Whether you arrive for a weekend road trip or return to a place that already feels like home, Thompson calls you north in ways that stay with you long after the drive back down Highway 6. Here are ten ways this northern city can inspire your next Manitoba adventure.

Stand Before the Power of Pisew Falls Provincial Park

Just 75 kilometres south of Thompson, Pisew Falls draws you in with the low rumble of water long before you see it. A short, and accessible, boardwalk leads to two viewing platforms where the Grass River drops 13 metres and funnels through a rugged gorge. “Pisew” meaning lynx in Cree, speaks to the quick change in the river’s direction and energy.

After taking in the main cascade, follow the 0.5-kilometre trail to Lower Pisew Falls where a rotary bridge offers a safe view of fast-moving rapids. Use caution and stay on marked trails, as water levels and rocks can be unpredictable.

Follow the route to Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba's highest waterfall

From the rotary bridge, the backcountry trail to Kwasitchewan Falls stretches roughly 30 kilometres return and is considered one of Manitoba’s most challenging routes. It follows the Grass River, a historic travel corridor used for thousands of years by Indigenous Peoples and later by Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company voyageurs.

The journey brings shifting terrain, quiet spruce stands and riverside lookouts before reaching the 14-metre-high Kwasitchewan Falls at the end of the trail. Camping is permitted at designated sites, making this an ideal overnight adventure for prepared hikers.

Settle into the stillness of Paint Lake Provincial Park

Paint Lake offers the kind of boreal calm visitors often associate with more remote parks, yet it sits just south of Thompson with easy access to amenities. The park’s marina is a busy hub for anglers and boaters through summer.

Families and travellers can choose from seasonal and overnight campsites, lakeside yurts or year-round cabins at Paint Lake Lodge, which is also known for hearty northern cooking. When the sun is high, relax at one of the park’s secluded beaches. When you want shade, follow the Coffee Cove Hiking Trail as it winds through moss-covered rock and jack pine.

Race Down Snowmobiling and ATV Trails

Outdoor life is part of the rhythm of Thompson, where long winters and varied terrain make snowmobiling a favourite pastime. The Thompson Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club maintains more than 350 kilometres of groomed trails throughout the region, many of which connect to Highway 6. With a season that often lasts weeks longer than in southern Manitoba, riders have a generous window to explore.

Sasagiu Rapids Lodge, 50 minutes south of Thompson, offers equipment rentals, lodging and meals (famous for their Thai food!) for travellers building a winter weekend. Once the snow melts, many of the same routes become popular for ATV exploration. For local insights, visitors often look to the Northern Manitoba Off Road Association community.
Follow all posted safety guidelines.

Watch the northern lights dance above Setting Lake

Thompson sits beneath prime auroral skies, offering vibrant northern lights displays throughout winter without needing to travel to the Hudson Bay coast. When conditions are clear and solar activity is strong, the sky often fills with rippling greens and hints of violet. There are no guided aurora tours in the region, but you only need a safe roadside pull-off, warm clothing and patience. Setting Lake is a favourite spot for photographers hoping to capture reflections on still water.

Follow Thompson's story along the Spirit Way Walking Trail

Spirit Way is a 2-kilometre curated pathway through Thompson that blends art, nature and local history. Along the route you’ll encounter wolf statues, interpretive points and the iconic 10-storey wolf mural inspired by a Robert Bateman painting, all of which contribute to Thompson’s reputation as the “wolf capital of the world.” Plan for about two hours to explore.

Spend a Winter Day at Mystery Mountain Winter Park

Just 20 minutes northeast of Thompson, Mystery Mountain Winter Park makes winter feel welcoming. With downhill runs, terrain suited to beginners and seasoned skiers and several kilometres of cross-country trails, it’s an inviting place to spend time in fresh air. Lift tickets are affordable and line-ups are rare, keeping the pace relaxed for families and new skiers.

Experience Indigenous culture rooted in Thompson

Indigenous culture is deeply connected to Thompson’s identity. Visitors can find handcrafted items such as beaded jewellery, mukluks, slippers, soapstone carvings and more at the Arctic Trading Post in the City Centre Mall. Hours may vary seasonally, so verify before visiting.

Around town, works by Cree artist Jasyn Lucas (@jacynlucas) buildings with northern landscapes, wildlife and aurora-inspired patterns. Cultural events such as National Indigenous Peoples Day gatherings at MacLean Park offer opportunities to enjoy music, dance, teachings and food in a welcoming community setting.Follow local guidance and cultural protocols when attending ceremonies or events.

Celebrate Thompson's Heritage at Nickel Days

For more than four decades, Thompson has celebrated its mining heritage each June with Nickel Days, a community festival filled with rides, music, performances, games and a parade. One highlight is the King Miner Competition, where participants demonstrate skill and speed in mining-inspired challenges such as jackleg drilling or steel packing.

Experience the boreal wilderness all around you

Thompson and the region around it carry the presence of the boreal forest: the call of birds at dusk, the rustle of spruce branches and the wide skies that shift colours through the day. Wildlife sightings may happen anywhere along the road or lake shore, and while encounters cannot be guaranteed, respecting the land and viewing wildlife from a safe distance is essential for both visitors and animals.

Plan Your Northern Road Trip

Thompson’s mix of waterfalls, culture, winter adventure and boreal beauty makes it a memorable destination in every season. Build your road trip starting point on Highway 6, explore the parks and trails that call to you and enjoy Manitoba’s North at your own pace. Start planning your trip to Thompson today!