Manitoba to the Max!

Manitoba exhibits a continental climate divided into four distinct seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

Late Summer and Early Fall – when the school year begins, is a period of cool evenings and warm days. Snow usually arrives in November and remains until late March or early April. The temperature can easily reach a minus 35 celsius, with a real feel that is even worse due to the chilling winds. The province despite being cold, receives the highest amount of sunlight within North America, as our old car plates used to call it, “Sunny Manitoba”. Being sunny and bright helps visitors find winters appropriate to travel and enjoy the immersive activities that the province offers.

You may find it very cold if you are coming from a hot climate. Appropriate winter clothing for Manitoba includes an insulated hat that covers the ears, insulated gloves or mitts, a thick windproof jacket known as a parka, a sweater, and warm, insulated boots. For outside activity during the winter, long underwear and snow pants are strongly advised.

You may not be able to buy clothing in your home country that is warm enough for the Manitoba winter, in this case plan to buy the necessary from Manitoba on arrival.

Temperatures begin warming in March. Spring can bring mild weather, and often rain showers, so umbrellas and rain jackets are a good idea.

Summer temperatures in June to August can reach mid 30s. Many Manitobans dress casually in shorts and short-sleeved shirts during the hot months. Remember to use sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer. Mosquitoes can also be a nuisance in Manitoba during warm, moist summers so you are advised to use mosquito repellent if outside in the evening or night, also when taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking or canoeing.

Bus schedules and route maps are available online at Winnipeg Transit. Get to know the best route or short cut to your destination from your hotel.

Manitoba has a public transit bus system in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson, that provides you with options for getting to malls, entertainment sites, and other attractions. Monthly bus passes are also available that provide a discount, in case of being a regular customer.

The public transit is quite safe and reliable. If you are travelling in a motor vehicle as a passenger, remember only to drive with a licensed driver, looking out for signs of alcohol or drugs. In case of a cab, you will normally need to call a taxi company. Unlike larger cities, passengers are seldom able to wave down a taxi in Winnipeg or other Manitoba communities. Hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and other businesses often have contacts that can connect you for free to a taxi company. You may even look in the old yellow pages’ directory, to find the number for a taxi.

Winnipeg and other communities offer a wide variety of stores in shopping centers. Even the restaurants cater fast food, casual and formal dining, serving food from many cultures. It is customary to leave a tip when eating at restaurants where you are served by a waiter or waitress. Generally, Canadians add 15% of the total amount of the bill (not including tax) as a tip; however, note that some restaurants add the tip amount to the bill before it is presented for payment. Usually there is no tipping at fast food or cafeteria-style restaurants, although some may have a tip jar.

Travel Manitoba, located at The Forks — a prominent Winnipeg tourist attraction — has all the information you need on things to do and places to go in Manitoba.

To find out more, visit: travelmanitoba.com.

Usually, arriving in Manitoba you would also find our people ecstatic and eager to direct you towards our famous attractions.

Historic sites such as Lower Fort Garry and The Forks; professional and amateur sports events; city, provincial and national parks; and natural areas are among Manitoba’s and Winnipeg’s attractions. Major attractions outside of Winnipeg include the beaches of Lake Winnipeg, the lakes and forests of Whiteshell Provincial Park and Riding Mountain National Park.

No matter what recreational activities you pursue, you are sure to enjoy our mesmerizing natural environments, unique cultural sites, sandy beaches and clear waters.

The City of Winnipeg and Manitoba in general have a wide variety of cultural attractions and festivals. An excellent way to learn more about Canada and to improve your knowledge of the English language is to experience our music, art, theatre, dance, and history.

Famous cultural attractions in Winnipeg include the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, the Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Folklorama, Festival du Voyageur, the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Manitoba Museum.

Special events across Manitoba include

• Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and Manitoba Summer Fair in Brandon (focusing on Manitoba’s agricultural heritage)
• Dauphin Country Fest (showcasing the top country music performers in the world)
• Manitoba Highland Gathering (a festival of Scottish heritage with dance, pipe and drum competitions, heavy games of brawn, sheep shearing and herding)
• World Lily Festival (flower show) in Neepawa
• Manitoba Stampede in Morris
• Manitoba Icelandic Festival in Gimli.