Too much stuff? 10 Manitoba experiences to give instead this holiday season

Posted November 15, 2022 | Author Breanne Sewards

For the special person in your life who already has a collection of gizmos and gadgets aplenty, choose to gift these Manitoba experiences instead.

From adrenaline-rushing experiences and outdoor adventures to relaxing getaways and once-in-a-lifetime sights, there are many experiential gifts that can replace things for your loved ones this holiday season.

1 - Memberships at a favourite museum and attraction

The gift of learning and discovering happens anywhere and in every season. Gifting an annual membership to a favourite museum or attraction is a great way to expand minds and support tourism in the province. Check out some of these membership options available: Manitoba Children's Museum, Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park Zoo, FortWhyte Alive, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Mennonite Heritage Village, Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, Fort la Reine, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

2 - Prairie Gal Fishing Experience

Know someone looking to try something new or hone into a new hobby this winter? Prairie Gal Fishing offers some great instructional packages for those curious about ice fishing. You'll be guided through every step of the process - from setting up a tent on the ice to reeling in a big catch. Owner Roselle Turenne's goal is to inspire and empower novice anglers and women in fishing specifically, making this a great gift for any and all beginners.

The best way to give this experience is through a gift certificate which can be redeemed for any of Prairie Gal Fishing's experiences.

3 - Manitoba Passes

Want to gift a taste of some of Manitoba's best breweries? Or perhaps you have an aviation enthusiast in your life? Choose from the Manitoba Brew or Flight Pass this holiday season.

The Manitoba Brew Pass is available as a one, three or 90 day pass and allows the recipient to visit a select number of included breweries for a free beer flight or pint.

The Manitoba Flight Pass is available as a 30 day pass and offers free admission to three museums: Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon, Gimli Glider Exhibit in Gimli and the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada in Winnipeg.

4 - Fat bike, e-bike and e-scooter rentals

Get outside and get moving with Kendrick's Outdoor Adventures. Rentals are available in all seasons and include e-bikes, kayaks, SUPs, ice trikes, snowshoes and more! Let your giftee choose their rental when the time is right by purchasing a physical or digital gift card to place beneath the Christmas tree.

5 - Ski the slopes at Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes

Send your special someone on a trip to a winter playground on the prairies, with snowy adventure for any skill level. Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes has 12 alpine ski runs, a terrain park, a tube run and 30 km of world-class nordic ski trails. The onsite restaurant, Trail's End Cafe, offers an opportunity to refuel with gourmet coffee, local craft beer and drinks, lunch snacks and fresh baking. Season passes are available online!

6 - Gift a unique getaway

Want to really wow this holiday season? Plan a weekend away for that special person in your life. Choose from domes surrounded by picturesque forest, bed and breakfasts that transport you back in time, a rental that will have allow for exploration of every corner of the province or rustic micro-cabins that get you closer to nature.

7 - Support the arts this holiday season

Show a little love to Winnipeg's world-class arts scene by wrapping up tickets to a show or performance. Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra tickets appeal to a broad range of music lovers, with performances like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as well as an array of kid's concerts on the horizon for the 2023 season. Other options include tickets to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.

8 - Tickets to the game

If your gift recipient isn't much of an arts person, how about giving a pair of tickets to an upcoming hockey game? Choose from the NHL Jets, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice or the Brandon Wheat Kings.

9 - Dog-sledding adventure time

This one is perfect for the dog lover in your life! A dogsledding tour with Harness Adventure is the best (and possibly most adorable) way to spend a wintry day. Le “vas-vite” experience includes time spent getting to know the dogs and learning about the sport before embarking on the sled to ride with your musher for a 3 km run through the woods. Or, take it to the next level and book a winter glamping and dog sledding adventure which includes a stay in the most enchanting tent in the woods!

10 - The ultimate Manitoban gift: Northern lights package

Give the ultimate Manitoban gift this holiday season: a once-in-a-lifetime northern lights package to Churchill! Only for the nicest on your list, choose from tour operators like Frontiers North, Nights Under Lights, Churchilll Northern Studies Centre and more for an unbelievable adventure this February or March.

About The Author

Hey! I'm Breanne, Editorial Content Specialist for Travel Manitoba. First to jump in the lake and last to make it down the River Trail. Lover of croissants, cats, and croissant-shaped cats. Got a story idea? Email me at bsewards@travelmanitoba.com.

Editorial Content Specialist