Top Things to Do in Rivers, Canada

Places to visit in rivers.

  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Good for Kids
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Adventurous
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Hidden Gems
  • Good for Couples
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rivers Provincial Park

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2. Clack Family Museum

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Essential Rivers

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THE BEST Things to Do in Rivers

Things to do in rivers.

  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Good for Kids
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Adventurous
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Hidden Gems
  • Good for Couples
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rivers Provincial Park

csnelgro

2. Clack Family Museum

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The 28 BEST Things to Do in Manitoba [2024 Guide]

Picture of Alesha and Jarryd

  • Last Updated: February 8, 2024

The heart of Canada is filled with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, rich cultures and inspiring traditions. For a truly memorable adventure on your travels across the Great White North, don’t miss these incredible things to do in Manitoba!

The west has the grandeur of the Rockies and the east boasts historic cities, but it’s Manitoba in the heart of the Canadian Prairies that is home to the nation’s most sought-after wildlife experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

With rich boreal forests, arctic tundra, and countless lakes, rivers, marshes, and waterfalls, travellers can spend weeks traversing the majestic wilderness, constantly being left in awe by the province that’s been heralded as ‘Glorious and Free’.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to sky-dive, whitewater raft, and kayak with beluga whales, or a tourist looking to gain insight into the local culture through festivals, museums, and pow wows, Manitoba is a destination that really has it all.

The central province is particularly intriguing for animal lovers. The diverse landscape and protected wilderness areas make Manitoba a top-tier location for wildlife spotting.

Your days will be filled on the search for bison, polar bears, caribou, moose, whales, birds, snakes, and more.

READ MORE: Add additional activities to your epic bucket list with our expert guide to the best things to do in Canada !

Highly knowledgeable local guides and immersive eco-lodges will help you achieve the wildlife-filled adventure of your dreams, all while providing a fascinating insight into the Indigenous culture and history of this spectacular region.

Whether you’re cruising through on a Manitoba road trip , on a mission to the Polar Bear Capital of the World, or just find yourself in the bustling and vibrant city of Winnipeg, you’re sure to fall in love with the landscape, wildlife, and culture of the province.

Table of Contents

1) Hang Out with the Polar Bears

2) stay in a log cabin at falcon lake, 3) go kayaking with beluga whales, 4) wander the exhibits at the canadian museum for human rights, 5) spend a weekend in portage la prairie, 6) capture the splendour of the aurora borealis, 7) search for bison in riding mountain national park, 8) learn about the caribou migration at schmok lake, 9) take part in a pow wow at the manito ahbee festival, 10) canoe one of the canadian heritage rivers, 11) go fishing at gangler’s north seal river lodge, 12) explore the caddy lake tunnels, 13) ziplining with hy-wire zipline adventures, 14) hiking in manitoba’s fantastic provincial parks, 15) go on a horse riding adventure, 16) spend the night in a remote eco-lodge, 17) hike the spirit sands and devil’s punch bowl trail, 18) go hang gliding above manitoba’s stunning landscapes, 19) rug up and tackle manitoba’s incredible winter activities, 20) wander around the forks national historic site, 21) learn to windsurf or kiteboard on lake winnipeg, 22) go whitewater kayaking, 23) explore the wetlands at oak hammock marsh, 24) relax at thermea by nordik spa-nature, 25) go to an awesome and unique festival , 26) visit the narcisse snake dens, 27) cross the province by train, 28) check out the canadian fossil discovery centre, the best things to do in manitoba – activities, attractions and experiences.

From seeing wild animals up close, to witnessing the northern lights, to kayaking, hang gliding, ice fishing, and more, here are some of the most unforgettable things to do in Manitoba, Canada.

The majestic polar bear is one of the world’s largest apex predators, living in the most remote and frigid regions of the globe.

Many people go to great lengths to see the white bear in the furthest reaches of the planet, but did you know that it is entirely possible to get up close and personal with polar bears while travelling through Manitoba?

Churchill, a small town in northern Manitoba that is accessed by rail or plane, is best known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, thanks to the high population and abundance of research and studies that are conducted on the mammals here.

During the summer months, polar bears migrate to the area near Hudson Bay, the huge water expanse where Churchill is located, as this is typically the first place that sea ice begins to form when winter sets in, allowing them to begin their seasonal hunts.

In the winter while many of the bears hunt for seals, pregnant females retreat to their dens to give birth, emerging again in the springtime with cubs in tow – a scene that truly is one of the most sensational wildlife experiences in Canada .

There are a number of ways to see the polar bears in Churchill, with the famous Tundra Buggies operated by Frontiers North Adventures being one of the most popular and easily accessible.

For a more in-depth adventure, get in touch with the award-winning pioneers Churchill Wild , who organise exhilarating walking tours without the barriers of a tundra buggy at their remote, fly-in wilderness lodges.

This can be booked as part of world-class packages with Churchill Wild that are guaranteed to have you coming back again and again.

So whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or just a traveller keen to see these massive white carnivores in real life, seeing polar bears in Churchill is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Manitoba.

Polar Bears In Churchill

Bordered by towering pine forests, holiday cabins, and hiking trails, Falcon Lake is a gorgeous place to spend a weekend in Manitoba.

Falcon Lake is situated in southeastern Manitoba near the border with Ontario. It is right next to the Trans Canada Highway and is part of Whiteshell Provincial Park, so it’s a convenient stop on a road trip through Canada.

The best way to experience the charm and beauty of the area is to stay in a cozy log cabin. There are lots of amazing options, with Falcon Trails Resort being one of the best.

After you check in to your traditional and luxurious lakeside cabin, spend your weekend hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, sightseeing, or simply relaxing in front of the fire.

Detailed directions are available on their website !

Log Cabin Falcon Trails Resort

The abundance of wild animals in Churchill is really one of the best Manitoba attractions! This tiny town is also considered the world capital for beluga whales, in addition to polar bears.

Thousands of beluga whales migrate to the waters of the Hudson Bay during the summer months. These sea mammals are quite curious and love to interact with humans, so the best way to see them is by getting out on the water.

While you can try to spot them from the shore, or from the comfort of a Zodiac, we personally recommend booking a kayaking tour in Churchill so you can glide through the water alongside adorable beluga whales.

Sea North Tours is a reputable local company partnered with Travel Manitoba that offers subarctic safaris and wildlife tours.

This company is passionate about the conservation of animals, and with over 30 years of experience, they are certain to help you see lots of belugas.

Beluga Whales Churchill

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a must-see if you’re visiting Winnipeg , the capital of Manitoba.

Canada is a country celebrated with rich Indigenous cultures, and this museum reflects on the history and treatment of these Indigenous Peoples.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is dedicated to telling stories and showcasing art, architecture, and exhibitions about the human experience and the development of human rights over time.

Set in a unique and modern glass building with eye-catching architecture and poignant, interactive content over ten permanent galleries, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a reminder of the darkness of days past and a beacon of hope towards a brighter and more just future.

In fact, it is the only museum in the world dedicated to the topic of global human rights issues.

Located at The Forks in Winnipeg, you can combine this museum with a visit to other cultural icons and landmarks in the city.

Check out the Royal Canadian Mint coin-making facility, or Qaumajuq, the newly opened Inuit Art Centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Also consider visiting the Manitoba Museum, which has nine permanent galleries full of history, science, art, and more.

Canadian Museum For Human Rights

If you’re looking for a relaxing day away from Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie is a charming city to visit. It is only an hour west of Winnipeg and has lots of fun attractions for a small town.

The town was founded by fur traders as they travelled by canoe from the Assiniboine River to Lake Manitoba.

Nowadays, it is a friendly Canadian town with nice accommodation, campgrounds, recreation areas, and a seasonal museum.

Be sure to check out the Fort La Reine Museum, which features a well-preserved historical village, and Island Park, which has biking trails and an indoor wave pool.

Witnessing the Northern Lights is easily one of the best things to do in Manitoba, and all of Canada.

If you’re going to travel that far north, you really can’t leave without hoping to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows.

Churchill is one of the country’s best locations for viewing the Northern Lights, particularly from January to March.

You have a good chance of seeing the shimmering green lights just by exploring on your own. But to be safe, you can book a guided tour with a local expert.

While staying in Churchill, chat to your accommodation hosts and the local tourism offices for recommendations on seeing the Northern Lights.

Some operators to check out are Nanuk Operations , Nat Hab and Frontiers North Adventures .

Aurora Borealis Churchill

Located in southern Manitoba on Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park is one of the best places to see bison in the entire country.

It is pretty rare to see bison in the wild these days. They were aggressively hunted by humans over the last couple of centuries, so sadly their numbers have dropped.

But the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure in Riding Mountain National Park has allowed a new generation of plains bison to thrive in a protected environment. You can drive through the enclosure in the hopes of seeing some of these huge, furry creatures.

Riding Mountain National Park is also a great location for camping, mountain biking, hiking, and cross country skiing in winter.

Plains Bison In Riding Mountain National Park

For one of the most unique and remote wildlife experiences you may ever have, venture to the remote Schmok Lake to catch a glimpse of polar bears, black bears, wolves, and if you’re lucky, caribou!

In the north of Manitoba by the border with Nunavut, herds of caribou migrate across the Arctic in large numbers, and a fortunate few who are in the right place at the right time may have the chance to see the elusive spectacle.

Due to the isolation and harsh conditions that are found up here, the only way to see the caribou is to join a guided tour departing from Winnipeg through Churchill, staying at the Seal River Heritage Lodge.

You may also see other different species such as bears, foxes, moose, and other animals. If you’re looking to venture outside the tourist trail and go deep into Northern Manitoba to see nature taking its course.

One of the most memorable things to do in Manitoba is experiencing and learning about the Indigenous culture.

You can learn about First Nations culture from books or museums, but taking part in a pow wow is the best way to immerse yourself right into it.

A pow wow is a social gathering where First Nations people can celebrate their music, art, and traditions. The annual Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg welcomes any guest who wants to learn more about First Nations culture and community.

This is an amazing opportunity to sing, dance, create, and learn about First Nations history and lifestyle. Just be sure to honour the traditions and respect the local’s rules.

Visit the official website for Manito Ahbee to learn more about this magnificent First Nations festival!

Manito Ahbee Festival Winnipeg

Adventurous travellers in Canada should definitely add a canoe trip to their bucket list.

Whether you want to embark on a multiday canoe trip of the northern Seal River, or just dedicate a few hours to paddling along the Assiniboine River near Winnipeg, there is no shortage of canoeing opportunities.

Manitoba has 4 heritage rivers, each with their own unique history. In addition to the Assiniboine River and the Seal River, paddling the Hayes River on a wilderness canoe trip provides the only way to access the York Factory, a former fur trade depot of the Hudson Bay Company.

Another option is the Bloodvein River, part of an area known as the Pimachiowin Aki, a UNESCO world cultural and natural world heritage site.

Canoeing along one of these rivers allows you to surround yourself with nature and potentially see some wildlife in a relaxed setting.

Canoeing In Manitoba

For world-class fishing in Canada, head to Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge.

This fishing lodge on Egenolf Lake is known for its remote and untouched waters, and a fishing trip up here will put you far away from any other resorts or commercial fishing areas.

Fishing fanatics venture up to Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge in search of Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Arctic Greyling. Not only will you most likely achieve your fishing goals, but you’ll get to spend some time away from civilisation.

This spot is so remote that there is no public transport, so you’ll have to book an all-inclusive package that includes flights from Winnipeg through the lodge itself.

But the journey is worth it, as the Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge is small and cozy, allowing you to really enjoy the serenity of northern Manitoba while you fish.

Gangler's North Seal Lodge

Located in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Caddy Lake is a beautiful spot to visit. This long, skinny body of water is wedged in between West Hawk Lake and South Cross Lake, but it’s not the lakes themselves that attract travellers to the area.

There are super cool man-made tunnels that connect Caddy Lake to its neighbouring lakes, and you can canoe or kayak through them.

When railroads were built in Canada in the early twentieth century, the workers had to blast through the granite to build the railways, and to allow the water to flow freely between lakes.

The result is 2 magical tunnels on the lake, located about 5 kilometres apart.

There are a few different camping and lodging options on Caddy Lak e, many of which offer their own canoe or kayak rentals.

For an adrenaline-filled day in southern Manitoba, why not go ziplining over a dense forest?

Soaring over the treetops is one of the most exciting ways to see a landscape, and it’s more affordable than skydiving or hang-gliding.

Hy-Wire Zipline Adventures is a family-owned business near Manitou. Their ziplines are located over the Pembina Valley, and they are the highest and longest ziplines in the province. Call or visit their website to book your spot.

Zip Lining Manitoba

Take it from us – if you’re travelling through the central parts of Canada, exploring the provincial parks is one of the best things to do in Manitoba.

Whiteshell Provincial Park is Manitoba’s largest park, and is well worth spending a few days here.

There are so many stunning lakes and rivers found within the park, you can easily combine hiking with canoeing, camping, and fishing. If you’re visiting in winter, this park also has amazing cross country ski trails.

Hecla Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Winnipeg offers a more nautical landscape, complete with lighthouses, cycling trails, islands, and the popular Grassy Narrows Marsh walking trail.

Pisew Falls Provincial Park is home to majestic waterfalls and rivers, located in Northern Manitoba outside the city of Thompson, an 8-hour drive from Winnipeg.

Birds Hill Provincial Park is easily accessible from Winnipeg from those who are short on time or money. The latter even hosts the annual Winnipeg Folk Festival.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of provincial parks in Manitoba to satisfy any type of traveller!

Hiking Whiteshell Provincial Park

Lovers of animals and nature are sure to love galloping through the fields on top of a mighty stallion. Combining quality time with animals and a journey through the forest makes for a heavenly day in Manitoba.

Horse riding is a very popular activity in the area, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a tour company.

Falcon Beach Ranch in Whiteshell Provincial Park is a top-rated operator that offers lots of fun, family-friendly outdoor activities. Their tours cater to any age and any riding level, and their prices are incredibly affordable.

You’ll get to ride horses through the diverse landscape of the Whiteshell boreal forest, enjoying exercise and sightseeing all in one go.

This is a fun alternative to just hiking on your own two feet, so book in early and make the most of your Manitoba holiday!

Horse Riding Falcon Lake

One of the best ways to treat yourself while travelling through Manitoba is booking an in-depth, all-inclusive stay at a remote eco-lodge.

Venture to a secluded spot amidst the vast wilderness and experience some real Canadian hospitality, but be sure to reserve ahead as these kinds of accommodations are as exclusive as you can get.

There are lots of amazing, cozy luxury lodges around Canada , and if you managed to stay in them all it’d be a lifetime well spent.

If you find yourself curious about Churchill, polar bears, beluga whales and the Northern Lights, look into the wildlife tours out of Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge .

This lodge creates a safe, protected space near Hudson Bay. You can relax in comfort, and then embark on a guided wildlife safari or a photography tour.

This is one of the best ways to guarantee your sightings of wildlife in the epitome of eco-luxury.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park is one of the most popular places to go hiking in Manitoba.

The scenery here is so varied and unique that it doesn’t even look like typical Canada.

Expect sand dunes, cacti and snakes in addition to forests, prairies, and lakes.

Spirit Sands and Devil’s Punch Bowl Hiking Trail is the top activity in the park. The entire loop is 10km long and you’ll get to climb the towering sand dunes of Spirit Sands and admire the turquoise waters of the lake known as Devil’s Punch Bowl.

The trail is well-marked and there are drinking water and toilet facilities. Most travellers recommend doing the hike in autumn, as the summer can get extremely hot in Spruce Woods Provincial Park.  

Spirit Sands And Devil's Punch Bowl Manitoba

One of the most adventurous things to do in Manitoba is hang gliding. Hang gliding is bucket-list material for many people, and there are few places more stunning to fly over than the rich prairies of Canada.

Manitoba Hang Gliders is an established company with experienced and knowledgeable pilots, giving intrepid travellers an opportunity to view the colourful patchwork quilt of the fields of the Canadian Prairies in summer.

They take the time to prep you before your first ride to ensure you feel comfortable. They even offer pilot lessons and rides for people of all experience levels.

Visit the Manitoba Hang Gliders website for a full list of rides, lessons, and prices.

Manitoba truly is a year-round destination, and despite the cold temperatures that come in the winter months, not even the mercury dropping below zero can stop people from getting outside and enjoying the province’s remarkable terrain.

On Hecla Island, 2 hours north of Winnipeg, you can rent ‘ SnoBears ‘, well-insulated and propane heated buggies to travel safely and comfortably around Lake Winnipeg to try your hand at ice fishing, under the tuition of your expert local guide.

Prairie Gal Fishing offers ice fishing gear and shack rentals and lessons out of Winnipeg. Roselle’s guided trips are highly recommended.

If you’re in Winnipeg, you can rent a fat bike to explore the ice skating trails on both rivers at The Forks, which also allows you to visit the Warming Huts pop up art displays.

Outside of Winnipeg there is Guinness World Record-holding ‘world’s largest snow maze’ in St. Adolphe, guaranteeing fun for the whole family.

If downhill skiing is more your style, the family-owned and local favourite Falcon Ridge Ski Resort can be found in the woods of Whiteshell Provincial Park.

As you can see, winter in Manitoba is an incredible time to travel to the province, so pack your thermal boots, wrap up in a heavy jacket and don’t forget your sense of adventure!

Fat Bike Barrier Bay Manitoba

The Forks National Historic Site is the heart and soul of Winnipeg. Located at the meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the Forks acts as a conglomeration of art, history, entertainment, and culture.

There is a market, an inn, a theatre, a kids’ playground, and multiple green spaces with orchards, gardens, and other historic landmarks. You can also find your typical shops, restaurants, and breweries.

It is also home to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Manitoba Children’s Museum.

Not only is the Forks National Historic Site a treasure in the modern world, but it has been used as a cultural meeting point for thousands of years.

It operated as a trading place for Indigenous people for over 6,000 years and has since been used as a centre for trade, commerce, and communication for immigrants and pioneers of many cultures.

While visiting Winnipeg, a trip to this interesting and multicultural space definitely deserves a place on your itinerary.

Visit the Forks National Historic Site website for updated information on all the attractions.

Forks National Historic Site

Water sport lovers may congregate near the coastlines of Canada, but the land-locked lakes should not be overlooked.

Lake Winnipeg is Manitoba’s biggest lake, making it a popular spot for water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. So don’t think you can’t surf while exploring Manitoba and the rest of central Canada!

Windsurfing and kitesurfing are both pretty advanced sports, but with the right teachers and equipment, you can learn the basics and have an epic time doing it.

After an exciting day on the water, you can relax on the popular Grand Beach on the eastern coast of Lake Winnipeg.

For more information about windsurfing or kiteboarding lessons, check out Winnipeg Windsurfing and Boost Kiteboarding , a family owned, Winnipeg-based business that offers guided lessons.

Another exciting water sport to try while exploring Manitoba is whitewater kayaking.

Even though Manitoba is a prairie province of Canada, it’s not entirely flat and calm all the time. There are some bodies of water with intense rapids for those who want to take their kayaking to the next level.

Pinawa is not far from Whiteshell Provincial Park, and it’s a much smaller and quieter location than Winnipeg.

Looking to rent your own gear such as tubes, kayaks and SUPs? Check out Float & Paddle or Pinawa Unplugged Eco Tours .

If you’re planning on staying close to the capital city, Lake Winnipeg is also fun for stand up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, with Prairies Sea Kayak Adventures offering great tours.

Wilderness Supply is the stop in Winnipeg for all your watercraft rentals.

Whitewater Kayaking Pinawa

To observe one of Manitoba’s most delicate ecosystems, visit Oak Hammock Marsh. This thriving wetland is a great place to explore nature, find peace, and disconnect from the hustle of daily life.

The Wetland Discovery Center is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the marsh. It is located outside the town of Stonewall, about 20km north of Winnipeg.

Here you can educate yourself about the flora and fauna of Oak Hammock Marsh before setting off into the wilderness.

The discovery center also offers canoe tours, snowshoeing tours, bird-watching tours, guided walks, and has a cool gift shop and theater to entertain families.

Oak Hammock Marsh Manitoba

Of all the fun things to do in Manitoba, this one will probably appeal to everyone. Who doesn’t want to treat themselves to a relaxing spa day full of massages, thermal baths, and holistic body treatments?

Located 15 minutes outside of Winnipeg, Nordik Spa Nature is the perfect place to unwind after sightseeing and exploring. The spa also offers a restaurant if you want to go all out.

Thermea By Nordik Spa-Nature

If you’re looking to travel Manitoba and gain an insight into the local culture, consider attending a local festival.

There is a powerful Indigenous presence in Canada, so there is no shortage of opportunities to learn about the Indigenous Peoples and their traditions.

The annual Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg is one of the province’s most popular winter celebrations. It is held in Winnipeg’s French Quarter, called St. Boniface, every February and lasts for 10 days.

Located on the homeland of the Métis nation, the festival celebrates the French -Canadian and fur trade influence in Manitoba through food, art, music, and family-friendly games and activities.

Another fun cultural festival is the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba , held every August in Gimli. This is one of North America’s oldest ethnic festivals, and it celebrates all things Icelandic.

In the 19th century, volcanic eruptions in Iceland destroyed many people’s homes, so lots of Icelandic people immigrated to Canada. This festival is a way of preserving their heritage in their new home.

Even if you’re not in town for the annual festival, you can visit the New Icelandic Heritage Museum in Gimli year-round to learn more.

Icelandic Festival Manitoba

This is one of the most interesting Manitoba attractions, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. But if you love seeing wild animals and you’re not afraid of snakes, definitely check out the Narcisse Snake Dens.

There are 4 safely monitored snake dens in Narcisse where you can see huge numbers of red-sided garter snakes taking their yearly course.

Every spring, thousands of snakes leave their dens to breed. Every fall, the snakes return to their dens for winter. The best months for viewing the snakes are mid-May, and mid-September.

Narcisse is located a 1.5-hour drive away from Winnipeg. This official Manitoba Government website has detailed information about driving directions, contact information, and snake behaviour.

Narcisse Snake Dens Red Garter Snakes

If Winnipeg and Churchill are both on your bucket list, consider traveling between the two by train.

It is much quicker to fly from Winnipeg to Churchill, but crossing the province by train is one of the best things to do in Manitoba.

This train journey is the only nonstop land connection between the two tourist hotspots. The journey takes 2 days and 2 nights, covering over 1600 km of breathtaking scenery.

If you have the time to spare, and you want to see more of the landscape, a long train journey is an incredible way to do so.

Via Rail Canada offers a direct train journey from Winnipeg to Churchill, and being a 2-day journey it is worth considering a sleeper cabin. Their website can also help you book tours in Churchill.

READ MORE: Why not tick off another one of Canada’s great rail journeys by jumping onboard Rocky Mountaineer !

Train Winnipeg To Churchill

Those interested in science and natural history should definitely check out the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre .

Located in the town of Morden, this interactive and family-friendly educational space has Canada’s largest collection of marine reptile fossils.

This Canadian museum is a fun place to bring kids, and it’s only a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Winnipeg.

DISCLAIMER: This article was created in partnership with our friends at Destination Canada and Travel Manitoba. All thoughts, opinions and hours spent daydreaming about our next big trip to Canada’s heartland is, as always, our own.

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A bird's eye view of downtown Winnipeg, centered on the Esplanade Riel crossing the Red River and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. (Photo: George Fischer Photography)

Designated 2007

  • The Forks National Historic Site of Canada
  • Fort Dufferin National Historic Site of Canada
  • Riel House National Historic Site of Canada
  • Forts Rouge, Garry, and Gibraltar National Historic Site of Canada
  • Battle of Seven Oaks National Historic Site of Canada
  • Miss Davis' School Residence / Twin Oaks National Historic Site of Canada
  • St. Andrew’s Caméré Curtain Bridge Dam National Historic Site of Canada
  • St. Andrew’s Rectory National Historic Site of Canada
  • St. Andrew’s Anglican Church National Historic Site of Canada
  • Red River Floodway National Historic Site of Canada

Each Heritage River Story Map displays various visual representations of geospatial data in combination with text, photos, videos and external links.

Natural Heritage

The only major river on the Canadian prairies that flows in a northerly direction, this flood-prone prairie river originates in the northern United States and travels northward to Lake Winnipeg. There are two distinct ecozones that characterize the region: the boreal plains ecozone and the prairie ecozone. The river’s notable features include its adjacent wetlands and marshes, such as the Netley Marsh; its severe periodic flooding; and its rich soils, which support one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world.

Cultural Heritage

For centuries, various peoples and cultures have relied on the river as a mode of passage and a source of water and food. Many significant events, place names and historical and archaeological sites are associated with the Red River. These include sites providing evidence of thousands of years of First Nations settlement and land use, several significant fur trade forts and posts, and the Red River colony – the first European agricultural settlement in Western Canada.

Key to the cultural history of the region, the Red River has been a primary resource and transportation corridor for thousands of years – first for First Nations peoples, and over the past three centuries, for European exploration, fur trade, and settlement. Today, the Red River Valley is the most densely populated region of Manitoba. Approximately 750,000 people inhabit Winnipeg and the many towns, villages, and rural landscapes adjacent to the river.

Recreational Heritage

The Red River’s easy accessibility at numerous locations along the corridor, and rich cultural and natural heritage values combine to create a wide range of recreational opportunities. Many tourists from within and outside the province visit the Red River each year to experience its provincial and federal heritage sites and to take part in various recreational activities. The river provides excellent opportunities for boating and canoeing, and there are numerous paths along the banks with trails for walking, hiking, and cycling. The river is also a favourite location during the winter months for cross-country skiing, skating , snowmobiling, ice fishing, and sport fishing.

Popular tourist destinations associated with the river include The Forks and Lower Fort Garry , both national historic sites.

The Red River and the Red River Valley floodplain are remnants of the glacial Lake Agassiz, located in southern Manitoba approximately 8,000 years ago.

River Managers

The Red River is managed by Manitoba Conservation and Climate . The management plan is available online , as well as the ten-year monitoring report .

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Designation.

The Red River played a pivotal role in shaping the history, culture, and economic development of Western Canada. For thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples traveled the Red River and its tributaries, and subsequently so did voyageurs, explorers, fur traders, settlers, and tourists. At the Forks, where the muddy waters of the Red are joined by those of the Assiniboine River, Indigenous Peoples made their camps, voyageurs traded furs, pioneers tilled the soil, and a capital city and regional metropolis arose from the surrounding productive prairie farmlands.

The entire 175 km length of the Red River in Manitoba was designated to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System in 2007, based on its outstanding cultural values.

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Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.

Plaque Text

The Canadian Heritage River plaques offer a brief glimpse into why a river has been designated to the System. They are often located nearby one of its historically significant locations, and highlight some of the most important natural, cultural and recreational values of the river. 

Red River Plaque Text

The Red River - The Red River played a pivotal role in the historical, cultural and economic development of Western Canada. This flood-prone prairie river originates in the northern United States and meanders north across rich, flat agricultural land to lake Winnipeg at Netley Marsh. As the ‘highway’ of its day for First Nations peoples, fur traders and immigrants, it was traveled by canoe, York boat and steamboat. The Red River Resistance led by Louis Riel, the beginning of the North West Mounted Police, and the making of Treaty No.1, which opened the West to homesteaders, all occurred along the river. The Red River settlement established in 1812 at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers became Winnipeg, the “Gateway to the West”. As a Canadian Heritage River, the Red is managed for the benefit of all Canadians. 

In eastern Manitoba, a river offers otters, rapids and solitude

The berens river remains remote, although it's easier to reach than ever.

rivers manitoba tourism

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On an average Manitoba river trip, you might consider yourself lucky to see a river otter.

The Berens River is no average wilderness waterway. This relatively pristine ribbon of whitewater, which snakes its way across hundreds of kilometres of Treaty 5 territory in eastern Manitoba, may be one of the easiest places in the province to make multiple otter sightings — even if it's far from the easiest place to visit.

Over the course of an eight-day trip across a 160-kilometre stretch of the Berens in July, no fewer than seven river otters were generous enough to make their presence known to a pair of paddlers from Winnipeg.

Three scurried along a steep cliff face one afternoon before sliding into the river with an almost unearthly agility. Another three chattered away at us from the edge of a marsh one morning over breakfast.

The final specimen, almost as large as a harbour seal, took the unusual step of slowly and conspicuously swimming past our campsite to eyeball up a pair of awkward, spellbound humans.

To an otter fan, it was a magical wildlife-watching moment among a series of similarly memorable episodes on the Berens.

rivers manitoba tourism

Those same eight days on the Berens yielded three separate sightings of black bears — all from safe vantage points on the river — one long glimpse of a moose, a few fleeting moments with a fisher and most remarkably, a chance to watch two fuzzy lynx kittens cower at the edge of a point.

  • Freshwater seals, massive waterfalls, stunning eskers in northern Quebec

Add in dozens of a bald eagles and painted turtles, a few kingfishers, golden eagles and other woodland birds, and the Berens ranks as a life-list sort of wildlife-watching destination — if you manage to make it there.

East Side road allows easier egress

From its source in northwestern Ontario, the Berens descends dozens of rapids and waterfalls until it meets Lake Winnipeg at Berens River First Nation.

Although the river has been used for water transport for millennia, only recently has it become more accessible to recreational paddlers.

rivers manitoba tourism

To reach the most popular put-in at Night Owl Lake, a few kilometres west of Little Grand Rapids, you have to charter a floatplane from Bissett-based Blue Water Aviation or another carrier. To leave the river, however, you can simply drive away from Berens River First Nation, thanks to the extension of the East Side Lake Winnipeg road in 2017.

The construction of this road has eliminated the need to wait for a barge ride along Lake Winnipeg or brave the waters of the northern basin on the immense and unpredictable lake.

While the province doesn't track the number of paddlers on the river — it's located outside the boundaries of any provincial park and requires no fees to visit — the well-worn state of its portage trails and campsites suggest no fewer than dozens of paddlers visit every season.

  • Cactus paddles and coffee mayonnaise: A culinary crawl through Mexico City

That however, is only a fraction of the hundreds of canoeists and kayakers who visit Nopiming Provincial Park's road-accessible Manigotagan River every summer or the more spectacular Bloodvein River in Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park.

The Berens is comparable to the Bloodvein in terms of solitude, though it's located further north and is more expensive to reach. The going rate for a single-Otter flight from Bissett this summer was $2,100, not including a car shuttle to Berens River First Nation.

Raging torrent, tiny trickle

In the weeks following the spring snowmelt, many of the rapids on the Berens River are reputed to be raging torrents. This July, the water was low and some of the drops chronicled in Hap Wilson's paddling bible, Wilderness Rivers of Manitoba , were barely discernible from the rest of the river's flow.

rivers manitoba tourism

Like the Bloodvein and Manigotagan, the Berens is a pool-and-drop river, meaning it's kind of like a series of narrow lakes separated by rapids and small waterfalls.

In Colombia, the terraces of a 'Lost City' beckon travellers willing to hoof it

Almost all the rapids can be lined or portaged, allowing paddlers of all skill levels to descend the river. But it's still compulsory to have wilderness-camping experience; there are no communities on the Berens between Little Grand Rapids and Lake Winnipeg. Run into trouble along this river and you are on your own.

If you make the trip, don't miss the pictographs in the canyon above Big Moose Falls, a stunning rockfall in Flour Channel and the campsites below Whiteman Falls and Beaver Dam Falls.

And keep your eyes open for wildlife at all times. With any sort of luck, the otters will come to see you.

rivers manitoba tourism

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

rivers manitoba tourism

Senior reporter, CBC Manitoba

Bartley Kives joined CBC Manitoba in 2016. Prior to that, he spent three years at the Winnipeg Sun and 18 at the Winnipeg Free Press, writing about politics, music, food and outdoor recreation. He's the author of the Canadian bestseller A Daytripper's Guide to Manitoba: Exploring Canada's Undiscovered Province and co-author of both Stuck in the Middle: Dissenting Views of Winnipeg and Stuck In The Middle 2: Defining Views of Manitoba.

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Rivers, Manitoba, incorporated as a village in 1910 and as a town in 1913, population 1189 (2011c), 1193 (2006c). The Town of Rivers developed as a railway and military centre, 235 km west of Winnipeg. Agricultural settlement began in the 1870s. The townsite was established in 1907 as a terminal point on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway . The early economy was built on the rail shops, roundhouse, and local services.

In 1940, the town scrambled to accommodate an influx of military personnel when a British Commonwealth Air Training Plan navigation school was established nearby. After WWII, this base became a tri-service air training centre, with up to 3000 military and 250 civilian personnel, compensating for diminished railway activity at Rivers. The base closed in 1971.

Public incentives were offered to support an industrial and urban-adaptation training centre for Native people, but most of the manufacturers attracted to the site subsequently left or failed financially. The federal government sold the property in 1984, leaving Rivers as a locally oriented agricultural trading centre with some recreational activity at nearby Lake Wahtopanah.

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Whether you know where your journey will end or you’re just along for the ride, you will be surprised by the charm, character and exciting experiences in Manitoba’s favourite destinations. Capital city Winnipeg brings family-friendly attractions plus an eclectic mix of shopping , dining , art and culture . On the edge of the Arctic, Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world and is a world-class destination for wildlife viewing.

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In a city built around the place where two rivers meet, a thriving arts scene converges with pristine green spaces.

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For thousands of years, the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers has been a meeting place. Today, Winnipeg is a hub of culture.

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Are you planning a family vacation or looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with the grandkids? Manitoba delivers fun and affordable things to do with the whole family .

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Your first clue that Churchill is a place for adventurers is the fact that there are no roads that lead here. Coming by plane or train are the only ways to get to this remote town on the shores of Hudson Bay.

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For years, Manitoba stalled on protecting nature. Here’s what you need to know as it vows to change course

When Manitoba’s New Democratic Party made its bid for office last fall, its platform came sprinkled with policy promises to make climate action a priority.

Among them was a commitment to 30-by-30 conservation targets, which aim to protect 30 per cent of the world’s lands and waters by 2030. 

Now six months into its tenure, and with its first budget in the books, the Manitoba NDP’s plan to meet 30-by-30 targets is beginning to take shape.

Wait, what’s the deal with 30 by 30?

In 2019, the United Nations released a devastating report : nearly three-quarters of the planet had been “severely altered” by human activity, and up to one million species were at risk of extinction — many within decades. 

Three years later, 188 countries, including Canada, signed a landmark agreement to curb the rampant loss of habitat and biodiversity. The agreement included 23 targets, notably a commitment to protect 30 per cent of all lands and waters by 2030. 

This isn’t the first international conservation effort; the Aichi targets of 2010 saw 168 countries commit to protect 17 per cent of lands by 2020. In Canada, that target wasn’t realized. 

How much land is currently protected in Manitoba?

By 2022, Canada had conserved 13 per cent of its terrestrial area. Manitoba had conserved 11 per cent of its land area. 

Manitoba was the first province to create a protected areas initiative in 1990. The province protected more than 42,000 square kilometres (about seven per cent of the province) by the end of the decade.

But progress slowed to a near-halt after 2016. Under the tenure of the previous government, just 400 square kilometres — less than one per cent of provincial land area — was added to the network of protected areas.

‘Shameful’: Manitoba’s protected areas grew less than 1% in seven years

Last fall, the incumbent Progressive Conservatives called 30-by-30 targets “arbitrary” and claimed a commitment could “harm economic development, particularly in northern communities, and disrupt various sectors across the province that rely on land use.” 

The new government has made steps to add to the protected areas network. 

The province recently partnered with the City of Winnipeg to protect four urban parks: the Seine and LaSalle River corridors, Crescent Drive park and the Rotary Tall Grass nature park in northeastern Winnipeg, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced in an interview. Those areas total three square kilometres, Schmidt said, adding “every little bit counts.”

What’s the status of the newest protected area in Manitoba?

It was a breath of fresh air for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society when Manitoba adopted 30-by 30-targets this past fall.

“Good early progress was made with the announcement of interim protection for the Seal River watershed that will bring it up to over 17-per-cent protected in Manitoba,” Ron Thiessen, executive director of the Manitoba chapter of the society, said in an interview. 

rivers manitoba tourism

The Seal River Watershed Alliance, representing four northern Manitoba First Nations, had been working to protect the pristine, 42,000-square-kilometre Seal River watershed — about seven per cent of Manitoba’s land area — since 2016. Manitoba committed to temporarily protecting the land at the 2022 United Nations biodiversity conference, though it was over a year before an agreement was signed. 

Documents obtained by The Narwhal and Winnipeg Free Press reveal some of the land in the proposed boundary of the Seal River protected area is believed to have “the highest potential for diamonds in Manitoba,” as well as stores of gold and critical minerals. The documents show the mining department claimed the remote nature of the landscape “necessitates government grassroot exploration work to stimulate industry exploration.”

“Government before didn’t want to give it to us,” the alliance’s executive director, Stephanie Thorassie, said in an interview in January. “They didn’t want to alarm the mining community, is how they put it, because we were ‘sterilizing’ the land.”

Under the new government, the agreement moved quickly. In January, parties signed a memorandum of understanding barring mining exploration while feasibility studies take place. 

That means the land is protected — for now. If the watershed is permanently protected, it will be the largest single addition to the protected areas network since 1990. 

“It was one of the first acts of our government to sign that [memorandum of understanding] and I think it’s a strong signal of where our priorities are,” Schmidt said.

But tensions between mining and conservation haven’t faded away. Many Manitoba parks still allow exploration ; about a dozen new claims have been staked on park lands since the election. The government is re-writing Manitoba’s critical mineral strategy — a document to guide the revitalization of Manitoba’s mining industry — and Thiessen said he has yet to see conservation goals factor in. 

“A critical mineral strategy needs to be produced in the context of protecting 30 per cent of Manitoba by 2030,” he said.

Manitoba funds mining exploration in threatened caribou habitat inside provincial park

Did the NDP budget increase funding to Manitoba conservation?

While the Seal River agreement suggested Manitoba would follow through on conservation commitments, “We were disappointed to see that 30 by 30 was not even given a mention in the budget,” Thiessen said. 

The budget promised new staff for “parks and other services” and a revitalization of the conservation officer service. The parks budget increased by approximately $4.4 million this year — though the vast majority of that increase is dedicated to a $5.3-million grant to support all-terrain vehicle associations to develop and maintain trails. 

Funding allocation for parks staff decreased by about $300,000, and the capital budget for park infrastructure decreased by almost 50 per cent.

Schmidt said funding for protected areas will come from sources across government. The NDP struck an interdepartmental working group with representatives from the parks, natural resources, agriculture and Indigenous reconciliation branches to help guide planning.

Speaking on budget day, Eric Reder, campaign manager for Manitoba’s branch of the Wilderness Committee, noted his disappointment with the lack of funds for conservation.

“We have six years to triple the amount of protected areas in the province and the resources have to be there to do that,” Reder said.

“The Seal River is incredible, it is a jewel. … But it’s only half of what we need to do. We need 100 other places around the province that protect nature in people’s backyards.”

How long does it take to create a protected area, anyway?

Establishing a protected area can drag on for years. The province had been working with the City of Winnipeg since 2007 to establish urban protected areas — the first were established in 2020. 

With just six years left on the targeted timeline, Thiessen said, “We are abundantly clear that there is no time to wait.”

‘We’re writing our own story’: four Manitoba First Nations sign historic conservation agreement

The province is in talks with the federal government to establish an agreement that would provide significant federal resources for conservation, Schmidt said, including funding for more staff in the parks department. 

Thiessen said his organization is urging the province to secure that partnership “as quickly as possible — before the opportunity no longer exists.”

In the meantime, the parks and wilderness society is not waiting for the province. Between 2004 and 2006, Manitoba identified more than 100 areas of special interest , effectively candidate protected areas, totalling more than 70,000 square kilometres. The parks and wilderness society recently began reaching out to Indigenous communities in those areas to gauge interest in conservation.

The organization already works directly with five First Nations — York Factory First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation and Shamattawa First Nation — in exploring a potential protected area within a 46,000-square-kilometre region bordering the Hudson Bay in northeastern Manitoba. Their proposal, the Kitaskeenan initiative , is in early stages of consultation.

The parks and wilderness society is also supporting Fisher River Cree Nation and Peguis First Nation with a proposal to protect swathes of the Interlake region — part of the boreal forest ecosystem. Both the federal and provincial governments support this initiative.

There are other protected areas in the works: a proposed national marine conservation area on the Western Hudson Bay could encompass portions of the Manitoba coastline. The province declined to participate in 2017, saying it needed “to assess its protected area and economic development goals before committing to the process.”

In 2021, the federal government committed $130 million to developing a network of urban national parks across Canada, including one park slated for Winnipeg. The location of the park has not yet been decided, though proposals to protect Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Forest have received public support.

Protecting 30 percent of Manitoba by 2030 is “ambitious, but it’s achievable,” Thiessen said.

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COMMENTS

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  2. THE BEST Things to Do in Rivers (Updated 2024)

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  3. Rivers, Manitoba Canada

    With a land area of 7.98 km2, Rivers had a population density of 121.7/km2 in 2021. Attractions in Rivers, Manitoba. Just east of Rivers lies Lake Wahtopanah, a 6-mile long lake that forms part of Rivers Provincial Park. This natural attraction adds to the charm of Rivers, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

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    Rivers is an unincorporated urban community in the Riverdale Municipality within the Canadian province of Manitoba.It is located 40 kilometres (25 mi) northwest of Brandon, 473 metres (1,552 ft) above sea level.It is within the Westman Region (Southwestern Manitoba). Agriculture, health and related businesses provide income for the community and area.

  6. Get to know Manitoba's Heritage Rivers

    Hayes River. Not only is the Hayes River one of the most scenic and stunning rivers in Manitoba, it also has played an incredibly important role in history. For Indigenous peoples, the river provided a means to travel and trade resources in the area. By 1684, the York Factory was established by the Hudson's Bay Company and became one of the ...

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  13. Rivers, Manitoba

    Rivers is an unincorporated urban community in the Riverdale Municipality within the Canadian province of Manitoba. It is located 40 kilometres northwest of Brandon, 473 metres above sea level. It is within the Westman Region . Agriculture, health and related businesses provide income for the community and area. Rivers has a population of 1,257 people in the 2016 census.

  14. The 28 BEST Things to Do in Manitoba [2024 Guide]

    Manitoba has 4 heritage rivers, each with their own unique history. In addition to the Assiniboine River and the Seal River, paddling the Hayes River on a wilderness canoe trip provides the only way to access the York Factory, a former fur trade depot of the Hudson Bay Company. ... Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba 25) Go to an Awesome and ...

  15. Red River, Manitoba

    Popular tourist destinations associated with the river include The Forks and Lower Fort Garry, both national historic sites. ... The entire 175 km length of the Red River in Manitoba was designated to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System in 2007, based on its outstanding cultural values. Resources. title type

  16. Scenic Views and Serenity: Explore Manitoba's Famous Rivers

    1.3. Hayes River. Of the rivers in Manitoba, Hayes River is the most scenic and stunning. Additionally, this river is also famous for its involvement in history. The indigenous peoples benefited a lot from this river. It offered a way for these people to travel and also trade resources in the area.

  17. In eastern Manitoba, a river offers otters, rapids and solitude

    The Berens River is no average wilderness waterway. This relatively pristine ribbon of whitewater, which snakes its way across hundreds of kilometres of Treaty 5 territory in eastern Manitoba, may ...

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    Canada's Heart is Calling: Explore Manitoba's Wonders - Polar Bears, Belugas, Northern Lights & More. Start planning your trip with Travel Manitoba. From outdoor adventure, to culture and great restaurants - polar bears, belugas, hiking, biking, theatre, concerts, camping and other amazing places to see and to stay.

  19. Rivers

    Rivers. Article by D.M. Lyon. Published Online September 11, 2012. Last Edited March 4, 2015. Rivers, Manitoba, incorporated as a village in 1910 and as a town in 1913, population 1189 (2011c), 1193 (2006c). The Town of Rivers developed as a railway and military centre, 235 km west of Winnipeg. Rivers, Manitoba, incorporated as a village in ...

  20. Places To Go

    Discover who Manitobans really are when you experience our arts, culture and history. Resilient Manitobans are renowned for creating amazing art and dazzling, high quality performances. More Info. For thousands of years, the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers has been a meeting place. Today, Winnipeg is a hub of culture.

  21. Tourism Westman

    Town of Rivers. Details. TOWN/CITY: Rivers; PHONE: 204-328-5250; Fax: 204-328-5374; EMAIL: [email protected]; View Website. Home; ... Parkland Tourism; Tourism North; Manitoba Association of Campgrounds & Parks (MACAP) Trails Manitoba; All Terrain Vehicle Association of Manitoba (ATVMB) Allstoke Outdoor Company; Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters ...

  22. Rivers & Area Heritage

    Presented by The Rivers Train Station Restoration Committee. The Committee would like to acknowledge. the support of Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism. in the development of this initiative, through a grant from the Heritage Grants Program. and through ongoing guidance and support of the. Historic Resources Branch.

  23. Swan Valley

    Click to Travel Manitoba. Proudly Operated by Valley In The Mountains Tourism Inc. Visitors Center: 1500 Main Street Monday through Friday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm ... Mail to: Box 1540, Swan River, Manitoba. Stay In touch and join our newsletter! Recent Posts. Swan Valley High School Rodeo Comments Off on Swan Valley High School Rodeo. Northwest ...

  24. A guide to Manitoba's conservation promises

    The Seal River Watershed Alliance, representing four northern Manitoba First Nations, had been working to protect the pristine, 42,000-square-kilometre Seal River watershed — about seven per cent of Manitoba's land area — since 2016. Manitoba committed to temporarily protecting the land at the 2022 United Nations biodiversity conference, though it was over a year before an agreement was ...