A 2-week Manitoba street journey itinerary that covers highlights within the southern half of the province. Should you love nature, wildlife, tradition and delicacies, don’t miss a drive round Manitoba!
On our very first foray into worldwide journey, on the ripe outdated ages at 20 and 23, we landed in Canada, purchased an outdated campervan and hit the street in the hunt for journey and large open landscapes.
Over the course of three years we managed to place nearly 50,000km on the odometer as we zig-zagged throughout the nation, from BC to Newfoundland and again, and it’s secure to say that with huge wilderness, numerous wildlife, pleasant locals, and countless scenic drives, this spectacular nation cemented our love of street journeys.
Throughout our travels we now have managed to go to Manitoba thrice, and the prairie province really turned one among our surprising favourites.
Manitoba is huge, and you would simply spend a month at the least exploring the whole province, particularly for those who add on a journey to the far north to see Churchill, the Polar Bear Capital of the World.
However for many travellers who aren’t planning a visit to the Arctic tundra, 2 weeks is an ideal period of time to see the nationwide parks and charming cities of southern Manitoba by automotive.
On this new Canada journey information we define our instructed itinerary for a 2-week Manitoba street journey, good for these driving throughout the nation, or utilizing the colourful capital of Winnipeg as a base.
READ MORE: Don’t miss our epic information to the finest issues to do in Manitoba to find what else there’s to do right here!
After all, you may modify the itinerary nonetheless you want, however we’ll advocate all the very best nationwide parks, climbing trails, and different points of interest inside driving distance from Winnipeg.
Whether or not you comply with this itinerary precisely or simply take away items of it, hopefully this text will allow you to plan your future Manitoba street journeys!
Our Epic 2-Week Manitoba Street Journey Itinerary
The primary week of this Manitoba street journey will cowl a western loop from Winnipeg. The second week will cowl an japanese loop.
So even for those who’re simply in search of 1 week Manitoba street journeys, you may select to just do half of this itinerary.
Both method, you’re positive to have an epic journey whilst you discover the province by automotive.
One of the best ways to get round is to hire a automotive and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Automobiles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for the very best worth in the marketplace.
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Week 1 – Western Loop of Southern Manitoba from Winnipeg
Your first half of the Manitoba street journey will start and finish in Winnipeg. You’ll enterprise west from town in a loop, passing cities filled with historical past and nationwide parks filled with wildlife.
Manitoba has a number of well-equipped official campgrounds for these trying to camp, so that you’ll have loads of alternatives to sleep beneath the celebrities, or keep in a comfortable native inn if that’s extra your model.
Whichever you select, you’re assured to have a fun-filled first week in your Manitoba street journey.
Day 1 and a couple of – Fly into Winnipeg, Lease a Automobile, and Discover
With so many unimaginable issues to do in Winnipeg, it’s a improbable place to start your journey.
Fly into Winnipeg and spend your first two days enjoyable, exploring, and prepping to your street journey.
You may organise your automotive rental, replenish on provides, and ensure all of your lodging are booked for the remainder of the journey.
Should you’re travelling exterior of winter (which is what we advocate), be sure to e book issues prematurely as a result of summer time is the height vacationer season in Manitoba.
Additionally think about issues like entry passes to nationwide parks and climate patterns. When you’ve gotten all of your logistics sorted, you may take pleasure in Winnipeg!
Your first cease needs to be The Forks, which is the hub for tradition and leisure within the metropolis. After you wander by means of the Forks Market, loosen up within the public parks, or go to the well-known museums.
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The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a extremely fascinating house to study in regards to the evolution of human rights in Canada and overseas.
It’s set in a contemporary glass constructing and has quite a few displays, tales, artwork installations, and extra. This Canadian museum is one to not miss! The Manitoba Kids’s Museum is ideal for those who’re travelling with babies too.
You can too try the Assiniboine Park Zoo or stroll alongside the River Stroll at The Forks whereas hanging out in Winnipeg. Or go to the Trade District, which is a nationwide historic website due to its stunning structure, and identified for impartial eating places, boutiques and galleries housed in a couple of blocks of traditionally preserved buildings.
After spending 2 days in Winnipeg, get a very good night time’s sleep as a result of tomorrow you’re setting out in your Manitoba street journey!
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The place to Keep in Winnipeg
Winnipeg has a number of good inns and Airbnbs, although they’re a bit on the costly facet.
Count on to spend at the least CAD$100 per night time, however the high quality is there which makes it value the fee.
There are a couple of hostels in Winnipeg, however think about treating your self to good lodging right here, particularly for those who’ll be tenting all through the remainder of your journey.
Humphry Inn and Suites is an efficient finances possibility, with a room costing round $140 an evening.
If you wish to deal with your self, keep on the Inn on the Forks. It’s proper within the coronary heart of town and is kind of luxurious.
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Day 3 – Drive to Portage la Prairie
Right this moment you can begin heading west in the direction of Portage la Prairie. This quaint city is barely about an hour away from Winnipeg, so there isn’t a lot driving to do.
When you arrive, spend the day having fun with this peaceable city in Manitoba.
There are two most important highlights of Portage la Prairie. The primary is Island Park, a stunning out of doors recreation space.
Right here you’ll discover strolling paths, a golf course, parks and playgrounds for youths, in addition to picnic and BBQ areas.
Additionally try the Fort La Reine Museum, which showcases numerous historic artefacts and buildings. Should you’re within the historical past of Canada, this museum is a must-see.
The place to Keep in Portage la Prairie
The Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Portage la Prairie is a cushty, straightforward place to spend the night time, superb for {couples} on Manitoba street journeys.
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Day 4 – Spruce Woods Provincial Park
The subsequent cease in your Manitoba street journey is Spruce Woods Provincial Park. It’s only an hour away from Portage la Prairie, so for those who go away early you’ll have the whole day for an out of doors journey.
You could possibly simply spend a couple of days within the Spruce Woods Provincial Park as there are such a lot of actions to do right here.
This nationwide park is understood for its abundance of climbing trails. A few of the finest embrace:
- Spirit Sands and Satan’s Punch Bowl Mountain climbing Path
- Marsh Lake Path
- Isputinaw Path
- Spring Ridge Path
- Hogsback Path
All of those hikes are fairly quick and will be executed in someday.
The longest hike is the Spirit Sands and Satan’s Punch Bowl Mountain climbing Path, which takes round 3-4 hours.
That is additionally probably the most well-known hike within the park, on account of its distinctive panorama. Right here you’ll discover large expanses of sand dunes, spiky cacti, and the small turquoise lake generally known as Satan’s Punch Bowl.
Should you solely have time for one hike, that is the one we advocate doing. The opposite trails talked about are solely round 1 hour every, so you would mix a couple of of them into one huge day.
The world additionally has superb biking trails and campgrounds. Stargazing and bird-watching are top-notch right here as nicely.
The Assiniboine River cuts by means of the park and this concept is good for canoeing. Canoe leases can be found on the retailer close to the campground.
READ MORE: In search of extra adventures within the Nice White North? Try our detailed information to the prime issues to do in Canada!
The place to Keep in Spruce Woods Provincial Park
There are two actually good lodging choices for Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Kiche Manitou Campground is the very best campsite within the park. It’s not removed from the Spirit Sands, so it’s a handy spot to camp after the hike.
Should you’re not tenting, head to the close by city of Glenboro for the night time. The Spruce Woods Inn is a modest possibility, with an on-site restaurant and bar as nicely.
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Day 5 – Brandon to Driving Mountain Nationwide Park
Day 5 of your street journey will take you to town of Brandon in your strategy to Driving Mountain Nationwide Park.
Situated alongside the Assiniboine Rivers, Brandon is lower than an hour from Spruce Woods Provincial Park and it’s a very good place to cease for a break.
You may refuel, replenish on snacks, and seize some breakfast or lunch. When you’re in Brandon, you can too go to one of many fascinating museums and artwork galleries.
The Commonwealth Air Coaching Plan Museum showcases the historical past of the airmen who served in WWII. There are actual aircrafts on show in addition to different artefacts.
Should you’re extra concerned about artwork than historical past, go to the Artwork Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. This modern artwork museum was one of many first visible artwork museums in Canada.
After you discover the historical past and artwork of Brandon, drive north for an hour in the direction of Driving Mountain Nationwide Park.
The place to Keep in Driving Mountain Nationwide Park
Wasagaming is a small city on Clear Lake, and it’s probably the most handy place to base your self for exploring Driving Mountain Nationwide Park.
Honeycomb Mattress and Breakfast is a comfortable, rustic, moderately-priced place to remain exterior of the Park and Wasagaming, within the city of Onanole.
We personally beloved staying within the oTentiks in Wasagaming, run by Parks Canada. These heat and spacious A-frames are snug at any time of 12 months and are available full with dorm beds, wood-fire heaters and cooking gear.
Try this website for extra concepts on the place to remain.
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Day 6 – Driving Mountain Nationwide Park
Like Spruce Woods Provincial Park, there’s a lot to do right here in Driving Mountain Nationwide Park.
It’s the most effective locations to discover on Manitoba street journeys, and you would simply spend a couple of days having fun with the realm.
The ample wildlife and dense boreal forest make this a paradise for animal and journey fans. Should you’re fortunate you could even spot an elusive black bear right here!
Spend all of day 6 of your street journey canoeing or kayaking on Clear Lake, climbing the Buris and Bittersweet Path, and exploring the Ominik Marsh.
Alternatively, the Bald Hill Path or Gorge Creek Path are two of probably the most epic hikes within the park for the views alongside the Manitoba Escarpment, which is a big elevated ridge that cuts by means of the park.
Within the winter, the park is superb for cross nation snowboarding or snowshoeing.
One other one of many prime actions in Driving Mountain Nationwide Park is visiting the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure.
That is doubtlessly the one place you’ll get to see plains bison roaming round in Manitoba in your street journey.
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Bison have been hunted nearly to extinction, so this huge, protected house ensures {that a} captive herd of plains bison is ready to thrive.
Drive by means of the enclosure within the hopes of seeing these magnificent animals up shut.
READ MORE: Together with seeing the plains bison, see what else made our checklist of the highest wildlife experiences in Canada!
You may keep at your lodging in Wasagaming for one more night time, however earlier than going to mattress, drive out to the japanese finish of Clear Lake for a well-liked sundown spot known as the Wishing Properly.
Vibrant, lakeside sunsets are important to the very best Manitoba street journeys!
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Day 7 – Return to Winnipeg
After your week-long street journey by means of the western facet of Manitoba, drive 3 hours from Driving Mountain Nationwide Park again to Winnipeg.
Take a while to do the actions you’ll have missed initially of your journey. Go see the polar bears on the Journey to Churchill exhibit in Assiniboine Park Zoo, stroll alongside the shores of the Crimson and Assiniboine Rivers or additional discover the Forks for those who haven’t already executed so.
For an actual deal with head to the Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature. This enjoyable spa has heat thermal baths, massages, and different luxurious therapies.
It’s simply the most effective issues to do in Winnipeg, particularly after per week of climbing and tenting.
Additionally in Winnipeg, positively find time for the award-winning Canadian Museum for Human Rights for those who missed it earlier than.
You can too go to the Winnipeg Artwork Gallery or the well-known Royal Canadian Mint coin making facility.
One other improbable possibility is Qaumajuq, the brand new Inuit Artwork Centre that homes the biggest assortment of up to date Inuit Artwork on the earth. It’s connected on all ranges to the Winnipeg Artwork Gallery.
Earlier than or after your Manitoba street journeys is a superb time to discover Winnipeg, because it’s the guts of tradition and leisure within the province.
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Week 2 – Jap Loop of Southern Manitoba from Winnipeg
Week 2 of this southern Manitoba street journey will cowl the japanese facet.
You’ll begin with a journey as much as Lake Winnipeg, then proceed additional east to discover the lakes and provincial parks.
Remember to spend at the least a couple of days in Whiteshell Provincial Park, because it’s one of many prime locations to go to in Manitoba.
Day 1 – Drive to Hecla Provincial Park
Begin by driving about 2 hours north of Winnipeg to Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park. Set on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba’s largest lake, this beautiful park consists of islands, seashores, climbing trails, and cross nation snowboarding trails.
You may stroll alongside the rocky shores of the lake, hike to the Hecla Lighthouse, and observe the ample wildlife and birds.
Grassy Narrows Marsh is the park’s prime climbing path. It would lead you thru the marsh of the park.
The Black Wolf Path and the Gull Harbor Path are different standard climbing or biking trails to contemplate.
After climbing, go to Hecla Village and the Heritage House Museum to study in regards to the historical past of Icelandic settlers within the space.
One other nice exercise in your street journey is to move to the Wildlife Viewing Tower for bird-watching and nature pictures.
You’re nearly sure to see geese, pelicans, geese, and different water birds. However be looking out for moose, as they’re additionally widespread within the space.
The place to Keep in Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park
Manitoba Parks has quite a few vacation cabins and a pleasant campground accessible for in a single day company.
You may keep proper on the shores of the biggest lake in Manitoba and revel in a peaceable night time surrounded by nature throughout your street journey.
Try the official Manitoba Parks web site to view info on the Hecla Trip Cabins and Gull Harbour Campground.
Guests also can keep in visitor rooms at Hecla Lakeview Resort (higher-end) or Gull Harbour Marina & Lighthouse Inn.
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Day 2 – Grand Seashore
For the following journey in your 2-week Manitoba street journey, head to Grand Seashore on the east shore of Lake Winnipeg. The drive takes simply over 2 hours, as you need to journey across the lake.
Whenever you arrive, spend your day having fun with one among Canada’s hidden gems. Most beach-loving vacationers in Canada flock to the west coast, however Grand Seashore is really gorgeous.
Grand Seashore is the longest white sand lake seashore in Canada, so it’s extraordinarily standard in summer time.
Spend a day swimming within the freshwater and enjoyable on the velvety sand. You can too take windsurfing or kite browsing classes for those who’re in search of a full-day journey.
The place to Keep Close to Grand Seashore
Should you head about quarter-hour north of Grand Seashore, you’ll uncover the cutest mattress and breakfast generally known as Pebble Springs Belair B&B. The comfortable, family-owned seashore cottage has a wooden range, scorching tub, and top-rated native hosts.
Alternatively, you may camp at Grand Seashore Campground in your street journey.
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Day 3 – Drive to Pinawa
The subsequent cease in your southern Manitoba street journey is Pinawa, the most effective out of doors journey spots within the province.
It’s solely a 1-hour drive from Grand Seashore to Pinawa, so you have got the whole day to discover the realm.
Begin by finishing the Pinawa Channel Heritage Stroll, the place you’ll cross the spectacular Pinawa Suspension Bridge.
Subsequent, strive whitewater kayaking! Many wouldn’t anticipate rapids in Manitoba because it’s a prairie province. However Pinawa Dam Provincial Park is ideal for kayakers of all expertise ranges.
Prairie Whitewater is an incredible native firm in Manitoba that gives gear and in-depth directions for any travellers trying to strive whitewater kayaking.
The most well-liked and accessible methods to get out on the water in Pinawa is by tubing, kayaking or SUPing the Pinawa Channel. You e book occasions and gear from tour corporations like Pinawa Float and Paddle and Pinawa UnPlugged Eco Excursions.
So any water-sport lovers doing street journeys by means of central Canada ought to positively cease in Pinawa.
The place to Keep in Pinawa
This charming wilderness city in Manitoba has some pretty native lodging to your street journey, together with L’Eau Calme Resort, The Pinawa Motel, and Voyageur Houseboats.
Go to the official Pinawa web site for extra particulars and journey suggestions.
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Day 4 – West Hawk Lake
After an thrilling keep in Pinawa, head to West Hawk Lake, situated in one of the stunning provincial parks in Canada, Whiteshell.
All Manitoba street journeys ought to embrace a go to to Whiteshell Provincial Park. That is the biggest park in Manitoba, so it’s jam-packed with pure magnificence together with lakes, forests, rivers, wildlife, and climbing trails.
The journey from Pinawa to West Hawk Lake within the park solely takes an hour, so that you’ll have loads of time for actions.
When you arrive in West Hawk Lake, benefit from the space by climbing, birdwatching, kayaking, get up paddleboarding, or canoeing.
One of many hidden gems within the space is the Caddy Lake Tunnels. Right here you may canoe or kayak alongside the peaceable lake and move by means of magical, mad-made tunnels.
A enjoyable reality about West Hawk Lake: it was shaped on account of a meteor crashing into earth tens of millions of years in the past. So the water is surrounded by dramatic granite cliffs shaped by the crash.
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The place to Keep in Whiteshell Provincial Park
Days 4-6 of this Manitoba Street Journey are spent close to West Hawk Lake and Falcon Lake.
The 2 lakes are solely a 15-minute drive aside, so you may decide one good lodging and keep there for a few nights in your street journey.
Falcon Trails Resort owns various gorgeous, lakeside log cabins within the forest that may fill the final days of your Manitoba journey with absolute zen.
That is our prime suggestion for lodging not simply in Whiteshell, however all of southern Manitoba. Ebook early although!
The world additionally has a number of superb campgrounds, together with West Hawk Lake Campground and Falcon Lake Lakeshore Campground.
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Day 5-6 – Falcon Lake
Spend the following two days of your street journey having fun with one other one of the stunning lakes in Manitoba.
Falcon Lake is surrounded by enjoyable climbing and biking trails and a wealthy boreal forest that is stuffed with life.
A enjoyable strategy to expertise the realm is by reserving a horse driving tour.
Falcon Seashore Ranch, which additionally has pretty cabins, affords highly-rated horseback driving excursions by means of the forest, making for a really thrilling and adventurous strategy to uncover the great thing about the realm.
The Ranch has excursions for all expertise ranges, so even for those who’ve by no means ridden a horse earlier than, they’ll be sure to really feel snug.
Different enjoyable actions on this beautiful space of Manitoba embrace climbing to Rainbow Falls, biking alongside the boardwalk, and climbing the Falcon Creek Path.
Should you’re visiting Manitoba within the winter, you can too go ice-skating, snow-tubing, snow-shoeing, or cross-country snowboarding in Falcon Lake.
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Day 7 – Head Again To Winnipeg
Now it’s time to complete the street journey, head again to Manitoba’s capital metropolis, the place you may return your rental automotive and prepare to your subsequent journey.
Whether or not you’re planning on flying to northern Manitoba, elsewhere in Canada, or elsewhere on the earth, you’re positive to hold these unforgettable street journey reminiscences with you.
Manitoba street journeys are good for travellers trying to disconnect from the hustle of each day life and get in contact with nature.
The forests, lakes, and wildlife of Manitoba are a few of the finest in Canada, so hopefully you made probably the most of your street journey right here!
DISCLAIMER: This text was created in partnership with our associates at Vacation spot Canada and Journey Manitoba. All phrases, opinions and days of epic enjoyable driving throughout the province are, as at all times, our personal.