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Wheat City wanderings

It’s easy to fill two or three days of adventure in Manitoba’s second largest centre. Incorporated as a city in 1882 (it never was a village or a town), Brandon is welcoming and rooted in genuine prairie hospitality and values. Visitors can expect to feel right at home and to discover some unexpected gems that’ll have you planning your return visit even before you leave.

Nicknamed ‘the Wheat City’ because of its agrarian roots, Brandon continues to be a powerhouse for agri-business and expos today. Sports are a favourite pastime - whether it’s cheering on the Brandon Wheat Kings or Brandon University Bobcats in hockey or supporting a local curling club. Arts and culture is the heart of Brandon’s historic downtown - nicknamed the Hub.

That's where you discover a dynamic restaurant scene, and a close-knit community of artisans and small-business owners who have travelled the world and are now bringing their creativity home. Escaping to nature is easy - whether that’s along the Assiniboine River at the Riverbank Discovery Centre or the forests of nearby Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area.

Brandon is located on Treaty 2 territory.

Fall-Winter Trip

Top Stops

  • Riverbank Discovery Centre: walking trails and scenic views along Assiniboine River
  • Chez Angela’s Bakery: Rustic bakery in historic downtown setting
  • Ice Skating Oval: ambient lights and music and warm-up fire pits

Where To Stay

  • Hotels: Best Western Plus, Victoria Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  • Unique Stays: 12th Street Studio B&B, Nature’s Getaway, Little Chalet Motel
  • Campgrounds: Meadowlark Campground, Turtle Crossing Campground, Grand Valley Park and Campground

If There’s Time

  • Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba: gallery and workshop space featuring regional artists
  • Brandon Wheat Kings hockey: cheer on local WHL team on home ice

Book Your Stay

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PART 1 - Fuel your visit

It’s not surprising to find in Manitoba’s breadbasket a community that takes food seriously. Whatever you get up to while in Brandon, anchor your visit around some top restaurants. Fuel up in the morning with from-scratch rustic baking at Chez Angela Bakery and Cafe. Komfort Kitchen, a downtown staple, is the best deal in town for a hearty plate of eggs to start your day. The Lady of the Lake is the stop for fresh fare like wraps, soups and smoothies all made in house, while The Dock on Princess prides itself on a regional-focused menu of burgers and pub fare. Save the evenings for indulging in global flavours: The Chili Chutney is well-loved for Indian specialities. Sabor Latino serves authentic Latin cuisines from burritos to pupusas, and Tana’s brings gluten-free tastes from Ethiopia to the prairie city.

Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum
Museums

Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (PHS)

The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum contains historical aircraft and artifacts from the RCAF air training schools of World War II. Open daily. Tours by appointment. Admission charged.

Brandon General Museum and Archives Inc.
Museums

Brandon General Museum and Archives Inc.

Our mission at the Brandon General Museum & Archives is to collect, conserve, study, exhibit, and interpret historic and heritage materials relating to the City of Brandon and its place within the history of Southwestern Manitoba. We are located in...

Daly House Museum and Victorian Garden
Museums

Daly House Museum

The Daly House Museum is located in the original home of Brandon’s First Mayor, Thomas Mayne Daly. Originally built in 1882, this is the Wheat City’s Victorian Mansion with an objective to collect, preserve, and promote the history of this era and the...

PART 2 - Take in the scenery

Situated along the Assiniboine River in the undulating hills of Canada’s great plains, Brandon is framed by a few scenic outdoor spots to reconnect with nature. Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area south of the city is a popular spot in fall to take in the changing of the leaves along 2.5-7.5 kilometers of walking and mountain biking trails; in winter the trails are perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The extensive walking trails at Riverbank Discovery Centre provide the opportunity to view wildlife and birds on a crisp winter day in the middle of the city. Take in views of the Assiniboine River while crossing the Red Willow Pedestrian Bridge. For ice skating rinks and toboggan runs, the Brandon Oval and Rideau Park are favourite gathering places. Ambient lights, music and warm-up fire pits welcome visitors.

Crow’s General Store & Assiniboine Food Forest

Hidden in Brandon’s East End is Crow’s General Store, a forested property brimming with throwback antique, collectibles, and oddities. It’s a photo-worthy stop in any season - but fall and winter are a peaceful time to enjoy the private walking trails. Crow’s General Store is connected to neighbouring Assiniboine Food Forest. On Sundays through winter, join local naturalist Dave Barnes on a guided nature walk (60-90 minutes) through 20 kms of interpretive trails to learn scientific, cultural and artistic facts about this river ecosystem.

PART 3 - Family Play Time

There is plenty of time to play indoors through fall and winter. At Westman Reptile Gardens, kids will shriek in delight as they discover a collection of nearly 300 reptiles including snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, and spiders. T-Birds Food, Fun and Games is an ideal stop for a date night or to let teenagers burn off some energy while playing arcades, billiards and bowling. A popular family tradition is a night-out with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Cheering on this beloved Western Hockey League team with locals provides a fun, high-energy atmosphere for everyone.

Speckled lizard on a log at the Westman Reptile Gardens in Brandon.

Lizard life at Westman Reptile Gardens.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

A bay horse and rider jump over a striped jump in the ring at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.

The end of winter is marked by the annual Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, a week-long indoor agricultural fair and equestrian competition held every March. During the day, wander the trade show floor for the latest in agriculture equipment and cowboy fashion. Get hands on with farm animals at the petting zoo and a walk through the horse stables. In the evening, grab a candied apple or fiddlestick ice cream treat and find a seat around the main arena to enjoy the regal horse jumping competition, along with hackney pony and heavy horse shows.