12 Best Weekend Getaways From Winnipeg, Canada - Updated 2024

weekend getaways from winnipeg
Alex
Alex 
Updated
| 5 min read

The largest city in the province of Manitoba, Winnipeg is located on the confluence of the Red and the Assiniboine rivers. The name “Winnipeg” is a Cree word for the nearby Lake Winnipeg and means “muddy waters” in the native language. Even before the arrival of the Europeans, the area was important for the local tribes as it is at a crossroads of a trading center. When the colonizers came, they saw the area’s usefulness as a trade center, and the first settlements were built there in 1738. Manitoba as a whole is a large open province, and if you’re from Winnipeg or just visiting, and want to get out of the city for a bit, here are some of the best weekend getaways from Winnipeg, Canada.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.

1. Selkirk (from USD 128)

Selkirk was once one of the busiest inland ports along the Red River, serving not just as a hub for fishing and hauling industrial goods but also for passenger boats. Located about 40 km (24.85 mi) northeast of Winnipeg, the city is a great choice for Winnipeggers and visiting tourists looking for quick weekend getaways. You can learn more about Selkirk’s history at the Selkirk Museum and the Marine Museum of Manitoba.

Those interested in experiencing Selkirk can try some river and ice fishing. Some of the top resorts in Manitoba are found here, so year-round recreation is mostly guaranteed. The Selkirk Park Pool & Splashpad also opens its doors to canine guests during the tail end of August, when the pool season is about to end.

Stayed at this property?

Canalta Selkirk

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1061 Manitoba Avenue
38.07 km (23.7 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms

2. Gimli (from USD 95)

Gimli harbour masters
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Krazytea used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Gimli is only about an hour’s drive away or 82 km (50 miles) from the city center of Winnipeg, making it ideal for quick weekend getaways. You might not think of little Gimli as a town that is worth visiting, but it is particularly fascinating, especially in the large context of Canada.

Gimli’s first immigrants were Icelanders who formed the community of New Iceland. Icelandic culture and festivals are still held here, and since Gimli is located on the water, during the summer months, it is a popular beach destination.

Stayed at this property?

Lakeview Gimli Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 10 Centre Street
15.3 km (9.6 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

3. Churchill (from USD 100)

Churchill Seaport 1996-08-12
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ansgar Walk used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Churchill is located on the western shores of Hudson Bay. Although you can’t technically drive as there are no roads leading to the city, there are flights to and from Churchill. The town is way up north, so if you’re going to visit, make sure to dress accordingly—as even in the summer months, the temperature averages about only 10 degrees Celcius (53 Fahrenheit). Ecotourism is a major part of Churchill’s economy as the town is known as the “polar bear capital of Canada.” Academics and tourists come to Churchill to watch wild animals and see life in one of Canada’s most remote places.

Stayed at this property?

Churchill Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: 152 Kelsey Blvd
937.21 km (582.4 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park

Meeting/banquet facilities Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Laundry Family rooms Internet services Packed lunches Car hire

4. Kenora (from USD 109)

Kenora ON skyline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user P199 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Kenora sits right on the border of Ontario and Manitoba and is about a two and half hours’ drive from Winnipeg—or over 209 km (109 miles) away. The city is small and located on the waterfront, so it does make a quaint little place to visit if you’re looking to get out of the province for a day or two.

Because of the city’s proximity to the water, you can definitely include fishing and boating in your list of things to do near Winnipeg for the weekend. Even in the winter months, you can expect some great ice fishing to be done on the lake. Canadians don’t let the cold stop them from enjoying the outdoors, so all year round, you can find something to do—whether at a winter carnival or a summer festival.

Stayed at this property?
Kenora, Ontario, Canada
188.89 km (117.4 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park
82 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 1 Bed 5 Guests 1 Bedroom 0 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
tastefully designed and comfortable cabins powered by solar
Cleanliness:
our cabin and the shared outdoor areas are incredibly clean and well kept
shower facilities and bathroom were very clean
but nevertheless we absolutely loved the rustic living experience cabin was very cozy and clean
the cabin was clean and equipped with all the cooking utensils we could possibly need
Host:
peter was a fantastic host
hosts were great and the lake was beautiful
the hosts are very kind and quick to respond
very accommodating and friendly hosts
they were amazing hosts and were always available if we needed them
Location:
i really enjoyed the location of this cabin
excellent location with a very private feel
we would absolutely recommend this location and are excited to stay there again
great place close to hiking trails the town and right on the lake nice rustic experience
awesome place great location friendly people
Read more reviews

5. Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kate Ming-Sun used under CC BY 2.0

Woodland Caribou Provincial Park is a UNESCO-protected site that forms part of what’s known as the Canadian Shield—and is also part of the boreal forest. The area is very wild and remote, with no road access connected to the park, so the only way in or out is via canoe or seaplane. The place is absolutely full of wildlife and rivers that many visitors simply canoe or kayak through the winding riverways. It is also the site of a few archaeological digs as Ojibway pictographs have been found here.

Stayed at this property?

6. Minnedosa (from USD 129)

Minnedosa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jd.101 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Minnedosa is about two and a half hours or 215 km (133 miles) away from the city of Winnipeg. The town’s name comes from the Dakota language and means “flowing water.” Perfect for outdoor junkies looking to enjoy a weekend trip from Winnipeg, the area has tons of great fishing spots, parks for hiking, and rivers for canoeing. During the summer months, there’s even a music festival that gathers locals and tourists alike.

Stayed at this property?
Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
206.06 km (128.1 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park
10 reviews   Wifi Available
Private room in castle 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

7. Riding Mountain National Park

Riding mountain national park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jamie B. used under CC BY 2.0

Sitting on top of Manitoba Escarpment is Riding Mountain National Park. The park is about 3 hours or 267 km (165 miles) away from Winnipeg and is home to beautiful nature and spacious lakes. The area is not only a beautiful national park with crystal-clear waters, but it is also home to some Canadian history and science! UNESCO designated it as a biosphere reserve. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip even visited the park in 1970 during a tour of the province. An interesting trivia, Whitewater POW Camp housed German POWs during World War II.

Stayed at this property?

8. Paint Lake Provincial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Paint Lake Provincial Park is located about 7 hours’ drive away from Winnipeg, so it isn’t exactly a short trip. However, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature for a few days, then Paint Lake Provincial Park is the place to be. The park is located within a Precambrian boreal forest and offers the perfect location for a little weekend fishing, boating, and hanging out by the lake. You’ll be 736 km (457 miles) from the hustle and bustle of Winnipeg while hanging out on the beach and having a barbecue in the woods.

Stayed at this property?

9. Winnipeg Beach (from USD 96)

Winnipeg Beach is a small lakeside town found an hour’s drive north of Winnipeg. This place is highly recommended for its numerous outdoor water and on-land activities that you should try. The windy areas of the lake are great spots for sailing and windsurfing, while the sandy beaches are perfect for volleyball.

Fishing is also a popular pastime for the locals, so you should check it out if you want to be immersed in the culture. If you’re considering staying on one of the Airbnb vacation rentals in Winnipeg Beach, you can include hiking or cycling around the town and its outskirts in your activities list.

Stayed at this property?
Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba, Canada
1.95 km (1.3 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park
176 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage has great amenities such as ac laundry and lots of games
cottage had extra room 2 ac units and great yard for fire pit all great surprises
we especially enjoyed the screen room for watching movies or relaxing in general
we also appreciate the cable television and wifi
beds were very comfortable we all slept so well
Cleanliness:
it was clean and had everything that we needed
their cabin is very clean neat and cozy
dave & camille’s cabin is clean cosy and beautiful overall
there was plenty of space it was clean and recently renovated
the cabin was clean and cosy with a wood burning stove and great kitchen to cook in
Host:
had an amazing time at an amazing cabin hosts were very accommodating and very helpful
hosts were extremely accommodating first time with airbnb and it was absolutely fantastic
Location:
it’s location is perfect for shopping swimming sightseeing and more
great location as beach is just down the street a very short walk away
its a very good location too
great place to stay close to the lake
like a 3 minute walk
Read more reviews

10. Duck Mountain Provincial Park

Duck Mountain Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Aldgate used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Duck Mountain Provincial Park makes for an idyllic road trip from Winnipeg as it is located about 529 km (328 miles) away, which is about a six-hour drive on the road. The park is located right along the border of Saskatchewan and Manitoba which also shares the park.

Like many parks in the area, the space is absolutely gorgeous, with a boreal forest and long-running rivers that course to crystal-clear and clean lakes. Do some fishing on the water or hike through the lush woods. Just be aware of the many different types of animals that call Duck Mountain Provincial Park home.

Stayed at this property?
Division No. 20, Unorganized, South Part, Manitoba, Canada
294.95 km (183.3 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park
55 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cabin 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great place beautiful scenery supper comfortable sleeping accommodations spacious yard
Cleanliness:
clean well-maintained and cozy
Location:
great location very nice and clean cabin
Read more reviews

11. Pisew Falls Provincial Park

PisewFalls Fal2014
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Eric Lanning used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Drive seven hours or 689 km (428 miles) from Winnipeg, and you’ll get to Pisew Falls Provincial Park. Another one of Manitoba’s most beautiful parks, the area is a perfect spot for people looking to do a little camping or even some kayaking down the rivers. In the local Cree language, the name pisew means “lynx,” which are commonly found in the park along with many other animals like otters and beavers.

Stayed at this property?

522.48 km (324.7 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park
Entire cabin 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

12. Brandon

McKenzie Seeds Building, 9 St, Brandon (506000)
Source: Photo by user Robert Linsdell used under CC BY 2.0

The city of Brandon was rooted in the fur trade, and before the arrival of the Europeans, the area was primarily inhabited by the Sioux people. It is also the second-largest city in Manitoba and is two and a half hours from Winnipeg—or 213 km (132 miles). Because of its proximity to the border, the city sees a lot of cross-border trade and tourism. Brandon hosts the annual Manitoba Winter Fair, which takes place at the end of March, but there are lots of interesting things around the city to check out at other times as well. Commonwealth Air Training Plane Museum hosts a number of vintage aircraft from both world wars, and Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba showcases regional art.

Stayed at this property?
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
226.56 km (140.8 mi) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park
33 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire residential home 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Out of Winnipeg

Downtown Area, Winnipeg
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bob Linsdell used under CC BY 3.0

Winnipeg is a big Canadian city with a pretty wide range of interesting activities to do, but just like anywhere else in the world, sometimes you want to get out and explore. Luckily, there are many beautiful places to visit outside Winnipeg—all absolutely gorgeous and filled with nature and things to experience.

Frequently asked questions about weekend getaways from Winnipeg


  • Which lakes can we visit on weekends from Winnipeg?

    Some of the worthwhile destinations for lakeside and water adventures from Winnipeg are: i) Little Limestone Lake in Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park in northern Manitoba, ii) West Hawk Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, iii) Caddy Lake on the Whiteshell River in south-eastern Manitoba, and iv) Paint Lake in Paint Lake Provincial Park.

  • Which cities/towns can I visit on weekends from Winnipeg?

    For a memorable getaway outside Winnipeg, you can check out the thrills at these towns/cities i) Selkirk, which is about 40 km (24.85 mi) from Winnipeg, ii) Winnipeg Beach, located about 77 km (47.85 mi) from Winnipeg, iii) Gimli, which is 89 km (55.30 mi) from Winnipeg, and iv) Minnedosa, located 217 km (134.85 km) from Winnipeg.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Alex is a Canadian university graduate with degrees in English literature and History. He was born in Montreal and when he's not traveling he enjoys movies, video games, playing the drums and...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Winnipeg
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.