- Hotels – For the best prices on accommodations in Manitoba and the most choices, we prefer to use Booking.com for all of our stays. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
- Car rentals – Start your search with Discover Cars and Booking.com’s car rental platform to find the best deals. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes while you’re at it!
- Flights – Before booking your flights try out the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature and find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Manitoba.
- Insurance – Something that many travelers overlook but it SO important, cover you and your family for all of your travels with the best travel insurance in case the unexpected happens. Our go to is HeyMondo where the rates are great, and it has solid all-round coverage.
- Hottest deals – Be sure to bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page for all your travel needs.
2 Days In Eastern Manitoba : Adventure-Packed Road Trip Itinerary
Looking for an unforgettable weekend escape filled with pristine boreal forests, granite riverways, and outdoor adventure? Just a short drive east of Winnipeg lies a natural playground packed with scenic hiking trails, serene waterways, and unique glamping retreats. Whether you are looking to float down lazy rivers or explore historic ruins reclaimed by nature, this ultimate 2-day Eastern Manitoba itinerary covers the absolute best highlights for your upcoming getaway.
From navigating the rushing waters and granite ridges of Whiteshell Provincial Park to unwinding under star-filled skies in a cozy stargazer tent, this road trip blends active outdoor exploration with relaxing local charm.
What You’ll Get Out Of This Article
- A complete 2-day Eastern Manitoba itinerary with a realistic, easy-to-follow schedule.
- The best hiking trails, paddling adventures, and scenic stops to experience the region.
- Recommendations for where to stay, eat, and what to book before your trip.
- Practical travel tips, packing advice, and an interactive map to simplify planning.
- Everything you need to plan an unforgettable weekend getaway in Eastern Manitoba.
2-Day Eastern Manitoba Itinerary
Knowing that we were starting our first trip to Manitoba in Winnipeg, we had a lot of options when it came to where we could expand our trip to include some outdoor adventures.
We looked in all compass directions, but what ultimately drew us to Eastern Manitoba was how a short distance away were unique outdoor attractions and experiences that really showcased the serene, picturesque, and wild outdoors in a mix of water, forests, and rolling rocky hills.
This itinerary is best paired with our 2 summer days in Winnipeg. Since you’ll be most likely landing in Winnipeg, it’s great to be able to explore the best of Manitoba’s capital before hitting the road with your rental car.
TOP TIPS TRAVELING TO EASTERN MANITOBA
Day 1 – The Perfect Pinawa Adventure
What To Expect From Day 1
Day 1 is all about slowing down and embracing Eastern Manitoba’s incredible outdoors with an Indiana Jones-like exploration of an abandoned dam, a ridiculously fun float down a channel, and ending games, s’mores, and a sauna session at a glamping resort.
You’ll start your trip heading into the charming town of Pinawa which is only 1.5 hours away from Winnipeg.
Here, you’ll enjoy scenic river views, a leisurely float down the Pinawa Channel, and an evening of outdoor fun at one of the province’s most unique glamping resorts.
One of the crown jewels of the area is the Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park, home to the remains and ruins of Manitoba’s first year-round hydroelectric generating station.
We were really excited to come here because it’s very rare that you get a chance to roam freely around this type of architecture that’s been reclaimed by nature. This park is abounded with photography and hiking opportunities.
As you walk through the dam, it’s hard not to think about feeling like you’re in a scene from Last of Us. When you’re here, an overwhelming sense of adventure takes over, as if you’re stumbling upon this for the first time after hundreds of years.
The town of Pinawa was established in 1901 to support the construction of the dam which began in 1903 and subsequently completed in 1906. This was Manitoba’s first hydroelectric plant on the Winnipeg River, representing significant engineering achievements because it could be run year-round – a first in the region.
The dam would later be decommissioned in 1951 because a larger and better Seven Sisters Generation Station was built further downriver.
With water gushing out of the dam, you’re able to walk freely around the natural rocks, trails around the massive concrete structure, and bridges to help you hop further down the dam.
There are two parts to the dam. The first area you’ll encounter is what’s called the spillway which has mesmerizing geometric gates that reflect on the water above. Go around it, follow the path and keep following the wall to take you to the dam itself with its concrete channels and circular ports where water only trickles out of today.
Don’t be afraid to also create your own paths on the rocky landscape but be careful not to get too close to the water as the current is strong and the rock can get slippery.
One of the downsides of a park not having a map at the trailhead or markings around, it’s hard to know if you’ve seen it all or how far you should be going in a certain direction and whether something loops back.
Your best bet is to follow this AllTrails map which shows you the full trail loop.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Pinawa, MB R0E 1L0
Hours: Open 24/7
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Hike is 30 minutes to an hour.
Trail Map: AllTrails
Price: Free entry but a park vehicle permit is required for Manitoba Parks.
Website: Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park
Parking: The park vehicle permit can be purchased online. The daily rate for the permit is $9.50. There’s a large parking lot is available on-site with overflow on a grass field as well.
Tips:
- Allow 1–2 hours. This gives you enough time to explore the historic dam ruins, walk the scenic trails, and enjoy the river viewpoints.
- Wear sturdy footwear. The trails include uneven rock, gravel paths, and exposed granite around the dam ruins.
- Bring your camera. The dramatic concrete ruins, rushing Winnipeg River, and surrounding forest make this one of Manitoba’s most photogenic parks.
- The trails aren’t well-marked which leads to a lot of fun exploration. The one golden rule is that you cannot climb on any of the dam ruins.
- Pack bug spray. Mosquitoes and black flies can be active during the warmer months, especially near the river.
- Check water conditions. The Winnipeg River has strong currents near the former dam, so always obey warning signs and stay away from restricted areas.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon. The softer light makes for better photos and more comfortable temperatures during the summer.
- In addition to the hiking around the dam, there’s also a covered picnic area, and playground.
- There are bathrooms in the area near the parking lot and picnic space but you won’t find any near the dam.
For lunch, enter the small town and stop at On The Water Eats, a food truck serving quick bites such as burgers, chicken fingers, wraps, and poutine.
HEADS UP: The parking lot across the street and all along the street is paid here but the $10 flat rate you pay with Honk applies to the Float & Paddle lot as well.
After your quick stop for food, you’re in for the biggest treat of the trip and our favorite activity on the itinerary.
What started as something locals took advantage of in the summer, word got out about this gem through social media and people started flocking to the Pinawa Channel with their own tubes.
Owner, Tim, saw an opportunity and started Float & Paddle which would make the experience easier by offering tube rentals, shuttle service, and a convenient place to park.
Today, the relaxing tubing experience is well-streamlined and so easy, especially for travelers that aren’t from the area to enjoy the calm waters while the forest and granite shoreline glide by.
On a hot summer day, this is easily the area’s most popular summer activity, allowing you to cool down, slow down, and enjoy Manitoba’s outdoors.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Alice Chambers Trail, Pinawa MB
Hours: Open Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Sunday 8:30AM-5:30PM, Closed Wednesday. Season typically runs from mid-June to early-September. It’s best to check their Instagram account for those announcements.
Price:
- Single Luxury Tubes: $23.32
- Dynamic Duo Tubes: $42.40
- Large ‘LG’ Multi-Rider Tubes: $84.80
- Extra Large ‘XL’ Multi-Rider Tubes: $116.60
Website: Pinawa Channel Float and Paddle
Parking: The parking lot for Float and Paddle is the same as the one for the Suspension Bridge. This is a paid parking lot that’s privately run by Honk. It’s a flat rate of $10 for the day. The same pass is valid at all Pinawa paid parking areas for the rest of the day.
Tips:
- You definitely need to book your float in advance. Summer weekends often sell out where they won’t even allow walk-ups. Don’t risk it and reserve your preferred time before your trip.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- The process looks like this after parking. You’ll check in, provide your car keys (with numbered wristband), board the shuttle to the launch site, pick up your tube and paddle, walk to the channel where staff will be there to help you get onto the water.
- The shuttle bus comes by every 5-10 minutes and it takes 10 minutes to get from the parking lot to the launch site.
- The actual time on the water is 2.5 to 3 hours. If you paddle aggressively and constantly, you might be able to do it in 2 hours.
- These water shoes or our favourite Keens are recommended but if you’re wearing sandals/flip flops, they showed us that you can use the built-in straps with and buckle to keep them connected and secure. This is because you don’t want to be barefoot when you walking to the school bus shuttle, to the launch point, and after getting off the tube.
- Put on a ton of 50 SPF sunscreen beforehand as you won’t have any shade at all during the float. A good hat, or better yet, something wide-brimmed will help protect you.
- Each person should have their own water bottle. The good news is that the tubes have a built in bottle holder.
- How do your valuables work? Leave your wallet and other valuables in the car. For your car keys, you’ll be giving it to the Float & Paddle staff where they’ll keep it in a numbered bin that’s kept secure. For your phone, camera, and anything else you want to bring with you, you’ll want a waterproof phone pouch and a small 5L or 10L dry bag which you’ll be able to clip to the tube handles. Also no need to bring even travel towels with you as you can dry off when you get back to the car.
- When you arrive at the launch site, you can choose between different tube colours. The default one has a hole in the middle which means that your body will get wet. You can request a more tube which has a sealed middle which is recommended if you don’t want to get wet.
- Paddles are optional and while instinctively you might not want one, it’s a good idea to have one because it helps with maneuvering (a bit clumsy but it works) as there are times where you might drift into the bank and need to push off or if you get stuck on a rock. There are the metal-tubed and wooden paddles. The wooden ones are better because you can slot them through the tube’s handles when you aren’t using them.
- For couples and larger groups, they suggest that you start linked together. Each tube has a black strap that has snap buckles. This is what allows you to connect with the handle of another tube. This is the recommendation because once you disconnect, it’s hard to join back up (especially if you don’t have a paddle).
- The Suspension Bridge is right at the tube exit. This is your opportunity to walk the bridge if you’re interested.
- No alcohol is permitted on the river.
- The channel is a very slow moving river with a very moderate amount of current and no white water so it is very easy.
- There are toilets at the parking lot and also at the launch area so make sure to use them before you head into the water.
- There is another company called Pinawa Unplugged that operates on the channel, offering kayak tubes. They are not the same company but you’ll find their registration desk across from Float & Paddle.
- If you’re looking to bring many drinks with you, we saw a few brilliant riders hook on a small cooler to their tube.
Drying up after your afternoon float, drop by Solo Market to pick up everything you’ll need for glamping.
If you didn’t earlier on your trip, this is your chance to grab snacks, drinks, breakfast supplies, and anything else you might need for your pizza night and a cozying around the fire.
If you happen to find the Solo Market closed, the Co-Op gas station sells frozen food including locally-made frozen pizza. Solo Market also has a connected C-Store which is their convenient store with extended hours and carries mainly alcohol and snacks.
As a customer of Float & Paddle, your wristband will also allow you to save 10% at the Pinawa Motel ice cream shack. We made sure to take advantage and got a vanilla soft-serve cone before heading to our accommodations.
Tonight you’ll stay at Wild Skies Resort, a boutique glamping destination designed for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. What’s unique about this resort is that everything is self-service so it’s great for those that want to drop in do your own thing.
We booked a night in the Luna, one of their stargazer tents. The interior is cozily furnished with a comfy queen-sized bed, couch, and carpet. It’s easy to make yourself at home because it almost doesn’t feel like you’re camping. Powered by solar, you also get the benefit of being able to charge your devices, sleep under the glow of the string lights, and cool down with a fan.
On the deck is your cooking station with a propane grill, kettle stove, kitchenware, cleaning water, and a host of basic supplies to get you started. Next to the deck is your own private fire pit as well. The only missing is an en-suite bathroom, but there’s a toilet nearby and the communal restroom with shower is easy to get to.
Once you settle in, head up to the garden-inspired pavilion, the location of the clay pizza oven. You’ll need to start the oven yourself but once it’s up to temperature, you’ll be able to cook your frozen pizza.
Spend the rest of the evening embracing the glamping experience by challenging your travel companions to lawn games, unwinding in the wood-fired sauna, or browsing the Wild Wonders Camp Shop for local goods and campfire essentials.
As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit to roast s’mores and relax beneath Eastern Manitoba’s star-filled skies; the perfect way to end your first day.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Created by owners René + Megan as an outdoor experience where friends, families, and pets can come together to enjoy all levels of camping. They have domes, canvas tents, cabins, bunkie, and campsites available to rent.
Something to note is they embrace a DIY concept. This means that you won’t meet any of the staff that works there. Instead, you’ll be provided information ahead of time digitally and you’ll be given the freedom enjoy as you please. Of course, if you do have questions, you can text them and they are quite responsive.
For activities, they use an honour system where you fill out the release forms in their Welcome Centre shed and you can sort out the equipment you need yourself.
While it is promoted as a beginner-friendly site, we do think you need to have moderate camping experience because it’s hands-off.
- Address: 71057 Brookfield Rd, River Hills, MB R0E 1T0
- Parking: There is a large parking lot at the front of the property.
- Website: Wild Skies Resort
- Tent: We stayed in the Luna tent which was incredibly spacious and beautifully furnished. We particularly loved the string lights, comfortable bed, and the light. Outside of the tent on the deck, you also have a fully equipped camping kitchen with utensils, cooking gear, and a fire pit. The tent also has a really cool mechanism that covers the see through panels above if you don’t want the sunrise to wake you up.
- Meals: You’re provided a portable gas-powered grill and fire pit at your tent. You can also use the wood-fired pizza oven.
- Location: Their property is adjacent to a calm river and is also backed by a forest. It’s also right off of Hwy 44 which makes it convenient to get to from Winnipeg.
- Tips:
- By the parking lot are several carts. Use these haul your luggage and supplies to your tent. They can fit a lot of gear in them so they’re super handy.
- Come to Wild Skies Resort with everything fully charged including a good power bank. You can certainly charge in the tent but if you read the below, you’re better to use it for something else.
- In the summer, it does get hot so you’ll want to use the fan that’s included which can be plugged into the EcoFlow River 2 Max power station. Since this relies on the solar panels and the previous guests may have drained it, you might only get 40-50% capacity when you arrive. We suggest you save this power for the fan so you can use it throughout the night.
- If you plan on using the pizza oven keep in mind that you’ll need 3-4 hours to get the pizza oven up to temperature for cooking pizza from scratch. If you’re cooking a frozen pizza, you’ll only need 1-2 hours since you don’t need it as hot and it cooks very fast.
- Similarly for the sauna, it is cold unless someone else has started it before you. You’ll need to start the fire yourself and let it heat up.
- Just like other parts of Manitoba, there can be a lot of mosquitoes here in the summer so make sure to cover up or use mosquito repellent.
- Create a shopping list for your meals. If staying one night like us, you’ll need plan for dinner, s’mores, and breakfast. As non-residents, we found the best way to keep things simple was to make the frozen pizza and buy a s’mores kit.
- Most of the lawn games are already out in The Meadow area but if you’re looking for board games and any other lawn games you don’t see, your best bet is the Welcome Centre shed.
- You can pack your own personal headlamp but they do provide an LED lamp in your tent.
- A link to their full guide will made available to you a few days before you arrive. We highly recommend to read this so you’re best prepared.
- There are several small toilets scattered around the property but if you want to shower you’ll be using the communal bathroom. Inside are two sinks, two toilets, 1 urinal, and a private shower.
- There is free wifi around The Meadow and we noticed that once we connected to it, we would sometimes get 1 bar of wifi even at our Luna tent.
- For mosquito protection, they provide the propane-powered Thermacell and also standard mosquito coils.
First Time Glamping Or Camping?
Whether you’re staying in a luxury glamping tent or pitching your own campsite, having the right gear makes all the difference. Check out our Top 10 Things To Pack For Any Camping Trip article so you’re prepared for everything from cozy evenings around the fire to mornings in the great outdoors.
Day 1 Summary
What you’ll do:
Where you’ll eat:
Where you’ll stay:
- Wild Skies Resort – Wilderness resort with a mix of camping, glamping, and cabins with a wide range of offerings including paddle watercraft, sauna, hiking trails, lawn games, board games, fire pit, and pizza oven. This is great for a getaway from the city.
Day 2 – Paddle Into The Morning & Hit The Trails
What To Expect From Day 2
Your second day in Eastern Manitoba strikes a balance between relaxation and outdoor adventure. You’ll enjoy a peaceful morning on the water, scenic stops on the drive back to Winnipeg, and finish your trip with one of the region’s best dining experiences.
Wake up to the peaceful sounds of nature and enjoy your morning at Wild Skies Resort.
Since check-out isn’t until 11AM, you’ll still have a chance to cover anything you might not’ve been able to do the afternoon and evening before. Our recommendation is that you forego breakfast, and head straight down to the river that runs adjacent to the property to get a paddling session in.
Wild Skies Resort has canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards free to use. Simply fill out the liability waivers, and grab paddles and lifejackets from the Welcome Centre, and head down to the dock.
Rocking our Tilley Maple Leaf T1 bucket hats, we spent that morning paddling our way through the mirror-like waters in our single-person kayaks. This is a great way to experience the natural beauty that makes this part of Manitoba so special.
After checking out of Wild Skies Resort, make your way to Brereton Lake Resort Restaurant for brunch before continuing your hiking adventures. This roadside restaurant has a brand-new patio and cottage-style interior with both breakfast and all-day dining menu.
For your afternoon, depending on what you’re feeling, we have two great options for you that are all within Whiteshell Provincial Park – an outdoor playground characterized by lakes, rivers, and rugged Precambrian shield.
You can try to do one of these suggested outdoor hikes or both if you’re feeling ambitions.
If you’re interested in a super short hike with an opportunity to jump into the water, Rainbow Falls, is the perfect spot for you.
This is another one of those local favorites in the summer. On a hot summer day, you’ll love splashing in. We weren’t quite prepared to go swimming that day, but we saw people jumping into the water, getting a waterfall massage, and wading around the chest-high water.
The hike itself is short but sweet and as a photographer, it’s always fun to play around with long exposures, especially with the OM System’s built-in ND filters.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Off PR 307 near the White Lake Resort access road in Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Hours: Open 24/7
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Hike is only 15 minutes. Expect to spend up to an hour here unless you’re going into the water.
Trail Map: AllTrails
Price: Free entry but requires a parks vehicle permit that needs to be purchased ahead of time.
Website: Whiteshell Provincial Park
Parking: There parking lot next to the trailhead is quite small but if that’s full, there’s plenty of spots in secondary lots.
Tips:
- In the summer, the waterfall fills up with families and those looking to splash in the water so if you’re a photographer, you’ll want to go early in the morning before they arrive.
- If you’re looking to take a dip, water shoes are a good idea because the rocks can get slippery.
- We saw people jump off the waterfall but do so at your own risk.
- If you look at the map, there is actually a road that leads right to the waterfall so if you want to bypass the hike, you can drive and park at the dirt lot.
- Before the start of the trail, you’ll find two toilets.
If you’re looking for a more of an extended hike through the Canadian Shield, we suggest the Pine Point Rapids Trail.
What you’ll love about this self-guided hike is that it takes you through quite varied landscapes whether it’s a groomed trail through the forest lined with trees guiding your way, climbing ancient Precambrian boreal shield, and the rushing of water at multiple rapids.
We especially appreciated the comprehensive signage here, making it clear what the different options for different length of hikes we could do.
Since we were tight on time after enjoying Rainbow Falls, we could only make it out to the lookout point and back. Even that shortened hike was enjoyable, with plenty of educational signs along the way, and coloured posts to follow, making it impossible to get lost.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Off PR 307 near the White Lake Resort access road in Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Hours: Open 24/7
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: The hike to the rapids themselves is roughly 1 hour there and 1 hour back. On average, most spend 2 to 2.5 hours (5.1km). If you’re short on time, there’s a lookout point on the southern part of the loop which we were able to do in 1 hour round trip (3km). There’s also a longer loop which also goes to Viburnum Falls, and Acorn Falls (8.2km, 4 hours).
Trail Map: AllTrails (longest loop)
Price: Free entry but requires a parks vehicle permit that needs to be purchased ahead of time.
Website: Whiteshell Provincial Park
Parking: There is a spacious parking lot with plenty of spots.
Tips:
- There are bear warnings here. While not likely that you’ll encounter any, it’s good to be aware of what to do if you do see a bear. The most likely bear you’ll encounter in Manitoba is the black bear.
- In the parking lot are two toilets.
In the beautiful Manitoban countryside is a can’t-miss dining destination and beloved by locals. It’s a place called Pineridge Hollow and luckily for you, it’s along the way back to Winnipeg.
The restaurant epitomizes what it means to be farm-to-table, sourcing ingredients from their own Oak Knoll Farm and local producers. The result is a delicious menu that changes throughout the year with hit after hit including their beet chips, trout, and ribs two-ways.
Pineridge Hollow is also more than just a restaurant. They are an event space, have their own pickleball courts, a boutique shopping area called The Village, and also a petting farm.
When you visit the petting farm, make sure to say hi to the goats hanging out in the treehouse and Frank The Pig!
After dinner, check into the Sandman Signature Winnipeg Airport Suites. Its comfortable accommodations, convenient location, and loft-style suites make it an excellent choice for your final night, especially if you’re catching a flight early the next morning.
Day 2 Summary
What you’ll do:
Where you’ll eat:
Where you’ll stay:
Looking For More Canadian Road Trip Ideas?
If this Manitoba itinerary has you dreaming about your next adventure, don’t stop here. Check out our Weekend Ontario Road Trips You Can’t Miss for more unforgettable getaways packed with scenic drives, charming towns, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems across Ontario.
Where To Stay In Eastern Manitoba
Where you stay can make all the difference, especially on a nature-filled getaway. For this 2-day Eastern Manitoba itinerary, we chose a unique glamping retreat that puts you in the heart of the region’s outdoor adventures while offering a comfortable and memorable place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Here are our recommendations:
Glamping In Pinawa
Wild Skies Resort
We chose Wild Skies Resort because it offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature while still providing modern comforts. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure, with private fire pits, outdoor games, and easy access to Pinawa’s top attractions.
Boutique B&B
The Staff House B&B
If you’re not a fan of camping or glamping, The Staff House B&B and Moai Yoga Studio is a great choice. This cozy bed and breakfast offer a relaxing retreat with comfortable accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great option for travelers who want to explore Eastern Manitoba while enjoying a more traditional stay.
Close To Airport
Sandman Signature Winnipeg Airport Hotel & Suites
We chose the Sandman Signature Winnipeg Airport Suites for its spacious, modern rooms and convenient location just minutes from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. It’s the perfect place to relax after your road trip and makes catching an early flight the next morning quick and stress-free.
Map Of Eastern Manitoba Itinerary
To help you plan your trip, we’ve created an interactive map featuring every stop in this 2-day Manitoba itinerary, including attractions, restaurants, hotels, and scenic viewpoints. Use it to visualize your route, estimate driving times, and easily navigate from one destination to the next during your adventure.
To make the most of the interactive map, you can actually create a copy on your own Google account. First, maximize the map above. From there you can click on the 3 vertical dots on the top right of the red menu. Select “Copy Map”. At this point, you’ll be able to give it your own name and then it’ll be saved onto your own account so you can edit the map as you please. When you open up the Google Maps app, you can recall the map under the “You” tab and at the very bottom the button “Maps”.
📚Eastern Manitoba Mini Guide 📚
🏠 Best Places To Stay – Make your home base at Wild Skies Resort for a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature, complete with cozy accommodations, resort amenities, and easy access to Eastern Manitoba’s outdoor adventures.
🍴Best Places To Eat – During your adventures, stop for a meal at Brereton Lake Resort and enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting. One of the highlights of the trip, dinner at Pineridge Hollow for the perfect finale of a weekend getaway!
⚡️Activities You Need To Book – During the summer, it’s absolutely mandatory to reserve your time slot with Float & Paddle. They do not take walk-ups during the busy season.
📷 Best Photography – Capture the scenic views at Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, the peaceful waters around Wild Skies Resort, and the waterfalls, rapids, and forest trails throughout the Whiteshell region.
🛫 Closest Airport – Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) is the main gateway to Manitoba and the starting point for this itinerary.
🚘 Rent A Car – A rental car is highly recommended for this itinerary since many of the best outdoor experiences and hiking trails are spread throughout the region.
🌤️ Best Time To Visit – Summer and early fall are ideal for enjoying kayaking, tubing, hiking, and resort activities, while fall brings beautiful colors to Eastern Manitoba’s forests.
🗣️ Language – English and French are Canada’s official languages. That said, English is the primary language used in the province of Manitoba.
💰 Currency – Canadian Dollar ($, CAD)
⚡️ Electrical Outlet – Type A and B plugs, 120V supply voltage (same as the United States).
What To Pack For Eastern Manitoba
Packing for Eastern Manitoba is all about being ready for outdoor adventures and changing weather conditions. This itinerary combines hiking, paddling, tubing, and a cozy glamping stay, so you’ll want comfortable clothing and gear that can handle time on the water, scenic trails, and relaxing evenings around the fire.
Even in the summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, and weather conditions can change quickly, so packing versatile layers is key.
Here are the essentials we’d recommend bringing:
- Light hiking shoes or trail runners: You’ll spend your time exploring outdoor attractions like Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park, Rainbow Falls, and Pine Ridge Rapids, where supportive footwear will make your adventures much more enjoyable.
- Lightweight rain jacket: Manitoba weather can be unpredictable, and a compact waterproof jacket is useful for unexpected showers or cooler days.
- Layers: Pack breathable t-shirts, a lightweight fleece or sweater, and a light jacket so you’re comfortable from cool mornings on the water to warm afternoons on the trails. You can also minimize how much you pack by using Unbound Merino.
- Swimsuit: Essential if you’re planning to float the Pinawa Channel or simply want to enjoy the water during your stay at Wild Skies Resort.
- Water shoes or secure sandals: Highly recommended for tubing, paddling, and navigating rocky river access points.
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses: You’ll spend a lot of time outdoors, so sun protection is a must—especially while kayaking, tubing, and hiking exposed trails.
- Bug spray: Mosquitoes and other insects can be common near lakes, rivers, and forested areas, so pack a good insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while hiking, paddling, and exploring Eastern Manitoba’s natural landscapes. Grayl is a great product if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the wild and need an on-the-fly water filtering.
- Daypack: A small backpack is ideal for carrying water, snacks, sunscreen, and extra layers while you’re out exploring. If you’re not looking for a backpack, we’ve been loving this 7L Outdoor Sling.
- Camera: From scenic waterfalls and rushing rapids to peaceful mornings on the water and cozy nights around the fire, there are plenty of memorable moments to capture.
- Portable battery pack: You’ll likely use your phone for navigation, photos, and trip planning throughout your adventure.
- Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch: Handy for protecting your phone and valuables during the Pinawa Channel float or canoeing.
- Travel towel: Useful after tubing or other water activities if you don’t want to use your accommodation towels.
- Snacks: Keep some snacks in the car or your daypack for hikes, road trips, and those moments between meals. Cliff bars are great if you think you’ll be skipping meals and need a boost.
3 Tips For Your Eastern Manitoba Road Trip
Before we close off, we thought we’d share a few key tips that we think you should know. These’ll help make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
1 – Renting A Car
You’ll most likely be landing in Winnipeg. From there, we found that the rates at the airport were quite reasonable. Since the airport is quite small as well, the short walk across to the car rental garage makes the process a cinch.
When renting, a reminder to decline the fuel option. It’s really easy to fill up your tank before returning it. This’ll help you save more money.
Lastly, while you will need to drive on gravel roads, a 4×4 or SUV isn’t necessary to get around so feel free to choose any class of car that you like. The only class I’d probably avoid is an EV since we did not notice many charging stations along the way.
Remember, to get the best deals on rental cars, make sure to check out if any car rental coupon codes apply for you.
2 – Check Operating Hours
During the summer, you’d think that all businesses are operating every day, but we quickly found that this isn’t the case.
Our trip spanned Sunday and Monday. On Monday, we were hoping to have lunch at the Spicy Radish Cafe. We didn’t check their hours ahead of time and of course they are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Another surprise happened on Sunday. While in Pinawa, we were hoping to pick up supplies at Solo Market but turns out that on Sunday they only open from 12-4PM.
This is a broad reminder for you to check each businesses operating hours as you build out your itinerary. The big one to note is Float and Paddle is closed on Wednesday.
3 – Cellular Signal
When driving through Eastern Manitoba, you’ll notice that your signal cuts in and out so even if you have a Canadian eSIM through a company like AloSIM or KnowRoaming, you’ll want to make sure you have important things available offline.
Before your trip you should do the following:
- Make Eastern Manitoba available offline on Google Maps using the “OK Maps” Command.
- On Google Maps, pin important points of interest beforehand.
- If you use one of our Google spreadsheet itineraries, activate the “Make available offline”.
- Have important phone numbers either saved or in your Notes app in case you need to ask someone to call for you.
GET A FREE 1GB ESIM ON US
KnowRoaming is offering a free 1GB eSIM when you sign up through our page.
Two Days, Countless Manitoban Adventures
A short road trip from the capital reveals an incredible mix of rugged Canadian Shield, winding riverways, and tranquil wilderness escapes.
This 2-day Eastern Manitoba itinerary gives you a complete blueprint to experience the region’s top highlights—from lazy river floats and ancient dam ruins to scenic waterfall hikes and farm-to-table dining—all packed into one easily manageable weekend.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick weekend escape or expanding a larger Manitoba road trip starting in Winnipeg, this region delivers an unforgettable taste of Canada’s outdoors.
Pack your daypack, reserve your paddle gear, and hit the road to discover everything that makes the province of Manitoba such a breathtaking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is two days enough to explore Eastern Manitoba?
Yes! While you could easily spend a week exploring the region, two days is enough to experience many of Eastern Manitoba’s highlights. This itinerary includes a mix of hiking, paddling, tubing, scenic viewpoints, and a unique glamping experience, making it the perfect weekend getaway.
How far is Eastern Manitoba from Winnipeg?
Depending on where you’re headed, most of the destinations featured in this itinerary are about a 1 to 2-hour drive from Winnipeg. This makes Eastern Manitoba an ideal road trip destination for a weekend escape or those traveling from out-of-province..
Is Eastern Manitoba worth visiting?
Absolutely! Eastern Manitoba is an excellent destination for anyone who enjoys hiking, paddling, wildlife, and peaceful lake scenery. It’s also an easy weekend getaway from Winnipeg, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation without traveling far.
Do I need a car to explore Eastern Manitoba?
Yes. A car is highly recommended since attractions like Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, Rainbow Falls, Pine Ridge Rapids, and Wild Skies Resort are spread across the region. Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit Cards
Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go (at close to market rates) and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Track your spending on the app and top up when you need.
Flights
In our opinion, of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check.
Rideshare
You probably already have accounts but if you don’t, for new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code cbh4j6plxt8p for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
FERRIES
If you’re looking for one place to search for ferry options instead of going to each operator, we recommend FerryHopper as the first place to start.
Use code FHAWESOMEPLACES26 to save 5%!
Wifi Hotspot
We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels
Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Tours and Activities
When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance
Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Check Out Our Toolbox
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
This trip was sponsored by Tourism Winnipeg and Travel Manitoba but all opinions are our own.
