Manitoba Holidays And Travel Guide

Manitoba Travel & Holidays Guide

Capital City: Winnipeg

Manitoba is one of Canada's prairie provinces, bordered by Ontario to the east, Saskatchewan to the west and fronting onto Hudson Bay in the north east. The capital city of Winnipeg is just a few miles north of the USA border and is home to over half the province's population.

A major center for agriculture, Manitoba has ties to much of Canada's culture and a history that dates back to the early days of the fur trade. Lake Winnipeg occupies a major portion of the central southern part of the province and some of Canada's best known inland beaches are along the narrow spit that divides the lake into two distinct bodies of water.

In the northern reaches of the province lies the town of Churchill, Canada's only sub-Arctic seaport. The town has a reputation as the polar bear capital of the world. The town is also one of the best places to see the spectacular night show of Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Like most areas of Canada, Manitoba has a long association with hunting and fishing and the province is home to many of the most prized trophy fish to be found in North America. The massive northern pike, walleye, lake trout and giant channel catfish are all part of the Manitoba angling scene.

Things To See & Do

Manitoba has many historical sites and ruins dating back to the era of the fur trade. The Lower Fort Garry Historic site in the Interlake region introduces visitors to how life was lived in the 1800s. The Forks National Historic Site, situated in the fork of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in central Winnipeg, has been a meeting place for around 6000 years.

Skating the riverside paths is a popular Winnipeg winter activity. Another downtown Winnipeg favorite is the Exchange District with it's mix of stylish, historical architecture mixed with trendy boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The Winnipeg Fringe Festival is held here.

During the Manitoba winter visitors can rent huts for the unique experience of ice fishing. Skating and tobogganing are popular pastimes throughout Manitoba and especially in the Winnipeg area. The worlds' longest skating trail follows the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. Snowmobiles are a fun way to get out doors and enjoy some winter action.

The different regions of Manitoba host many festivals. The Folklorama festival occurs all over Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival takes place in the Exchange District. Festival du Voyageur is held at Fort Gibraltar during February. Morden in the Pembina Valley holds The Corn and Apple festival which sells its apple cider and famous Morden sweet corn.

Highlights

Here is just a small selection of some of Manitoba's most popular attractions.

Churchill - the most accessible place in North America to see Polar bears and Beluga whales in the wild
Canadian Fossil Discovery Center - life size reconstructions of mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, sharks, and more
Mennonite Heritage Village - century-old dwellings, church and school furnished from the late 1800's period.
Grand Beach Provincial Park - sand dunes 12 metres high and kilometres of sand beach on Lake Winnipeg
Pisew Falls Provincial Park - spring/summer waterfall located approximately 75km south of Thompson.
Riding Mountain National Park - forested parkland and wildlife refuge

Manitoba Travel & Tourism - the official website of the Manitoba Tourism Authority
Manitoba Events & Festivals - visitors introduction to all the vents and festivals taking place in Manitoba

Manitoba holidays | Manitoba travel | Winnipeg

Manitoba Travel & Holidays Guide