Whether it's the colours of the leaves or fall fun activities that inspire you to explore, here are 7 day trips that will help you make the most of the season.

1. Birds Hill Provincial Park

Popular for day trips from Winnipeg year-round, Birds Hill Provincial Park is particularly charming in the fall. Admire autumnal hues along trails like the Cedar Bog Trail (3.5 km) or the Aspen Trail (6.4 km) or cycle on a mountain-biking designated trail like the Oak Ridge Trail (6.4 km).

Nearby, explore The Village, a shopping and dining destination located beside Pineridge Hollow. Stroll through the outdoor plaza and step into unique shops like Naturely., The Faded Barn, Flourish and Aster & Co. Boutique The annual farmers' markets continue to feature local growers, artisans and more. Looking for food and beverage? Grab a coffee from Empty Cup, a cocktail or beer from The Village Square and a delicious hearty meal from NuBurger! For even more reasons to visit, plan your trip around a workshop or event, with everything from yoga and crochet to cake decorating and bouquet making to choose from.

3. Notre Dame de Lourdes

Go off the beaten path and explore a new region of Manitoba. Travel over the rolling hills of Notre Dame de Lourdes and take in the stunning fall scenery along the way. A popular local haunt, Big Al's Burgers, serves up more than burgers and fries and is a wise stop for lunch or dinner.

Head 1.6 km south of town to find King Korn Maze for a classic fall family-friendly experience. Make your way through the corn maze or visit later in October to scare yourself silly at a haunt. There's a snack shack on site for all your mini-donut cravings. Check out our blog to find more corn mazes to explore across Manitoba.

4. Whiteshell Provincial Park

Manitoba's gorgeous slice of the Canadian shield is a no-brainer for fall explorations. Pick from cozy accommodations like Otter Falls Resort, Inverness Falls Resort, Barrier Bay Resort and Pinewood Lodge. From there, you’ll have access to all the beauty of Whiteshell Provincial Park including popular hiking trails like the Centennial Trail, McGillvary Falls Trail and Top of the World Trail and mountain biking trails like Blue Highway.

Or, take a guided tour of the Bannock Petroforms, where Knowledge Keeper Diane Maytwayashing will provide an overview of the park and share Indigenous stories and teachings.

5. Red River North

For those who like to take in the scenery on a drive, River Road is both a visually striking and historical route to take in Manitoba. Along the way, you’ll pass by St. Andrew’s Rectory and Church - a quintessential example of Hudson Bay-style Red River architecture with grounds open year round. Continue your tour of historic buildings past Hay House, one of only a handful of stone houses left from the Red River Settlement era.

6. Oak Hammock Marsh

Just north of Winnipeg, Oak Hammock Marsh is one of the province’s best fall destinations for both stunning colours and incredible wildlife viewing. In September, tens of thousands of geese fill the sky during migration, an unforgettable sight that signals the changing seasons. The newly renovated interpretive centre adds even more to explore, with interactive exhibits and family-friendly programming. Be sure to check the events calendar for autumn highlights like migratory bird celebrations, astronomy nights and guided canoe excursions through the marsh.

7. Pinawa Suspension Bridge & Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park

A day in Pinawa is the perfect recipe for fall adventure. Start by crossing the Pinawa Heritage Suspension Bridge, measuring at about one metre wide and stretching 54 metres over the channel, where golden leaves and river views surround you in every direction. Continue your journey 20 minutes north to Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park, where forest trails and the stone ruins of Manitoba’s first hydroelectric dam create an enchanting backdrop. Pack a picnic to enjoy among the colours or simply wander and soak in the crisp autumn air.

Or, turn your day trip into an overnight escape aboard Voyageur Houseboats, where unique micro-cabins float right on the Pinawa Channel. Each one was handcrafted by a Canadian artisan woodworker and is equipped with all the essentials you’ll need for a weekend getaway, including kayaks for paddling the river and viewing the fall colours up close.

Original blog by Breanne Sewards.