Top 3 Winnipeg Road Trips for Every Adventurer
Winnipeg isn’t just about city life. It’s also got some amazing spots nearby, just waiting for us to find them.
As someone who’s spent lots of weekends checking out Manitoba’s roads and hidden paths, I can tell you there’s plenty of adventure waiting right outside our doors.
So, if you love nature, history, or just need a break from city noise, get ready for a great adventure. I’ve got three top road trips from Winnipeg that will fill any explorer’s need for rides and new sights.
Let’s get going!
1. Winnipeg to Riding Mountain National Park
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Distance: 3 hours and 10 minutes from Winnipeg (270 km)
Best Time to Go: Late May to early October
Riding Mountain National Park has this awesome resort townsite vibe that’s pretty unique compared to other parks. Once you roll in, you’re met with these lush forests and wide-open meadows that just scream ‘Canadian wilderness’.
And if you’re into wildlife, you’re in for a treat! This place is like a haven for all sorts of critters roaming around in their natural habitat.
You’ve got everything from majestic moose to elusive black bears, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a playful fox or two.
How to Get to Riding Mountain National Park From Winnipeg
Travel west along the Trans-Canada Highway until you reach Bloom, and switch to the Yellowhead Highway. Once you’re in Neepawa, head north on MB-5 and then onto MB-357 to reach Riding Mountain National Park.
Highlights of the Road Trip
Clear Lake
You can start your journey here at Clear Lake, where the atmosphere is all about relaxation and appreciating the beauty of nature. From the marina, you can hop on a sightseeing cruise that’ll take you on a tour around the lake.
The water’s so calm, and the scenery is something else! Perfect for snapping some amazing photos.
So, don’t forget to bring your camera!
Wasagaming
— Media credit: @kendraxstowell
Wasagaming is a charming little town nestled along the shores of Clear Lake. It might be small, but it’s a go-to spot when the summer hits.
They’ve got people renting boats, hitting the golf course, or just chilling at the beach.
2. Winnipeg to Thompson
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Distance: 7 hours and 30 minutes from Winnipeg (770 km)
Best Time to Go: Late spring (June-July or early fall (September)
Thompson is more than just a little town; it’s like the gateway to the wilds up north. We call it the “Hub of the North” for a reason!
Here, you’re surrounded by this huge forest, all lush and green, with trees as far as the eye can see. And the best part is that you’ve got deciduous trees mixing it up with those classic conifers, giving you some serious eye candy.
There’s also plenty to do at Thompson. I’m talking about hitting the trails for some hiking, hoping to catch a glimpse of local wildlife, or simply craving a dose of pure nature vibes.
How to Get to Thompson From Winnipeg
As you leave Winnipeg, you can take Highway 6 and continue northward, passing by Lake Winnipeg along the way. You’ll come across Pisew Falls Provincial Park before reaching Thompson.
Highlights of the Road Trip
Pisew Falls Provincial Park
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If you’re heading up to Thompson, you absolutely have to swing by Pisew Falls Provincial Park. Imagine standing there, right in front of these majestic falls, with water cascading down that just blows your mind.
It’s one of those sights that makes you feel small in the grand scheme of things, you know?
Once you’re done appreciating the beauty of the falls, you’ve got to hit up those hiking trails. They’re like hidden pathways through the wilderness, and every turn brings a new surprise.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars? Backcountry camping here is the real deal, perfect for those who want to get up close and personal with nature.
Heritage North Museum
If you’re fond of history, go to the Heritage North Museum in Thompson. Here, you’ll get to dive deep into the roots of this region, with cool stuff like First Nation artifacts and relics from back when the fur trade was booming.
3. Winnipeg to Grand Beach Provincial Park
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Distance: 1 hour and 20 minutes from Winnipeg (100 km)
Best Time to Go: June to August
Grand Beach has been a go-to spot for us Winnipegers for generations, and you can feel that sense of community as soon as you arrive.
There’s a whole bunch of stuff to keep you busy here! You can dive into all sorts of activities, from swimming and lounging to getting in on some intense beach volleyball matches or even joining in on sandcastle-building showdowns.
And if you’re a nature lover like me, the trails around here are perfect for a leisurely hike or a bike ride, surrounded by the beauty of the area.
How to Get to Grand Beach Provincial Park From Winnipeg
You can take RTE-52 heading northeast towards the St. Andrew’s Rectory National Historic Site and the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site.
From there, continue north on MB-59, then transition onto MB-12 to reach Grand Marais and Grand Beach Provincial Park.
Highlights of the Road Trip
St. Andrews Rectory National Historic Site
— Media credit: @birch.charles
Built between 1853 and 1854, St. Andrews Rectory National Historic Site was like the epicenter of religious and political buzz at the time. It served as a base for missionaries who aimed to spread the word and convert people in the area.
You see, this place wasn’t just a fancy building; they used local limestone, so it really blends in with the surroundings.
But it doesn’t stop there; it’s also a hub of activity for the community, such as religious gatherings, social events, and maybe even some heated political debates going down under that roof!
Hiking Trails
— Media credit: @_akrahn
If you’re craving some alone time away from the hustle and bustle, the hiking trails near Grand Beach are the perfect escape for you. While the beach itself can get pretty packed, these trails are like your own little slice of nature heaven.
It’s just you and the great outdoors; there are no crowds to contend with.