Rivers Edge Resort

Elma

Located on Whitemouth River in the hamlet of Elma, Manitoba, Rivers Edge Resort is a quiet oasis for those looking to relax and have a touch of adventure. Seated on a property with panoramic views of the river, the location lends well to cross country skiing and skating. Head out for a days trip on the groomed snowmobile trails of the Eastern Snopals or take refuge inside the cabin while keeping an eye out for wildlife (lynx have been spotted in the area). If your dream winter weekend includes avoiding the kitchen at all costs, head 10 minutes down the road to The Spicy Radish Cafe. The cabins feature all the modern amenities including wifi – so in other words, your teens will love it.

Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Churchill

The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is a non-profit research and education facility, and certainly a unique choice for accommodation. Located east of the town of Churchill at the meeting of three major biomes (marine, northern boreal forest and tundra), the Centre provides accommodations, meals, equipment and logistical support for researchers and visitors. The Centre is also located close to Wapusk National Park, where polar bears den with their cubs. So, how do you stay in the smack dab middle of all of this incredible natural diversity? The first option is to volunteer at the centre, with all accommodations and meals provided in exchange for work. The second option is a learning vacation where visitors are led by scientists and expert guides to discover the history and wildlife of northern Manitoba. Winter learning vacations include Winter Skies: Aurora and Astronomy in Churchill (the 360° viewing bubble is the best way to watch the night sky), and North of 58°: Winter Ecology and Northern Culture.

Rossman Yurts

Rossburn

If you’re a fan of camping but aren’t quite ready for full blown winter camping, a yurt is the perfect compromise. Rossman Yurts are located on the sunny shores of Rossman Lake, northeast of Rossburn and a few minutes south of Riding Mountain National Park. The lakefront yurt sleeps up to 5 and is animal-friendly, making it perfect for the whole family – including pets!

Jackfish Lake Cabin

Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Located along the Epinette Creek trail system, Jackfish Lake Cabin is certainly no ordinary cabin. Those who wish to spend a rustic night in Spruce Woods Provincial Park need only make a reservation, then take to the Newfoundland Trail on snowshoe or ski. This gem of a cabin features an indoor stove, axe, firewood and sleeping bunks. Be sure to bring all the necessities such a blankets, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. This may not be a 5 star resort, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime Canadiana experience!

Falcon Trails Resort

Falcon Lake

If you’re looking for a dreamy, picturesque winter getaway, look no further. Falcon Trails Resort is located on Falcon Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park in a series of lakefront and remote hike-in eco cabins. Activity opportunities are endless, with private hot tubs, ice skating, snowshoeing and ski trails. The resort is just steps away are the Falcon Ridge Alpine Ski Slopes (Avalanche free since 1959), with alpine and nordic skiing, tubing, snowboarding, live music, ping pong, crokinole and more. A true winter paradise!

Moon Gate Guest House

Whitemouth River

Moon Gate Guest House is unique for a few reasons – first, the building was once an egg grading station as well as a wooden stir stick and tongue depressor factory, and second, it is geothermally heated and cooled. With those details aside, Moon Gate is quite simply an incredibly peaceful spot for a getaway within Manitoba. Winter birds feed outside the guest house window while the surrounding winding landscape makes for great snowshoeing and skiiing. With the tagline “Disconnect to Connect,” visitors can safely turn off all iPhones knowing there is no wifi on the property. Take advantage of this quiet retreat with a wander to the riverside gazebo, a rest in the soon-to-be-open sauna and a browse in the small gift shop featuring antiques, collectibles and local art.

Whispering Woods Cabins

Holland

Enter the Whispering Woods Cabins, surrounded by the white spruce, sand dunes and wildlife of southwestern Manitoba. Located north west of Holland in close proximity to Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Whispering Woods is a gem to visit in all seasons. By day, head outdoors for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing and snowshoeing. By night, fall asleep to the sound of coyotes singing their harmonies in the distance, curl up in front of the fireplace, or relax in the outdoor hot tub. This is heaven.