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The Leaf – Canada’s Diversity Gardens | 49.86937˚ N 97.22455˚ W

Manitoba, where Canada’s Heart is Calling.

In Manitoba, we know the longing for travel is felt in the heart. So when your heart needs quiet, or when it needs to race, sing or reflect, follow it here to the middle of Canada.

Winnipeg Adventures 4-9

Indigenous Experiences

10-11

Must-See Parks

12-13

Road Trip Destinations

14-16

Northern Manitoba

17-19

Seasons of Churchill

20-24

About Manitoba 26-27

The experiences are wild, breathtaking and limitless. Manitoba offers surprising opportunities for visitors looking for adventure, to get off the beaten track or to have a heart-stirring experience.

Winnipeg Adventures CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Winnipeg, Manitoba’s provincial capital, is a perfect blend of urban metropolis, lively charm and proximity to endless nature. The city’s neighbourhoods offer an exciting mix of architecture, shopping, cultural experiences and culinary surprises. With a population of 780,000, Winnipeg is home to diverse communities. Numerous festivals, powwows, art exhibitions and music events offer countless opportunities for urban explorers.

Must-See Attractions Canadian Museum for Human Rights This architecturally stunning museum will take you on a journey from darkness to light. Follow the glowing alabaster ramps through the seven levels of the museum and its ten core galleries as interactive exhibits tell stories of human sacrifice and triumph. humanrights.ca Assiniboine Park Conservancy This park is the largest in the city, covering over 1,000 acres along the Assiniboine River. Visit the Zoo to see nearly 150 different species of animals. Experience Manitoba’s North without leaving the city at the Journey to Churchill exhibit in the Zoo. This exhibit offers a sneak peek of what you would expect to see in Churchill (including polar bears)! In other parts of the park, bike or walk the trails through the Assiniboine Forest or stroll through the gardens of the English Garden, the 4

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QAUMAJUQ

PHOTO: LINDSAY REID

Leo Mol Sculpture Garden or the 30 acres of blooms and greenspace that make up the outdoor diversity gardens at The Leaf, Assiniboine Park’s newest addition. Then, venture inside to see The Leaf’s stunning indoor conservatory, bask in a tropical biome and see Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall at six storeys high. assinioboinepark.ca

THE LEAF – CANADA’S DIVERSITY GARDENS

PHOTO: ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY

Qaumajuq-Winnipeg Art Gallery Qaumajuq is a stunning addition to the Winnipeg Art Gallery in the city’s downtown area. Its architecture was inspired by Canada’s northern landscape and the centre holds the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art at over 14,000 pieces, each piece representing the story of Canada’s North. wag.ca

ROYAL AVIATION MUSEUM OF WESTERN CANADA PHOTO: JOEY SENFT

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT

MANITOBA MUSEUM

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada Experience one of the most significant global collections of bush planes at the new location of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. It’s also home to a large collection of aircraft ranging from bush flying, military, passenger, experimental aircraft and thousands of aviation artifacts. This world-class aviation museum in Winnipeg also features a boutique gift shop, observation lounge and so much more. royalaviationmuseum.com Royal Canadian Mint Located 20 minutes from downtown Winnipeg, The Mint is a unique attraction with a major international impact, manufacturing coins for more than 75 countries around the globe. The best way to learn about the facility is on a 45-minute tour offered regularly throughout the summer and delivered in both English and French. mint.ca Manitoba Museum Immerse yourself in Manitoba’s history, nature and science, and discover the stories of Indigenous peoples and newcomers to Manitoba. In recent years, the Manitoba Museum has updated a few of its core nine galleries. The updated Prairies Gallery features Indigenous stories with artifacts like a beautiful plains tipi and a Red River cabin and cart. The renovated Nonsuch Gallery still showcases the life-size replica of the fur trade vessel that launched the Hudson’s Bay Company.

In the new Winnipeg Gallery, learn about notable citizens and capital city pop culture. manitobamuseum.ca

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THE FORKS

Downtown Winnipeg For thousands of years, the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers has been a meeting place. Today, Manitoba’s capital city is the largest city on the Canadian Prairies. Winnipeg has been central to the fur trade, the railway, and the grain exchange and now it’s known for its aerospace, technology and creative industries, among others. tourismwinnipeg.com The Forks Renovated railway warehouses and stables now house a marketplace complete with a bar, restaurants and shops. This national historic site is one of Winnipeg’s most popular attractions! The Forks is a must for a wide array of dining experiences and shopping, a constantly changing slate of entertainment and events, and many unique attractions that encompass the site’s natural, historic and human-made features. theforks.com Niimaamaa Head east down Main Street to this impressive 30-foot statue located on The Forks grounds. Niimaamaa is a word recognized by Cree, Ojibwe and Métis speakers as “my mother”. Artists KC Adams, Jaimie Isaac and Val Vint have brought to life a reminder of our responsibilities to the earth, love for our relations and hope for the future. theforks.com

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NESTAWEYA RIVER TRAIL

NIIMAAMAA

EXCHANGE DISTRICT PHOTO: JEFF FRENET TE

Exchange District This historic district preserves the city’s early 20th century commercial centre.

Its heritage streetscapes are often used as the backdrop for international film productions and the district is now one of the city’s cultural hotspots. exchangedistrict.org St. Boniface The French neighbourhood of Winnipeg is one of the largest Francophone communities in Canada outside of the province of Québec. passionethistoire.ca Hermetic Code Tour Unlock the mysteries and hidden symbolism of the Manitoba Legislative Building. This beaux-arts style home of Manitoba’s government features the symbolic Golden Boy perched atop its dome. heartlandtravel.ca Upper Fort Garry After strolling down Broadway Avenue under its leafy canopy, stop at Upper Fort Garry Provincial Heritage Park. The park features the original wooden and stone gate from this 1850s fur trade fort and uses gardens to recreate the footprint of the original fort. An interactive wall uses LED lights and sounds to bring the fort to life. upperfortgarry.com Winnipeg Trolley Company These tours take you to some of Winnipeg’s most famous landmarks, which you can enjoy from inside a historically-inspired trolley. Choose from a city tour, a beer tour or a spooky ghost tour which runs during September and October. winnipegtrolley.ca Soncina Travel and Events You’ll hear stories of the city’s personalities through lesser-travelled neighbourhoods like Wolseley and China Town. soncinatravel.com

EXCHANGE DISTRICT TOUR

THE CUBE, EXCHANGE DISTRICT

WINNIPEG TROLLEY CO.

Ô Tours Take a three-hour Winnipeg Bus Tour through downtown Winnipeg. Hear the esoteric secrets of Manitoba’s Legislative Building, witness the tragic history of the St. Boniface Cathedral, learn the historical and international relevance of our downtown, and explore where it all started—The Forks National Historic Site and Market. otours.net

MUSÉE SAINT-BONIFACE MUSEUM

Splash Dash River Tours Get a different view of the city’s stories on a tour of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers that wind their way through Winnipeg. splashdash.ca

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Beyond Downtown and Winnipeg Outlet Collection Manitoba’s only outlet shopping destination includes more than 100 retailers featuring brand name fashion and is conveniently located across from IKEA. Spend your morning shopping then head over to nearby FortWhyte Alive for a nature break. outletcollectionwinnipeg.com

THERMЁA BY NORDIK SPA-NATURE

Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature Find peace at a Scandinavian-inspired spa featuring a collection of saunas and baths at Thermëa. Go from the hot sauna to the cold pool, followed by a rest period—choose an outdoor hammock, the temperate pool or the indoor relaxation chalet. thermea.ca FortWhyte Alive A short drive from downtown Winnipeg, you can get up close with North America’s largest land mammal—the bison—in their natural habitat. Follow the path to find adventure in over 660 acres of forests, lakes and multi-use trails. You may spot whitetail deer, waterfowl and countless other wildlife while you explore. fortwhyte.org

FORTWHYTE ALIVE

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH

PHOTO: ERICK STOEN

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PINERID GE HOLLOW

Oak Hammock Marsh Venture north of Winnipeg to visit this popular bird sanctuary in the middle of a marshland. This restored wetland is home to 25 mammal species and over 300 bird species. oakhammockmarsh.ca Birds Hill Provincial Park Near Birds Hill Provincial Park, explore The Village, a brand new shopping and dining destination located beside Pineridge Hollow—a restaurant and boutique store.

Stroll through The Village plaza to visit unique shops like Teekca’s Boutique, The Faded Barn and Flourish. Looking for food and beverage? Grab a coffee from Empty Cup, a cocktail or beer from the Village Square and a hearty meal from NuBurger. manitobaparks.com

Arts & Culture Winnipeg’s massive growth spurt in the turn-of-the-last-century led to it becoming a major centre of not only commerce but also culture. That culture continues to thrive today, connecting hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents yearly.

Watch a heart-wrenching performance and you’ll leave with a changed outlook on life.

ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET

Since the city’s first live theatre performance in 1867, Winnipeg has been known for its stage productions. Anchoring the city’s Theatre District is the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, so well-loved it runs two stages two blocks apart. The Prairie Theatre Exchange celebrates Canadian achievements in drama while Théàtre Cercle Molière brings Manitoba’s rich Francophone culture to the stage with French-language performances.

The maestro’s baton seems never to stop considering the jam-packed performance schedule of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. You can catch everything from classical favourites to movie scores. The Manitoba Opera brings real drama to the stage, and don’t miss the world-renowned Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which performs not only the classics but new works pushing the boundaries of ballet.

WINNIPEG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

PHOTO: GRAJEWSKI FOTOGRAPH, COURTESY OF TOURISM WINNIPEG

The capital city of Manitoba is home to a wide variety of culinary experiences sure to delight any traveller. From cozy diners to small plates restaurants and charming wine bars and distilleries, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds in Winnipeg.

Or if you’re looking for a thrill, Manitoba’s sports scene is sure to deliver! Be it a Winnipeg Blue Bombers or Winnipeg Jets game, your heart will race from the excitement!

NOLA RESTAURANT

PHOTO: CHRISTIAN ZAPATA PRADO

CANADA LIFE CENTRE

PHOTO: TRUE NORTH SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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CRANBERRY PORTAGE

Indigenous Experiences

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Adventure to Understanding Stories and experiences rooted in Indigenous culture elevate our collective knowledge in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration. Discover Manitoba’s deep cultural roots with these experiences that connect the land and people.

BANNOCK POINT PETROFORMS

Bannock Point Petroforms, a sacred site in the north Whiteshell Provincial Park, features rocks arranged in the shapes of turtles, snakes and humans in abstract patterns. Take a tour with an Indigenous guide from Whiteshell Petroforms to better understand the site’s significance.

Flashes of colour and big, bold blooms are the hallmarks of Métis beadwork. At the Borealis Beading studio in Ste Genevieve, visitors participate in two-needle beading workshops in traditional circle style.

Beginners can stitch a simple flower onto a cloth tobacco bag, while experienced beaders can tackle mitts or moccasins.

The National Indigenous Residential School Museum, situated on the urban land of the Long Plain First Nation, adjacent to Portage la Prairie, is designated as a National Historic Site.

The museum is uniquely located inside the former Portage la Prairie residential school which operated for more than 60 years. Inside are historical artifacts and documents to memorialize those who attended the schools and help survivors along on their healing journeys.

The largest celebration of Indigenous culture is the Manito Ahbee Festival that happens each May at Red River Exhibition Park on Treaty 1 Territory.

The gathering features traditional and modern Indigenous musical acts, art and craft displays, and cultural competitions such as an international powwow and tipi raising contest.

BOREALIS BEADING

MANITO AHBEE FESTIVAL

For authentic flavours, head to Feast Cafe Bistro in the West End of Winnipeg, where the menu highlights traditional First Nations ingredients with a modern spin. Try the butternut squash bannock pizza or the shredded bison dip.

Stop at Nonsuch Brewery, a Métis-majority owned company, in the Exchange District for local craft beers and locally-inspired shareable plates. indigenoustourismmanitoba.ca

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HUNT LAKE

PHOTO: GARTH MERKELEY

Must-See Parks

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Riding Mountain National Park

Spruce Woods Provincial Park

This park rises above the surrounding prairie, sitting atop the Pembina Escarpment in the province’s southwest.

This national park offers perfect terrain for hiking, not to mention ways to relax beside the picturesque Clear Lake. The park offers ideal conditions for wildlife viewing.

In addition to moose, wolves, black bears and elk, there is also a resident herd of prairie bison at Lake Audy. Don’t forget your camera!

Rent bikes all-year long with Friends of Riding Mountain National Park, a volunteer group offering equipment rentals and programs to help you explore the park’s many trails. Try geocaching or join their volunteers on a heritage walk to learn about the community of Wasagaming and its history.

Find a wide variety of accommodations in Riding Mountain—from parking your RV or tent in the Wasagaming campground to booking a cozy bed in the Arbutus Cabins, Arrowhead Family Resort, Elkhorn Resort, Lakehouse Boutique Hotel or Riding Mountain House. There are plenty of options to match the kind of experience you’re looking for!

Riding Mountain Historical Society & Pinewood Museum is located in a 1932 building known as the ‘Hall Cottage’ or ‘Casa Loma’, this is Riding Mountain’s only historical museum, showcasing photos and artifacts from Clear Lake’s past. Stop in at the Parks Canada visitor centre to learn more about the region’s Indigenous history and ongoing cultural connections.

While a trip to Riding Mountain National Park is about enjoying nature, don’t forget the park’s townsite, Wasagaming, which offers a range of dining and shopping options. Choose from Italian at T.R. McKoy’s, tasty bar food at 1929 Dining and Lounge, or skip straight to dessert with a massive, soft, sweet cinnamon bun from Whitehouse Bakery. Several shops in town carry everything from clothing to giftware and souvenirs like The Cove, The Sugar Shop and Clear Lake Trading Post. parkscanada.gc.ca/riding discoverclearlake.com

This park holds a real geological surprise.

Wind-blown sand dunes up to 30 metres high rise up completely unexpectedly from the surrounding prairie landscape.

The Spirit Sands, remnants of a glacial delta, are Manitoba’s only sandy, desert-like areas. When you approach the eerie Devil’s Punch Bowl, contemplate how this unique, ever-moving blue-green pool was formed. Its special connection to the Spirit Sands has drawn people to this region for centuries. manitobaparks.com

Whiteshell Provincial Park Located on the eastern side of the province, the main focus of this area is the Canadian cabin lifestyle. The lakes welcome visitors for various water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, swimming, water skiing and fishing. Explore the park’s trails on a hike, bike tour or horse ride.

Discover cottage country in Whiteshell Provincial Park from gorgeous lakefront cabins like Betula Lake Resort, Caddy Lake Resort and Otter Falls Resort. Adults-only cottages in the park include Barrier Bay Resort and Tallpine Lodges. Falcon Trails Resort and Falcon Beach Ranch are great options for enjoying the wilderness of the park. Spend the day exploring the trails and stay overnight in luxurious lakefront cabins.

Enjoy delicious year-round dining at Brereton Lake Resort Restaurant or Hi-Point Restaurant and Lounge in West Hawk Lake.

The burgers in Brereton or the homemade pizza at Hi-Point pair well with an afternoon hike and a local lager. explorethewhiteshell.com

WASAGAMING

CADDY LAKE

R IDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Nopiming Provincial Park Just next to Whiteshell Provincial Park is Nopiming which means “entrance to the wilderness” in Anishinaabemowin.

With its many lakes and rivers and the Canadian shield landscape, it is a true paradise for adventurers. manitobaparks.com

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GRAND BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK PHOTO: LEISURE TRAVEL VANS

Road Trip Destinations

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GIMLI

Lake Winnipeg Manitoba’s largest lake and the 12th largest freshwater body of water in the world. In fact, water covers 16% of the whole province! With stats like these, it’s no surprise Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes and waterways ready to be explored.

Lake Winnipeg projects a maritime atmosphere with its cozy coastal villages where fishing was the way of life and long white sandy beaches with excellent options for water sports. Head to Hecla Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway or watch sailboats and yachts launch from the marina in Gimli.

Enjoy a beach day and the soft white sand found at many beaches, including Grand Beach, Patricia Beach and Victoria Beach along the lake’s east side.

Hecla / Grindstone Provincial Park Located on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg is a rugged island with picturesque limestone shorelines.

It was once the home of a small Icelandic community, whose cultural heritage can still be seen in many places on the island. The diverse landscapes of the provincial park are home to numerous animal species, including a large colony of pelicans. Enjoy the show when the mighty wings of these majestic birds power them up into the air!

Icelandic for “peace”, Salka Spa on the shores of Lake Winnipeg at the Lakeview Hecla Resort is a soothing retreat. Spa treatments embrace fire and ice elements, including a range of skincare and body treatments. Your heart rate will only rise when you step into the Nordic Plunge mineral pool. Or explore the greens at Lakeview Hecla Golf Course. As you tee off at hole 12, try not to be distracted by the beautiful sight of this massive inland body of water. The lake will happily steal your ball and a stroke from your score.

Gull Harbour Marina is your gateway to year-round activities. Known as a hot spot for fishing, this local area about two hours north of Winnipeg boasts a wide variety of options for any devoted angler. The land of greenbacks will not disappoint as you search for your mammoth catch of the day!

For outdoor enthusiasts, there is so much to do both on and off the water. From boat

PHOTO: LIZ TRAN

tours to hiking trails on Hecla Island, you’ll discover hidden island treasures, a rich local history and unique floral and fauna. The quiet surroundings are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Lighthouse Inn restaurant is a favourite on the island. Built as a hatchery in the 1900s, curl up by the stone fireplace with a warm beverage or wind down from a busy day of exploring in the three-season sunroom with lakeside views. The recently renovated restaurants serves up dishes made with locally grown ingredients, including pickerel fresh from the lake. heclatourism.mb.ca lakeviewhotels.com Gimli The oldest operating store in Manitoba is H.P. Tergesen & Sons in Gimli. This historic site, still owned and operated by the Tergesen family, carries unique giftware, local fashions and jewelry with

HECLA- GRINDSTONE PROVINCIAL PARK

a nod to the area’s Icelandic roots. While in town, stop by Beach Boy Restaurant or Ship and Plough for some local Lake Winnipeg pickerel (the Manitoban name for walleye). If you just need a quick refuelling, stop by Flatland Coffee Roasters for their flagship coffee, Rogue Wave Espresso.

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Winnipeg River & Pinawa The area around Winnipeg River is a hub for outdoor reaction in all seasons because of the public waterfront and extensive network of trails near the town of Pinawa.

Visit Old Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park. This was Manitoba’s first hydroelectric generating station, providing power to a burgeoning Winnipeg in the early 1900s.

A self-guided walk takes visitors around the concrete monolith to learn its engineering history. Kayak, canoe, or tube down the Pinawa Channel, a popular summer activity. Plan to spend three hours navigating the lazy river as it gently pulls you downstream from the launch near the golf course to the suspension bridge. Visitors can book a tour time and equipment with companies Float and Paddle or Pinawa Unplugged Eco-Tours.

Book an overnight stay on the picturesque river with Voyageur Houseboats – a Métis-owned and operated unique accommodation experience set against the backdrop of the Canadian shield. eastmantourism.ca

V OYAGEUR HOUSEBOATS

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PINAWA CHANNEL

Northern Manitoba

CLEARWATER PROVINCIAL PARK

GANGLER’S NORTH SEAL RIVER LODGE

Manitoba’s North is a paradise for those who are looking for “Canadian solitude” and want to avoid the crowd of tourists.

Isolated wilderness shapes the scenery.

With its huge areas of boreal forest as well as countless lakes and rivers, the landscape merges in to the subpolar tundra. Motorhome travellers will find scenic campsites in provincial parks, but rental car tours should be planned in advance, due to the limited choice of accommodations.

A definite highlight of northern Manitoba is a night or two in a remote fly-in lodge that can only be reached by floatplane.

At Gangler’s Sub-Arctic Adventures, you experience a unique Canadian fly-in wilderness experience exploring the topography and heritage of the North Seal wilderness. Time your visit right and you’ll be treated to a magnificent display of the northern lights at night. ganglersadventures.com Crystal blue water as far as the eye can see—anyone who loves this hue, will love Clearwater Lake! It is located northeast of The Pas in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park. As the name suggests, the lake’s water is extremely clear—it’s said to be one of the clearest lakes in the world!

A hike along Flinty’s Boardwalk and Trail offers a phenomenal view of the city of Flin Flon on Manitoba’s border with Saskatchewan. Over four kilometres of trail takes you to the top of the volcanic rocks that surround Ross Lake.

Little Limestone Lake is three hours north on Highway 6 on the traditional territory of Mosakahiken Cree Nation. This impressive lake is the world’s largest and most picturesque colour-changing marl lake. If you plan to stop at this provincially protected area, please remember that there are limited services and amenities and overnight camping is prohibited.

About two hours northeast along Highway 6 is the pristine boreal wilderness of Pisew Falls Provincial Park. You can hear the falls as soon as you exit your car in the parking lot; just follow your ear down a short trail to two viewing platforms.

Pisew, which means lynx in Cree, is where the Grass River drops 13 metres, switches directions and plunges through a gorge. For the experienced hiker, the 22-kilometre (return) Pisew-Kwasitchewan

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hike is considered one of Manitoba’s most challenging backcountry trails. Camping is allowed at designated sites, so plan to overnight when you reach the incredible peak of Kwasitchewan Falls, the highest in Manitoba.

A giant wolf keeps watch over the northern city of Thompson, known as the gateway to Manitoba’s North. The 10-storey wolf mural is part of Spirit Way Trail, a two-kilometre self-guided trail with 16 points of interest that focus on Thompson’s heritage, art, industry, geology and landscape. Visit the Heritage North Museum to discover the heart of Thompson’s identity. You will learn about the area’s Indigenous history and wildlife and gain a better understanding of how this mining town came to be.

Outside of Thompson, plan a stop in Paint Lake Provincial Park, where the largest marina in Manitoba is at the park’s heart. Paint Lake Lodge offers all-season cabin rentals and one of the tastiest kitchens in the north. Paint Lake campground has plenty of overnight sites, including yurts with lovely lake views.

A dazzling stop along the way north is the Caribbean-esque atmosphere of Steep Rock on the eastern shore of Lake Manitoba. Here the water is turquoise blue, the beaches are covered with fine sand and a backdrop of limestone cliffs punctuates the landscape. Steep Rock Beach Campground also offers access to a lovely beach for daytrippers.

Abundant Lakes and Waterways Manitoba was once the centre of the fur trade. The region’s waterways made it easy to transport goods between north and south and east and west. Today, these waterways, including four Canadian Heritage Rivers that are important to Canada’s history, offer excellent opportunities for paddling and attract canoeists and kayakers from around the world.

Experienced paddlers appreciate the appeal of the rivers in northern Manitoba, including the Hayes and Grass Rivers which, like the Seal River, flow into the Hudson Bay. In Manitoba’s forested North, the Grass River winds through the wild landscape.

At Wekusko Falls, the river rushes through 18

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a series of rapids. Two suspension bridges cross the cascades at different points and offer photographers the perfect perspective. There is a small walk-in tent campsite near the waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful in Manitoba! The river continues to flow through Setting Lake and the Sasagiu Rapids before reaching

Manitoba’s most famous, and highest, waterfalls, Pisew and Kwasitchewan Falls.

Avid outdoors enthusiasts can embark on the 22-kilometre round-trip hiking trail that connects the two waterfalls. You can also simply enjoy the great view of Pisew Falls from the accessible lookout point near the parking lot.

PAINT LAKE LOD GE

PISEW FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK

WEKUSKO FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK PHOTO: PRAIRIE WHITEWATER

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Seasons of Churchill

When to See What Churchill is a small, remote frontier town in northern Manitoba with a big reputation around the world for being ‘the polar bear capital of the world.’

Located 1,000 kilometres north of Winnipeg, along the shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill is a magnet for other types of wildlife viewing and natural phenomenon. Each season offers a different draw, so plan your trip based on your biggest wish.

CHURCHILL

PHOTO: LIZ TRAN

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Getting there:

CHURCHILL NORTHERN STUDIES CENTRE PHOTO: THOMAS FRICKE

No Access by Road Plane or Train Via Rail or Calm Air

Northern Lights

Best time to go: February and March Churchill is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights or aurora borealis. Due to its position under the auroral oval, the northern lights can be seen in Churchill up to 300 nights a year; however, the clear, dark skies of winter between February and March tend to offer the most optimal viewing conditions.

Travellers can choose from unique, warm viewing locations to guarantee a comfortable experience for watching these coloured curtains of light dance across the sky.

With Frontiers North Adventures, most of the northern lights viewing happens from the oh-so-cozy Thanadelthur Lounge, situated away from town on the other side of the frozen Churchill River, far from any light pollution. Added to the itinerary is a visit to Dan’s Diner, a pop-up Tundra Buggy dining hall located across the Churchill River, where guests enjoy a delicious meal under the northern lights that features regional and local fare.

Book your northern lights trip with Natural Habitat Adventures and get exclusive access to the warm and comfortable Aurora Pod, built by Great White Bear. This specially designed structure features 360-degree views of the sky via its innovative glass construction and cushioned seats.

The Churchill Northern Studies Centre offers science-based tours during their Winter Skies: Aurora and Astronomy learning vacations. During your stay at this active subarctic research station located 23 kilometres outside the town of Churchill, learn from leading researchers and scientists studying the aurora. When the northern lights appear, the facility turns out all lights as guests scramble up to the aurora viewing dome or gather on the outdoor viewing balcony.

Best suited for DIY travellers, Nanuk Operations offers Nights Under Lights, a guided evening photography outing for the chance to shoot the aurora with the backdrop of a yurt tucked deep in the boreal forest. Join the Discover Churchill Aurora Call List any time of year if you find yourself in Churchill and want to be guided by a professional photographer to capture the lights with your camera. Discover Churchill also offers multi-night packages to hunt for northern lights in four different unique locations throughout town.

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CHURCHILL

CHURCHILL

PHOTO: MARTIN GREGUS

Birding

Best time to go: May and June More than 250 species of arctic birds and ducks nest or pass over the Churchill River estuary on the coast of Hudson Bay on their annual spring migration. Guided land tours from operators such as the Churchill Northern Studies Centre allow birders to catch glimpses of red-throated loons, arctic terns, eiders, sanderlings, plovers, long-tailed jaegers, snow geese and gulls. The most elusive on the list is the rare Ross’s gull. Depending on conditions, a boat tour on the water is a more adventurous way to look for birds while dodging artful ice floes.

Summer is prime time for photographing other northern wildlife against the blooming tundra, such as arctic fox, arctic hare, ptarmigan and hungry grey jays that drop in to say hello after you’ve had a thrilling sled dog ride through the forest. If you’re lucky, you may catch a lone caribou or two strolling the tundra outside of Churchill.

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CHURCHILL

Belugas

Best time to go: July and August In summer, Churchill boasts up-close viewing of a white mammal—and it’s not the one you’re thinking of. Every July and August, the western edge of Hudson Bay is home to 60,000 beluga whales.

Nearly 5,000 of those whales make their way into the Churchill and other northern river estuaries to feed, mate and calve.

Guests can view them on a boat tour, kayak excursion, stand-up paddleboard or glide above them on a floating aqua mat. These friendly and curious creatures will turn their heads and sing a welcome song.

CHURCHILL

Polar Bears

Best time to go: July to November

CHURCHILL

CHURCHILL

Throughout winter, polar bears are feasting on seals on the ice of Hudson Bay and are not visible when you travel to Churchill. In early summer as the sea ice melts, they make their way to the land, lounging in bright fireweed or sauntering along the rocky shore. Polar bears are visible during the summer, but they are often solitary.

Travellers have a chance encounter to view them along the shoreline from the water when enjoying beluga boat tours.

However, in October and November, as the temperatures begin to drop, the bears begin to gather and migrate back into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in anticipation of the sea ice freezing and being able to access their winter feast, making fall the best time to visit.

In October and November, travellers can view the bears from tundra vehicles designed to travel carefully over the delicate terrain. You can photograph the bears from the ground, assisted by trained guides, or stay at a remote eco-wilderness lodge set in the middle of the barren tundra to witness these incredible predators in their natural habitat.

Dogsledding

Best time to go: Anytime!

Whether you visit in summer or winter, you can experience the thrill of speeding through the boreal forest with an enthusiastic (and many-legged) team led

by Wapusk Adventures. When you visit in summer, the dogs will pull you in a cart and in winter, a sled. Join owner Dave Daley for a cultural talk about dogsledding, Métis culture and life in Churchill.

CHURCHILL

CHURCHILL

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Churchill Operators CHURCHILL

Frontiers North Adventures Frontiers North Adventures is a certified B Corporation® and leads sustainable adventures in Manitoba’s North. Frontiers North Adventures offers northern lights tour packages as well as beluga whale and polar bear viewing experiences. frontiersnorth.com Churchill Northern Studies Centre Experience Canada’s subarctic with multi-day learning vacations, three-week volunteer expeditions or day tours. churchillscience.ca

Polar Bear International Polar Bear International is a non-profit polar bear conservation organization researching and educating issues that affect polar bears. polarbearsinternational.org

Churchill Wild Churchill Wild leads walking tours that get you up close to polar bears, wolves and other wildlife. Stay in world-class ecolodges in remote regions of Manitoba’s North. churchillwild.com

Wapusk Adventures Indigenous-owned and operated, go on a dogsledding adventure in summer or winter with Wapusk Adventures. Learn about Métis culture and the history of dogsledding in Churchill. wapuskadventures.com

Lazy Bear Expeditions Explore the coastline of Hudson Bay with Lazy Bear Expeditions. Stay in Lazy Bear Lodge, kayak with beluga whales, see polar bears up close and watch the northern lights dance overhead. lazybearexpeditions.com

Parks Canada Parks Canada operates a Visitor Information Centre in Churchill and oversees Wapusk National Park. The 11,475-square kilometre park sits at the transition of boreal forest and arctic tundra, and protects one of the largest polar bear maternity denning areas in the world. pc.gc.ca

Nanuk Operations Join Nanuk Operations on subarctic adventures to view the aurora and wildlife like iconic polar bears and witness an amazing bird migration through Churchill.

Take a day hike to the Ithica Shipwreck in summer or snowshoe under the aurora in winter. nanukoperations.com

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Discover Churchill Discover Churchill leads wildlife and nature photography tours for small tour groups and independent travellers. Join their aurora call list to receive a phone call when the northern lights are out! discoverchurchill.com

CHURCHILL

Stay Connected Contact Melanie Swenarchuk

Senior Manager, Market Development

+1 (204) 927-7864 mswenarchuk@travelmanitoba.com

Cindy Perrett

Specialist, Market Development

+1 (204) 295-7006 cperrett@travelmanitoba.com Get Manitoba content on your phone, social media feeds and in your inbox.

Website travelmanitoba.com/travel-trade Your number one source of Manitoba travel inspiration and information.

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At the longitudinal centre of Canada Size: 649,950 sq km (250,000 sq mi) Population: 1.3 million Ecozones: prairie, boreal plains, boreal shield, tundra and taiga, Hudson plains 100,000+ Lakes and Waterways 92 Provincial Parks and Park Reserves 4 Canadian Heritage Rivers 2 National Parks 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site Time Zone: Central Standard

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About Manitoba Climate

Taxes and Tipping

Manitoba boasts four distinct seasons thanks to its continental climate.

Goods and services purchased in Manitoba are subject to a 7 per cent Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and a 5 per cent Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Many cities in the province also charge an accommodation tax.

Tipping between 10 and 20 per cent is customary for services provided in Manitoba, including taxi drivers, tour guides, hotel staff and meal service.

Gratuity is generally not included on the bill.

Average summer temperatures: +26°C (79° F) Average winter temperatures: -12° C (10° F) 2,300 hours of sunlight annually Average annual precipitation: 497 mm (19.5 in)

Language Manitoba’s official languages are English and French. English is the most spoken language throughout the province and there are 17 bilingual municipalities.

Many service providers in Winnipeg and throughout the province offer English and French services.

Liquor and Smoking Laws The legal age for alcohol consumption is 18 years. Spirits, wine and beer are available at Manitoba Liquor Marts, private wine stores and hotel beer vendors. Open liquor must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle.

Smoking or vaping cigarettes or cannabis is prohibited in all public places, including restaurants, bars, malls, sporting events, parks and beaches.

In Parks Canada campgrounds, cannabis consumption is limited to campsites as they are considered temporary residences.

Therefore, cannabis consumption will not be allowed in shared public spaces within campgrounds (i.e. kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails, roads or anywhere else outside a person’s campsite). Public cannabis consumption is not permitted in Riding Mountain National Park day use areas, trails, playgrounds or Parks Canada accommodations (oTENTiks, Yurt, micrOcube, Cairns Cabin).

Mobile coverage

Park Passes

Wireless coverage is available in the majority of populated areas. Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi. Coverage is not guaranteed outside populated areas, and those planning backcountry treks should not rely on cellular access.

Provincial Parks: Manitoba Parks vehicle permits must be displayed year-round in provincial parks. Permits are available online at manitobaelicensing.ca and most park campground offices. Fishing and hunting licences are also available or purchase online. Campgrounds and other accommodations in parks should be booked in advance by visiting Manitoba Parks’ online reservation system. Campsites can be booked over the phone.

Transportation In Winnipeg: Taxis and Winnipeg Transit service locations throughout the city. There is a free shuttle throughout the downtown area. Local ridesharing apps include TappCar, Uber, InstaRyde and ReRyde.

Bus tours can be reserved in advance.

Outside Winnipeg: Charter services can be booked in advance. VIA Rail services a selection of communities by train (viarail. ca). Communities are serviced by bus with Kasper Transportation Services (gokasper. com), Thompson Bus (thompsonbus. com), Maple Bus Lines (maplebuslines. com), Rider Express (riderexpress.ca), and Mahihkan Bus Lines (mahihkanbuslines. com).

Scheduled air access is available to northern Manitoba destinations with Calm Air (calmair.com), Perimeter Aviation (perimeter.ca), Cranberry Air & Wilderness Outfitters (204-472-3088), Wings over Kississing (wingsoverkississing.com) or Gogal Air in Snow Lake (manitobaairservices.com).

Manitoba Parks Reservation Service 204-948-3333 1-888-482-2267 (toll-free) manitobaparks.com National Parks: Passes for national parks in Manitoba are available at all Parks Canada locations or can be ordered online. If visiting Churchill, Parks Canada recommends that visitors use the services of a licensed commercial operator when travelling to Wapusk National Park in order to address the various safety risks. Check operating hours and visitor information with Parks Canada before you visit York Factory National Historic Site or Prince of Wales Fort. Search online at pc.gc.ca.

RIDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

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Travel Manitoba 21 Forks Market Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4T7

1-800-665-0040 travelmanitoba.com

A visit to Manitoba means travelling through Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Territories and through communities who are signatories to Treaties 6 and 10. Manitoba is located on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk Nations and is the Homeland of the Red River Métis. Northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit. Travel Manitoba respects the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remains committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.