Trip Essentials
Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go

Manitoba is conveniently located right in the middle of Canada.

Here, you’re at the heart of everything. Manitoba is located at the longitudinal centre of Canada and it’s the meeting place of boreal, prairie, taiga and Canadian shield ecosystems. We’re also the meeting place of friends and families – the perfect stop on any Canadian vacation.

On this page you’ll find travel tips covering wildfires, emergency weather events, road conditions, bear safety tips and more to help you plan your trip and travel safely throughout the province during your visit.

General Trip Information for Travelling to Manitoba

This section covers the essentials you need to know before and during your trip to Manitoba – from getting here to making the most of your time once you arrive.

If you're currently exploring Manitoba or planning a visit, you can also obtain valuable on-the-ground information and assistance by reaching out to our Visitor Information Centre in your destination area or calling us toll-free at 1-800-665-0040.

Read through each category to help plan a safe and enjoyable visit. In case of emergency, the next section has tips for navigating unexpected situations.

Getting Here & Transportation

However you chose to travel, we have the information you need for your journey. Thanks to direct air access, we’re only one flight away from key international travel hubs like Los Angeles and Atlanta. Whether you hop on a plane, board a train or take a scenic driving route, Manitoba is waiting to welcome you.

Learn more about transportation options.

Be Bear Smart

If you’re visiting Churchill, you may unexpectedly encounter polar bears any time during your visit. Practice bear safety by reviewing the Churchill Bear Smart safety tips before you travel and obey all Polar Bear Alert warning signs.

Bears are also present in many of Manitoba’s provincial park and in Riding Mountain National Park. Visit Manitoba Park’s Wildlife Page and Riding Mountain National Park’s Page for more information.

Boating in Riding Mountain National Park

Planning a visit to Riding Mountain National Park this summer? Here’s what you need to know about bringing a boat and other watercraft to Clear Lake.

Motorized boats are allowed on Clear Lake for summer 2026, but with new rules to protect the lake. Boaters must follow a tagging program, including inspections and Clean, Drain, Dry protocols. Non-motorized watercrafts will also need to be inspected in order to receive a permit for use either Clear Lake OR other park lakes in Riding Mountain.

Visitors to Clear Lake in 2026 can expect:

  • An expanded 150 metre no-wake zone from the shore
  • Non-motorized days on Mondays and Tuesdays
  • Non‑motorized boats (for example, kayaks and canoes) can be on the water at any time
  • Motorized boats are not allowed overnight: from 8:30 pm to 8:30 am.
  • Clear Lake Marina will be operating The Martese cruises on the lake this summer.

Learn more about watercraft restrictions for Riding Mountain National Park here.

Travel Customs

Make sure you’re prepared with proper identification and are aware of local customs in Manitoba.

Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco Production


In Manitoba, the legal age for alcohol consumption and to purchase tobacco products is 18 years. Please read information on alcohol and tobacco limits for travellers from the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Smoking Laws


Smoking or vaping cigarettes or cannabis is prohibited in all public places, including restaurants, bars, malls, sporting events, parks and beaches. It is important to know the rules regarding use and transportation of cannabis prior to your trip to Manitoba.

In Parks Canada campgrounds, cannabis consumption is limited to campsites as they are considered temporary residences. Cannabis consumption will not be allowed in shared public spaces within campgrounds (i.e. kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails, roads or anywhere else outside a person’s campsite). Public cannabis consumption is not permitted in Riding Mountain National Park day use areas, trails, playgrounds or Parks Canada accommodations (oTENTiks, Yurt, micrOcube, Cairns Cabin).

Food


Visitors may import food for their own use without duty payment, provided the quantity is consistent with the duration and nature of the stay in Canada. Larger quantities that are not intended for consumption, but will be moved in transit through Canada, may be documented on a temporary admission permit. Please read more about food imports from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Gasoline and Fuel


Visitors are allowed free entry of fuel up to the normal tank capacity of their vehicles. Quantities above that amount may be subject to duty.

Dogs and Cats


Dogs and cats from the United States must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate. Animal tags are NOT acceptable in lieu of a certificate. Puppies and kittens less than three months old do not require rabies vaccinations but must be in good health. Pets imported from countries other than the United States may require quarantine. Read more about bringing dogs, cats and other pets into Canada.

Firearms and All Other Weapons


All weapons - including firearms, mace, tear gas, and pepper spray - must be declared to customs upon arrival. Documentation proving you are entitled to possess a firearm in Canada is required and you must transport it safely. Please read information regarding procedures for individuals importing firearms, hunting requirements and prohibited weapons and devices from the Canadian Border Services Agency or contact the Canadian Firearms Centre toll-free at 1-800-731-4000 or e-mail canadian.firearms@justice.gc.ca.

Radar Detection Devices


Radar detectors are illegal in Manitoba. Read more from the Government of Manitoba.

Duty-Free Exemption for Returning U.S. Residents


Below is a summary of duty-free exemption for returning U.S. residents. Please see the full details on personal exemptions after visiting Canada.

Accommodations

Discover places to stay across Manitoba, including hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds and more on our Where to Stay page.

Currency

Although U.S. currency is usually accepted in Canada, we recommend exchanging any international currency (or travellers cheques) for Canadian dollars at any Canadian financial institution, bank, trust company, credit union, co-operative, caisse populaire or exchange booths at airports and border crossing points.

Less favourable exchange rates may be given by commercial establishments. Use Canadian money while travelling in Canada to avoid exchange problems. Current Canadian currency exchange information is available from the Bank of Canada.

Manitoba Experience Passes

A Manitoba Pass brings together some of our best attractions, tickets and experiences for you to browse and purchase at your convenience. Get exclusive perks and discounts to help you see our province like never before.

Parks

Manitoba is home to 92 provincial parks and two national parks. Learn more about on our Parks page. Use the Manitoba Parks’ online reservation service to find campgrounds, yurts and cabins. Visit Parks Canada’s website to find more information on national parks and historic sites in the province.

Safety Tips & Emergency Information When Travelling in Manitoba

In case of an emergency, call 911 for police, fire and medical assistance.

In Winnipeg, the non-emergency police line is 204-986-6222 and outside the capital city, you can contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at 1-431-489-8000.

Additional urgent service numbers can be found on the Manitoba government’s website.

Manitoba uses the national “Alert Ready” system to send urgent public safety messages through television, radio and wireless devices, including cell phones connected to an LTE or 5G network in the region affected by the emergency. The alert is delivered to cell phones with a loud alarm. In the past, this system has been used to warn about emergency evacuations due to wildfires, flash flooding and tornado warnings in regions of the province.

The categories below outline specific safety information for conditions and situations you may encounter while travelling in Manitoba. The MB Ready Portal is a handy webpage for active emergency alerts across the province.

If you’re planning a camping trip, review these Manitoba Parks weather safety tips before you arrive.

Wildfires

In Manitoba, wildfires can arise during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. Conditions have the potential to shift rapidly throughout the province.

To ensure a safe trip, it's advised to stay updated with the latest information before and during your journey. Keep an eye on Province of Manitoba's website for alerts and crucial updates, stay informed about provincial park restrictions, road closures, MBReady portal, and restrictions.

Stay vigilant regarding changing smoke conditions by referring to the Air Quality Health Index, which provides real-time updates for various regions within Manitoba.

Should you observe a wildfire or suspect its presence, report any instances of wildfires promptly by adhering to the reporting guidelines provided by local authorities or emergency services.

To report a wildfire call 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).

Flooding & Emergency Weather Events

In Manitoba, flooding and severe weather events, including tornadoes, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall can develop quickly during spring and summer months. Conditions can change with little warning across the province.

Check the Province of Manitoba's website for alerts and crucial updates, stay informed about provincial park restrictions, road closures and evacuation orders using mobile phone apps like Manitoba 511 and the MBReady portal. Monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for weather warnings, watches and advisories issued for your region.

Should a tornado warning be issued, seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building, moving to the lowest floor away from windows. Avoid sheltering in vehicles or mobile structures. In the event of flooding, never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters – even shallow, moving water can be dangerous.

To report flooding or a weather-related emergency, call 911. For provincial emergency updates and resources, visit the MBReady portal or contact your local municipality.

Road & Weather Conditions

Manitoba 511 is a desktop and mobile-friendly interactive website where you can find up-to-date information on road closures and conditions around the province. Always check road conditions before you venture out during the spring and winter season due to inclement weather. Winter tires are recommended when travelling throughout the province from November to mid-March. If you’re renting a vehicle during these months, inquire about winter safety before you head out. Read Manitoba’s Winter Safety Tips for more information.

Manitoba boasts four distinct seasons thanks to the continental climate.

Spring:
Temperatures can be as warm as +15°C (59° F) with some rainy weather.
Summer
: average temperatures tend to be +26°C (79° F) throughout July and August.
Fall/Autumn:
Temperatures can be as high as +20°C (68° F) and as low as 0°C (32° F) later in the season.
Winter:
Average temperatures hover around -12° C (10° F) but can drop as low as -30° C (-22° F).

Weather can change at any time in any season in Manitoba. Plan ahead by reviewing Environment Canada’s Weather Forecasts and the Public Alerts webpage.

Boating & Swimming Safety

Heading out on the water? Manitoba is home to more than 100,000 lakes and waterways which means there’s plenty of opportunity for water-based activities and fun.

Play it safe by following Transport Canada’s Boat Safety tips and stay apprised of changing weather conditions on the water with Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast. It is the law in Canada to have a lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD) onboard for every person on the watercraft, including human-powered watercraft such as kayaks and canoes.

Read more about mandatory safety equipment required when boating. Lifejackets are available for loan at 11 provincial parks in Manitoba.

Find the list on Manitoba’s Beach Safety page as well as information on Beach Safety Training. Please note not all beaches in Manitoba have lifeguards. Consider participating in a Beach Safety Program and wearing a lifejacket while you swim.

Winter & Ice Safety

Driving in Winter

Manitoba winters can be extremely cold and conditions can deteriorate rapidly, particularly on open highways and in rural areas where wind, blowing snow and extreme cold combine to create potentially dangerous situations. Blizzards can reduce visibility to near zero within minutes, and black ice — especially common on bridges, overpasses and shaded road sections — can form with little warning.

If a blizzard or winter storm warning is issued, avoid unnecessary travel or pull off the road safely if conditions become unmanageable. Never abandon your vehicle on an active highway. If you are travelling in remote areas, carry an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes a blanket, extra warm clothing, hand warmers and high-energy snacks in case you become stranded.

Check the Province of Manitoba's website for alerts and crucial updates, monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for winter storm warnings and extreme cold alerts, and check current road conditions at Manitoba 511 before travelling.

Dressing for Winter


Dressing appropriately for Manitoba's winter conditions is essential. Wind chill can drive temperatures to -30°C or colder, making exposed skin vulnerable to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Layer clothing using moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers and a windproof and waterproof outer shell. Protect extremities with insulated, waterproof gloves or mitts, warm socks and sturdy winter boots rated for extreme cold. A hat that covers the ears and a neck gaiter or balaclava are also strongly recommended.

Fishing in Winter


Ice fishing is a popular activity across Manitoba, but ice thickness and stability vary widely by location, time of season and temperature changes. Never assume ice is safe based on appearance alone. As a general guideline, a minimum of 15 cm of clear, solid ice is recommended for foot travel and significantly more for vehicles. Always inform someone of your destination and expected return time, carry ice picks and avoid going out alone.

For road or weather-related emergencies, call 911. For current highway conditions, contact Manitoba 511 or visit manitoba511.ca.