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The 9 best day trips from Winnipeg
Discover the 9 best day trips from Winnipeg, including lakes, parks, winter escapes, and U.S. border towns. Tips for travel times, activities, and connectivity.
Winnipeg’s central Canadian Prairie location makes it easy to reach lakes, provincial parks, wildlife areas, historic small towns, and even the US border destinations. Whether you’re looking for summer adventures, winter escapes, or quick cross-border trips, there’s something for everyone.
This guide highlights nine places to visit near Winnipeg that are easily accessible by car, along with practical tips for each, helping you plan your day trips from Winnipeg efficiently.
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Quick picks: Where to go from Winnipeg
Here’s a quick overview of the best day trips from Winnipeg, including travel times and highlights at a glance:
| Destination | Travel time from downtown Winnipeg | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Gimli | 1 hour drive | Lake Winnipeg beaches, Icelandic heritage, water sports |
| Grand Beach | 1 hour drive | Sandy shores, swimming, boardwalk, summer festivals |
| Pinawa | 1.5 hours drive | Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park, hiking, scenic river views |
| Whiteshell Provincial Park | 1.5 hours drive | Winter sports, frozen lakes, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing |
| Thermëa Spa Village | 15 minutes drive | Heated pools, saunas, relaxing spa treatments |
| Riding Mountain National Park | 3 hours drive | Wildlife viewing, winter trails, natural beauty |
| Grand Forks, North Dakota | 2.5 hours drive | Historic downtown, local shopping, museums |
| Warroad, Minnesota | 2.5 hours drive | Scenic lakes, fishing, small-town charm |
| Fargo, North Dakota | 3.5 hours drive | Historic theatre, cultural attractions, shopping |
Best day trips from Winnipeg in summer
Summer is the perfect time to explore the lakes, trails, and scenic towns surrounding Winnipeg. These day trips are ideal for outdoor activities, water sports, and enjoying warm weather, all easily accessible by car.
Gimli
Gimli is a charming lakeside town on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg, perfect for summer adventures. Known for its Icelandic heritage, vibrant boardwalk, and water sports, it’s a top pick for day trips from Winnipeg by car.
How to get there: About a 1-hour drive north from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Swim or kayak on Lake Winnipeg, explore the New Iceland Heritage Museum, stroll along the beach boardwalk, or attend local summer festivals.
Ideal for: Families, water-sport enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.
Grand Beach
Grand Beach is a summer favourite for families and sun-seekers alike, it offers soft sandy shores, clear waters, and plenty of space to relax or play. Perfect for swimming, picnicking, or flying kites, it’s an easy escape to enjoy a full day outdoors.
How to get there: A 1-hour drive northeast from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Swim, sunbathe, fly kites, or enjoy seasonal food vendors and music festivals.
Ideal for: Beach lovers, families, and casual summer day trippers.
Pinawa
Pinawa is a charming small town surrounded by rivers, forests, and trails, making it ideal for a summer adventure from Winnipeg. Its scenic landscapes are perfect for hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the quiet outdoors. With historical sites and local attractions sprinkled throughout, Pinawa combines nature and culture for a well-rounded day trip.
How to get there: Around a 1.5-hour drive east from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Hike the Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park trails, enjoy the river scenery, or have a picnic with family and friends.
Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a quiet retreat.
Best day trips from Winnipeg in winter
Winnipeg’s winter wonderland offers snowy landscapes, frozen lakes, and cozy escapes. These places to visit near Winnipeg let you enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, spas, and other cold-weather adventures without straying far from the city.
Whiteshell Provincial Park
Whiteshell Provincial Park is a winter wonderland offering snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and frozen lakes for ice fishing. Its vast forests and trails make it easy to find peaceful spots away from the city. Families and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a full day of snow-filled adventure just a short drive from Winnipeg.
How to get there: About a 1.5-hour drive east from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Snowshoe, skate on frozen lakes, go cross-country skiing, or explore winter wildlife.
Ideal for: Winter sports fans, families, and nature lovers.
Thermëa Spa Village
Thermëa Spa Village is a relaxing winter retreat where travellers can enjoy hot baths, saunas, and thermal pools amidst the crisp Manitoba air. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a chilly day outdoors.
How to get there: A 15-minutes drive south from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Relax in outdoor pools, enjoy spa treatments, and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Ideal for: Couples, solo travellers, or anyone needing a winter wellness retreat.
Riding Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park blends forested landscapes, frozen lakes, and wildlife viewing, making it a top winter destination from Winnipeg. Families and nature lovers can enjoy a scenic day trip filled with crisp air and peaceful surroundings.
How to get there: Around 3 hours northwest from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Snowshoeing, winter hiking, wildlife spotting, or scenic drives.
Ideal for: Adventurous travelers and families who enjoy winter nature activities.
Cross-border day trips from Winnipeg
For a change of scenery, consider heading south into the US. These cross-border day trips from Winnipeg are great for exploring small towns, cultural attractions, and scenic drives just a short drive away.
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Grand Forks is a vibrant border city with a mix of cultural sites, parks, and shopping opportunities. Visitors can explore historic downtown areas, local museums, and enjoy a change of scenery without a long journey.
How to get there: About a 2.5-hour drive south from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art, explore downtown shops, or enjoy local eateries.
Ideal for: Short cross-border excursions and culture seekers.
Warroad, Minnesota
Warroad offers a quaint small-town experience with lakeside views and outdoor activities. Its easy access from Winnipeg makes it a perfect cross-border summer or winter day trip. Whether you’re into fishing, walking along the shores, or discovering local shops, Warroad provides a relaxed, scenic escape.
How to get there: About a 2.5-hour drive southeast from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Fishing and boating on Lake of the Woods, and exploring State Forest.
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts and small-town explorers.
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo is a lively US city just a few hours’ drive from Winnipeg, blending cultural attractions, local dining, and scenic spots. Perfect for a full-day road trip, it offers a mix of museums, parks, and family-friendly activities.
How to get there: Around a 3.5-hour drive south from downtown Winnipeg.
What to do: Explore the historic theatre, visit museums, and enjoy local dining.
Ideal for: City explorers and cross-border shoppers.
What to prepare before you go?
Even short day trips from Winnipeg go more smoothly with a bit of preparation. From packing the right clothing to planning transportation and staying connected, a few simple steps can make your adventure safer and more enjoyable.
- Plan your transportation. If you’re renting a car or using a car-share, double-check rules for cross-border travel.
- Prepare required border documents. For US trips, review the guides on Canada to US travel requirements and travelling from Canada to the US to avoid any surprises.
- Book tickets and reservations. Popular attractions, museums, boat rentals, or spas may need advance booking, especially during peak summer or winter weekends.
- Check the weather and pack accordingly. Dress in layers, wear waterproof footwear, and bring hats or sunscreen in summer. In winter, warm clothing and snow-ready gear are essential.
- Stay connected. Download offline maps and navigation apps to avoid losing signal in remote areas. If you’re crossing the border, consider the best eSIM for USA to ensure reliable data throughout your trip.
- Prepare for outdoor safety. Depending on your destination, bring basic first-aid items, bear spray in wildlife areas, or check trail advisories.
- Consider RV or trailer travel. If you’re travelling with a camper, resources on internet travel trailers in Canada can help you stay connected even in remote locations.
Stay connected on your day trips from Winnipeg with Holafly
Even for short day trips, having reliable internet can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Holafly eSIMs can keep you connected across Canada and the U.S.
With a Holafly eSIM, you can:
- Instantly install and activate without visiting a store
- Access unlimited data and use maps and travel guides seamlessly
- Choose from single-country plans, North America regional plans, or global options
- Get 24/7 customer support for peace of mind during your trip
Whether you’re kayaking on Lake Winnipeg, exploring the trails of Riding Mountain, or heading south to Fargo, staying online ensures stress-free navigation, easy reservations, and the ability to share memories in real time. With Holafly, your day trips from Winnipeg are connected, convenient, and hassle-free.
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