Overview

Manitoba is a province of wide-open prairies, northern wilderness, and vibrant multicultural cities. Known for its natural beauty, wildlife viewing (especially polar bears and beluga whales), and welcoming spirit, Manitoba is where Canada’s heart beats strong — both geographically and culturally. Whether you’re exploring the capital city of Winnipeg, kayaking with belugas in Churchill, or watching the northern lights dance overhead, Manitoba offers adventure, history, and authentic Canadian experiences.

  • Capital: Winnipeg
  • Other Major Cities: Brandon, Thompson, Steinbach, Portage la Prairie
  • Population: ~1.4 million (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Central Standard Time (UTC−6) / CDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Continental — cold, snowy winters; hot, sunny summers

Top Destinations in Manitoba

Winnipeg

The capital city offers a rich blend of Indigenous, French, and immigrant cultures, plus top attractions like The Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the historic Exchange District.

Churchill

One of the only places in the world where you can see polar bears in the wild, and a top summer destination for beluga whale watching and northern lights viewing.

Riding Mountain National Park

A stunning mix of prairie, forest, and lakes — perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and summer getaways.

Brandon

Manitoba’s second-largest city offers museums, nature trails, and cultural festivals with a prairie charm.

Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park

A scenic escape on Lake Winnipeg featuring hiking trails, beaches, and Nordic heritage.

Must-See Attractions

  • The Forks (Winnipeg) – A gathering place with markets, riverside walks, museums, and restaurants
  • Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Architecturally iconic and globally significant
  • Assiniboine Park Zoo – Includes the Journey to Churchill polar bear exhibit
  • Polar Bear Tours (Churchill) – Safely view polar bears on tundra buggies in autumn
  • Narcisse Snake Dens – In spring, see thousands of red-sided garter snakes emerge from hibernation

Things to Do

  • Go kayaking with belugas in Hudson Bay (summer in Churchill)
  • Experience Indigenous culture through Pow Wows, museums, and local artists
  • Catch the northern lights in Churchill from late fall to spring
  • Explore the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq Inuit art centre
  • Hike or bike in Whiteshell, Riding Mountain, or Turtle Mountain Provincial Parks

Getting There & Around

Airports

  • Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International (YWG), Thompson, and Churchill regional airports

Transport

  • VIA Rail trains to Churchill and rural areas
  • Public transit in Winnipeg
  • Car rentals recommended for exploring outside urban areas
  • Charter flights for remote northern communities

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Best for beluga tours, festivals, hiking, and lake activities
  • Fall (Sep–Nov): Peak polar bear season in Churchill
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Ideal for snowshoeing, skating, and aurora viewing
  • Spring (Mar–May): Snake dens, migrating birds, and warming weather

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: A fusion of Indigenous, Ukrainian, French, and Métis influences
  • Specialties: Bannock, pickerel (walleye), wild rice, bison, perogies, and honey dill sauce
  • Markets: St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market
  • Events:
    • Festival du Voyageur – Western Canada’s largest winter festival
    • Folklorama – A multicultural celebration of food, dance, and heritage
    • Manito Ahbee Festival – Celebrating Indigenous culture and music
    • Winnipeg Fringe Festival – One of North America’s largest fringe theatre festivals

Souvenirs from Manitoba

  • Inuit and Métis art, beadwork, and carvings
  • Locally made jams, honey, and wild rice
  • Polar bear or beluga-themed gifts from Churchill
  • Prairie-themed prints, pottery, and woodwork

Fun Facts

  • Churchill is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”
  • Manitoba has over 100,000 lakes, including Lake Winnipeg — one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world
  • The Winnipeg Art Gallery is home to the largest public collection of Inuit art
  • The Golden Boy on the Manitoba Legislative Building is a well-known symbol of prosperity
  • Manitoba’s geographic center is very close to the longitudinal center of Canada

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Winnipeg City Getaway

  • Day 1: Explore The Forks + Human Rights Museum
  • Day 2: Tour the Exchange District + Assiniboine Park Zoo
  • Day 3: Visit art galleries, the Legislative Building, and enjoy local food

5-Day Manitoba Wilderness & Wildlife Adventure

  • Day 1: Fly to Churchill – explore the town and cultural sites
  • Day 2: Tundra Buggy polar bear tour
  • Day 3: Kayak with belugas or enjoy the northern lights
  • Day 4: Return to Winnipeg + day trip to Riding Mountain
  • Day 5: Relax at a lakeside lodge or explore historic Lower Fort Garry

Cities

  • Winnipeg