5 cute and quaint towns in Manitoba that will inspire your next road trip

Posted March 02, 2018 | Author Breanne Sewards

We listed 5 outrageously charming towns in Manitoba, knowing full well that our selections were just the tip of the iceberg when it came to cute communities in the province. To inspire you to get out and explore our province even further this spring and summer, here are 5 more adorable towns to put on the map!

Carman

Settled in 1870 and incorporated in 1905, Carman is a gem of a town with plenty of amenities and activities to enjoy. Stay at one of the three bed and breakfasts: Bell Aura, Blue Crescent Hotel or Riverwalk, and enjoy this quaint town's natural surroundings. Explore 6 km of pathway through scenic Carman, golf an 18-hole course, bring a group for beach volleyball in King's Park, or go bowling at the local alley. Plan your trip in conjunction with festivals such as the Carman Country Fair and Blizzard Fest.

Don't leave without stopping in at the famous Syl's Drive Inn or the Carman Bakery & Pastry Shop for a bite to eat!

Arborg

We love our roadside attractions, which means we love Arborg, home to the World's Largest Curling Rock. But aside from this frighteningly large statue, Arborg is a charming town to visit on a day trip through the Interlake. The historic main street includes the CPR station (which now houses the public library) and the much-adored Arborg Bakery.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take a walk down the many trails and paths along the stunning Icelandic River, or bring a kayak to explore the waterway.

In the summertime, cross the walking bridge to the Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village where you'll find historic homes, a church, a school and more.

Holland

No, you don't have to go overseas to see Holland. We have our very own right here in Manitoba, named after the first postmaster Arthur Holland. The picturesque small town has fully embraced the Dutch vibes of its name, with its famous windmill roadside attraction garnering dozens upon dozens of photo-ops each summer by those passing through.

Less than a two-hour drive from Winnipeg, Holland makes for an excellent stop to admire its scenic rolling hills and quaint main street. In the town is the Gothic-style Holland Emmanuel Historical Church and the impressive Tiger Hills Art Centre, which features local artists each month. Insider tip: Stop into The Hollander restaurant for some excellent and authentic homemade samosas!

Altona

As the Sunflower Capital of Canada, it's no surprise that the town of Altona is an absolute delight to visit. As a warm welcome into town, you can't miss the 76'6" high painting, a recreation of one of Vincent Van Gogh's sunflower paintings from the late 1800s by artist Cameron Cross. In celebration of its most beautiful natural feature, Altona has hosted the Manitoba Sunflower Festival each summer since 1964 (July 27-29, 2018). Summer also brings the opening of the awesome Aquatic Centre, featuring a 133-foot waterslide, a Junior Olympic-size pool, and a splash pad with a jumbo spraying sunflower.

Perhaps one of Altona's greatest and most beautiful achievements is the Gallery in the Park, located in the restored Schwartz Heritage Home adjacent to Altona Centennial Park. The gallery and sculpture garden houses remarkable work from artists in Manitoba and beyond, and certainly makes for a lovely walk during the summer months. The Gallery in the Park opens for the season on June 8, 2018.

Boissevain

If you're hitting the road for the gorgeous International Peace Gardens, a stop in Boissevain only makes sense. Start your adventure into town by saying hello to Tommy the Turtle, the town's mascot and roadside attraction. Boissevain is home to a number of unique museums, including the eclectic Irvin Goodon International Wildlife Museum, with over 4,000 sq. ft. of interactive exhibits.

The town's outdoor art gallery, a Manitoba Star Attraction, tells the history of the area in mural format. There are over 20 painted murals that narrate the town's story, with guided maps available in the Visitor Centre.

If you plan to overnight, consider one of the B&Bs in town: Room to Grow or The Loft Bed & Breakfast.

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