Start your Manitoba adventure in the heart of Winnipeg. Explore its vibrant and diverse downtown, home to the famous Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Manitoba Museum, and the historic Exchange District. Take a break and head over to the Forks, where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet, offering a lively market, great dining options and green spaces for relaxing.
Take a scenic drive to enjoy the beautiful natural landscape of Riding Mountain National Park, located on a plateau bordered by valleys and rolling hills. The park offers various activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Munds Park Trail, a moderate hike leads to magnificent views of the park’s valleys and lakes.
Travel to Churchill, known as the polar bear capital of the world, located on the shores of Hudson Bay. Here you can see polar bears, beluga whales, and northern lights in their natural habitats. Book an organized Tundra Buggy tour or join the Northern Lights and Stargazing excursion to experience the best of Churchill’s wilderness.
Experience the enchanting wilderness of Whiteshell Provincial Park in eastern Manitoba. Full of crystal-clear lakes, deep forests, and scenic trails, it's perfect for thrilling outdoor adventures. Hike to the famous Falcon Creek Trail or climb to the top of the 50-foot-high Whiteshell Rapids or rent a bike and explore Rennie River, with its stunning scenery and peaceful environment.
Head over to Gimli, a small Icelandic community located on the shore of Lake Winnipeg. Known for its unique history, culture, and well-preserved heritage buildings, it's perfect for a relaxing and culturally immersive end to your trip. Visit the Viking Statue, the New Iceland Heritage Museum, the Gimli Glider Exhibit, and don't miss out on the delicious Icelandic cuisine.
It is best to rent a car to explore Manitoba as public transportation is not widely available. Be prepared for long drives between locations, and note that winter driving may require additional precautions. Gas is affordable, with an average price of $0.95 per liter. Plan the trip well in advance so as to book Churchill tours as they tend to get sold out.
Estimated Transportation Costs: Approx $500 renting a car + gas and parking fees (depending on locations visited)
If you have more time, consider extending your trip to Lake Winnipeg, Grand Beach Provincial Park or visit the historic Gold Rush Trail. If you have less time, choose to explore either Riding Mountain National Park or Whiteshell Provincial Park, depending on your preferences. Be sure to pack winter gear for Churchill polar bear tours in October to November.
Manitoba's two primary airports are Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) and Brandon Municipal Airport (YBR). Winnipeg airport is the busiest airport with daily domestic and international flights while Brandon airport mostly serves domestic flights. Winnipeg airport is around 18 miles or 30 minutes from Winnipeg downtown.