Magnolia(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

First-time visitors to Manitoba should consider staying in Winnipeg’s downtown core, where Sheraton Winnipeg Hotel offers easy access to cultural landmarks like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the scenic Red River Trail. For nature lovers, the Lake Manitoba Lodge near Prairie National Park provides serene lakefront views and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Unique stays include Indigenous-owned lodges offering authentic Ojibwe cultural tours and traditional craft workshops, giving travelers an immersive experience of northern plains heritage.

Hotels in Manitoba often integrate Indigenous culture into guest experiences. In Winnipeg, Indigenous-owned lodges offer Ojibwe drumming ceremonies, bark basket weaving workshops, and maple syrup crafting sessions. The Northern Timber Lodge features guided midnight star gazing with stories from Inuit constellations, immersing guests in Arctic mythology. During winter, many properties host ice sculpture festivals and dog sledding adventures, allowing visitors to engage with the region’s nomadic heritage and harsh yet beautiful northern landscape.

The Athabasca Park area on the outskirts of Winnipeg is ideal for families, featuring family-friendly hotels like Winnipeg Family Resort, which offers indoor pools, children’s playrooms, and hands-on farm experiences. Nearby attractions include the Manitoba Museum of Man & Nature and the Winnipeg Zoo, perfect for kids and adults alike. Summer activities include Red River canoe trips, while winter brings Ice Castle Festivals—safe, educational, and fun outdoor experiences that keep families engaged year-round.

Winter stays in Manitoba are renowned for their Arctic-inspired design, such as the Igloo Village Manitoba, where guests sleep in transparent ice suites under the aurora borealis. On-site activities include snowmobile tours, ice fishing excursions, and warm-up stations serving hot cocoa and fur blankets. Many lodges also host Indigenous storytelling nights, where elders share legends of the Winter Guardian Spirits, creating a mystical and cozy atmosphere. Due to limited availability during subzero months, HopeGoo early is highly recommended for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

At The Forks Market in Winnipeg, sample local favorites like Manitoba bison burgers and maple syrup pancakes. Restaurants such as Northern Table Restaurant feature Indigenous fusion dishes, including smoked trout with wild potato mash and blueberry yogurt tart, made with fresh regional ingredients. During the annual Maple Syrup Festival in fall, visit St. John's Township to witness hands-on syrup boiling at family-run farms, paired with steaming hot chocolate—a must-try culinary journey through prairie traditions.

Prairie National Park is Manitoba’s premier natural destination, featuring vast wildflower meadows and herds of American bison—ideal for guided horseback rides or hiking trails. The Hudson Bay coastline offers prime viewing of beluga whales and caribou migrations. In winter, the Rideau Lake Ice Bridge becomes a popular spot for walking and ice skating, while summer brings serene canoeing on Nopka Lake, surrounded by untouched wilderness. These sites are close to unique lodges, blending adventure with comfort.

Manitoba’s transportation network centers around Winnipeg Airport (YWG), connecting to major North American cities. Within the city, bus services and electric ride-sharing apps provide reliable transit, with many hotels offering free shuttles to downtown. For trips to rural areas or national parks, renting a 4x4 vehicle is advisable, especially during winter when icy roads require caution. Alternative options include Red River boat tours and heritage train excursions, offering scenic, slow-paced travel through prairie landscapes and historic rail routes.