Outdoor Activities & Nature Experiences

1. Camping season kicks off in spring! With most of our provincial park campgrounds open by mid-May, it’s finally time to pitch a tent and enjoy the spring greenery. Whiteshell Provincial Park offers many options, whether you’re looking for a bustling campground or a more secluded backcountry camping spot, while Duck Mountain Provincial Park has the benefit of Duck Mountain Provincial Forest and the stunning East and West Blue Lakes to explore. Mark your calendar for when campground reservations open. Riding Mountain National Park reservations are already up for grabs.

2. Dust off those hiking boots…hiking season is here! Try the Pine Point Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Little Steep Rock Trail near the village of Steep Rock or Turtle’s Back Loop in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.

3. Did you know that Manitoba has the largest known concentration of red-sided garter snakes in the world? Head to Narcisse to witness thousands of snakes wriggle together in huge mating balls, a sight that must be seen to be believed.

4. Spend some time in nature on one of the province’s many biking trails. The Northgate Trails in Dauphin, Bison Butte Recreational Trails at FortWhyte Alive and the Atikameg Trails in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park are fantastic places to start.

5. The prairie crocus is Manitoba’s official flower, so what better way to celebrate spring than to see thousands of them bloom in mid-April? Head to Arden to see this phenomenon, where you can also see the World's Largest Crocus Monument.

6. Fishing season begins in May, and there are a few spots that are ideal for dropping a line early. Check out Lake Winnipeg for greenback walleye, Lake of the Prairies for northern pike, Lake Athapapuskow for lake trout and Lake Manitoba for freshwater drum.

7. Manitoba’s marshes come alive with wildlife in spring. Head to FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg, Oak Hammock Marsh in Stonewall, Grassy Narrows Marsh on Hecla Island, Ominnik Marsh in Riding Mountain or Delta Marsh near Portage la Prairie to witness the return of numerous bird species. Pembina Valley is also famous for its spring bird migration, especially for raptors like hawks and eagles.

8. For golfers, warmer weather means one thing: the courses are open! Head to Pleasant Valley Golf Club in Belmont, Swan River Golf and Country Club or the Lakeview Hecla Golf Course for some of the best golfing in the province.

9. With Manitoba’s rivers and lakes now thawing, waterfalls are in full flow once again. Check out Rainbow Falls, Whitemouth Falls, Wekusko Falls, Pisew Falls, or, for a challenging hiking and backcountry camping experience, Kwasitchewan Falls.

10. Shake off the winter with a day out at Hywire Zipline Adventures in Pembina Valley, where you can enjoy ziplining, mini golf, a bush maze, hiking trails and an outdoor patio.

Spring Festivals & Major Events in Manitoba

11. Brandon’s Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, held at the end of March, is a fun way to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. The agricultural event includes show jumping, competitions, livestock displays and live entertainment.

12. Pride season is here! Celebrate Manitoba’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community with the Pride Winnipeg Festival, Brandon Pride Week, the Pembina Valley Pride March, Steinbach Pride and many more throughout the warmer months.

13. Head to the annual Kidsfest at the Forks in early June, where live music, daredevil circus acts and hilarious comedians will wow you and the whole family.

14. June brings the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival to town. Featuring Canadian and international musicians specializing in a wide range of jazz genres, head to the Exchange District for ticketed events and free outdoor performances.

15. Calling all runners: the Manitoba Marathon is held every June in Winnipeg. With numerous races to choose from - everything from the 5 km Super Run to the Full Marathon - it’s always bound to be a monumental day.

16. The Prairie Wind Music Fest in Cypress River is perfect for those who love discovering up-and-coming Canadian talent. Experience three days of diverse music at this small festival that has a big heart.

17. June means it’s time for the Red River Ex! Make your way to the world’s largest travelling fair, where the midway rides, live entertainment and tasty concessions will thrill you.

18. Get ready to have a blast at one of the province’s many fairs and street festivals in June, including Summer in the City in Steinbach, the Niverville Fair, and the Ellice Street Festival hosted by the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg.

19. Kicking off in mid-June, enjoy a bit of music in the fresh air with the Rockin' Gimli Harbour Concert Series.

20. The Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition of Technology, Innovation, and Creativity, or MEMETIC for short, is back in Winnipeg in early June. Head to Old Market Square for free techno, dub and house music events.

Arts, Culture & Museums to Explore this Spring

21. When we think of spring, we think of flowers. Spend time at the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and the outdoor gardens at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park to see all of the new blossoms.

22. Many seasonal museums around the province open in spring. Check out the Maritime Museum of Manitoba in Selkirk, the Commonwealth Air Training Museum in Brandon or the Pembina Threshermen’s Museum in Morden-Winkler.

23. Make your way to the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain in Winnipeg at the end of March to experience Unsolved: A Cirque Mystery. This aerial show is filled with mesmerizing performances and a few secrets beneath the big top.

24. Learn about human rights at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, where the award-winning exhibition Love in a Dangerous Time explores a little known part of Canada's history,

25. Classical music fans have many options to enjoy in spring, including the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival in May and numerous shows presented by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

26. History buffs rejoice: there are over a dozen forts in Manitoba. Explore Manitoba’s past by visiting Lower Fort Garry in St. Andrews, Fort Dauphin in Dauphin, Fort la Reine in Portage la Prairie, Fort Dufferin in Emerson or the Prince of Wales Fort in Churchill.

27. Grab a coffee and take a walking tour of some of the province’s best murals on a warm spring day. Check out the murals in Churchill, Brandon, Gimli’s harbour or Winnipeg’s West End.

28. Visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq for their new spring exhibits, including Ningiukulu Teevee: Stories from Kinngait, a collection of works by Inuit artist Ningiukulu (Ning) Teevee.

29. Doors Open Winnipeg in May is a once-a-year occasion that opens architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings to the public. Don’t miss the chance to explore some of the city’s most secretive spots!

30. Ready to laugh? The Winnipeg Comedy Festival returns to the Gas Station Arts Centre for six days of humour featuring a variety of performers. The festival is celebrating 25 years in June!

Best Spring Dining, Markets & Culinary Experiences

31. Head to the Manitoba Taste of Asia festival at the end of May for food, performances, art and cultural exchange.

32. Sample Winnipeg’s incredible Indigenous culinary scene. Some of the standouts include Promenade Brasserie, Feast Cafe Bistro, Shelly's Indigenous Bistro and Hambo’s Restaurant.

33. As the temperatures start to climb, so do the ice cream cravings! Ice cream shops and drive-ins around the province are finally opening their doors again. Try a cone from Syl’s Drive Inn in Carman, Connie's Drive In in Russell, Dari Isle Drive-In in Minnedosa or Sub Zero in Winnipeg.

34. Dine at Table for 1200 in Winnipeg, an event that brings together food and art through an outdoor “pop-up” experience with a location that’s only revealed the day of the event.

35. Try one of Manitoba’s Nordic spas, including Klar So at the Elkhorn Resort in Onanole or Thermea Spa Village in Winnipeg. Soothe your body, mind and spirit as you alternate between the hot and cool temperatures of the various pools and saunas.

36. It’s finally patio season again! Hit up some of Winnipeg’s best patios on a warm spring evening, including Little Brown Jug, Bonnie Day, The Common at The Forks, Gusto North or The Roost on Corydon.

37. With spring comes the arrival of farmers’ markets, a chance to purchase local fruits and vegetables, flowers and crafts. The Arnes Farmers’ Market near Gimli, East St. Paul Farmers' Market and Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market in Winnipeg are some of the best.

38. It’s no secret that Manitoba is home to many fantastic breweries. Take your love of beer a step further by heading to the Beer is Art Festival in April.

39. We’re Canadian, of course we love maple syrup! Celebrate all things sweet with one of the province’s maple syrup festivals, including the Manitoba Maple Syrup Festival in McCreary or the Sugaring Off Festival in St-Pierre-Jolys.

40. Pineridge Hollow is perfect for a day trip, with multiple dining options, shops featuring local products, a farmers’ market and a petting zoo that welcomes baby animals from Oak Knoll Farm each spring.

41. Winnipeg is home to an exciting culinary scene, filled with restaurants that offer innovative menus and inviting atmospheres. Check out some of the city’s newest spots, including Colleen, Naan Culture, Baby Baby, Shirley’s, Snack Häus, SOHO Kitchen and Wine, MLYN Ukrainian Restaurant and Peacock Kitchen and Drinks, which was previously the award-winning Yujiro.

Road Trips, Sports and Unique Excursions

42. For those craving a bit of adventure, head out on a road trip through northwestern Manitoba after the snow thaws. Highlights include the Sam Waller Museum in The Pas, Clearwater Lake, fishing in Bakers Narrows, the Cranberry Portage Heritage Museum and saying hello to the Flintabbatey Flonatin statue in Flin Flon.

43. Get to know Thompson by walking or biking the Millennium Trail, a 15 km loop around the city’s perimeter. Highlights include the numerous sculptures and murals honouring the local wolves.

44. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a stay in one of the log cabins at Falcon Beach Ranch. Enjoy horseback riding in the day and then relax with the communal fire pit, cedar log sauna and outdoor hot tub in the evening.

45. Stay in one of the province’s geodesic domes, such as Glamping Instead in Stead, Wanderlust Domes in Dropmore or Ravens Hollow in Flin Flon to bask in all the emerging greenery and blooming flowers of spring.

46. Celebrate the music of a jazz legend with The Jazz Room: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. With two dates this spring, enjoy some of her most iconic songs and greatest hits in an intimate setting.

47. Take me out to the ballgame, indeed! The Winnipeg Goldeyes return to the diamond at Blue Cross Park in May, so take advantage of the longer evenings with a baseball game and a couple of hot dogs.

48. ’Tis the season for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, so make sure to pick up a gift or two at one of the province’s many craft markets, including Lucky Girl and Scattered Seeds.

49. Test your skills at one of the province’s many escape rooms. Perfect for a rainy day activity, try The Puzzler Escape Rooms in Steinbach or The Real Escape in Winnipeg.

50. Just because Valentine’s Day is behind us doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in a little romance. Check out the couples packages at the Inn at the Forks or the Fort Garry Hotel.