While some provinces in Canada get all the fame and are top of mind for people wanting to visit and explore more of Canada, Manitoba is not usually top of list. You’ll soon find out though there are a ton of hidden gems in Manitoba!
Even I was shocked in creating this list of hidden gems in Manitoba and it made me realize there really is so much to this province that I knew nothing about. I hope this list of Manitoba hidden gems inspires you to add Manitoba to your own Canadian travel bucket list.
Although these places may not be so hidden to those living in Manitoba – I’ll bet if you’re from another part of Canada you’ve only heard of a few of them!
Before we get started, if you’re looking for more Canadian travel guides you might want to check out these posts:
- 16 Most Scenic Drives in Canada
- 50 Best Things to do in Banff National Park
- 23 Best Things to do in Jasper National Park
- 25 Awesome Things to do in Kelowna
Now on to the list of hidden gems in Manitoba you’ll definitely want to explore!
1. Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake in Manitoba gets it’s name from (surprise surprise) it’s extremely clear waters! In fact, they’re so clear you can see the bottom at up to 11 metres (35 feet) deep.
At Clearwater Lake Provincial Park expect to see everything from sandy white beaches, hiking trails, forests and wildflowers galore – and the clearest lake of course!
There are all sorts of activities you can do here. From swimming, boating, fishing and hiking to relaxing on the beach.
Where to stay when visiting Clearwater Lake Provincial Park
When visiting this top Manitoba attraction you have a couple options for accommodations. You can choose to stay at one of the lodges (I recommend Evergreen Resort Lodge & Resort) or camp at either Pioneer Bay Campground or Camper’s Cove.
2. Hecla Island
Just two hours from Winnipeg you’ll find the beautiful Hecla island that makes for the perfect weekend getaway or family vacation destination in Manitoba.
The Hecla/Grindstone area is actually a provincial park and features a group of islands from the east to western shores of Lake Winnipeg.
Expect to see a charming lighthouse, limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, beautiful coniferous forests, wildflowers, meadows and marches.
Beyond beach activities Hecla Island has some amazing hiking trails for you to enjoy as well. Plan to spend a few days here to really enjoy this little hidden gem in Manitoba!
Where to stay when visiting Hecla Island
When visiting this Manitoba hidden gem you have a couple options for accommodations.
If inns are more your thing here are some of the top options in the area:
- Lakeview Hecla Resort
- Solmundson Gesta Hus B&B
- Gull Harbour Marina & Lighthouse Inn
- Hecla Island Vacation/Cabin Rentals
If you prefer camping here are some top campgrounds in Hecla Provincial Park:
3. Caddy Lake Tunnels
Located near the Ontario-Manitoba border in Whiteshell Provincial Park you’ll find the incredible Caddy Lake tunnels which are such a neat place to explore.
The tunnels were created during the making of the railway when they blasted through the solid granite rock.
Now you can paddle through the two tunnels and explore this hidden gem in Manitoba yourself. You can check out a map of the Caddy Lake canoe route here!
Where to stay when visiting the Caddy Lake Tunnels
The Caddy Lake itself has some beautiful private campsites you can stay at that are on a first come first serve basis. You also have the option to stay at the Caddy Lake Resort which might be a safer bet because you can reserve in advance.
4. Tulabi Falls
Located in the Nopiming Provincial Park in Manitoba you’ll find the beautiful Tulabi Lake and Tulabi Falls. You’ll soon find out why Tulabi Falls is voted one of the best lookout points in all of Manitoba!
Tulabi Falls is located just a little over 2 hours east of Winnipeg and makes for the perfect day trip (or overnight excursion if you’re into camping!)
The Tulabi falls trail itself is 0.3 mile out and back trail to the lookout point, and it’s easy enough for the whole family!
If you’re planning on spending more than a few hours here consider heading out for a canoe along Tulabi lake. There’s also a great beach there to relax the day away.
Where to stay when visiting Tulabi Falls
If you want to make more than a day trip out of Tulabi Falls has a few great campgrounds. The Tulabi Lake Campground has both electrical and basic campgrounds, as well as some yurts you can rent for an even more special experience. This campground is located on Bird Lake near the falls and you’ll have access to both lakes.
For those that are a bit more adventurous you can book yourself into the Tulabi backcountry campground. These basic campgrounds feature a picnic table and pit. Expect to have to hike to the campground for this one!
5. Little Limestone Lake
One of the most incredible sights on this list of hidden gems in Manitoba is definitely Little Limestone Lake. Just look at the colour in the picture below!
So how exactly does Little Limestone Lake get it’s Caribbean blue colour? It’s actually the world’s largest marl lake which means it’s a calcium carbonate-rich lake.
But wait here is where it gets interesting… when the temperatures rise the marl forms into calcite and separates from the water. This creates crystals and leads to the turquoise hue in the water.
When the temperatures drop the calcite dissolves, the marl levels lower – and the lake turns into crystal clear waters.
This means the lake changes colour throughout the year, definitely making it a Manitoba destination you need to visit!
Where to stay when visiting Little Limestone Lake
Little Limestone Lake is located around 5 hours from Winnipeg, but only 65 km from Grand Rapids so you’ll definitely want to stay there to get the most out of your day visiting Little Limestone Lake.
There are not a lot of options for camping as the park is considered a non-operational park. Camping overnight is allowed but permission is required to stay overnight from the Mosakahiken Cree Nation in advance. It’s important to note that fires are not allowed either so I do recommend booking yourself in at Grand Rapids or another neighbouring town instead!
6. Riding Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for an incredible park in Manitoba with unbelievable nature, wildlife, hikes, and all sorts of things to see and do? Riding Mountain National Park is for you!
At Riding Mountain National Park you’ll find over 3000 km2 of unbelievable nature to explore. It’s also 1 of only 5 National Parks that has it’s own resort townsite. The picturesque town of Wasagaming is the perfect place to visit in the summer, and you’ll lots of shops, restaurants, golf courses, boat rentals and more here.
Looking to explore some of the lesser known spots in Riding Mountain National Park? Here’s a guide to 10 amazing places in Riding Mountain that only locals know about!
Top Things to See and Do at Riding Mountain National Park
Here are some of the top things to see and do in Riding Mountain:
- Clear Lake
- Moon Lake
- Kinosao Trail
- Wasagaming town
- Omnnik Marsh Trail
- Grey Owl Trail
Where to stay when visiting Riding Mountain National Park
If the hotel life is more for you Wasagaming townsite has a lot of great little hotels and resorts to pick from. Here are a couple of great options:
If you’re looking to really experience the nature of the park there are tons of great campgrounds in Riding Mountain.
7. Churchill
Did you know the polar bear capital of the world is right here in Manitoba? Churchill is a northern town in Manitoba that will make you feel like you’re in another world.
Here in Churchill you’ll have the chance to see not only polar bears, but beluga whales and even the Northern Lights!
If you’re looking for a true Northern adventure on the edge of the Arctic (but still in Canada) Churchill is for you.
In fact, you can’t even get here by road! The only two ways to get to Churchill are by plane or train.
If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime outdoor experience you should definitely consider visiting Churchill.
Top Things to See and Do in Churchill
Here are some of the top things to see and do in Churchill:
- Spot polar bears and other subarctic animals on the Tundry Buggy Tour – observe rare wildlife of the tundra on a full day buggy tour. You’ll learn about the subarctic animals living in the area and have a great picnic lunch. Depending on time of year there’s a good cYou can book your buggy tour based on season here: Summer, Fall
- Beluga whale viewing via kayak
- Wapusk National Park (more on that below)
- Itsanitaq Museum
- Blue Skies Expedition
- Miss Piggy Plane Wreck
- Prince of Wales Fort
Where to stay when visiting Churchill
During your stay in Churchill Manitoba you can expect small quaint hotels and lodging with a rustic cabin vibe. Here are the top rated hotels, lodgings and B&B’s.
8. Wapusk National Park
Wapusk National Park, in Churchill, is one of the only places in the entire world where in February you can watch baby Polar Bear cubs begin to familiarize themselves with their new environment.
Wapusk National Park is one of two national parks in Manitoba (the first being Riding Mountain, mentioned above). However, Wapusk National Park is definitely the most uninhabited and remote parks of the two.
In fact, Wapusk National Park is the most remote National Park in all of Canada and is accessible to only a few each year so you’ll definitely have to plan your trip ahead!
9. Narcisse Snake Dens
If there’s one Manitoba attraction on this list of things to do in Manitoba that I *never* want to do, it’s visit the Narcisse Snake Dens.,
The Narcisse Snake Dens are a collection of snake dens located about 1.5 hours drive away from Winnipeg, and 6 km north of Narcisse. There are four active snake dens at the Narcisse Snake Dens, and they are connected by a 3 km long self guided trail.
So how exactly are the Narcisse Snake Dens a tourist attraction? Every spring, the Narcisse Snake Dens come alive with tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes as they surface from their winter dens to begin their mating ritual.
This ritual lasts for a 1-3 week period in late April/Early May and makes for a spectacular sight. If you’re into snakes that is…
Where to stay when visiting the Narcisse Snake Dens
You have a couple options for places to stay if you want to visit the Narcisse Snake Dens. You can either stay in Winnipeg and make the day trip out (it’s 1.5 hour drive each way) or book yourself in to somewhere a little closer and smaller. Here are some of the closest accomodations near the Narcisse Snake Dens:
- Lakeview Gimli Resort & Conference Centre (39.6 km from Narcisse Snake Dens)
- Inn On Centre (39.4 km from Narcisse Snake Dens)
10. Spirit Sands
The Spirit Sands self-guiding trail is a 6.5 km hike through Manitoba’s largest sandhill/open dune community. You’ll find Spirit Sands near Glenboro-South Cypress, Manitoba, in Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Spirit Sands is definitely one of Manitoba’s great hidden gems, and they’ll make you feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of the desert.
In fact, Spirit Sands is actually called “Manitoba’s Desert” by some even though technically it’s not a real desert.
If you really enjoy hiking and want to do more than just the 6.5 km you can also access Devil’s Punchbowl from the trail for a grand total of 10 km out and back.
Where to stay when visiting Spirit Sands
Your best option when visiting Spirit Sands is to stay at nearby Brandon, which is around 50 km away. That way You’ll be able to make the drive there and back while getting plenty of time to hike and explore the area.
Here are some of the best accommodations available in Brandon:
11. Steep Rock
You’ll find Steep Rock Beach Park nestled on the north-east shore of Lake Manitoba and it’s an incredible place to visit.
Here you’ll find amazing sunsets, fantastic cliffs, and all sorts of rock formations to explore.
At Steep Rock you’ll also find lots of beaches, walking trails, private coves, and even ATV riding.
Steep Rock really is the perfect little getaway destination in Manitoba, and is definitely one of the province’s hidden gems.
Where to stay when visiting Steep Rock
Although Steep Rock is located just a little over 236 km from Winnipeg, meaning you could make it a day trip destination if you wanted to, it’s such a beautiful part of Manitoba to explore so I recommend planning to stay in the area for at least a night or two.
Steep Rock makes for the perfect weekend getaway so plan to spend a few days and make a staycation of it!
Here are some great cottages in and around the area:
12. Grand Beach Provincial Park
Located along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg you’ll find Grand Beach Provincial Park.
Here you’ll find powdery white beaches and grass topped dunes that will make you feel like you’re definitely not in Canada anymore!
If you’re looking for a little slice of paradise in Manitoba, you’ll find it at Grand Beach Provincial Park
At Grand Beach Provincial park there’s lots to do. Whether you’re like me and prefer just lounging and soaking up sun all day, getting active by trying your hand at water sports like wind surfing, or heading out on a hike.
The park also has a campground, ampitheatre, picnic shelters, a restaurant and concession services. Pack yourself up a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
Grand Beach Provincial Park has two great self guided walks/hikes for you to do which are the Spirit Rock Trail and the Ancient Beach Trail.
Where to stay when visiting Grand Beach Provincial Park
Located only 83 km from Winnipeg, Grand Beach makes for the perfect day trip. However, if you’re looking to stay out this way there are a few options:
If camping is your thing you can try to book yourself a spot at Grand Beach Campground. The Grand Beach Campground has 350 campsites with both electrical and basic camping opportunities.
If you prefer cottages and lodges like me, here are some great options:
13. Souris Swinging Bridge
You might be surprised to find out that the Souris Swinging Bridge is actually one of Manitoba’s star attractions!
Since it was first built in 1904, the Souris Swinging Bridge (which actually no longer swings) has seen many reconstructions and was completely wiped out at one point due to a flood.
To this day it is estimated that up to 5000 people visit and cross the bridge each year.
The best time to see the bridge? At night when it lights up! You can see how neat the bridge looks lit up here.
Where to stay when visiting the Souris Swinging Bridge
Souris is about a 2.5 hour drive from Winnipeg which makes it not the most idea of day trips. However, you can stay in the nearby town of Brandon and also visit Spirit Sands while you’re out this way. That way you can hit up two manitoba hidden gems in one trip!
Here are some of the best spots to stay in Brandon, just a short drive away:
14. Pisew Falls
At Pisew Falls you’ll get the opportunity to see the incredible falls from a few great angles. Here you’ll see where the Grass River drops 42.7 feet, changes direction and jets down through a gorge.
From the parking lot, a short boardwalk stroll will take you to the observation platforms.
Another .5 km trail leads to the Rotary Bridge over the Grass River that’s below the falls giving access to trails leading to the top of Pisew Falls
Lastly there’s a 22 km return hiking trail to Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba’s highest waterfall.
Where to stay when visiting Pisew Falls
Although there are hotels/lodgings available near Pisew falls, thee are backcountry camping spots should you decide you want to make the drive there and spend the night.
If you’re wanting to stay in a hotel in a nearby town here are your best bets:
- Gold Eagle Lodge – Located in North Battleford Saskatchewan and 71.9 km from Pisew falls
- God’s River Lodge – 72.8 km from Pisew falls
15. International Peace Garden
Located on the Canadian/American boarder (near Boissevain, Manitoba and Dunseith, North Dakota), the International Peace Garden is a beautiful garden with lots and lots of walking trails and paths.
Although it is located partially in the US, you don’t need a passport to visit and you can actually roam freely in both sides of the garden. You can even stand with one foot on each side and say you’ve stood in two countries at once!
The International Peace Garden is a great place to visit, spend time in nature, and most of all to just be at peace.
*Please note you will need your passport to visit the gardens*
Where to stay when visiting the International Peace Garden
Being a little over 3 hour drive away from Winnipeg means it can’t quite be a day trip, however the International Peace Garden has campsites if you want to make more than a day of it.
If hotels are more your thing you can stay in nearby Boissevin at the Home Hotel.
Final Thoughts
I’d be lying if I said Manitoba was on my radar before I wrote this post. However, researching for this post made me realize there really are so many hidden gems and places to explore in Manitoba!
After writing this guide I am definitely more motivated to explore some of Manitoba myself, and I hope it’s motivated you too.
Which Manitoba hidden gem would you like to explore first?
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Travel Done Clever
Tuesday 9th of August 2022
Thank you very much for an informative post about Manitoba. As European, I would be lying if I said I knew anything about Manitoba. However,now I will add this gorgeous area to my bucket list. How many day would you recommend me to stay there to cover most things? Would 2 weeks be enough or I should stay a little longer? Thank you very much for your respond. Martina x x.
Kirsten Wendlandt
Thursday 13th of October 2022
Hi Martina, I would say you could easily spend more or less time in Manitoba. However, if you are coming from Europe I would honestly suggest spending a few days in a few different provinces rather than spending them all in Manitoba. I would especially recommend also checking out Albert and British Columbia if you're making the trip out here. Then I would say 2-3 weeks total would be a great amount of time to explore!
Leo
Wednesday 11th of May 2022
That's an amazing travel's list, Thanks .
Kirsten Wendlandt
Wednesday 11th of May 2022
I'm so glad you found it useful!