Feel the Rush of Winter in Northern Manitoba

Discover Things to do this Winter North of the 53rd Parallel

Explore Manitoba

Looking for your next great adventure? Head north and experience the wild and lush beauty of Northern Manitoba, where boreal forests, frozen lakes and star-filled skies await. From Thompson and Flin Flon to The Pas / Opaskwayak Cree Nation, each northern community offers a warm welcome, proud traditions and unforgettable experiences.

Embark on unforgettable Northern Manitoba travel experiences — from dogsledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing to snowmobiling through vast winter trails. Witness the awe of the aurora borealis in Manitoba, or join Churchill adventures where you can encounter majestic polar bears, watch the magical northern lights dance across the sky and explore the edge of the aub-arctic on a true Canadian expedition.

Check out our blogs below for things to do in Northern Manitoba. Plan your incredible Northern Manitoba adventure today!

Northern Manitoba Trip Inspiration

9 Manitoba Hardwater Adventures For Those Who Have Never Been Ice Fishing

Every winter, thousands of fishing enthusiasts descend on Manitoba's frozen waterways for some good ol' hard water angling. And while there are endless lakes and rivers to set up on, these 9 ice fishing adventures provide all the fixings for when your...

A Wintry Weekend in The Pas

Enjoy a true Manitoba winter escape in The Pas. Nestled in Treaty 5 territory alongside the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, this gateway town offers cozy lodging, snow-covered trails, and the lively Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival. Whether you’re skiing,...

Person on a frozen lake with arms stretched to the sky under the purple and green northern lights.

Where, When and How to See Northern Lights in Churchill, Manitoba

Few experiences stir the heart quite like watching the northern lights dance across the subarctic sky. As ribbons of green and violet shimmer overhead, time seems to pause. Many visitors describe it as humbling and awe-inspiring — a moment where you feel...

10 Places to Snowmobile in Manitoba

There are many reasons why snowmobilers love Manitoba — the dense forest, the wide open lakes and the abundance of snow are just a few.

Where to go in Northern Manitoba

Thompson

The North Is Calling.

Kids sitting at the end of a dock at sunset in The Pas, Manitoba

The Pas / OCN

Gateway to the North.

Flin Flon

The Water & The Wild.

Churchill

Welcome to the polar bear capital of the world.

Trois femmes prenant un café ensemble qui marchent dans le centre-ville de Winnipeg.

Travel Deals

Browse Now to Find Savings on Your Next Manitoba Getaway!

Search for hidden gems, hotel packages, date night ideas and more with our Travel Deals. Designed with our travellers in mind, these packages are meant to help you plan the ultimate Manitoba trip this season.

Get More Out Of Your Trip

Save With Manitoba Passes

Explore craft breweries, museums and more throughout the province—all with our mobile savings passports.

Manitoba Explorer App

Visit 100 locations across Manitoba to collect achievement badges and pins!

50 Things to Do This Winter in Manitoba

Bright blue skies. Fresh white snow. Crisp clean air. It’s winter in Manitoba and time to play outside. Whether you slide into skis, hop on a snowmobile, lace up skates, drop a fishing line or tie up a pair of snowshoes, our wide-open spaces make it...

Stay Inspired: Get the Latest Manitoba Travel Updates

Travel Manitoba e-Newsletter Sign Up

Discover hidden gems, exciting events, and travel inspiration - delivered straight to your inbox!

What are the best things to do in Northern Manitoba in winter?

In winter (December–March), Northern Manitoba offers activities such as snowshoeing and winter hiking at Pisew Falls Provincial Park, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in Grass River Provincial Park, and ice fishing on Lake Athapapuskow, Neso Lake, Snow Lake and more. Thompson, The Pas and Flin Flon serve as hubs for winter festivals like Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Festival (February) and visits to sites such as the Sam Waller Museum and Heritage North Museum. Farther north, Churchill is a top destination for February-March northern lights viewing.

How do I get to Northern Manitoba from Winnipeg?

Drive from Winnipeg along Highway 6 to reach northern communities like Thompson in about 7 to 8 hours. VIA Rail offers service to many northern destinations. You can also fly from Winnipeg to Flin Flon, The Pas, Churchill or Thompson with regional airlines like Calm Air.

Are there guided tours or outdoor adventures available in Northern Manitoba?

Yes. You’ll find guided hiking, paddling, fishing and nature tours across the region. Local outfitters offer day trips and multi-day packages that include gear and guides. Options vary by location - Thompson, The Pas and Flin Flon are great starting points. Bakers Narrows Lodge offers ice fishing packages from gear rentals to guided on-ice experiences. Meanwhile in Churchill, there are a variety of guided tours and packages to choose from.

Can you see polar bears in Churchill in winter?

No. Fall is the peak season for polar bear viewing, between October to November for spotting these iconic animals. Polar bears are often seen along the coast or lounging near the water as they wait for the sea ice to return. Join a tour or guided excursion for the best opportunity to safely view them.

Site Maintenance