Manitoba

Have you ever thought of going to Manitoba? It’s not often on the tourist trail is it? Well, let’s fix that with some outstanding experiences in this Canadian Province that boasts evidence of humans having lived here for over 6,000 years! The most popular activity here, that more and more people are adding to their travel itineraries, is a visit to Churchill Manitoba. Why? Polar Bears!

Whilst Manitoba is of great historical significance for Canadians – read a little about Red River, Louis Riel or the Hudson’s Bay Company and you’ll see that this often-overlooked province has a rich history. One of the main attractions for tourists is the amount and variance of animal life. The symbol for the province is the Great Grey Owl, but travelling with a happy heart through this heartland will reveal moose, wolves, elk, black bears, buffalo, beluga whales, caribou, arctic fox, and those verrrrry popular Polar bears.

Expect to see thundering waterfalls and hear the call of the Loon (yep the one on the other side of the $1 coin – that’s why they call it a ‘Loonie’!) while you’re transiting through the delights of this wide land. This is part of the Canadian prairies, and while the bugs might become monsters in summer, it’s full of flavour in places called Prairie Dog Central, Oak Hammock Marsh, Spruce Woods and Riding Mountain National Park.

Start your journey in Winnipeg, known as ‘Canada’s Chicago’. The Cree called this area “win nipee” or ‘muddy waters’, but you’ll be more keen on meeting people near The Forks – a meeting spot for two rivers, and many, many people for many, many years. In 2010, Winnipeg was named the Culture Capital of Canada, and this vibrant city may well entice you with more than you expected including its well-deserved reputation for shopping, dining and theatre. Whilst in Winnipeg, engage in some mystery while you give in to your secret detective at the Winnipeg Legislative Building. The Hermetic Code Tour traces some of the coded messages and secret symbols that have evaded visitors and experts alike for over a hundred years  - all inscribed in this building located in the centre position of all North America...

There are two highlights that I recommend most heavily in Manitoba:

First is the incredible opportunity to see Polar Bears in Churchill. Home of the Ice Tundra Buggy, and the Polar Bear capital of the world, Churchill is one of the few human settlements where polar bears can be observed in the wild. Peak viewing is experienced in October and November as the bears head to the pack ice that forms over the Hudson’s Bay. Polar bears can grow to over 600 kilos and over ten feet high. These ‘Lords of the Arctic’ that can smell a seal through a metre of pack ice, may venture quite close to the Tundra buggies and you can view in complete safety. See these magnificent creatures before heading back to the Wilderness Lodge for a hot chocolate by a crackling log fire.

Also in Manitoba is a prime viewing location for one of the most incredible experiences on earth, the Aurora Borealis. From October to March these cascading ribbons of charged particle light are at their best, but to be honest, they are a startling display of ethereal brilliance whenever you are able to catch them. They’ll leave you speechless.

For more Manitoba magic contact the mighty Manitoban experts at Imagine Travel! 02 4296 9822

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