Brandon
On the surface, Brandon looks like just another prairie town, with a few notable amenities along the Trans-Canada Highway. However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover Manitoba’s second-largest city is an incredibly diverse destination teeming with historic buildings, world-class museums and provincial parks promising endless outdoor adventures.
Where History Lives On
A stroll through downtown will lead you on a journey to the past. Home to a national historic site and 12 provincially designated historic sites, Brandon is sure to delight you with its extensive collection of historical buildings. Many of the buildings now function as cafes, restaurants and boutiques offering delicious culinary creations, vintage fashions, art and souvenirs. Consider joining a residential walking tour to learn about the city’s different architectural styles. You can also visit the home of Brandon’s first mayor. Now known as the Daly House Museum, this house features a recreated general store and Victorian garden to give you insight into 19th-century life. Learn more about the area at the compelling Riverbank Discovery Centre.
Artillery Abounding
History buffs won’t want to miss visiting the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum. Located at the Canadian Forces Base Shilo, this award-winning attraction promises big action thanks to its incredible collection of heavy weapons. You’ll also find antique military devices, art and a dress worn by Queen Elizabeth II in five indoor galleries. Afterward, make your way to the airport for the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. Housed in an original hangar, this museum tells the story of how over 50,000 pilots trained at 14 Manitoba air bases during WWII. Aviation enthusiasts will get to peer at thousands of artifacts and even climb aboard an original plane once used by the British Commonwealth during the war.
Festivals of Fun
No matter what time of year you come, there is always something going on in Brandon. Coined “Wheat City,” Brandon lives up to its nickname thanks to three livestock and agricultural fairs held throughout the year. In the summer, dance the days away at the Folk, Music and Art Festival or celebrate cultures from around the world at Brandon’s Winter Festival.
Wildlife and Wild Adventure
Drive approximately 60 miles north and you’ll wind up in Riding Mountain National Park. A wealth of wildlife species inhabit its lush boreal forests, grasslands marshes, and wetlands. Many visitors report spotting everything from lynx and moose to black bears and owls simply by taking a scenic drive through the park. If you’d like to come face-to-face with a herd of 30 massive bisons, head to nearby Wasagaming, located at the park’s south gate, for a Canadian safari you won’t forget. The provincial parks of Rivers, Spruce Wood, Turtle Mountain and William Lake can also be easily accessed from Brandon. Fishing, bird watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and canoeing are just a few of many outdoor adventures you can enjoy within this scenic outdoor space.
For More Information
Brandon Tourism
204-729-2141
Travel Manitoba
800-665-0040