The Best Day Trips from Winnipeg: Your Spring Break Guide
Winnipeg may be eight hours away from the next big city but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options when it comes to a memorable day trip! The next time you’ve got the travel bug and want a scenic drive or weekend getaway, check out one of these delightful destinations for day trips from Winnipeg.
Gimli – 89 km from Winnipeg
Gimli is a quaint community established by Icelandic settlers and it still maintains a strong connection to Icelandic culture today. You can check out the Viking statue, the Gimli Glider Museum or if it’s warm enough, take a dip at the beach! When it’s time to refuel, make sure you stop in at one of the restaurants near the pier and grab some fresh seafood.
We gathered some of the best hiking trails in Manitoba that are definitely worth the trip. It’s a great way to see more of our beautiful province, get outside and get active. Take your pick!
Whiteshell Provincial Park – 130 km from Winnipeg
The Whiteshell is a beautiful destination if wildlife and parkland is your thing. Adventure through the wilderness on the Hunt Lake Hiking Trail or Pine Point Trail. Visit Rainbow Falls to hike and sit along the beautiful waterfall. You can also take a splash at the beach to cool off and if you want to get out of the shade, you can check out the Whiteshell Fish Hatchery Interpretive Centre for a guided tour.
Spirit Sands in Spruce Woods Provincial Park – 180 km from Winnipeg
If you want to visit Manitoba’s own desert, then head to Spirit Sands. The desert-like landscape is filled with sand dunes and quite stunning—it’s truly something unique to Manitoba. If you’re up for a semi-challenging hike, you can brave the 10 kilometre Spirit Sands and Devil’s Punch Bowl trail. You’ll see grassy meadows, hills, dunes and a small body of shimmering blue-green water, also known as “the Devil’s Punch Bowl.” Don’t forget to pack your picnic lunch!
Narcisse Snake Dens – 110 km from Winnipeg
Do you like snakes? Then this destination is worth checking out. The name really does say it all—the dens are home to tens of thousands of red garter snakes. When you visit, take a look on the ground and in the trees (you might see some snakes up there too). The Narcisse Snake Dens are definitely a sight to see and something different to experience in Manitoba.
Lockport – 28 km from Winnipeg
Lockport is only a short 28-kilometre drive from Winnipeg which makes it the perfect day trip, especially if you have a family. If you enjoy being on the water, take a boat ride down the Red River and check out the St. Andrews Lock and Dam. You can even cross through and see the lock in action! When it’s time for lunch, grab some french fries and ice cream at Half Moon or go for a hot dog at Skinners or Sonia’s Stand. There’s plenty of good eats at these local diners and it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day on the water.
Cinnamon Bun Trail – Start in Beausejour, 60 km from Winnipeg
For the sweets lovers, we have a day trip for you. Take the “Cinnamon Bun Trail” and go on a day trip to chase the province’s best cinnamon buns. Out in Beausejour, you can visit Serenity’s Cottage Tea House for an ultra gooey cinnamon bun that’s just the right amount of sweet. From there you can head to Austin Bake & Coffee Shop over in Austin, Manitoba to try one of their cinnamon buns which are rumoured to be “the best in the West.” Or try one from the St. Pierre Bakery—one that’s made from a generations-old secret recipe. There are plenty of spots around the province that have something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pinawa Dam Provincial Park – 101 km from Winnipeg
On a hot day, Pinawa is the place to be. You can rent a tube (or bring your own) and take a three-hour ride down the Pinawa channel. Feel like hiking? Take a walk across the Pinawa Suspension Bridge and hike through the trails. If swimming is more your thing, you can check out Pinawa Beach and take your kids to the play structure, volleyball courts and diving dock. And if you’re out in Pinawa, you won’t want to miss the Pinawa Dam.
We’re going to break down the cost of living in Winnipeg, with everything from housing, groceries, and education to healthcare, childcare, and transportation. With the latest data, you’ll be able to budget for your expenses and plan for future purchases whether that’s a new car, house, or going back to school!
We wanted to highlight 20 facts about Manitoba that showcase the province’s beauty and activities it offers. Whether you live in Manitoba or hope to visit someday, this list should give you an idea of what to expect and what to look forward to.
If you’re looking for a quick getaway, Manitoba provincial parks are your answer. To help you decide your next adventure, we’re going to highlight 10 of the top provincial parks and what you can do when you visit.
We’ve put together a list of the best Manitoba strawberry picking farms, their locations and activities they have to offer so you can figure out which ones to add to your summer bucket list.
If you want a new vehicle to take on your day trips from Winnipeg, our credit experts can help. You can apply online or visit our FAQ page to have all your credit questions answered.
