Nice weather in Canada means it’s time to hop in your car and cruise the open road. Whether it’s spring, summer, or a sunny day in the cold months, we’ve got trips from Winnipeg you can make in a day. Before you go, make sure you fill up with premium fuel and check your tire pressure, helping you improve your mileage, saving you money in the long run.
Here are the best Winnipeg-centred road trips to take, all conveniently starting from Red River Co-op on Roblin Boulevard. Fuel up, grab snacks, check your fluid levels, and you’re ready to hit the road!
1. Pembina Valley
One of Manitoba’s hidden gems, Pembina Valley is located roughly two hours from Winnipeg. You can expect trails for hiking, breathtaking plains, and some pristine picnicking spots. The Pembina Valley is also home to quaint towns that are perfect for an afternoon of exploring. On your way back, you can cruise through Altona, the sunflower capital of Canada.
2. Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area
The Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area is perfect for those looking for an ATV or dirt bike adventure. Located roughly 70 kilometres from Winnipeg, the trails boast close to 40 kilometres of sandy trails designated for ATV use.
Before you head to the trails, make sure you fill your ATV and dirt bikes up with premium fuel. According to Ricky Forbes, it’s the best thing you can do for your equipment.
3. Grand Beach
If you’re looking to enjoy the prairie summer by laying back and taking it easy, head to Grand Beach. The white sand, massive sand dunes, and expansive shoreline of Lake Winnipeg make this one of Canada’s top beaches. If you’re looking for something a bit more physical, you can hike the La Vérendrye Trail located nearby.
4. Gimli
Gimli is Norse for “Home of the Gods”. Settled in 1875 by Canadian Icelanders, the town boasts one of the largest Icelandic populations outside of Iceland. The Icelandic culture is rich in Gimli, culminating annually with a three-day festival held on August long weekend called The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba.
5. Selkirk Park
Selkirk Park has campgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s located on the banks of the Red River and is a favourite spot for boats.
On your way back from Selkirk Park, stop at Lower Fort Garry Historical Site to take a step back in time. The site touches on Canadian history, including that of First Nations people in the area and the Hudson’s Bay Company.
6. Spruce Woods
Spruce Woods Provincial Park is a desert-like anomaly. There’s no cellphone service, so it’s the perfect place to unplug. There are campground facilities and trails for hiking, biking, and nature-watching. The park is home to the Spirit Sands, a desert area dominated by sand dunes that reach 30 metres tall. Keep your eyes peeled for the northern prairie skink, Manitoba’s only known lizard, and species of cacti unique to the prairies. Be sure to head to the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a pond formed by underground streams.
