Welcome to Manitoba
For many, Manitoba is synonymous with polar bears roaming great snowy fields and massive beluga whales swimming in Arctic waters under shimmering northern lights. Indeed, the province’s northern region, home to the town of Churchill on the shores of the Hudson Bay, offers a gateway to Arctic beauty. But folks who prefer more civilized trappings can journey through southern Manitoba, with plenty of gems of its own. Here, you’ll find the Interlake region and the province’s largest cities, namely Winnipeg and Brandon.
Riding Wild
Explore fascinating ecosystems with a visit to Riding Mountain National Park, located in southwest Manitoba on the rising ridge of the Manitoba Escarpment. Sitting high above the landscape, the park offers expansive views from many scenic points. Over 250 miles of trails snake through picture-perfect countryside. Elk and bison roam the green grasslands, black bears abide in the woodlands and moose meander along the pristine waterways.
Western Gateway
Known as the “Gateway to the West,” Winnipeg has long served as a major crossroads of Canada’s Prairies. Manitoba’s largest city and the provincial capital, the eclectic town sits at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The location has long drawn people to the area, and today’s visitors can explore this history at the Forks National Historic Site, a 9-acre park dedicated to preserving the 6,000-year history of human presence in the area. Find several world-class museums nearby.
Popular stops include the Forks Market, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Manitoba Children’s Museum. Along the banks of its namesake river, Assiniboine Park is another welcoming hub, with gardens, trails and a zoo. Also in the city, the Manitoba Legislative Building and Royal Canadian Mint are noted for their roles in Canada’s governance as well as their striking architecture.
Loving the Lakes
Directly north of the city and situated Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg, the Interlake region has long been a favorite for vacationers. Resort towns and lake cottages hearken back to simpler times.
Dozens of beaches offer recreational opportunities. For a unique taste of the region’s Icelandic history, visit the small town of Gimli. The annual Icelandic Festival of Manitoba draws thousands of visitors to the town each August to celebrate Scandinavian culture.