This summer, we're featuring an amazing collection of road trips that will help you explore every corner of Manitoba. The Journey to Churchill road trip takes you up the eastern side of Lake Manitoba, north to Thompson and then to the polar bear capital of the world. Take one part of the itinerary for a day trip, or combine them for a multi-day trip.

Part one

Warren

With a name like Rubber Ducky Resort and Campground, you know this park means serious business when it comes to keeping your kids entertained. But not to worry, this park hasn’t forgotten about the adults. From its two pools and two hot tubs, to the stocked rainbow trout pond, duck pond, pool hall, mini golf course and outdoor movie theatre, there’s enough fun to go around. Oh, did we mention the Ducky Express Train? This fun ride is available on weekends at the campground.

Eriksdale

If butter makes you swoon, then stop in at Eriksdale Creamery Museum. One of a kind in Manitoba, it showcases the functions and equipment of making the world’s most beloved toast topping. Constructed around 1912, the building was of standard wood-frame construction and, like many early creameries, in later years focused on butter-finishing and cutting. The Eriksdale Creamery ceased operation permanently in 1990.

PART TWO

Steep Rock

Take a short detour off HWY 6 to Steep Rock, easily one of the most popular and most photographed spots in Manitoba. In summer, cabin-goers flock to the shores of Lake Manitoba, where impressive cliffs tower over the lake below. Here thousands of years of waves lapping against limestone have created unique rock formations.

Little Limestone Lake

This stunning lake found at the northern tip of Lake Winnipeg, along a remote stretch of Hwy 6 through traditional territory of Mosakahiken Cree Nation, is on record to be the largest and most dramatically colour-changing marl lake in the world. Depending on the heat of the day, the colour can change from vibrant turquoise to calming robin’s egg blue due to increasing levels of calcite from the lake’s limestone bottom. Travellers to this provincially protected area need to be resourceful and adventurous as there are limited services and amenities to guide your way, whether you’re exploring by paddling, fishing or hiking.

Paint Lake Provincial Park

The pristine boreal wilderness of Paint Lake easily rivals the beauty of the Whiteshell and Nopiming in southern Manitoba. Better yet, it is more off the beaten path. At the park’s heart is Paint Lake Marina, the largest in Manitoba, where anglers and avid boaters meet under the scorching summer sun. Spend the night at Paint Lake Lodge. This family-run resort offers all-season vacation cabin rentals and one of the tastiest kitchens in the North. Camping abounds at Paint Lake with plenty of seasonal and overnight sites, and yurts with a lake view that make you feel like you are on a private island. Sunbathe at either of the two secluded beaches and when the sun is at its peak, cool off by walking the shaded Coffee Cove Hiking Trail that takes you through a forested rocky outcrop.

Pisew Falls Provincial Park

The profile of Pisew Falls Provincial Park, can’t be missed thanks to its Insta-worthy waterfall. You can hear the falls as soon as you exit your car in the parking lot; just follow your ear down a short boardwalk to two viewing platforms to take in the awesome site. Pisew, which means lynx in Cree, is where the Grass River drops 13 meters, switches directions and plunges through a gorge. Once you’ve got your fill of these falls, head over to the 0.5 km trail that leads to lower Pisew Falls, where a rotary bridge offers views of more rapids.

Another option for the very adventurous is the 30 km (return) Pisew-Kwasitchewan hike that starts at the end of the rotary bridge and is considered one of the most challenging backcountry trails in Manitoba. The rugged terrain leads hikers down the Grass River, a route travelled for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples and then during the late 1700s fur trade by Hudson Bay and Northwest Company men. Camping is allowed at designated sites, so plan to stay overnight when you reach the awesome climax of Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba’s highest waterfall (14 meters).

Sasagiu Rapids

Just beyond Pisew Falls lies Sasagiu Rapids Provincial Park part of the Grass River system; a waterway with historical relevance to Canada’s fur trading past. If you’re looking for a place to stay while in Sasagiu, you’ll receive a warm welcome at Sasagiu Rapids Lodge, where you can take in an afternoon boat ride on stunning Setting Lake with views of the boreal forest enfolding both sides of the lake. The parks rapids, opportunities for fishing, flora and fauna – lookout for the beaver dams along the lake and eagles flying overhead – abound. The lodge’s restaurant serves up delicious, authentic Thai cuisine with traditional dishes made from scratch and served in rustic surroundings.

PART THREE

Wildlife

Known as the "canaries of the sea" for their underwater whistles and chirps, beluga whales are notoriously friendly and curious creatures. Each summer, 57,000 of these amazing animals make their way to the Hudson Bay to feed and give birth. 4000 of them enter the Churchill River Estuary. Experience this phenomenon by boat tour, sea kayaking or stand up paddle board. While they aren’t as active in the summer, Churchill is also home to the world’s most accessible polar bear population and you have a good chance to see bears as they lounge on the shorelines and play in the vibrant fireweed.

Churchill Beyond Wildlife

Northern Lights

While peak northern lights season occurs from January to March, Churchill sees the sky light up with the aurora borealis 300 days a year, which means there's a pretty good chance you'll see them on your summer trip to Churchill. The trick is to download the aurora app to track activity, keep an eye on the forecast (clear skies are necessary) and be prepared to stay up late or set an alarm for the middle of the night when the sky is at its darkest.