First thing’s first: You’ll want to start out at one of Falcon Trails Resort’s hand-crafted cabin rentals, which sit on the shores of Falcon Lake and High Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park. This destination is an hour and half outside of Winnipeg if you’re flying in for the trip, or just a stone’s throw away from Northwest Ontario if you’re driving in from the neighbouring province. With private hot tubs and wood fireplaces, you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay immersed in nature.

During your stay, further explore lush Whiteshell Provincial Park, which offers a year-round playground for the kids and endless outdoor activity for the adults, including hiking and rock climbing. Or, for the ultimate beach day, head to West Hawk Lake, the deepest lake in Manitoba. (Fun fact: It was created by a meteor impact.) Avid cyclists should definitely check out Blue Highway, a 14-kilometre cycling trail that’s surrounded by lush boreal forest. Mind the rocky terrain!

To wind down, head to Bannock Point, home to a number of petroforms, which are stones laid out in the shapes of animals and geometric designs by Indigenous Peoples centuries ago. The best way to see the petroforms is on a guided walk-through of the area, which allows visitors to learn more about its history and hear stories from local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.

For meals, you’ll have a few delicious options around, including Nite Hawk Café’s home-cooking, the family-run Falcon’s Nest Café, or the welcoming Hi-Point Restaurant and Lounge, which always offers a fun night out.

Get back to nature with a stay at one of Falcon Trail Resort's hand-crafted cabins.

The next day, head to Lake Winnipeg’s western shore – but make sure to leave time for a stop at the sprawling Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site. Located just outside the city of Selkirk, Lower Fort Garry is where the numbered treaties were signed between the Crown and the area's First Nations.
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For brunch, check out Roxi’s by the Red Uptown Café, where you can choose from a satisfying breakfast poutine, eggs Benedict or farmer’s breakfast – or, indulge your sweet tooth with a grilled cinnamon bun or apple bacon pancakes. From there, drive another half hour or so to Winnipeg Beach, where you can swim, check out the boardwalk or build a sandcastle.

Then, continue the fun in Gimli. You can have a beach day here, too – located on the eastern shoreline, Gimli Beach is massive so you’re sure to score a prime spot on the sand. Score treasures from local makers at the Gimli Farmers’ Market and the Arnes Farmers’ Market, both of which run all summer long. Be sure to check out HP Tergesen & Sons, an iconic shop that has served the community for more than 120 years. Offerings include clothing, unique gifts, candles and more.

The town is known as the “heart of New Iceland,” so be sure to check out the famous statue at Viking Park. And if you happen to be around in early August, don’t miss the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, where you can explore a Viking village, see a battle reenactment, catch live music from local and Icelandic musicians and, of course, indulge in Icelandic food and drinks.

While you’re in the area, be sure hit Beach Boy for lunch. A popular seasonal restaurant, it’s known for its pan-fried or battered pickerel, which was caught fresh in Lake Winnipeg. For dinner, make a stop at Seagulls Restaurant, which offers a stunning view of Lake Winnipeg, or Ship & Plough, which boasts live music and plenty of locals to get acquainted with (many of whom would be more than happy to share a story or two).

This giant Viking statue was designed to commemorate Canada’s centennial in 1967.

For the last leg of the trip, head to the quaint town of Wasagaming just over an hour north of Brandon, where you’ll find Riding Mountain National Park, one of the province’s most popular destinations. Home to 40 plains bison that roam in a large enclosure, it’s the ideal spot for wildlife spotting. Stay at nearby Elkhorn Resort, which boasts a full-service mineral pool and spa, a nine-hole golf course, riding stables and year-round recreational activities. While you’re there, grab lunch at the resort’s restaurant, Buffalo Bar, which offers up hearty, delicious eats, including six different styles of burger. Or, book a room at Lakehouse, a rustic-chic boutique hotel for outdoor lovers. Grab a specialty coffee from the on-site coffee shop before heading out on an outdoorsy adventure. Upon your return, have an indulgent dinner at the hotel’s restaurant; don’t miss the goldeye dip, satisfying burgers or truffle mac and cheese.  

When you head out to explore, consider renting canoes or kayaks at Clear Lake Marina. You can also book a sightseeing cruise on The Martese, a grand yacht that offers spectacular views of Clear Lake at both midday and sunset. Or, if you’d rather stay on land, rent fat bikes from Friends of Riding Mountain National Park. Follow that up with a little shopping in Wasagaming townsite, breakfast or lunch at local favourite Whitehouse Bakery (the cinnamon buns are a must) and dinner at TR McCoy’s for pasta or pizza. Finally, cap the night off with ice cream at the boardwalk back by Clear Lake, and reminisce about your wonderful week on the road.

Riding Mountain National Park is home to a herd of 40 bison.