If Manitoba RV trips aren’t on your destination list yet, it’s time to add this beautiful and diverse province to your itinerary.
Not only does Manitoba offer stunning scenery — breathtaking lakes, pristine boreal forests, rolling prairies and stunning Arctic coastline — it’s also home to 63 First Nations. Like many provinces across Canada, when you visit Manitoba, it’s important to take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the land you are travelling through.
Within the province, many Manitobans honour Indigenous culture and welcome travellers to learn and embrace the history of Indigenous peoples. From modern art to ancient artifacts, dog sledding to Indigenous fares, there are so many amazing sights and experiences to discover to honour the profound achievements and culture passed down through Canada’s history from First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Here’s where to RV in Manitoba to experience and appreciate all this beautiful province has to offer:
Manitoba is home to a large number of Indigenous communities, including the Anishinaabeg, Anish-Ininiwak, Cree, Dakota, Denesuline/Dene, Ininiwak, Inuit, Mêtis, Nehthowuk, Oji-Cree and Ojibway peoples. So no trip would be complete without learning more about the province’s many Indigenous sites.
In fact, the province’s capital, Winnipeg, is home to more First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples than any other Canadian city. For visitors, this is the perfect opportunity to further understand and honour Canada’s rich and diverse culture. That means it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the region’s art, cuisine and history.
Start with one of the many festivals that celebrate Indigenous culture. The Manito Ahbee Festival is a must see; each May, this Winnipeg celebration has drawn thousands of people together for a marketplace, tradeshow, live music, youth activities, and visitors get to embrace honouring Indigenous culture by enjoying a public Pow wow. In June, National Indigenous Peoples Day brings events and celebrations across Manitoba, with fireworks, jamborees and more.
Indigenous Landmarks in Manitoba
As you plan your Manitoba RV trip, set aside time to visit the province’s many cultural attractions and diverse communities.
Whiteshell Provincial Park
Just south of Nutimik Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, the Bannock Point Petroforms offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient past. Here, you’ll see turtles, snakes and other animals created in stone. Known as petroforms, the designs hold sacred significance.
The Whiteshell Natural History Museum’s interactive exhibits help you learn more about early ways of life in the region. Housed in a historic log building, the museum is also a great place to learn about local wildlife and habitat.
Peguis
About 190 km south of Winnipeg lies is the First Nations community of Peguis. Named after an Ojibway leader who signed one of the province’s first treaties, Peguis’ annual Treaty Days Celebration is a don’t miss. Schedule your visit in late July to take in the festivities.
Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site
Explore the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site to learn about the Canadian fur trade. About 30 miles northeast of Winnipeg, this historic site was once an important trade hub on the Red River. Tour some of the country’s oldest stone buildings in the spot where a historic treaty was signed with the Ojibway and Cree peoples.
Moncur Gallery
Learn about the Peoples of the Plains in the Moncur Gallery. Located about 270 km west of Winnipeg in Boissevain, the gallery houses thousands of archeological artifacts. Here, you’ll travel 10,000 years back in time, when the First Nations hunted the Turtle Mountain region.
WAG-Quamajug
When in Winnipeg, don’t miss the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s new Quamajug Museum. Home to Canada’s largest collection of Inuit art, you’ll marvel at the more than 14,000 pieces on display. Carvings, drawings, textiles and other works highlight the diversity and beauty of Inuit art.
For more contemporary Indigenous art, visit Winnipeg’s Urban Shaman. This artist-run centre features works by First Nations peoples from around Manitoba. The centre offers rotating exhibitions and events throughout the year.