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 on 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 trips from Winnipeg, Canada.
1. Gimli (from USD 89)
Gimli is only about an hour’s drive away or 82 km (50 miles) from the city center of Winnipeg. 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.
Lakeview Gimli Resort
Address: 10 Centre Street
Price: from 89 USD
Parking Facilities for disabled guests All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas Lift Physical distancing in dining areas Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities Vending machine (drinks)
2. Riding Mountain National Park
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.
3. Pisew Falls Provincial Park (from USD 94)
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.
Settle in at Setting LakeSetting Lake, Manitoba, Canada
4. Churchill (from USD 127)
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.
Churchill Hotel
Address: 152 Kelsey Blvd
Price: from 127 USD
Daily housekeeping Luggage storage Free parking Vending machine (snacks) Family rooms Free WiFi Ticket service Parking
5. Kenora (from USD 108)
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, fishing and boating are two very popular hobbies here—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.
Mullein Cabin w/ Lake Access @Wild Woods HideawayKenora, Ontario, CanadaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
tastefully designed and comfortable cabins powered by solarCleanliness:
our cabin and the shared outdoor areas are incredibly clean and well keptshower facilities and bathroom were very cleanbut nevertheless we absolutely loved the rustic living experience cabin was very cozy and cleanthe cabin was clean and equipped with all the cooking utensils we could possibly needHost:
peter was a fantastic hosthosts were great and the lake was beautifulthe hosts are very kind and quick to respondvery accommodating and friendly hoststhey were amazing hosts and were always available if we needed themRead more reviewsLocation:
i really enjoyed the location of this cabinexcellent location with a very private feelwe would absolutely recommend this location and are excited to stay there againgreat place close to hiking trails the town and right on the lake nice rustic experienceawesome place great location friendly people
6. Duck Mountain Provincial Park (from USD 141)
Duck Mountain Provincial Park is located about 529 km (328 miles) from Winnipeg, which is about a six-hour drive away. The park is located right along the border of Saskatchewan and Manitoba that also shares the park. Like many parks in the area, the space is absolutely gorgeous, with 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.
Casa Sydor **Lakefront and Private**Division No. 20, Unorganized, South Part, Manitoba, CanadaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great place beautiful scenery supper comfortable sleeping accommodations spacious yardCleanliness:
clean well-maintained and cozyRead more reviewsLocation:
great location very nice and clean cabin
7. Brandon (from USD 35)
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.
The Venice suiteBrandon, Manitoba, Canada
8. Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
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.
9. Minnedosa (from USD 139)
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 the outdoorsy type, 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 here.
King Chamber in Kruk CastleMinnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
10. 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.
Out of Winnipeg
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 around Manitoba—all absolutely gorgeous and filled with nature and things to experience.
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