9 ways to combine adventure with great food in Manitoba

Posted May 30, 2023 | Author Breanne Sewards

Manitoba offers a tapestry of flavours to tantalize your taste buds. Add in a dash of adventure and you're sure to work up an appetite! Whether you prefer food cooked over the campfire, hot and fresh out of a wood-fired oven or served in style poolside, there's something for your heart (and stomach) in Manitoba.

Nature retreat, meet pizza night

Moon Gate Guest House

Indulge in the mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas of Moon Gate Guest House, located on the Whitemouth River. Every Friday (starting June 2, 2023), you can either pick up your pizza to-go or savour it on the beautiful grounds, made from scratch using local and organic ingredients. This year, a new menu is being introduced and a screened-in sunset patio is being constructed for an enhanced dining experience.

Elevate your pizza night by extending your stay and enjoying the cozy accommodations of the guest house. During your visit, immerse yourself in nature with a guided plant walk led by a knowledgeable Spirit Keeper. Discover the significance and uses of local plants as you explore the land, equipped with a basket and journal. Learn about edible plants, optimal harvesting times, and various medicinal plants for teas, poultices, and tinctures. Take home your own wild harvest and cherish the memories of this unique culinary and nature-filled experience.

Camping food = best food

Some of the best meals are made over the campfire. If you're still looking for your perfect camping site, consider a private campground!

Private campgrounds often provide a range of amenities such as swimming pools, hot showers, electrical and water hook-ups, and other recreational activities. These welcoming and family-friendly campgrounds can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home, and experience Manitoba's natural beauty in a unique and memorable way. Head over to the Manitoba Association of Campgrounds and Parks to browse a variety of campgrounds by amenities offered.

Once you're set up on your site, it's time to cook! Check out the HuntFishMB YouTube channel for some great over-the-campfire recipe ideas, or check out a concession stand at your campground. Here are just a few campgrounds that have restaurants or concession stands!

Oak Island Resort: Creemee

Rickers Campground: Buckets Store & Snack Bar

Netley Creek RV Park: Mallard Eatery

Rubber Ducky Resort: RDR Grill & Ice Cream

Explore, stay and eat

Turtle Mountain Resort

Lake Metigoshe has become a favoured summer retreat for locals and visitors alike, and at the heart of this community lies Turtle Mountain Resort. This cluster of roadside cabins serves as an ideal home base for exploring the area.

The resort's cozy cabins, adorned with rustic decor and artwork, offer a range of sizes and bedrooms with a fully stocked kitchen and provided linens, ensuring a comfortable stay.

The on-site Velvet Antler Café is a gem of the region, with decked-out burgers, hand-cut kettle chips, and even bannock-infused dishes on the menu. Among the signature dishes is the Métis Taco - with housemate chilli served on deep-fried bannock, topped with all the works. And what better way to start a summer’s day than with the Camper’s Special: Eggs, bacon or sausage, hash brown, coffee and toast? A classic for a reason! You won't go hungry here.

Nearby adventures include the public beach, the town of Boissevain, and Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, where you’ll find hiking trails and viewing towers.

Neighbourhood food tour

West End, Winnipeg

Embark on an extraordinary culinary journey through Winnipeg's West End neighbourhood with "Around the World in a Few Blocks," a captivating restaurant walking tour. Experience four local restaurants while immersing yourself in the neighbourhood's cultural tapestry.

With weekly-changing tours, we celebrate the culinary diversity that the West End proudly offers. This tour goes beyond food, providing a captivating narrative of the neighbourhood's people, places, and history.

Restaurant tours run throughout the summer, from June-August. Keep an eye on the West End Biz's tour page for upcoming dates and to book!

Take flight in Gimli

Gimli

If you're planning a day trip to Gimli, Manitoba, you're in for a treat! To start your day in this town on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, explore the local food scene. Gimli boasts several charming restaurants and cafes, perfectly suited for a sunny day. Try a local delicacy, pickerel, at town favourite Beach Boy Restaurant, dig into delicious pub food at Ship and Plough or nosh on a variety of specialty pizzas at Brennivins Pizza Hüs. Another unique option is Smile Thai; which serves up authentic Thai cuisine that you can enjoy on the beach.

Once you've grabbed a bite to eat, it's time to explore the fascinating world of aviation history at the Gimli Glider Exhibit. The museum commemorates the famous "Gimli Glider" incident that occurred in 1983 when an Air Canada Boeing 767 ran out of fuel mid-flight and made an emergency landing in Gimli. One of the museum's highlights is the flight simulator, where visitors can experience the thrill of piloting and landing an aircraft firsthand. It's an interactive experience that allows you to appreciate the skill and composure exhibited by the pilots during the actual incident.

Starting June 2, 2023: The Gimli Glider Exhibit is open Friday, Saturday and Monday from 11 to 4 pm, Sunday 12 to 4 pm. Bundle your visit with admissions to other aviation museums in Manitoba with our Flight Pass!

Bears, belugas and burgers

Churchill

Headed to the northern town of Churchill this summer? In between paddle boarding with belugas and watching polar bears lounging on the shores, stop into the Tundra Pub - a popular local haunt known for its tasty dishes like the Borealis Burger and Vegetarian Curry.

Travellers not on a packaged tour can book a stay at the Tundra Inn, located just across the street from the restaurant. This cozy, family-run hotel offers all the comforts of home you might need during your trip to Churchill.

For more information on your adventure north, check out our guide to summer in Churchill!

Rooftop pool party

Delta Winnipeg

For a contemporary and stylish city adventure, book a stay downtown at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg. While modern room and amenities are a given at the Delta, the true gem of this hotel lies on its rooftop – the dazzling pool area, providing an idyllic spot to soak up the sun while enjoying breathtaking views of the cityscape. If you work up an appetite lounging in the sun, order poolside from the on-site Blaze Restaurant and Lounge.

Also available during select times in the summer is the Blu Pool Bar & Terrace menu - featuring trendy cocktails and yummy appetizers. Check back to Delta Winnipeg to keep an eye on when the rooftop pool will open for the season!

Down the river

Souris

There are many reasons to visit the small town of Souris this summer - the free-roaming peacocks, the suspension bridge, the Agate pits...the list goes on! Newer to the town's landscape is River Rat Rentals, a local rental company that aims to get you exploring on the scenic Souris River. Located on the dock at Victoria Park, River Rat rents out a variety of vessels such as kayaks, canoes and paddle boards.

To pair this adventure with food, explore the town’s culinary scene. Local favourites include Minary Homestyle Bakery (for all your baked good needs), The Dairy Bar (for classic summer drive-in fare), 49 Degrees (for specialty coffees, ice cream and sandwiches) and Woodfire Deli (for the most delicious woodfire pizzas).

Stylish meeting place

The Forks, Winnipeg

At Inn at the Forks, sophistication and comfort blend seamlessly in each of their guest rooms, providing an exceptional experience. Prepare for a remarkable night's sleep while indulging in the modern elements of the accommodations. Staying with Inn at the Forks brings you closer to the vibrant atmosphere of The Forks, one of Winnipeg's top destinations and a traditional meeting place for thousands of years. Immerse yourself in a plethora of activities, including shopping, boat and walking tours, and a delightful food market.

And what better way to savour the summer season than by raising a toast on a patio? Located onsite at Inn at the Forks, SMITH is a contemporary restaurant that not only boasts a stylish Canadiana design but also offers a fantastic menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

About The Author

Hey! I'm Breanne, Editorial Content Specialist for Travel Manitoba. First to jump in the lake and last to make it down the River Trail. Lover of croissants, cats, and croissant-shaped cats. Got a story idea? Email me at bsewards@travelmanitoba.com.

Editorial Content Specialist