park is an amazing choice for a beach day trip. Swim, play, and relax on St. Malo Lake, where you’ll find two beaches.

This manmade reservoir is particularly quiet thanks to its lack of powerboats, but canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and many other water sports are still totally possible here. There’s also a large picnic area, children’s playground, and a fantastic campground if you’re looking to stay for longer than a day.

There are also lots of events throughout the summer in the town of St. Malo; combine your trip to the beach with the Summer Festival held every September!

Falcon Lake Main Beach

Falcon Lake is one of the most popular lakes to visit in Manitoba, and so it stands that it has one of the most popular beaches, too! Falcon Lake, found in Whiteshell Provincial Park, is a great choice when it comes to a beach holiday.

The amenities are endless here, with restaurants, shops, snack stands, picnic tables, a beach boardwalk, tennis courts, and so much more near the beach. There are also fantastic camping and cabin rental options galore, so you can happily spend a few days or weeks exploring the area.

There’s a huge marina for those looking to use their boat for boating, fishing, water skiing, etc, while there are lots of hiking and biking trails in the area, too. And of course, swimming is extremely popular in Falcon Lake!

Beaches near Falcon Lake: West Hawk Lake, Brereton Lake

Delta Beach

You didn’t think we’d forget about Lake Manitoba, did you? While most of Manitoba’s beaches are indeed on Lake Winnipeg, don’t count out the beautiful beaches of Lake Manitoba. One of our top picks is Delta Beach, found near Portage la Prairie, where you can experience calm, shallow water, huge stretches of sand, and some of the most unbelievable sunsets in the province.

You’re also close to a lot of other great beaches in the area, including St. Ambroise and Twin Lakes, as well as the fascinating Delta Marsh. Delta Beach is a great choice for families as you can combine a fun day out with some education about Manitoba’s marshland; kids will love trying to spot the local birds and wildlife!

Want to stay in the area? There’s the fantastic Delta Beach Campground with serviced and unserviced sites.

Beaches near Delta Beach: St. Ambroise Beach, Twin Lakes Beach

Colert Beach

Colert Beach, found on Lake Minnewasta, is small but mighty, and it makes this list of the best beaches in Manitoba because of its easy access from Morden and Winkler, its hiking trails, and most importantly… its splash park! This is the place to be in summertime if you have kids.

The shallow water and soft sand are great, of course, but the splash park is definitely the star of the show. Splish Splash Water Park is the kind of place your kids will never want to leave; with a slide tower, trampoline, frog jump, and many other features across interlocking modules, kids can play and splash to their hearts’ content. Lifejackets are required, and there are lifeguards on duty, so you can rest assured that your little one is safe.

Nearby, explore the lovely cities of Morden and Winkler, where you’ll find tons of restaurants, golf courses, and the excellent Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre.

Clearwater Lake

Located just north of The Pas and about an hour’s drive south of Flin Flon, Clearwater Lake is a superb choice if you’re looking for a beach in Northern Manitoba. While the water is certainly colder than some of its southern counterparts, it’s perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer’s day.

The main draw of Clearwater Lake? The fact that it’s so aptly named: the water is so clear that you can even see the bottom of the lake at a depth of over ten metres (thirty feet). With fishing, boating, hiking, and birding in the area, Clearwater Lake makes for so much more than just a day at the beach (although that’s pretty fantastic, too).

Surrounded by coniferous forests, enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning area and appreciate the fact that it’s much quieter than many of the other beaches in Manitoba.

Sunset Beach (Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park)

One of our favourite places in the entire province, Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park thankfully has plenty of beaches with gorgeous limestone cobbled shorelines. Near the Lakeview Hecla Resort – one of the best places to stay in the entire province due to its fine dining, spa, golf course, and indoor and outdoor pools – you’ll find beautiful Sunset Beach, where you can (no surprises here) catch one of the most incredible sunsets in the prairies and swim in the calm waters. For one of the best hikes in the area, try the Gull Harbour Lighthouse Trail, which takes you along the shoreline and leads you to one of the most iconic spots in Hecla.

While on the island of Hecla, spend some time walking on the nearby boardwalks to take in the beauty and serenity of the marshland that surrounds you.

Lundar Beach

Lundar Beach, found on Lake Manitoba, is located about an hour and a half drive north from either Winnipeg or Portage la Prairie . Surrounded by natural marshland, there’s fabulous birdwatching in the area; see if you can spot pelicans, songbirds, or the variety of ducks that call this area home.

The beach itself is wide and sandy, with smooth water that makes for leisurely swimming on a hot day. The campground only has a few sites compared to others in the province, so Lundar Beach is ideal for those looking for a quiet, peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Of course, it’s also a fantastic day trip for those on the search for some sun and sand.

Wellman Lake Beach

While we’ve featured mostly Southern Manitoban beaches on this list, there are certainly beautiful beaches found elsewhere around the province. One of the best in the Swan Valley area in the west of the province is Wellman Lake, where you can camp, stay at Wellman Lake Lodge , or stay in the surrounding Duck Mountain Provincial Park.

While the beach at Wellman Lake is small and can feel crowded on the hottest weekends of the year, it has lots of perks; Wellman Lake Lodge has a wonderful restaurant and mini golf, the water is perfectly calm for swimming, and there are tons of boating and water sport opportunities in the vicinity.

Nearby, explore Duck Mountain Provincial Park, including the fantastic Blue Lakes Trail (which makes our list of the best hiking trails in Manitoba ).

Beaches near Wellman Lake: Blue Lake s

Stephenfield Lake Beach (Stephenfield Provincial Park)

Stephenfield Provincial Park is an excellent choice for a beach family holiday in Manitoba. Although the beach is small, there are tons of camping opportunities nearby, including some of the best yurts in the province.

Make your way to Stephenfield Lake, where you’ll find the sandy beach, plenty of calm water for swimming stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and boating, and lots of easy hiking trails in the area. There are also playgrounds for kids to enjoy as well as a fantastic takeaway restaurant called Sparks Drive Inn just outside the park’s gates.

Minnedosa Beach

Found just outside of the town of Minnedosa, Minnedosa Beach is only a forty-minute drive north of Brandon and an hour and a half drive south of Dauphin. Like Colert Beach in Morden, the highlight of Minnedosa Beach is Splash Splash, a massive floating water park that will provide hours of entertainment.

If you’ve never been launched off of a jumping pillow into the water… now’s your chance! A manmade lake, Minnedosa Lake is also a lovely place to swim, relax on the sand, and go boating. There are also kayak rentals on the beach as well as a concession stand, playgrounds, a soccer pitch, picnic tables, and a campground for those looking to stay awhile.

Heading out beach hoppin’? Don’t forget to download our FREE Road Trip Manitoba bingo cards to amp up the fun along the way!

And if you also want to cast your rod during your beach visit, don’t miss first reading this beginner’s guide to fishing in Manitoba .

Brenna Holeman (she/her) has adventured to over 100 countries but is incredibly proud to call Winnipeg home. Brenna spent 16 years travelling solo around the world, living in Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Osaka, Antigua, and London, England. Once a writer and editor for Expedia UK, she is a co-founder of Road Trip Manitoba and also runs This Battered Suitcase , one of the most trusted and respected travel blogs in the world.

Related Posts

Sharing is caring!

We're here to help you plan your Manitoba vacation with real, local advice!

• Destination Guides
• Route Guides
• Driving Advisories
• Manitoba Driving Guide
• Manitoba Weather

We've created FOUR Manitoba specific bingo games to make your road trip even MORE fun. Included are some insider tips on what to see and eat in the province!

Our monthly newsletter is full of ideas for fun things to do in Manitoba, PLUS you get a *FREE* road trip bingo cards!

The top 10 attractions in Manitoba

Things to do

Museums, mysteries and the Mint: jump right into the cultural experiences that define the capital city of this prairie province.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

One of the most eye-catching buildings in the entire country is Winnipeg's Canadian Museum for Human Rights External Link Title . The shining structure of curved steel and glass is really something to behold on its own, but it also houses a powerful collection of 10 core galleries housing exhibits that force you to think about the human experience and your own place in it. This is the only museum in the world devoted solely to human rights awareness and education, and during your visit you'll come to learn about Indigenous perspectives on rights, the Holocaust and other genocides, how to break the silence and inspire change, and more, all through a uniquely Canadian lens.

The Forks National Historic Site

How many attractions can claim to have been a major meeting place for over 6,000 years? For thousands of years, Aboriginal Peoples stopped at what is now The Forks National Historic Site External Link Title on the banks of Winnipeg's two major rivers. Today, the Forks is a nine-acre hub of shopping, dining and entertainment that is popular among locals and visitors both. Take a tour to learn the rich history of the site, or stop by the sculptures, stone pictographs and other displays that tell its story. Grab a seat in the riverside amphitheater and take in a free concert, skate or canoe the frozen river (depending on the season) and then treat yourself to a meal at the market. There's really too much going on to include in a paragraph, so you'll have to see it for yourself. 

The Manitoba Museum

The Manitoba Museum External Link Title is the largest museum in Winnipeg, and its scope is as big as its collection. Nine permanent galleries showcase everything from a full-size 17th century ship that you can actually explore to a recreation of early bison hunts. The planetarium recreates the current night sky, giving you a panoramic view you won't forget. Regular touring exhibits also ensure a fresh, unique experience every time you visit. If you enjoy a good learning experience, a walk through the Manitoba Museum will help you up your game in history, astronomy, science and culture. Not too shabby for one afternoon.

The Manitoba Legislative Building

If you enjoyed the Da Vinci Code or National Treasure, you're probably going to want to make a pit stop at the Manitoba Legislative Building. The building also has the qualities of a beautiful government building, from a grand staircase to beautiful statues (in this case, of twin bison), and all the classic trappings. But hidden throughout this building are hieroglyphics, masonic symbols, numeric codes and secrets that will leave you stumped. Occult links, sphinxes, ancient temples and more will be discussed and explained on a Hermetic Code Tour External Link Title of the building. 

FortWhyte Alive

FortWhyte Alive External Link Title is a 640-acre urban wilderness oasis located in the heart of Manitoba's capital city. The park has all the trimmings of an outdoor hub: activities galore (fishing, paddling, snowshoeing, skating, skiing, and tobogganing), a variety of wildlife (bison, whitetail deer, reptiles, muskrats, and over 160 bird species), cultural and historical exhibits, a farm, restaurant, and more. Enjoy walking and cycling on over four miles of forest trails, canoe and fish on sheltered lakes, come up close and personal with Canada's biggest beasts on a bison safari, or create your own adventure to enjoy.

Winnipeg Art Gallery

Over 27,000 pieces make up the collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery External Link Title (WAG), the oldest civic gallery in the country. These works span just about all eras and forms, from Ancient Greek statues to Renaissance paintings to modern photography displays. The gallery also features some of the greatest ever Canadian art, and includes the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. The WAG's collection has been displayed to critical acclaim everywhere from New York to Tokyo, but it never looks as good as it does at home. So stop by the gallery, grab lunch at the restaurant overlooking the building's rooftop sculpture garden, and then let your eyes loose on this fantastic collection of art.

The Royal Canadian Mint

What's the deal with Manitoba and beautiful buildings? The Royal Canadian Mint External Link Title is, appropriately, an absolute architectural gem. The building sits alongside the water, its glass exterior shooting up from the ground like a big, reflective pyramid. Once you pry your eyes away from the outside, a tour of the Mint will have you holding a $600,000 gold bar and checking out gold medals from the Vancouver Olympic Games that were made on site. Every single coin in Canada, representing billions every year, is made at this facility, as are coins for over 70 other countries. See how they do it, and walk away feeling like you got your money's worth. Sorry, I had to.

Therm?a by Nordik Spa-Nature

You've kept busy on your trip to Manitoba, hopping from attraction to attraction, and taking advantage of all the cultural and outdoor experiences. Now, it's time to relax, which means paying a visit to Therm?a by Nordik Spa-Nature External Link Title . This Scandinavian spa is the perfect place to unwind and destress. Go for a long soak in the thermal pools, sweat it out in the Finnish saunas, and treat yourself to a massage. Then enjoy some fine dining, because you've earned a good meal after all that relaxing, right?

Assiniboine Park Zoo

Tigers and leopards and bears, oh my! The Assiniboine Park Zoo External Link Title hosts all three of those animals, in addition to about 1,500 of their friends, in an 80-acre park that's yours to explore. Only minutes from downtown Winnipeg, the zoo will bring you from continent to continent through the wide variety of species housed there. Reptiles, birds, fish, mammals... if you can think of it, they probably have it. A real highlight of the zoo is the Journey to Churchill experience. Watch polar bears swim and play above your head in the Sea Ice Passage underwater viewing tunnels. Explore the different landscapes of Churchill from the boreal forest to its tundra and see the animals who make the barren land their home; from caribou and muskoxen, to Arctic fox and wolves.

The Exchange District

Winnipeg's 20-block Exchange District External Link Title is a time capsule of around 150 incredibly preserved heritage buildings from the turn-of-the-century. This National Historic Site dates back to the 1880s when Winnipeg was booming, and the terra cotta and cut stone buildings used to contain banks and warehouses. Today, those same buildings are home to art galleries, boutiques, design and architecture firms, studios, and a ton of restaurants. Take a walking tour and immerse yourself in the district's foodie culture, or have your choice of the 51 restaurants and cafes found in the area. Visit the Old Market Square for the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, the Soca Reggae Festival, and a number of other events or stop by the Centennial Concert Hall for an orchestral performance.

Visit the Travel Manitoba website External Link Title

Get inspired

Other articles you might enjoy

Best Place to see Northern Lights in Canada

Canada's Life-changing Lights

The top fall destinations across Canada

Best camping in Canada – with a twist

Fascinating national historic sites in Canada

The best road trips in Canada

The best spots in Canada for a romantic getaway

10 must-visit spas in Canada

10 Canadian festivals and events that heat up each winter