Whether you're arriving in your RV from Ontario or entering from Saskatchewan, Highway 1 offers the perfect route to discover the province’s scenic parks, charming small towns and vibrant city centres. This guide will take you across Manitoba with curated stops local favourites and detour-worthy destinations that make every kilometre memorable.

Part 1: Ontario Border to Winnipeg

Travel Manitoba Visitor Information Centre

Your first stop in Manitoba should be the Travel Manitoba Visitor Information Centre at the Manitoba/Ontario border. The centre is open Thursday to Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM, mid-June to mid-September. Find free literature, travel counselling services and any information you need to plan your adventure in Manitoba.

Whiteshell Provincial Park

Upon entering Manitoba on highway 1, you'll quickly find yourself in the beauty of Whiteshell Provincial Park. Start by exploring the southern region of this park with the option to venture deeper north, or continue along to other destinations.

Choose between West Hawk Lake and Falcon Lake (or both), two gems of the Whiteshell, to rest your head or explore. West Hawk Lake, carved by a meteor and known for its crystal-clear waters, boasts a lively beach scene, bustling marina and rugged trails like the challenging Hunt Lake Trail and the scenic Dragon Fire Trail. Dine at Hi-Point Restaurant or grab a casual bite at Meteor Mike’s, Nite Hawk Café or Crescent Beach Cottages. Just down the road, Falcon Lake invites laid-back exploration with beach days, boardwalk strolls and sweet shopping stops like The Laughing Loon Gift Shop. Outdoor enthusiasts can hit the Top of the World hike for sweeping views or go horseback riding at Falcon Beach Ranch. Refuel at cozy spots like Falcon Lake Bakery Bistro or Owl Wing Coffee House, then tee off at the scenic Falcon Lake Golf Course.

Where to Stay in Whiteshell Provincial Park: Consider options such as Campgrounds, Otter Falls Resort, Nutimik Lodge, Pinewood Lodge, White Lake Resort, Brereton Lake Resort, Tallpine Lodges, Falcon Beach Ranch, Falcon Trails Resort, The Hotel at Falcon Lake, Barrier Bay Resort, Falcon Cove RV Park, Inverness Falls Resort, Caddy Lake Resort, Riverview Lodge, Whiteshell Lake Resort, Betula Lake Resort and Big Whiteshell Lodge.

Next, continue along highway 1 and choose your own adventure. There are many towns, cities and attractions to stop into along the way - here are just a few ideas below!

Richer

Stop into Richer to check out Musée Dawson Trail Museum - featuring a Romanesque style church, a century old cemetery, stone grotto, artifact displays and guided tours.

Ste. Anne and Ste. Genevieve

Plan ahead to visit Borealis Beading for a workshop that allows you to experience Métis culture and history through beadwork, food and nature. Also nearby in Ste. Anne and area is a variety of local eateries like Vicky's Drive Inn as well as the Oakwood Golf Course and Lilac Resort: RV, Lodging and Water Park.

Lorette

Before taking a short turn into Lorette, stop at the Centre of Canada sign for a photo op and a picnic area. Then, continue to Lorette to find the Lorette Golf Course and Brian's Drive-In for a bite to eat.

Part 2: Winnipeg

Continue along highway 1 until you reach Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital city! If you’ve only got a day or two to explore Winnipeg, it's time to take in some of the city’s most iconic sights. Start at The Forks, where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet and where people have gathered for thousands of years. Stroll the river walk, explore public art and browse local finds at The Forks Market and Johnston Terminal. Grab a bite or sip craft wine and beer at the outdoor patio at The Common, then make your way to the awe-inspiring Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Whether you tour the 11 inspiring galleries or simply take in the architecture and views from the Israel Asper Tower of Hope, the experience is unforgettable.

Just across the Esplanade Riel from The Forks, St. Boniface invites you into the heart of Francophone culture in Manitoba. As Western Canada’s largest Francophone community, this vibrant neighbourhood blends history, architecture and culinary charm. Wander past the striking Saint Boniface Cathedral, where old stone arches frame the modern church and Metis leader Louis Riel’s tomb lies on the grounds. Explore more at Musée Saint Boniface Museum’s temporary exhibit space or visit Maison Gabrielle Roy, home of the beloved author. For a taste of the neighbourhood, start your morning with flaky pastries at La Belle Baguette and fuel up with a latte at Café Postal.

Dig further into this intriguing neighbourhood by taking a historical or culinary tour with Ô Tours. Or, visit on a Thursday for Jeudis Franco Thursdays with activities throughout the entire day.

Head to the Exchange District, a National Historic Site filled with beautifully preserved early 1900s architecture, now home to local boutiques, cozy cafés and Winnipeg’s thriving arts scene. Don’t miss a visit to the Manitoba Museum, where you can walk through immersive galleries featuring everything from the animals of the boreal forest and the fur trade to a replica Hudson’s Bay Company ship and 1919 Winnipeg. Also downtown is WAG-Qaumajuq, where more than 14,000 pieces of Inuit art and rotating exhibitions inspire conversation and connection.

If you time it right, catch the electric energy of a home game featuring the Blue Bombers, Sea Bears, Goldeyes or Valour FC — Winnipeg knows how to cheer on its teams.

Winnipeg also offers easy access to nature, culture and relaxation. Spend the day at Assiniboine Park, home to the world-class Zoo and the Journey to Churchill exhibit, where polar bears swim overhead in the Sea Ice Passage. Also within the park, explore the vibrant biomes of The Leaf or unwind in the tranquil Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.

Just minutes away, FortWhyte Alive offers hiking trails, lake rentals and even bison safaris—all next to shopping at Seasons of Tuxedo.

For something completely relaxing, the outdoor Thermëa Spa Village offers a rejuvenating hot-cold-rest cycle, with saunas, pools and firepits to warm your soul.

In the Francophone community of St. Norbert, shop and snack at the lively Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market and stroll through the historic Trappist Monastery Ruins and St. Norbert Heritage Park. Nearby, get hands-on with prairie life during the Experience Aurora Tour, a guided walk through Aurora Farm where you'll meet goats, alpacas, chickens, and more—while learning about sustainability, Indigenous teachings and the unique animals and products that make the farm special.

There are a number of festivals and events that happen in Winnipeg over the summer including Folklorama, Winnipeg Fringe Festival and more.

For more ideas, visit our Visitor Information Centre at The Forks.

Part 3: Winnipeg to Brandon

Head west out of Winnipeg - the next adventure begins again along highway 1!

Beaudry Provincial Park

Just outside of Winnipeg, Beaudry Provincial Park's forest is home to some of the largest cottonwood, basswood and maple trees in the region. There are a few trails to choose from, but consider the Wild Grape and Elm Trail that will take you along the south bank of the Assiniboine River.

St-François-Xavier

Take a small detour to this community to see the White Horse, created by Winnipeg sculptor George Barone to honour the Indigenous legend of the White Horse Plain, which tells the tragic story of a Cree chief and his Assiniboine bride.

Portage la Prairie

Just an hour west of Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie offers a laid-back blend of prairie charm and family fun. Island Park is perfect for picnics, trails and scenic strolls by the windmill. If you prefer to get on the water, kayak rentals are available. Along the Assiniboine River, the Junk Yard Dogs Bike Club maintains a network of technical trails perfect for adventurous riders—with winding paths and features to test your skills. Prefer a slower pace? These scenic trails are just as enjoyable on foot.

For strawberry picking, visit in June and choose from Connery’s Berry Farm and Mayfair Farms. Another great option is Riverbend Orchards, which offers tart cherries, gooseberries, haskap, Saskatoons and apples.

Fort la Reine Museum brings local history to life through 25 heritage buildings, while the nearby CPR Station and Heritage Park showcases the legacy of the railway industry with a model railway display and self-guided historic tours. Just outside the city, the National Indigenous Residential School Museum stands as a powerful place of remembrance and healing, honouring the experiences of residential school survivors through moving exhibits and artifacts.

Grab a bite at spots like Bill’s Sticky Fingers, Over the Coals or train-themed Lita’s Station, then snap a photo with the World’s Largest Coca-Cola Can or Canada's Largest Great Grey Owl. For indoor climbing or bowling, make the quick drive to Central Plains Rec Plex in Southport. Cool off at Splash Island Waterpark or venture out to Delta Marsh, Delta Beach or St. Ambroise Provincial Park for birdwatching and lakeside views. Nearby golf courses include Southport Golf Club and Portage Golf Club.

Music fans should plan their visit around the annual Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival, August 23 to 24, 2025.

Where to stay while in Portage la Prairie: Options include Canad Inns, The Ox and Bow, Ofty’s Riverside Campground and more.

Austin

Home to one of Canada’s largest collections of antique farm equipment, the Manitoba Agricultural Museum offers a fascinating look at Manitoba’s agricultural roots. Explore the charming Homesteader’s Village, where the Carrothers’ House stands as a tribute to early 1900s prairie farm life. Visit from July 24 to 27, 2025 to experience the Manitoba Threshermen's Reunion and Stampede festival!

Carberry

A short drive off highway 1, enter the town of Carberry as your gateway to Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Grab a few pastries or a loaf of bread from the historic Modern Bakery before making your way south. Sand Hills Casino is also on the way if you're feeling lucky.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Spruce Woods Provincial Park is a gem of a park where sand dunes meet forest trails. Stay in one of the park’s cozy yurts at Kiche Manitou Campground for a rustic-yet-comfortable base or book a regular spot. Explore the unique landscape of Spirit Sands by wagon with stops at the Devil’s Punchbowl and sand dunes or test your short game on the shaded mini-golf course nearby.

Cool off at Kiche Manitou beach, with watercraft rentals and a sandy shoreline that invites relaxation. At the Interpretive Centre, dig into the park’s natural history and local wildlife. The park is also a dark-sky preserve, making for excellent star gazing.

Shilo

The Royal Canadian Artillery Museum shares the stories of over 200,000 Gunners who have served Canada. Through artifacts and exhibits, gain a deeper understanding of the country’s military history and the sacrifices made in times of war.

Part 4: Brandon to Saskatchewan border

Brandon

Brandon, known as the Wheat City, has more going on beneath its prairie skyline than meets the eye. Start your exploration in the historic HUB district, where century-old buildings along Rosser Avenue house vibrant local businesses and artisan shops. Faded ghost signs and heritage façades are a reminder of the city's early prosperity, while colourful murals breathe new life into downtown walls. Use Brandon Tourism’s online map to guide your own mural tour before browsing the collections of the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba.

The Riverbank Discovery Centre is where you'll find a visitor centre as well as 17 kilometres of trails that hug the Assiniboine River and lead to scenic bridges, festival spaces and quiet moments in nature. You can also rent a kayak to explore more of the river. For more green spaces and picnic spots, visit Brandon Tourism.

The city’s past is proudly on display at two standout museums. Daly House Museum, the former home of Brandon’s first mayor, offers a look at Victorian life and manicured gardens worth a stroll. Meanwhile, aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, located in an original WWII hangar and filled with aircraft and artifacts.

The city hosts a number of festivals, concerts and events, including a summer farmers' market, the Manitoba Summer Fair (June 4 to 8, 2025), Canada Day Celebrations and more.

Surrounding Brandon is a landscape of unexpected beauty. Head to Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area for winding single-track mountain bike routes, hiking loops and birdwatching across 700+ hectares of rolling terrain. To the west, Grand Valley Provincial Park hides a rich Indigenous history, with interpretive trails and a viewing tower overlooking the Assiniboine River. The Stott historic site here marks a former bison impoundment and village, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's early inhabitants.

Golf courses in and around the city include Deer Ridge Golf Course, Glen Lea Golf Course, Northern Pines Golf Course, Sunnyside Golf Club and Wheat City Golf Course.

Where to stay in Brandon: Choose from a variety of campgrounds, hotels, B&Bs and unique stays like Oak Haven Oasis and Nature's Hideaway.

Next, it's time for the final stretch toward the Saskatchewan border! Here are just a few more stops to make along the way.

Oak Lake

Head 30 minutes west of Souris for a day spent at the beach at Oak Lake Provincial Park. Oak Lake is a beloved summer destination in southwest Manitoba—lined with vintage 1940s and '50s cabins and timeless iron archways. The family-friendly beach is a lively hub and is home to Creemee’s vintage ice cream shop—a must for a cool summer treat. Beyond the shore, the expansive lake buzzes with boating, tubing and excellent fishing, while the nearby Oak Island Golf Resort draws players to its stunning 18-hole course set among prairie wetlands.

Next, get back onto to highway 1 and continue for another hour toward the border. Here are just a few more stops to make before leaving Manitoba:

Eternal Springs

Eternal Springs is a serene natural escape known for its scenic swinging bridge, forested walking trails and the bubbling spring that gives the site its name. The adventure begins with a 10 km gravel-road drive through the rolling Assiniboine River valley—a journey as rewarding as the destination itself.

Virden

Virden blends rich history with small-town creativity. Explore the restored CPR Historic Centre, home to the Arts Mosaic Gallery and Mosaic Market, where local artwork and handcrafted finds take the spotlight. Virden’s heritage shines through in its grand historic homes, churches like St. Mary’s Anglican with Leo Mol stained glass and the Aud Theatre—the oldest opera house in Western Canada. Boutique lovers can browse stylish pieces at Shari Lyn Fashions and Garb & Guise, while summer Fridays bring the lively Virden Farmers’ Market to life with fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted treasures.

Treat yourself at The Sweet Spot Bakery, famous for decadent cupcakes and cookie sandwiches. Cool off at Ice Cream Island with cold brewed Earl Grey iced tea or classic soft serve and don’t miss their ranch-sourced burgers. Just outside town, Joe Dandy’s Drive-In in Oak Lake serves up massive bison burgers and legendary onion rings.

Rent a kayak from StillWater Adventures and paddle Salt Lake. Golfers can tee off at Virden Wellview, Manitoba’s oldest course or explore scenic fairways at Oak Island Golf and Elkhorn Golf & Country Club.

Elkhorn

Step into the past at the Manitoba Antique Auto Museum in Elkhorn, where over 80 vintage vehicles and quirky artifacts paint a vivid picture of early prairie life.

Kirkella Visitor Information Centre

Doing this road trip from the opposite direction? Make our Travel Manitoba Kirkella Visitor Information Centre your first stop! Located at the Manitoba/Saskatchewan Boundary, on highway 1, open Thursday to Monday, 9 AM to 5 PM, mid-June through mid-September 2025.