7 Best Places for Weekend Trips From Winnipeg, MB

26 May 2026Updated last time

Weekend Trip Itinerary Overview (7 Best Getaways from Winnipeg)

Start with a classic Manitoba national-park weekend in Riding Mountain National Park (Wasagaming Area): spend a morning walking the Clear Lake shoreline, add a short hike to a lookout, and plan time for beach relaxing or paddling before heading back to town for an easy evening stroll. For a lake-and-trails escape close to the city, Whiteshell Provincial Park (Falcon Lake) is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and exploring Canadian Shield scenery—build your day around a beach session, then choose a moderate trail or a scenic drive to nearby viewpoints. For a laid-back day trip, head to Gimli Harbour & Waterfront on Lake Winnipeg for a walkable promenade, harbour views, and a sunset by the water.

To mix in quieter nature and local character, spend a day in Hecla / Grindstone Provincial Park for peaceful shoreline walks, wildlife viewing, and cycling or short hikes. If you want valley scenery and viewpoints, Pembina Valley Provincial Park offers rolling terrain and rewarding lookouts that are perfect for a half-day hike and picnic. Balance outdoor time with a unique indoor attraction at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden—great for any weather and an easy anchor for the day. Finally, round out the list with Spruce Woods Provincial Park (Spirit Sands), where sandy dunes and open landscapes create a one-of-a-kind hiking experience; pair it with nearby lake time to end the weekend refreshed.


Recommended Activities

  • 1

    Riding Mountain National Park (Wasagaming Area)

    A true national-park escape with an easy weekend-drive payoff: clear-lake swimming and paddling on Clear Lake, classic Wasagaming beach-and-boardwalk vibes, abundant wildlife viewing (especially bison and elk in the park area), and a mix of short scenic hikes and lookouts that work well in a 2–3 day trip.
  • 2

    Whiteshell Provincial Park (Falcon Lake)

    Ideal for a cabin-style lake weekend close to Winnipeg: warm-water swimming and sandy beaches at Falcon Lake, excellent canoe/kayak and boating, a large network of trails for hiking and biking, and nearby Canadian Shield scenery (granite, pine forest, smaller lakes) that feels more rugged and “up north” without a long drive.
  • 3

    Gimli Harbour & Waterfront (Lake Winnipeg)

    A relaxed lakeside town trip with a lively waterfront: an easy-to-walk harbour, long beach and promenade, sunset views over Lake Winnipeg, and a fun mix of public art and Icelandic-heritage attractions—great for strolling, biking, and spending a full day by the water without committing to backcountry hiking.
  • 4

    Hecla / Grindstone Provincial Park (Hecla Island)

    A distinctive Lake Winnipeg destination combining nature and small-town charm: scenic lakefront drives, quiet beaches and boardwalk-style strolls, excellent birdwatching and wildlife spotting in marshy areas, and a peaceful island feel that’s perfect for a low-stress weekend of cycling, hiking short trails, and sunset views over the water.
  • 5

    Pembina Valley Provincial Park (Manitoba)

    A dramatic change of scenery from the prairie with wooded hills, a river valley, and some of Manitoba’s best viewpoints: great for day hikes to lookouts, picnics, and camping, plus easy access to nearby valley communities. It’s an ideal weekend trip if you want rolling terrain, fall colours, and quick, rewarding trails without a long drive.
  • 6

    Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (Morden)

    One of Manitoba’s most unique indoor-outdoor attractions: world-class marine reptile fossils from the ancient inland sea (including the famous mosasaur), engaging exhibits that work well in any weather, and hands-on learning that makes it a standout family-friendly stop—easy to pair with a weekend exploring Morden and the surrounding Pembina Valley region.
  • 7

    Spruce Woods Provincial Park (Spirit Sands)

    A rare Manitoba landscape that feels unexpectedly desert-like: hike through sandy dunes and open sand flats at Spirit Sands, spot unique plants adapted to the dunes, and take short, photogenic trails with big-sky views. It’s an especially great weekend trip if you want something very different from lakes-and-forest parks, plus easy add-ons like nearby Kiche Manitou Lake for swimming and canoeing.

Restaurants

  • Picture for Arby’s (Tuxedo, Winnipeg)
    Trending now

    Arby’s (Tuxedo, Winnipeg)

    753 Sterling Lyon Pkwy Unit 1, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2S8, Canada
    This is trending because its March 2025 opening drew a rush of customers, and the location reportedly ran out of roast beef on opening day. That kind of immediate lineup-and-sellout buzz is exactly the sort of early hype you asked for.
    3.9
    $$$$
  • Picture for Jimmy John’s (Downtown Winnipeg)
    Trending now

    Jimmy John’s (Downtown Winnipeg)

    360 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0T6, Canada
    This spot is trending because it opened recently in late 2025 as part of Jimmy John’s first Manitoba push, following strong local attention around the chain’s expansion. The novelty factor and the franchise rollout have kept it in the conversation on social and local food coverage.
    3.6
  • Picture for Clementine
    123 Princess St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1K8, Canada
    Brunch spot in Winnipeg’s Exchange District that’s frequently brought up in Winnipeg-focused Reddit threads and often aligned with Eater-style “best brunch” picks; worth it for consistently strong breakfast plates, baked goods, and a lively weekend atmosphere.
    4.7
    $$$$
  • Picture for Deer + Almond

    Deer + Almond

    85 Princess St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1K4, Canada
    A widely recommended Winnipeg dinner destination in the Exchange District (commonly discussed on Reddit and the type of restaurant Eater highlights): worth visiting for creative small plates, seasonal menus, and a fun night-out vibe before/after your day trips.
    4.6
    $$$$
  • Picture for Nonsuch Brewing Co.

    Nonsuch Brewing Co.

    125 Pacific Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0M1, Canada
    Often suggested in Reddit “where should we eat/drink” threads for its food + beer pairing in a striking historic setting; worth a stop for house-brewed beer, wood-fired cooking, and a great atmosphere for groups.
    4.8
    $$$$
  • Picture for Feast Cafe Bistro

    Feast Cafe Bistro

    587 Ellice Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1Z7, Canada
    Commonly recommended on Reddit for Indigenous-inspired comfort food and a casual, welcoming feel; worth visiting for dishes built around local ingredients and a distinctly Manitoba experience.
    4.6
    $$$$
  • Picture for Segovia Tapas Bar and Restaurant

    Segovia Tapas Bar and Restaurant

    484 Stradbrook Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0J7, Canada
    A frequent “special night out” recommendation on Winnipeg Reddit and the kind of buzzy room Eater write-ups tend to feature; worth it for shareable tapas-style plates and a vibrant bar scene.
    4.7
    $$$$

Hotels

  • The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, Ascend Hotel Collection

    222 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0R3, Canada

    Often featured on Hotels.com as a top Winnipeg stay; worth it for its historic grand-railway-hotel character, central location near downtown/The Forks, and full-service spa—great as a comfortable hub between day trips.
  • Fairmont Winnipeg

    2 Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0Y3, Canada

    A Hotels.com mainstay for downtown Winnipeg; worth it for walkable access to the Exchange District and The Forks area, reliable full-service amenities, and an easy in/out location for driving to weekend destinations.
  • Mere Hotel

    333 Waterfront Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0V1, Canada

    Commonly well-rated on Hotels.com; worth it for stylish modern rooms, a quieter riverside setting close to The Forks/Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and convenient parking for road-trip nights.
  • Elkhorn Resort, Spa, & Conference Centre (Onanole, near Riding Mountain National Park)

    3 Mooswa Dr E, Onanole, MB R0J 1N0, Canada

    Frequently listed on Hotels.com for Riding Mountain area stays; worth it for being close to Wasagaming/Clear Lake, on-site spa, and an easy base for hiking, wildlife viewing, and lake time.
  • Lakeview Gimli Resort

    10 Centre St, Gimli, MB R0C 1B1, Canada

    A popular Hotels.com option in Gimli; worth it for its waterfront location near the harbour, easy access to the beach/promenade, and a relaxed Lake Winnipeg weekend vibe.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for Winnipeg Folk Festival

    Winnipeg Folk Festival

    Winnipeg Folk Festival - Birds Hill Park in Winnipeg (26.65 mi)N/A
    The event will take place at Winnipeg Folk Festival - Birds Hill Park in Winnipeg.
  • Picture for Alestorm - Mostly Canadian Tour 2026

    Alestorm - Mostly Canadian Tour 2026

    Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg (31.5 mi)27 May 2026
    The event will take place at Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg.
  • Picture for Rita Rudner

    Rita Rudner

    Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg (31.5 mi)30 May 2026
    The event will take place at Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg.
  • Picture for A Taste of Ireland

    A Taste of Ireland

    Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg (31.5 mi)31 May 2026
    With a strictly limited run in Canada, see A Taste of Ireland in 2026 for limited performances before it takes off around the globe once again. Witness the birth of a nation told through rhythm and beat, with the cry of the Vikings as they were broug...
  • Picture for Anubhav Singh Bassi Kisi Ko Batana Mat (Ages 16+)

    Anubhav Singh Bassi Kisi Ko Batana Mat (Ages 16+)

    Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg (31.5 mi)4 Jun 2026
    Anubhav Singh Bassi Kisi Ko Batana Mat, An Initiative by EYP Canada. **The language of performance will be Hindi** After the great success of his previous show Bas kar bassi, Anubhav Singh Bassi is coming back to perform live on stage in Canada. This...
  • Picture for THE STAMPEDERS...One More Time

    THE STAMPEDERS...One More Time

    Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg (31.5 mi)5 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg.
  • Picture for JOSH JOHNSON'S COMEDY BAND CAMP

    JOSH JOHNSON'S COMEDY BAND CAMP

    Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg (31.5 mi)14 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg.

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Winnipeg Weekend Getaway

    /r/Winnipeg

    Try out something from Jenna Rae at the Airport, they just opened that location and it would be something quick to try while youre waiting for your flight its a local bakery c...

  • Weekend getaways

    /r/Winnipeg

    Distance wise 2-3ish hours max to drive there. ... Brereton Lake Resort. Three cabins have hot tubs (two have inside, one has outside) and the restaurant is great! Make sure t...

  • What are some cool 1-2 day(s) trip locations within an 8 hour driving radius of Winnipeg

    /r/Winnipeg

    Out west in Manitoba Spruce Woods/Spirit Sands is always cool and if you don't want to (once again) hike there is the option to take a tour on horse wagon. There's a...

  • What are some good 1 to 2 hr drive destinations outside winnipeg?

    /r/Winnipeg

    Might be a bit of a stretch for time but Nopiming is great. Black Lake or Tulabi Falls are super nice. ... Im camping at Black Lake this weekend for the first time super exite...

  • Any ideas on a weekend getaway - outside of Winnipeg

    /r/Manitoba

    A place and community to discuss all local Manitoba news, events, and more. ... Elkhorn Resort & Spa in Riding Mountain National Park. ... Elkhorn. The thermal spa is lovely! ...

  • Solo road trip from Winnipeg 1-2 day itinerary to cover as many tourist spots as possible outside the city

    /r/Winnipeg

    Take Hwy 8 (or 9) North and go through all of the beach towns along Lake Winnipeg (Matlock pier, Winnipeg Beach, Gimli), check out Camp Morton. Keep going north to Hecla Islan...

  • Where to stay for a weekend getaway?

    /r/Manitoba

    Check out Therma in Winnipeg if you want a unique spa experience. ... Buffalo point (in summer) - peninsula with 3 beaches (south & east side has soft sugar-sand), cabins for ...

  • Any ideas on a weekend getaway - outside of Winnipeg

    /r/Manitoba

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  • Visiting From The U.S. What To Do In And Around Winnipeg?

    /r/Winnipeg

    You will likely see it as you drive into Winnipeg from the border. Visit the James Avenue pumphouse or Cibo for a bite to eat then walk down waterfront street past the ball pa...

  • Looking for a weekend getaway!

    /r/Winnipeg

    Near riding mountain (not exactly close to Winnipeg, about a 5 hour drive) is a little lodge called Boone outfitting. I highly recommend this place. Beautiful hunting lodge, g...

  • Day Trips

    /r/Manitoba

    Drive up highway 9 and 8 go through selkirk,petersfields, clandeboye, Winnipeg beach simile. The all the way to hecla island. Pack a picnic lunch. About 15 miles into hea Park...

  • Best day trips manitoba

    /r/Winnipeg

    Solo 5 or 6 day trip to Winnipeg at the end of August (low key scoping out your city for a potential move) - what should I check out to get a feel for life in the city? ... Fo...

  • Nature day trip outside Winnipeg?

    /r/Winnipeg

    I checked the AllTrails app and someone had left a review from this Canada Day long weekend hike. Some parts were inaccessible due to a broken boardwalk and apparently you nee...