How to Celebrate Tourism Week in Manitoba

Posted April 12, 2024 | Author Andrea Danelak

Get ready for new adventures! From April 15 to 19, National Tourism Week marks the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems across the province and celebrate everything Manitoba has to offer. We’ve rounded up a few ways you can join in the celebration.

Immerse yourself in history

Did you know Manitoba is home to nearly 200 museums? Whatever your interests, a fascinating museum is waiting to be explored!

Bring the whole family to the Manitoba Museum for a day of fun and learning, and don’t miss the Legends of the Northern Sky
Planetarium show on April 16. Let your curiosity take flight at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, and venture out of the city to visit other aviation-related attractions with the Manitoba Flight Pass.

In addition to its flagship exhibits, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ thought-provoking Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change presents historical and contemporary examples of how musicians and audiences have used music to make a difference.

Beyond the Perimeter, dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages will be thrilled to encounter Bruce the mosasaur at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden. See our prairie heritage come to life at Austin’s Manitoba Agricultural Museum; take in the rich history of The Pas at the Sam Waller Museum; or learn about a unique chapter in Canada’s history at the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli, whose Eyes on the Skies exhibit ends May 1.

Check out local gems

A trip to the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq is a must. This week marks your last chance to catch Tim Gardner: The Full Story, which features over 130 artworks by the noted artist. Dark Ice, an essential examination of the impacts of climate change, particularly in communities of the North, also wraps up soon. Beginning April 19, indulge in a feast for the senses at the Art in Bloom exhibit of floral designs and the art that inspires them.

Get up close with critters at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, then escape to the tropics(ish) at The Leaf nearby. An evening of botanical bliss awaits at The Leaf After Dark on April 17, where adults can enjoy a bevvy and live musical entertainment amidst the lush greenery.

Go behind the scenes to see how coins are manufactured for more than 75 countries. Reserve your spot with the Royal Canadian Mint’s educational tours, a perfect activity for all ages.

Cheer on the Winnipeg Jets as they play their last regular-season games on April 16 and 18.

Get back to nature

Whether hiking the Devil’s Punch Bowl in Spruce Woods Provincial Park or finding your new favourite paddling route, you can create unforgettable experiences in Manitoba’s great outdoors.

Pay a visit to Manitoba’s most popular national park, Riding Mountain, where you can explore diverse terrain and spot all kinds of wildlife. Swing life away on one of the province’s picturesque bridges, like the Pinawa Heritage Suspension Bridge and Souris Swinging Bridge. (Reference our handy list of super-cool bridges you must cross in Manitoba.)

Birdwatchers, assemble! Connect with nature at FortWhyte Alive by joining experienced birding guides for early-bird sunrise hikes on April 17 or 19, or heading out solo for a self-guided tour on April 18. Birding not your thing? Stroll the property’s winding forest trails and benefit from the restorative power of nature, while learning about Manitoba’s history.

If your idea of outdoor time comes in the form of a spa, unwind with a personal day at Thermëa in Winnipeg or the new Klar So Nordic Spa at Elkhorn Resort.

Take in the arts

Manitoba is known for its vibrant arts scene that captivates visitors and locals alike.

Part stand-up, part confessional, Guilt: A Love Story is the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s latest offering, which runs until April 20. With performances all week, The Year of Magical Thinking at the Prairie Theatre Exchange is billed as a meditation on love, loss, grief and healing

Music fans won’t want to miss Manitoba Opera’s rendition of Carmen or the Winnipeg Baroque Festival, both of which run throughout the week.

©Enviro Foto

Unwind in style

From cozy cabins to luxury hotels, there are plenty of places to lay your head across the province.

The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre or Inn at the Forks are the perfect spots to treat yourself to some self-care in Winnipeg. For a family-friendly adventure, book a room at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre and splash away in the Dino Beach Pool and Waterslide, where you and the kids will be transported back to the Jurassic period.

No matter your vacation style, check out our guide to Manitoba accommodations and list of stunning stays across the province to find your next refuge. Save on your getaway with these current travel deals.

Eat, drink and be merry

Manitoba has garnered a well-deserved reputation for its thriving culinary scene. Eat your way through the province with our compilation of local eateries that will leave you asking for seconds.

For a tasty adventure, follow along the Manitoba Perogy Trail to savour perogies just like Baba used to make. Craft beer and cocktail aficionados can also get exclusive perks and discounts at some of Manitoba’s top breweries and distilleries, thanks to the Manitoba Brew Pass.

National Tourism Week isn’t just about celebrating the places and spaces we love to visit; it’s also a chance to highlight what makes Manitoba so special. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and discover the wonders that await you, right in your own backyard!

About The Author

I'm a self-proclaimed word nerd who loves a good em dash! With a background in journalism and communications, I live for telling stories about the province we call home. When I'm not writing, you can find me coordinating my book club or slow-pitch team.

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