MAY LONG WEEKEND
UNPLUG & EXPLORE MANITOBA
May long weekend is always a welcome retreat! What better way to enjoy our province than by getting outside and soaking up some vitamin D? Here are four adventures you can take to unplug and explore Manitoba.
JOURNEY THROUGH SAND DUNES
Head to Spruce Woods Provincial Park and visit the Spirit Sands — Manitoba’s only desert and our largest sand dunes. Hike one of the self-guided trails, ranging from two to 10 kilometres, or catch a ride on a horse-drawn wagon. This area is home to plants and animals you can find only in Manitoba. The huge dunes soak up the heat, so visit in the spring or early morning during the summer.
ENJOY THE SHORES OF LAKE WINNIPEG
Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park. Relax at the spa for a day, read on the beach, learn about Icelandic history, play a round of golf, or hike to the Gull Harbour Lighthouse. If you want a longer vacation, book a hotel room or campsite.
GET YOUR NATURE FIX IN THE BIG CITY
Spend time at FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg for a few hours or a full day. Watch for wildlife on the trails or get on the water by renting a canoe. For a one-of-a-kind experience, go on a bison safari this summer. You’ll board a bus to get within a few metres of these animals and learn how they’ve shaped Canada’s history.
HEAR THE RUMBLING WATERFALLS
Pisew Falls Provincial Park is 45 minutes south of Thompson and home to the second-highest waterfall in Manitoba. Here, the Grass River drops 13 metres, which you can watch from the observation platform. A 0.5-kilometre trail takes you to a bridge over the river. Experienced hikers can continue on the 22-kilometre return trail to Kwasitchewan Falls, the highest waterfall in the province at 14 metres.
Manitoba is truly a beautiful province and has so much to offer. Be sure to make the most of it this season and check out Travel Manitoba for more summer adventure ideas.