The Basics

• September and October are prime months to experience fall migration at Oak Hammock Marsh.
• Oak Hammock Marsh and King Korn Maze offer experiences in both French and English.
• Riding Mountain National Park offers fall colours, wildlife viewing and bilingual visitor services.
• The Dawson Trail combines fall scenery with stops in welcoming Francophone communities.
• Check operating dates and hours before travelling, as many fall experiences are seasonal.

French-Language Fall Experiences in Manitoba

Oak Hammock Marsh: Where Hundreds of Thousands of Birds Gather

Oak Hammock Marsh, just 40 km north of Winnipeg, is one of the province’s natural gems and, in fall, it becomes the setting for a spectacular seasonal show. Hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese converge from all directions to land on the marsh, making September and October two of the most spectacular months to visit. How can this phenomenon be explained?

“The marsh acts like a gas station on a highway in the sky,” explains Jacques Bourgeois, an interpreter at the centre. “Migratory birds following the Mississippi Flyway — one of North America’s major migratory routes — stop here to rest and refuel before continuing on their way to the Gulf of Mexico.”

In the morning, they take flight: the birds leave the marsh in an explosion of feathers and flapping wings. In the evening, they return.

“It’s like fireworks. There are birds flying across the sky from every direction,” he adds. “It’s magical.”

And you can experience it all in French: Jacques Bourgeois and his colleagues offer these activities in both official languages, making it a top destination for French-speaking visitors.

The 2026 fall programming is particularly extensive. On Sept. 13, a field science day will offer a chance to discover the research techniques of Ducks Unlimited. On Sept. 26 and 27, the Migration Festival will be in full swing, featuring live bird banding. Visitors may even have the opportunity to hold a bird. “Bird Return” evenings are offered until Thanksgiving and come in several formats: a “wine and cheese” version on select Thursdays and a “family” version with grilled cheese and hot dogs for kids on weekends. And on Sept. 17, astronomy sessions resume. A guide will explain how birds use the stars to navigate.

Open until Thanksgiving. During migration, hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | oakhammockmarsh.ca

King Korn Maze: A Story of Family, Corn and Franco-Manitoban Pride

In Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, a French-speaking village about an hour south of Winnipeg, a group of young siblings created something unique nine years ago. Janik, Justin and Taya Grenier were 12, 15 and 10 years old, respectively, when the idea was born around the dinner table: how could they attract visitors to their community?

“It’s a Franco-Manitoban attraction, and that fills us with pride,” Janik says. “Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes is not just our home — it’s where we grew up. It’s a place that lives in our hearts. So we’re very proud to offer our services here, in both French and English.”

Nearly nine years later, the result is impressive: a corn maze, a mini-golf course, giant hamster balls, a bouncy pillow, a pyramid with a slide, a reception hall in a barn and, as a major new addition this year, a cornhole golf course.

“I’m pretty sure this concept exists in only four places in the United States, and nowhere else in Canada,” says Janik.

It’s yet another source of pride for this family, which has turned its family-owned cornfield into a full Franco-Manitoban tourist destination.

Open as of Sept. 5, 2026 | kingkornmaze.com

More Fall Experiences Worth Exploring

Riding Mountain National Park

Riding Mountain National Park offers spectacular fall colours, from golden larches to vibrant oaks, along with opportunities to see bison and elk during the fall season. The team at the Wasagaming Visitor Centre is fully bilingual, and a new, easy and accessible trail, the 1.2-km Boreal Loop, starts in Wasagaming.

Florence Berrier, visitor experience team leader, strongly recommends that everyone “visit the visitor centre: you’ll find the best and most up-to-date information there.”

The visitor centre is open until Thanksgiving, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | pc.gc.ca/riding

Explore the Dawson Trail

Finally, east of Winnipeg, the Dawson Trail — the first all-Canadian route connecting the Great Lakes to the Prairies — offers a self-guided driving tour through magnificent fall scenery and welcoming Francophone communities. Fifteen information markers and permanent art exhibitions line the route from Richer to Lorette.

Learn more at dawsontrailtreasures.ca.

Plan Your Fall Trip

Fall experiences in Manitoba are highly seasonal, so check operating hours, event dates and availability before you go. September and early October are particularly rewarding for migration, fall colours and outdoor attractions. Consider layering clothing for changing temperatures and building extra time into your trip to explore nearby communities and attractions.

Experience Fall in Manitoba in French

Fall in Manitoba is full of experiences that bring nature and Francophone culture together. Migrating birds at Oak Hammock Marsh, family fun at King Korn Maze and scenic drives through French-speaking communities each offer a different way to experience the season. Plan a fall getaway and discover Manitoba in French.