
Most Scenic Road Trips in Winnipeg, Canada
1. Assiniboine Park
Home to the iconic Assiniboine Forest and Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, this park offers a serene escape in the heart of Winnipeg.
- Natural Scenery: Features over 400 acres of green space with numerous walking trails.
- Sculpture Garden: Showcases the works of Leo Mol, a renowned Winnipeg-based sculptor.
- Journey to Churchill Exhibit: Experience the polar bear habitat and learn about Arctic wildlife.
2. FortWhyte Alive
An urban nature reserve where visitors can experience Winnipeg's diverse ecosystems through guided tours and hands-on activities.
- Urban Wildlife: Provides a sanctuary for bison, elk, and other native species.
- Hands-On Activities: Offers workshops in archery, falconry, and canoeing.
- Observation Deck: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the elevated observation deck.
3. Red River Valley
The picturesque Red River Valley offers scenic drives, charming towns, and historical landmarks.
- Scenic Drives: Features winding roads that offer stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
- Historical Sites: Includes stops at historic forts, museums, and homesteads.
- Charming Towns: Visit quaint towns like Lockport and St. Pierre Jolys along the way.
4. Trans-Canada Highway (Winnipeg to Riding Mountain National Park)
A scenic drive through rolling hills, farmland, and the magnificent Riding Mountain National Park.
- Scenic Landscapes: Offers breathtaking views of the Manitoba countryside.
- Riding Mountain National Park: Includes stops at Clear Lake, Lake Audy, and other picturesque spots.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot bison, elk, and black bears in their natural habitats.
5. Whiteshell Provincial Park
Enjoy the pristine beauty of Whiteshell Provincial Park with its crystal-clear lakes and dense forests.
- Crystal-Clear Lakes: Includes attractions like Betula Lake, Falcon Lake, and Caddy Lake.
- Hiking Trails: Features numerous trails for hikers of all levels.
- Camping Opportunities: Offers a variety of campgrounds, from backcountry to full-service sites.
6. Spruce Woods Provincial Park
A unique park known for its hoodoos, glacier deposits, and the Spruce Woods Sandhills.
- Hoodoos: Features towering rock formations created by wind and water erosion.
- Glacier Deposits: Includes glacial erratics, remnants of the last ice age.
- Sandhills: Offers a unique ecosystem with shifting sand dunes and rare plant species.
7. Prairie Dog Central Railway
A scenic train ride through the Manitoba countryside, offering a glimpse into rural life and history.
- Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy the views from the comfort of a vintage railcar.
- Rural Life: Pass through small towns and farms, gaining insights into rural living.
- Historical Stops: Includes stops at historic sites like Birds Hill Park and Grosse Isle.
8. Riding Mountain National Park (Clearwater Lake to Wasagaming)
A scenic drive along Clearwater Lake with stops at scenic overlooks and charming villages.
- Scenic Overlooks: Provides panoramic views of Clearwater Lake and the surrounding forests.
- Charming Villages: Visit the quaint village of Wasagaming with its shops, restaurants, and beach.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot elk, bison, and black bears.
9. Interlake Region
A picturesque region known for its scenic lakes, charming towns, and historic sites.
- Scenic Lakes: Includes attractions like Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba, and Hecla Grindstone Provincial Park.
- Charming Towns: Visit quaint towns like Gimli, Selkirk, and Stonewall.
- Historical Sites: Includes stops at historic forts, museums, and homesteads.
10. Oak Hammock Marsh
A nature preserve offering guided tours, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot birds, beavers, and other native species.
- Guided Tours: Includes boat tours, walking trails, and educational programs.
- Environmental Education: Provides insights into the marsh's ecosystem and conservation efforts.
11. Winnipeg River
A scenic drive along the Winnipeg River, offering breathtaking views of rapids and surrounding forests.
- Scenic Drives: Provides views of the winding river and its numerous rapids.
- Historical Sites: Includes stops at historic forts, villages, and homesteads along the route.
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
12. Birds Hill Provincial Park
A popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
- Hiking Trails: Features numerous trails for hikers of all levels.
- Birdwatching: Provides opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, including pelicans and eagles.
- Picnicking: Offers picnic areas with stunning views of the park.
13. Spruce Woods Sandhills Provinical Park (Narrows to Gimli)
A scenic drive through the Spruce Woods Sandhills and along the shores of Lake Winnipeg.
- Sandhills: Offers a unique ecosystem with shifting sand dunes and rare plant species.
- Lake Winnipeg: Provides stunning views of the shores and nearby islands.
- Historical Sites: Includes stops at historic sites along the route.
14. Tiger Hills Wildlife Refuge
A wildlife refuge offering guided tours and opportunities to spot endangered species like black-tailed prairie dogs.
- Guided Tours: Includes guided tours led by knowledgeable guides.
- Endangered Species: Provides opportunities to spot black-tailed prairie dogs, burrowing owls, and other endangered species.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for the preservation of these endangered species.
15. Northern Spirit Trail
A scenic trail through the rural landscape of northern Manitoba, perfect for cycling and hiking.
- Scenic Landscapes: Offers breathtaking views of lakes, forests, and farms.
- Cycling and Hiking: Provides opportunities for cycling, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Rural Living: Gain insights into the daily life of rural Manitobans.