Winnipeg 
Travel Manitoba – Beluga Watching Churchill
Now that the snow has melted and the rainy season is coming to an end, there is no better way to satisfy that craving for warm weather and sun than to pack up the car and hit the road!
AND here is a list of 7 destinations for a weekend getaway from Winnipeg.
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Getaways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Manitoba
Father’s Day Getaways in Manitoba
Girls’ Weekend Getaways in Manitoba
1. Gimli
About: Located on the west side of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba’s Interlake region, Gimli is a family vacation paradise. Town of Gimli has the largest number of Icelandic settlement outside Iceland. True to it’s name meaning ‘Home of the Gods’, Gimli is a vacation spot frequented by summer travellers. Details
What to do:
Head to the Blue Flag certified Gimli Beach for swimming, windsurfing, sailing, boating and more! See the history of Interlake as told by the local artists in the murals along the Sea Wall at Gimli Harbour. From here, head to the Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre. In here, you can see a glimpse of the fishing history of the region. The friendly staff also gives informative pamphlets on popular attractions. On the way to the 1st Avenue. see the T33 military jet and cenotaph in honour of the veterans of the World War and Korean conflict. On the main floor of Gimli’s Waterfront Centre, you can find the New Iceland Heritage Museum (a designated Manitoba Signature Museum) telling the story of new Iceland. At the south end of the 1st Avenue, along the Lake Winnipeg shore is the Harbour Park, locally known as Bill’s Hill. This beautiful hill offering scenic views of Lake Winnipeg has a replica Viking Sod Hut. At the foot of the hill, (near the south end of the 2nd Avenue), you can find the 15 m Viking Statue, unveiled in 1967 by the then President of Iceland. See the Plaque commemorating the formation of New Iceland. Also, on Bill’s Hill are a series of stones arranged in the shape of a boat recalling medieval Vikings chieftains being buried in their dragon boats together with treasures and female slaves.
Celebrating the town’s Icelandic roots is the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba held every year in July. This popular event attracts many visitors and is treated to a re-enactment of Viking age. Also, see one of the largest parades in Manitoba during this time. Also, in July is the Gimli Film Festival, when you can watch films on the beach and streets of Gimli. The festival showcases over 120 films, documentaries, and videos. Enjoy free screenings held every evening along the beach above the waters of Lake Winnipeg. In August Elvis fans throng Gimli to attend the annual Manitoba Elvis Festival held in tribute to the popular artist. Watch the aerobatics during the Gimli Model Air Fest in August at the Gimli Motorsport Park. Held in March is the Gimli Ice Festival with fun events, entertainments and competitions. See snow sculptures, enjoy bannocks, meet Cooley the Mascot, and more.
There are many historic buildings in Gimli. The municipal offices of RM of Gimli is housed in the restored Gimli Public School which was built in 1915. A must see for visitor’s is H.P. Tergesen’s & Sons – the oldest operating store in Gimli.
Gimli also has a number of Parks including the Gimli Park, located on Amisk Drive and 4th Avenue, housing a spray park, picnic area and a Pavilion. At the park, you can also attend the shows held on the outdoor stage. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Loni Beach Sports Park with its soccer fields, baseball diamond, and toboggan hill. Check for racing events at the Gimli Motorsport Park, a multi-track motorsports facility. Gimli Golf & Country Club is a 9-hole public golf course.
For winter fun including cross-country skiing head to Camp Morton Provincial Park, located just 8 km north of Gimli. Although snow-mobiles are not allowed in the Camp Morton Provincial Park, it is accessible via the old Rail Trail (Old Rail Trail is in northern Gimli along the PR 222).
If you are up to doing something new: Gimli Yacht Club offers sailing lessons to children and adults from white sail to Bronze Sail levels. The more adventurous can try the Interlake Aviation‘s Pilot for a day. Interlake Aviation also offers scenic rides of Interlake from the sky. Not adventurous enough? Drop off at 3000 feet at Skydive Manitoba located at Gimli Industrial Park/Airport.
For local live theatre, head to A-Spire Theatre on 2nd Avenue. The Theatre is housed in a municipal heritage site – a 1905 Unitarian church. The shows are performed during the weekends from June to the end of August.
Located 30 minutes drive north of Gimli on Highway 8 is Integrity Foods, an agri-tourism destination that has activities for the whole family.
Try the pickerel dinner at the Seagulls Restaurant in the Lakeview Resort & Conference Centre. Enjoy tea with scones at Amma’s Tea Room & Gift Shop, located at 1st Avenue. Amma’s also has Icelandic menu options. For more Icelandic treats head to Reykjavik Bakery (41 Centre Street; Phone 204-642-7598) and Kris’ Fish & Chips ( (78A 1st Avenue; Phone 204-642-8848). For pub-scene, go to Ship & Plough Gastropub. 20 minutes from downtown Gimli is Whyteworld Emporium known for its savory crepes. See the greenhouse and shop for jewellery or collectibles here.
At an hour’s journey from Gimli lies the Hecla Island, the largest island in Lake Winnipeg and the heart of Hecla Provincial Park. With varied terrains from dense forests to marshes to limestone cliffs to water, this park is for the nature lover. Home to a wide variety of wildlife. Drive through the Hecla Village and soak in the history. Tread the various trails. Enjoy the beach.
Trip Planning:
Located on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg. While travelling from Winnipeg, take Hwy 8. Around 1 h travel from downtown Winnipeg.
Best time to travel: July & August.
Gimli Harbour Farmer’s Market: June to end of September
New Iceland Heritage Museum – Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre: Winter Hours | 10:00 to 4:00 Monday to Friday | 1:00 – 4:00 Saturdays and Sundays
2. Riding Mountain National park
What to do:
Weekend or weekday, summer or winter, Riding Mountain National Park is a place for all seasons and all time. Whether you enjoy night skiing or spending time in the wilderness, enjoy stargazing or just reconnecting with nature, there are lots of reasons why you would love a night or two of camping.
Feel the pull of Mother Nature as you lace up your boots and hike across the many trails. With both challenging and leisurely tracks, hiking in Riding Mountain is a hiker’s dream. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline as you hear the swishing of your skies zooming over pristine snow. Hear the laughter of your kids as they build sandcastles, feel the sand under your feet as you walk along the beach. Experience the wonder of nature as you snowshoe over the frozen landscape and take in the snow-capped trees. Nothing, repeat, nothing beats the serenity of the boreal forest or the excitement when you meet foxes, moose or elk. Wonder at the clear waters of Clear Lake as you go scuba diving. Sway with the crowd as the beat of the drums echoes around the beach in summer. Add to this the thrill of the bison tour and the euphoria of geocaching adventures. Go horse riding across the backcountry trails and you will no longer wonder why the Park is called Riding Mountain. It’s all these and much more that makes Riding Mountain a place not to be missed. Don’t forget to pack your camera!
The East Gate of the Park is a designated National Historic Site. The twin kiosk linked by an overhead bridge is constructed of indigenous materials. Stroll the floral gardens at the visitor center.
Guided travel programs: Guided programs are available from Tourism Dauphin. Earth Rhythms also organizes customized guided travel experiences to the Park- both for families and small groups in partnership with the Elkhorn Resort & Solstice Spa, and Whirlpool Road Bed & Breakfast. Rejuvenate yourself at the Solstice Spa and Equinox Mineral Pool and enjoy the Elkhorn Riding Adventures.
Ski and snowshoe rentals: Elkhorn Resort, Friends of Riding Mountain National Park Learning Centre, McCreary Ski and Outdoor Club
Gifts shops: Sue Davar Pottery at Orion Studio, Friends of Riding Mountain
You may rent a four wheel Surrey bike (115 Wasagaming Drive; 204-848-7523) to tour Wasagaming. To know more about the history of the park, go to Pinewood Museum (154 Wasagaming Drive). Head to the Main Pier at Wasagaming to cruise the Clear Lake. To the west of the Main Pier are the tennis courts. The east side of the Clear Lake boasts of one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in North America.
Trip planning:
Location: Wasgaming, MB. Around 265 km from Winnipeg via Hwy # 1/16/10
Administration Office is located at 135 Wasagaming Drive. Phone: 204-848-7275
Visitor Centre is located at 133 Wasagaming Drive.
Hours: Year-round, all season park
Admission: Daily: Adult $ 7.80; Senior $ 6.55; Youth $ 3.90; Family/Group $ 19.60
Guided Car Tours, Theatre Programs, Townsite Tours, Adventure Hikes Per Person $ 3.90
Fishing Permit Daily $ 9.80
Camping: Wasagaming Campground- Full range of sites from unserviced to fully serviced | mid-May to mid-October
oTENTik Tents | mid June – early September
Random camping | Year-round (please do register)
Yurt | end June – early September
Cairns Cabin | winter months only
One Night Camping Fees: Wasagaming – Water, sewer, and electrical $ 38.20; Wasagaming – Electrical and Water $ 35.30;
Wasagaming – Electrical $ 32.30; Wasagaming – Unserviced with washroom building having toilets and showers $ 27.40
Moon Lake, Lake Audy, Whirlpool, and Deep Lake – Primitive $ 15.70
Yurt – per night, shoulder season $ 70.00; Yurt – per night, peak season $ 90.00
oTENTik – per night, shoulder season $ 90.00; oTENTik – per night, peak season $ 100.00
Backcountry Use and Camping Per Night: Primitive camping -per campsite, per night $ 15.70
Wilderness Roofed Camping, per night, minimum three persons $ 73.50
3. Thompson: Paint Lake Provincial Park & Pisew Falls Provincial Park
Paint Lake Provincial Park: Evolved over thousands of years from clay and silt deposition over a vast glacial lake, Paint Lake supports the Precambrian ( earliest aeon of the earth’s history) Boreal Forest ecosystem. In 1972, this 227 km2 spread of land was designated as a Provincial Park. Often described as a year-round playground, the activities at the park are centered around Paint Lake. With hiking trails, marina, baseball diamonds, boat launches, summer is an enjoyable season here. Keep an eye out for the moose while trekking across the Precambrian shield. Angling is a favourite activity of visitors- Paint Lake being famed for its walleye and northern pike. Come winter and you can find people donning their skies, going tobogganing or get on their snowmobile. The kilometers of snowmobile tracks make the Park a favourite among snowmobilers. Paint Lake Resort & Marina rents boats and canoes. Canoeists, longing for a challenge, can go along the historic Grass River Canoe Route- a route that will take you through rapids, waterfalls, and islands that dot Paint Lake. Also, see trapper’s cabin, petroglyphs along this route- the shorter route extends from Cranberry Portage to Split Lake and connects to Wekusko Falls Provincial Park and Grass River Provincial Park. Take advantage of the interpretive programs before you leave the park.
Location: Leaving Thompson on PTH 6, drive south 32 km/19.9 mi. to Paint Lake. Paint Lake Provincial Park is reached by turning east off PTH 6 to Provincial Road 375. A short drive brings you to the core recreation area. Phone: 204-677-6640
Admission: Regular Park Admission Fees.
Camping: Electrically serviced or basic sites are present at the Paint Lake and Lakeview campgrounds. Also present is backcountry campsites.
The sound of water like the hiss of the lynx (hence the Cree name Pisew) greets you when you get near the Pisew Falls. This 42.7 ft drop off of the Grass River sets the stage for a picturesque setting. A short walk along the boardwalk will get you nearer to the observation platforms. You can cross the suspension bridge over the Grass River and go on the 22-km hiking trail (Upper Track Trail) to Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba’s highest falls.
Location: To reach Pisew Falls continue southwest on PTH#6 for another 45 km (28 mi.) past the Paint Lake turn off.
Admission: Regular Park Admission Fees.
Heritage North Museum: Visitors will gain insight into the history of the town with exhibits ranging from excavated artifacts to natural history exhibits. Also on proud display are First Nation and fur trade artifacts, mining artifacts and fossils. The boreal forest diorama is a huge attraction. Enquire at the Museum for Inco Ltd. Surface Tours (for 14+) – a 90-minute guided tour of Inco’s nickel mining operation. The Museum also provides maps of the 1.25 mile Spirit Way trail (a Manitoba Star Attraction) that will take you along various points of interest in Thompson. Along this route you can see the 10-storey high mural painting of a wolf.
Location: 162 Princeton Drive. Phone: 204-677-2216
Hours: Monday – Friday | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Closed on weekends throughout July & August
Tawipism: Those who want to learn more about aboriginal culture can check out Tawipism. They offer various workshops and programs including snowshoe making, bead working, bannock making, star blanket making, dream catcher making all year long.
Hours: From early June to Mid-September | During the week – by appointment only
Thursday & Friday | 5:00 – 8:00 PM; Saturday | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM; Sunday | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Festivals: Celebrate summer with games, races, parade during the 3-day Nickel Days. Held in mid-June is the Northern Pike Classic co-sponsored by the Thompson Wildlife Association and Manitoba Conservation. Taking place close to the summer solstice is Thompson Folk Festival with lots of entertainment, music and craft village. Winterfest at Thompson.
4. Churchill
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Birds, Bears, and Belugas by Churchill Wild: Your Churchill experience starts with an amazing flight over the Hudson Bay to Seal River Heritage Lodge, followed by equally unforgettable memories of polar bears, whales, birds, and other wildlife, together with lectures and stories to add to your understanding. Cost: $10,695 CAD/person, $9,595/child. (Includes overnight stay in Winnipeg)
Polar Bears by Tundra Buggy by Frontiers North: With single day-trip and multi-trip options on an all-terrain Tundra Buggy®, the visitors can take their pick of viewing polar bears in the wide expanse of Hudson Bay. The day-tours are perfect for people planning their own travel and accommodation while multi-trip visitors spend their nights in a hotel-on-wheels. Cost: Summer Tundra Buggy Day Tours: Adult: $189, Child (12 & under): $149; Autumn Tundra Buggy Day Tours: Adult: $469, Child (12 & under): $369
Ultimate Arctic Summer Adventure by Lazy Bear Lodge: An amazing summer experience spread over five days which will see you walking with the polar bears and watch as Beluga Whales frolic on the waters. Enthusiasts can take it a step further and snorkel and kayak with the whales. “Crawl” the Tundra to view migratory birds and wildlife and end the journey on a cultural note exploring historic sites. Cost: $3,650 CAD/person
The Best of the Arctic by The Great Canadian Travel Company: With 3 days in Arctic Circle and a visit to Inuit community, this expedition is more than about Polar Bears. This journey will see you rubbing shoulders with the past, and the experience will reignite your sensitivity to nature and people. The last two days will see you in Churchill acquainting yourself with tundra and marine ecosystems. Cost: $4,640 CAD/person
Marvels of Manitoba by Churchill Nature Tours: This nine-day tour is perfect for people who want to enjoy a wider cultural and natural horizon. The natural history and wildlife across the province, on this journey including Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Riding Mountain National Park & Churchill as the main destinations, is a perfect segue to the cultural delights along the way. Cost: $4,695 USD/person
A complete list of tour guides operating in Churchill can be found here.
Trip planning:
By Air: The fast, but not the cheapest: Calm Air. For local charters: Hudson Bay Helicopters.
By Train: The cheapest, but not the fastest (48 hrs): Via Rail
By Road: Drive to Thompson. Fly (call Calm Air for standby air fares to Churchill) or catch the train from here.
Best time to visit: Polar Bear Viewing, dog sledding, Northern lights: October & November; Beluga Whales, Birding, Polar Bear viewing (few), northern lights, dog sledding: Summer; Northern Lights, dog Sledding: Late November – Late March
5. Kenora
What to do:
Evoking the image of a white yacht under full sail, the white Pavillion over Kenora Harbourfront arches over the downtown skyline. This is the site of Kenora Winter Carnival, Harbourfest, Farmer’s Market as well as several other entertainment events. Over at the harbourfront, you can also see the Kenora Rotary Goodwill Geyser erupting hourly, up to a height of 200 feet.
Broad the MS Kenora for a 2-2.5 hour cruise of this picturesque area and experience its unspoiled wilderness while passing through scenic channels, Coney Island beach, returning via Devil’s Gap. If you want a bird’s eye view of the lake, check out Kenora Air Service (second street dock on the Kenora Harbourfront).
Lake of Woods Discovery Centre: Overlooking a stunning view of Lake of the Woods, the Discovery Centre is the to go place for all things ‘Lake of the Woods’. In addition to the rotating displays, visitors are impressed by the remarkable architectural design of this glass and wood building. A tour of the interpretive Discovery Forest will enhance your understanding of forest habitats.
Hours: June, July, and August | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; September to May | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rushing River Provincial Park: The rushing river flowing over rocks, not to mention the varied hiking trails, canoe routes, the pine forest, draw outdoor adventurers to Rushing River Provincial Park. This is a place that families love to go back year-after-year for picnicking, camping out in the night, playing with sand toys, listening to the call of the songbirds, wading in the waters, enjoying blue berries, listening to the river and the kilometers of cross-country ski trails. A picturesque setting with all the beauty of the Canadian Shield. You can enjoy the interpretive programs at the museum and the outdoor amphitheatre during summer.
Camping: Car camping, roofed camping and walk-in camping.
Phone: 807-548-4351
Hours: Year-round, all season park; Camping hours: mid May – mid September
Lake of the Woods Museum: A 3-storey building with an open design sets the scene for the Lake of the Woods Museum. Here, visitors are treated to artifacts that depict the story of the early inhabitants of the area. The gallery not only showcases a permanent collection, but also a rotating display of artifacts. For people who want learn more local history, Mobile Tours (Winner of 2012 Ontario Museum Association Award of Excellence in Special Projects) are available.
Mather-Walls House: A wooden building in Queen Anne style with coloured glass window panes, fine interiors greets the visitors. A former residence of David Mather and later owned by John Walls, the present Mather-Halls House houses interpretive displays featuring the Mather family’s impact on local development.
Location: 1116 Ottawa Street. Phone: 807-547-2870
Hours: Open in summer only.
Lake of the Woods Railroad Museum: The yellow caboose and the red streetcar, as well as the elaborate model railway model are favourite among visitors. The model railway recreates the train journey from the CP rail station in Vancouver to Thunder Bay passing through a steel girder bridge in Stoney Creek (Alberta), through the plains of Winnipeg, Huskie the Musky in Kenora and finally, to Thunder Bay.
Enjoy live shows at TryLight Theatre.
Located throughout Kenora are murals depicted on the sides of buildings – a total of 21 murals under Heritage Townscapes Project. These murals tell stories of historical importance to Kenora. Get a map from the Tourist Information Centre to check them out. Geocaching enthusiasts can take the mural walking tour and unearth the hidden cache using hidden clues. Visitors wanting to know more of local history can look out for green ear signs posted at various locations in the city. A part of Murmur project, visitors can call the phone number listed at these locations to hear stories about the place.
End your trip by visiting Blue Heron (321 First Ave South; 807-467-3222) for unique gifts and a wonderful shopping experience. Click photos with Husky The Muskie at McLeod Park before you leave Kenora. If you have time, see the Keewatin potholes, formed by running water during glaciation.
Those carving adventure can head to Green Adventures or Smooth Sailing Parasailing for unparalleled outdoor experiences.
Trip planning:
Located on Lake of the Woods in Ontario. Around 2.5 h from Winnipeg.
6. Duck Mountain Provincial Park
What to do:
With clear spring-fed lakes – Singush, Childs, Blue & Wellman Lake, beautiful scenic views, the surrounding forest of spruce trees and the wide variety of wildlife calling it home, one doesn’t need more reason to frequent this park. Couple it with the network of trails that takes you through the varying terrains. Come here for quiet and solitude, to camp or fish, to hunt or swim, hike or boat. Your drive to the top of the Baldy Mountain (Manitoba’s highest elevation) will be rewarded by the scenic view from the observation tower. Explore the park on a canoe and camp overnight on the backcountry campsites along the route. For enthusiastic hikers, there are a number of hiking trails -from the relatively easy to overnight camping trips. Travel on a horse and wagon, on an ATV, or on horseback along the Mossberry hiking trail. While you will be drawn by the beauty of the landscape you pass on the various hiking trails, what stays with you is the vivid and distinct terrains you tread – rolling hills, steep slopes, level land, valleys, meadows, forests and also the wildlife you glimpse -from black bear to wolves. If you enjoy scuba diving, head to East and West Blue lakes and Childs Lake. Ski or snowmobile during winter. Angling is also a favourite pastime of visitors; the park containing walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, bass, lake whitefish, lake trout, bass, muskellunge and Arctic char and more.
Frank Marvin Visitor Centre, open in July and August, is located in the Duck Mountain Forest Site. Here, visitors can peruse historical displays and artifacts, see the 3D model of the Swan Valley Watershed, walk one of the 5 hiking trails or picnic nearby.
Located 1 km south of the junction of PR366 and PR367 (5 km [3 miles] from the Blue Lakes campground area) in Duck Mountain Provincial Park.
Trip planning:
Location: Leaving Dauphin, follow PTH 5 west 50 km/31.1 mi. to PR 366, drive north 35 km/21.7 mi. to the park.
Around 5.30 – 6 h from Downtown Winnipeg.
Hours: Year-round, all season park.
Admission: Regular Park Fees.
Camping: Basic and electrical sites. Group use sites are also available at Blue and Childs Lake. Rental cabins, yurts, and full-service lodges are a popular choice for those seeking more creature comforts.
Blue Lakes Resort, Child’s Lake Lodge & Outfitters
7. Brandon
Nestled on the banks of the Assiniboine River, Brandon is home to many historic sites – national, provincial, and municipal. In addition, Brandon also has a number of Museums all dedicated to preserving the rich heritage and history of this place. See the various architectural styles while touring the residential buildings of this multi-cultural society. Details
What to do:
Before you start your tour of Brandon, visit the Riverbank Discovery Centre to get maps, information on camping and picnic sites and all you need to know about Brandon. Starting at the Centre is the Assiniboine Riverbank Trail. Stretched over 17km (10.5 miles) through the City of Brandon, the trail moves along forest to paved walkways and will take you to downtown shopping and dining venues. The trail together with the Riverbank Discovery Centre has been conferred with Manitoba Star Attraction status.
Location: Riverbank Discovery Centre (545 Conservation Drive, just off 18th Street and Kirkcaldy Drive) or call 204-729-2141 or 1-888-799-1111
The Daly House Museum is a stunning showcase of Brandon history and traditions. With beautiful gardens, this restored house of the first mayor of Brandon serves as a walk into the past. If you are visiting with family, don’t miss the Carousels and Dolls Doll Museum. Here, visitors are treated to a wide collection of dolls including 20th century and early Barbie dolls. Avid collectors and enthusiasts can customise their dolls here.
Admission: Adults $6; Seniors, Students & Children $5
Hours: July – August: Monday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Sunday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
September – June: Tuesday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 122 18th Street, Brandon. 3.75 km east of Brandon off HWY #1 and north on Humesville Road (200 meters north)
Phone: 204-727-1722
Commonwealth Air Trip Planning Museum: Designated as a Manitoba Signature Museum and a Manitoba Star Attraction, this Museum showcases artifacts, memorabilia, and aircrafts from over seventy years ago. This is Canada’s only Air Museum dedicated to preserving the history of British Commonwealth Air Training as well as those who trained under the Plan. Learn how Allied Forces gained victory in World War II. Travel back in time as you wander the hangar, and remember with gratitude the many RCAF personnel who gave their lives.
Hours: Summer | Daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Winter | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
The RCA Museum (Royal Canadian Artillery Museum): This Manitoba Star Attraction is one of Canada’s largest military museums. With a focus on country’s military history, visitors can peruse exhibits from WWII to present in its five galleries. The interactive exhibits and audio presentations, as well as temporary exhibits, keep visitors engaged throughout the visit.
Hours: Victoria Day – Labour Day weekend Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. All year Monday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Location: Building N-118, Patricia Road, CFB Shilo, 15 minutes from Brandon on Veteran’s Way (PR340). Phone: 204-765-3000 ext. 3570
History and military buffs may also visit 26th Field Regiment Museum. For local art scene, visit Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. Here, visitors are treated to an ever-rotating variety of visual art — glass, paintings, metal, photographs and more. The gallery offers workshops and exhibits, while the gift shop boasts everything from paintings to jewelry, wood to metal work, glass art and ceramics.
Westman Reptile Gardens: A Manitoba Star Attraction with over 300 reptiles, including crocodiles, turtles, spiders, and snakes, the reptile garden is a favourite with all visitors to Brandon. From giant monitors to tiny geckos, from rattlesnakes to bullsnakes, from alligators to caimans, from bullfrogs to poison arrow frogs, from boas to pythons, there is a lot to see in this place.
Hours: Open year-round.
Admission: Adults (16+): $6.00; Kids (3-15 years): $4.00; Babies (0-2 years): Free.
Keystone Centre: There is always something on at this event facility. Check the events calendar while planning your trip.
Brandon Hills: A popular destination during all seasons, the aspen and oak forests together with prairie lands of the Brandon Hills area is home to a variety of plant and animal species – the most popular being the white-tailed deer and the willow flycatcher. If hiking, cycling and birding are the popular activities in summer and spring, winter transforms this area into a major destination for cross-country skiers. Hikers can download the trail map from here.
Location: 10km south of Brandon on HWY #10, 3km east of Beresford Road and 1km south.
Festivals and Exhibitions: If you are visiting Brandon during March break, take part in the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. With live entertainment, unique products, and expert lectures, this agricultural fair draws crowds with world-class show jumping and livestock sales and displays. The four-day annual event Manitoba Ag Ex showcases Manitoba’s best-purebred cattle. During winter, skate through beautiful light displays during the Power Smart Waterfall of Lights (at the West end of McGregor Avenue). Once in 3 years, Brandon hosts Super Run Manitoba, Car and Truck show. In June, enjoy rides, games, contests, tasty treats, and entertainment at the Manitoba Summer Fair.
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