Manitoba Explorer Self-drive

After enjoying complimentary airport lounge access, board your flight to Canada. Arriving the same day, collect your hire car at the airport and make the short journey to your hotel. This contemporary property is perfectly positioned in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba.

Renowned for its vibrant arts scene and cultural attractions, Winnipeg offers plenty to discover. At its heart lies The Forks, a historic meeting place at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, where restored warehouses now house shops, restaurants and lively public spaces. Nearby, the Exchange District is renowned for its beautifully preserved early 20th-century architecture.

Other highlights include the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Winnipeg Art Gallery's Qaumajuq centre, home to the world's largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. The Assiniboine Park Zoo is also well worth a visit.

Stay: Inn at The Forks, Winnipeg (Superior)

Today, travel east to Whiteshell Provincial Park. En route, stop at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach, a fascinating living museum that tells the story of Russian Mennonite settlement in Canada.

Rushing rivers, crystal-clear lakes and warm sandy beaches await in Whiteshell Provincial Park. With opportunities for hiking, cycling, swimming and canoeing, this pristine wilderness is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Stay: Pinewood Lodge, Whiteshell (Superior)

Enjoy two full days exploring this beautiful provincial park at your own pace. Relax on sandy beaches, follow scenic hiking trails or take a refreshing swim in one of the region's many clear lakes. It's the perfect place to experience the tranquillity and natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness.

Stay: Pinewood Lodge, Whiteshell (Superior)

Today's journey takes you to Gimli, located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. The largest lake in Manitoba, Lake Winnipeg ranks among the world's largest freshwater lakes. The charming lakeside town of Gimli is known for its long sandy beaches and strong Icelandic heritage, which remains an important part of the community's identity today.

Stay: Lakeview Gimli Resort, Gimli (Superior)

Before continuing to Hecla, you may wish to visit the New Iceland Heritage Centre. Then, follow the shoreline of Lake Winnipeg north to Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park.

Like Gimli, Hecla was settled by Icelandic immigrants, and Hecla Village offers an insight into their pioneering history. Explore the park's rich flora and fauna on a hike or cycle ride along the lakeshore.

Stay: Lakeview Hecla Resort, Hecla (Superior)

Today's drive brings you to Riding Mountain National Park, perched atop the Manitoba Escarpment. Its forests, lakes and rolling hills provide a striking contrast to the surrounding prairie farmland, while its diverse habitats support an abundance of wildlife.

Stay: Lakehouse Boutique Hotel, Riding Mountain National Park (Superior)

We recommend beginning your exploration at the Riding Mountain Visitor Centre in Wasagaming, where Parks Canada staff can provide excellent local recommendations.

Wildlife watching is one of the park's greatest attractions. Be sure to visit the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, home to a herd of approximately 40 plains bison, offering excellent opportunities for close-up viewing.

Stay: Lakehouse Boutique Hotel, Riding Mountain National Park (Superior)

After ten memorable days exploring Manitoba's prairies, lakes and wilderness, return to Winnipeg. Along the way, we highly recommend a detour to Spruce Woods Provincial Park. An unexpected landscape in the heart of the province, the park protects Manitoba's only area of sand dunes. These shifting dunes create a unique environment where cacti thrive despite winter temperatures that can fall below -40°C.

Stay: Inn at The Forks, Winnipeg (Superior)

Enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before making your way to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK. Arrive home the following day.