1. Gimli day trip

Center your trip on the Gimli Glider Museum, a small but mighty museum that recounts the harrowing and incredible tale of the Air Canada Flight 143, a Canadian passenger plane that ran out of fuel on July 23, 1983. Get to know this amazing aviation event through the eyes of the individuals who saw it unfold - and then try landing a plane yourself via the flight simulator.

After your visit to the museum, there's plenty to do in this small town along the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Wander the shops and grab a bite to eat along the town's main strip (highly recommend Flatland Coffee Roasters and Beach Boy Restaurant) before enjoying a day in the sand.

Other must-dos in the town include snapping a photo with the Viking Statue (there may or may not be huldufolk hiding nearby...) and taking a stroll along the Gimli Harbour Seawall, where hopeful anglers set up for the day's catch.

You can also plan to visit during one of the town's summer festivals, The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba or the Gimli Film Festival.

Check out our Beachy Keen road trip for a full itinerary along Lake Winnipeg.

2. Brandon day trip

Hit the road to Manitoba's second largest city, Brandon, where you'll find the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. The museum preserve a unique piece of aviation history and is in fact Canada’s only museum solely dedicated to the WWII British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Take your visit to the next level (literally) by booking a flight in one of the museum's airworthy aircraft, including a Tiger Moth, Cornell, and Harvard.

While in Brandon, there are a ton of restaurants to choose from including local favourites like Sabor Latino and The Dock on Princess. Spend some time in nature, walking the trails at the Riverbank Discovery Centre or support local by perusing shops like Lady on the Lake and Charlow. Making the trek to Crow's General Store is a must for yummy ice cream and antique finds.

If your visit falls on a Tuesday, head to Princess Park for live music all throughout the summer.

Get more ideas for adventures to and from Brandon with our Wild West Wanderings road trip.

3. West Winnipeg day trip

Located at the Winnipeg airport and officially reopened after a major renovation, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is bigger and better than ever. Experience the wonder and magic of the early days of aviation and learn about a number of important historical figures in Manitoba's and Canada's history. Among its 17 exhibits, the museum houses one of the most significant bush plane collections in the world. Kids will love the space-themed play zone while plane enthusiasts can pass quite a bit of time in the observation lounge, watching aircrafts take flight.

While on this west end of Winnipeg, there are a number of other spots to check out before or after your museum visit. For a quick bite to eat, grab a burger and fries from St. James Burger & Chip Co. before choosing one of two (or why not both?!) beloved sweet spots for dessert: High Tea Bakery or Sargent Sundae. Next, cross the foot bridge into Assiniboine Park where you can visit the animals at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, check out the new Gardens at the Leaf or wander peacefully through the park's many pathways.

Just a bit further south is Outlet Collection Winnipeg, where you can get in some last minute shopping before your short visit to Winnipeg is through. Or...why not extend your trip with an overnight stay at one of our capital city's many hotels?

For even more Winnipeg trip ideas, visit our road trip guide.

Ready to get started on your aviation adventure? Buy the Flight Pass here!