When it comes to transformative travel, Manitoba will touch your heart like no other place. It’s a province of contrasts; full of natural beauty, epic wildlife encounters, Indigenous cultures and vibrant cities, this province in the heart of Canada packs a powerful punch through travel experiences you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
Manitoba’s rich indigenous culture and heritage continue to connect people and place. Discover the culturally rich stories of the spirits and the land, woven throughout its remote wilderness, unique wildlife, arctic tundra and city centres.
With an emphasis on responsible and regenerative tourism for positive contributions to the community and environment, Manitoba invites visitors to tread lightly, immerse themselves wholly in the moment and leave no trace, taking only epic, once-in-a-lifetime memories away.
Indigenous immersions
One of the most culturally diverse provinces in Canada, there’s plenty of ways to experience Indigenous, First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultures through dedicated immersive activities, tours and adventures.
The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is a new attraction in the capital, Winnipeg, which explores the root of connections between people and plants, including six themed outdoor gardens which are free to explore. The spectacular indoor biome are at a cost to view. The Indigenous Peoples Garden was inspired by Elders and community members and weaves food, language, cultures and stories together.
The Qaumajuq, a new art museum at Winnipeg Art Gallery has the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art with 14,000-plus pieces. Its stunning white stone exterior was inspired by Canada’s northern landscape and a three-storey glass vault filled with thousands of Inuit carvings at the entrance is particularly eye-catching.
Also in Winnipeg, the Indigenous Perspectives Gallery at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a dramatic space that tells the story of First Nations peoples in complex, sometimes uncomfortable and beautiful works.
As the world’s only museum dedicated to global human rights, the innovative museum highlights the history of colonialism with arresting artworks and thought-provoking images to continue the conversation on these issues.
Want to do more?
Ignite your spirit at Manito Ahbee, a celebration of First Nations cultures and traditions through Indigenous film, music, markets, food, sports and more held every May in Winnipeg.
For an authentic Indigenous immersion, go on a guided multi-sensory educational tour at Manidoo-Abi (Bannock Point in Whiteshell Provincial Park), a sacred site containing Petroforms aka healing stones around 90 minutes from Winnipeg.
Belugas, bears and blooms, oh my!
Firstly, Manitoba is the most accessible place on the planet to see polar bears in the wild. The northern town of Churchill is known as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ where you can see these amazing mammals as they transit from the tundra to the pack ice on Hudson Bay.
For polar bears, visit Churchill in October or November – it’s a wildlife encounter you do not want to miss. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for other arctic wildlife like foxes and wolves.
From July to August, witness 57,000 beluga whales gather off the coast of Churchill as they migrate south for summer. Watch these fascinating, friendly creatures from the shore of the Churchill River or on a guided Belugas, Bears & Blooms tour. Top tip: Summer is also when wildflowers blanket the bay across the tundra – talk about epic photo ops!
Local tour operators Churchill Wild and Frontiers North Adventures will get you up close and personal with wildlife in a responsible way that minimises impact on their habitat.
Want more Manitoba?
Jump on a low-emissions electric Tundra Buggy or head out on an interpretative walking tour to spot bears and wolves in the wild. You might even see the Northern Lights!
Find out about the backstory of polar bear research in Churchill at Polar Bears International House.
Join a beluga whale conservation journey or a citizen science wolf tour with a wildlife scientist for specialised insights, knowing part of the tour proceeds will further preservation and field research.
Want to explore more of Manitoba on a road trip? Head here for inspo.
For more info, visit travelmanitoba.com
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