Winnipeg 
The Parkland region is situated in central-western Manitoba. Here, you’ll find plenty of awesome things to do and explore throughout the year. If you’re looking for all the best ways to experience Manitoba’s Parkland, here are some fun adventures you won’t want to miss out on this summer.
Visit Riding Mountain National Park
With more than 3,000 square kilometers of land, Riding Mountain National Park is one of the most stunning places to go in this area. Hit the park up for a day trip full of hiking, or book one of the campsites. A few points of interest here include the Lady Audy Bison Enclosure, the 8 red Adirondack chairs where you can sit and rest for a while, and the stunning Manitoba escarpment.
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Check Out the Asessippi Town Site
You’ll find the site of this abandoned town in between Roblin and Russell. The town was originally constructed where the railway was meant to go. However, the railway ended up being diverted, and the town was abandoned leaving behind a great place for adventurers to check out.
Where: West of PTH83, near Inglis
Visit Dauphin
Dauphin is one of the several towns that make up the Parkland area. There’s plenty to do and check out here, including walking around town on the Dauphin walking tour. You’ll also want to make time for the outdoor Fort Dauphin Museum.
Explore Asessippi Provincial Park
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Visit the Grounds of the Boulton Manor
You don’t have to go inside this structure to appreciate its beauty as well as its historical significance. Boulton Manor was constructed in 1894 by Major C.A. Boulton. Today, it stands as a bed and breakfast and offers historians and those interested in architecture a great place to explore. Pack your camera for a photo op, and consider booking a room here for the night.
Where: 322 Memorial Avenue South, Russell
Check out the Inglis Grain Elevators
You’ll find some of the last remaining grain elevators in western Canada here. The Inglis grain elevators have been restored and provide visitors with a piece of this part of Canadian history. Consider making a trip to see the elevators as part of your Parkland tourism experience.
Where: Inglis is located about 19 kilometres north of the junction of the Yellowhead Highway 16 and Provincial Highway 83 at Russell. The turnoff to the elevators is well signposted on Highway 366, about 3 kilometres east from Highway 83.
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Experience Duck Mountain Provincial Park
You’ll find plenty to see and do in this beautiful park. Hike up Manitoba’s highest peak at Baldy Mountain, standing 2,727 feet above sea level. You’ll also want to remember to head to one of the area’s several lakes for a bit of swimming or canoeing.
Where: Duck Mountain Provincial Park
Visit Red Deer Lake Heritage Site
This abandoned town is the perfect place to go if you’re fascinated by ghost towns. The town was built as part of a mill operation, but when the mill was shut down, the town was very quickly abandoned. Spend some time exploring the area, now a designated heritage site.
Where: Red Deer Lake, 8km north of Barrows
Head to Rainbow Beach Provincial Park
You’ll find this lovely little park by Dauphin. This is the perfect place to book a site if you’re interested in doing a little camping this summer. You’ll love the spacious campsites, as well as the scenic views of the beach.
Where: Ochre River
Take a Walking Tour Through Russell
If you plan on visiting this town, then make sure you head to one of the visitor centres to pick up a walking tour guide. This self-guided walking tour is a great way to learn all about this quaint town, as well as to see some historic buildings. You’ll also love getting out and about and stretching your legs.
Visit the Park Theatre
Located in Wasagaming, the Park Theatre was built in 1936-1937 with saddle-notched logs. The building is a great thing to check out if you’re interested in architecture. And, if you have the time you can head inside and catch a show!
Where: Riding Mountain National Park, Wasagaming Drive, Wasagaming
Visit the Life & Art Centre
If you want to see some examples of the area’s old architecture, then you’ll want to visit the Life & Art Centre in Roblin. It was originally built in 1908 as the Knox United Church. Today, the building houses a non-profit organization and offers a good opportunity for photographers to practice their architectural photography.
Where: 106 3 Ave E, Roblin
Camp at Manipogo Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a quiet place to get away, then Manipogo Provincial Park is the perfect place to head. This is a quiet park that offers plenty of hiking, fishing, and swimming in Lake Manitoba. Remember to bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the area’s wildlife.
Where: PR 276, Toutes Aides
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Explore Grandview
The Municipality of Grandview offers visitors plenty of things to do no matter the season. Walk through Wilson Park, or bring your camera for some great opportunities for a little nature photography. Grandview is nestled in between Riding Mountain National Park and Duck Mountain Provincial Park, which means a day trip to either of these locations from Grandview is easy.
Take a Look at the Original Fort Dauphin Site Cairn
Fort Dauphin was originally built in 1741 in the Winnipegosis area. You can visit the site yourself, where you’ll find a commemorative plaque. Learn about the history of Fort Dauphin here, and don’t forget to take a picture to record the experience.
Where: 140 Jackson St, Dauphin
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Check Out the Ivan Franko Heritage Hall
If you’re interested in old Ukrainian architecture, then you’ll want to pay a visit to the Ivan Franko Heritage Hall. The Hall features three onion domes that are an important Ukrainian heritage symbol. Whether you have Ukrainian ancestry or you want to learn more about it, this building is a great thing to check out.
Where: Ukrainian People’s Home of Ivan Franko, Wright Avenue, Angusville
Visit Swan Valley
The town of Swan Valley is full of incredible things to do. Visit the area’s farmer’s market, or head to the nearby U-pick to pick your own delicious berries. In August, you’ll want to remember to check out the Cowan Trail, which is an all-day event featuring a pancake breakfast and horse-drawn carriage ride.
Hike at Birch Island Provincial Park
This lovely park is located on Lake Winnipegosis. Here, you’ll enjoy hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to see some beautiful wildlife. Lynx, ducks, herons, and several other animals call this stunning are home.
Where: Lake Winnipegosis
The park is bordered on its western boundary by the Swan-Pelican Provincial Forest and on its eastern side by Chitek Lake Anishinaabe Provincial Park.
Visit Selo Ukrainia Ukrainian Heritage Village and Memorial Park
This outdoor venue is located on the northern escarpment at Riding Mountain National Park. You’ll also find the pioneer village here, which is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the area’s settlers while also stretching your legs. Be sure to keep an eye out for any outdoor festivals that might be held here too.
Where: Highway 10 South of Dauphin, turn right into Festival site and carry on towards the gates.
Spend Some Time in Kettle Stones Provincial Park
You’ll find this park on the north side of Kettle Hills. Here, you’ll find unique formations of sandstone known as the Kettle Stones. Head here for a walk and check out these one-of-a-kind formations for yourself.
Where: 70 km northeast of Swan River
Visit the Negrych Homestead
First established in 1897, the Negrych Homestead and contains the oldest known residence in the province. Wander around the homestead for yourself on a warm, sunny day and see exactly how the Ukrainian settlers lived when they first arrived here. You’ll want to visit the farmyard where you’ll find several different fruits, berries, and herbs.
Where: SE14-27-22W, R.M. of Gilbert Plains
Explore Porcupine Provincial Forest
Looking for a fun, active day trip? Consider paying a visit to Porcupine Provincial Forest. The rugged land offers a challenging hike as well as some truly stunning sights, including Hart Mountain.
Where: North of Swan River, and west of PTH10. PR365, north of Birch River, provides access to North Steeprock Lake and Bell Lake. PR279, west of Bowsman, provides access to the southwest corner of the Forest and to Whitefish lake.
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Take the Four Valley Cycling Tour
If you’re a cyclist, then this tour is a great way to get some exercise and experience the Parkland’s beauty. The Four Valley Cycling Tour will take you through four gorgeous valleys. You’ll be going through various campgrounds, so feel free to break the trip up into a few days and get some camping in.
Where: Roblin area
Kayak or Canoe on the Mossey River
If you want to spend some time on the water this summer, then taking a kayak or canoeing trip along the Mossey River is a fantastic choice. The area is gorgeous, and a kayak or canoe trip is a great way to get back to nature and get in some exercise. Feel free to get a little fishing in while you’re here too.
Check out the Rossburn Subdivision Trail
This trail is a portion of the Trans Canada Trail. It offers a great location for hiking, cycling, and even horseback riding. Make sure to pack a camera and binoculars and watch out for local wildlife as you hike.
