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If we mentioned the word ‘’Manitoba’’….what would spring to mind…Polar Bears? Hudson Bay? Winnipeg? Yep, we thought so. Yet, we’ve discovered that there is just so much more to this central province in Canada. We’re keen for you to discover Manitoba’s secrets too, so we’ve decided to take you step by step through its incredible offerings – a diverse wildlife, an eclectic array of gourmet delights and burgeoning arts scene. With in-depth culture and lifestyle guides, we’re sure you’re going to be as excited (and surprised) by the province’s lesser known and unique facets as we were.

Have a flip through this digital magazine and you’ll find exciting itineraries, a gourmet guide to the province’s best foodie offerings, an insightful editorial feature on its emerging arts scene, an events calendar and much much more.

What are you waiting for? Get reading.

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Manitoba’s star attraction, you’ll be pleased to know, can be spotted all year round, although October and November are prime viewing season. Churchill is the place to head to see these magnificent creatures, be it in the summer as they wander the tundra or in autumn, when they leave their summer habitat to make their way back to the sea to wait for the pack ice to form. Polar Bear viewing lodges can be found in abundance in Churchill and some are even situated directly on the bear’s migration routes. The bears are naturally curious, so you could be inches from the polar bears as they sniff and prod the protective fences that surround the lodges. Enjoying the ultimate ‘up close and personal’ experience, you’ll also venture beyond the fences on daily hikes and view the bears at eye level. Another great way to catch a glimpse of these creatures roaming free is by hopping in a specially designed tundra vehicle which will have you out driving across the rugged landscape for some bear spotting.

Manitoba is all about open spaces. Step a foot beyond its charming towns and cities and you’ve entered an untouched wilderness of the likes you could only expect from Canada. Think rugged plains, stunning coastlines, pristine boreal forests and vast, shimmering lakes. It goes without saying, therefore, that Manitoba is a haven for wildlife.

From land to sea, this unique province provides a home for creatures great and small, be it majestic polar bear, mythical beluga whale or soaring eagle. And the best bit? Whichever time of year you go, you’re guaranteed to see an astounding array of wildlife. Here’s a little guide to our favourite species that call Manitoba home, with some insider information on the best time of year to see them, and where.

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Friendly, playful and well, pretty adorable really, the Beluga Whale can be found along the waters of the Churchill River between late-June to late-August once the ice has broken up. They’re not very shy and extremely inquisitive, so whether you’re on board a boat, a kayak, or you’re snorkelling in the water with them, you’ll get a great view of these wonderful creatures. One things for certain, you’ll hear them before you see them. Known as the ‘sea canaries’ due to the unusual yet no less beautiful chirping and clicking sounds they use to communicate, follow your ears and before you know it you’ll be within touching distance.

Over 390 species of bird have been recorded in Manitoba. Unsurprising really, considering that Manitoba lies in the path of three migration paths. To add to this, the diversity of Manitoba’s landscapes, from thick forestry to grassy plains, allows for a huge variety of bird species to nest and thrive. Head out on a bird watching trip and you could see hawks, grouse, woodpeckers, sparrows and owls, amongst many many others.

Okay, we’re throwing in a bit of a curve ball with this one (we know, it’s not wildlife) but we just couldn’t NOT mention that Manitoba is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights (one of the top 3, actually). You’re most likely to see them between January and April and it’s a sight that will leave you speechless. Watching those colours dancing on the perfect night sky, untouched by light pollution, is an experience you’ll never forget. Just imagine; polar bears, belugas and the northern lights all in one trip. Bucket list, anyone?

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W H A T ’ S H A P P E N I N GI N M A N I T O B A

There’s no mistaking you’re in Canada when you set foot in Manitoba, yet this fascinating province has its own unique charm. Home to vast, untouched wilderness alongside cosmopolitan towns and cities, it goes without saying that this is one of Canada’s most exciting and diverse hotspots. What’s more, there’s an eclectic events calendar to match. All year round you’ll find cultural events occurring throughout the province, be it out in the countryside or right in the city centre. We’ve spotlighted a few of our favourites, so take a look. You never know, you might just be inspired to plan your trip around one of these captivating events.

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image © courtesy of APTN, Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration

image © Heather Clark, Winnipeg Folk Fest

Step back in time to the Voyageur era at this annual celebration of the rich history and culture of Franco-Manitoban fur traders. The strap line ‘find your place in history’ sums it up nicely; hosted within the historical grounds of Fort Gibraltar in Winnipeg, Western Canada’s largest winter festival aims to revive the traditional culture and craft of local traders. Try your hand at Métis beading, flint knapping or coopering at the array of workshops led by artisans, while you enjoy live music, DJs and the amazing variety of food on offer.

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They say the best things in life are free, so if you find yourself in or around Winnipeg on 21st June then it’s well worth popping along to Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration. The festival, set on summer solstice, is a tribute to the unique history and culture of some of the first settlers in the area and offers a cacophony of traditional food, art, music, dance and activities. It’s an enormously vibrant celebration with something for everyone.

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Making the most of Manitoba’s beautiful countryside, the Winnipeg Folk Festival has ten stages set up in picture perfect settings, from woodland clearings to prairie fields. You’ll get to see all your favourite folk artists in a truly Canadian setting, what could be better? You can choose between camping for the duration of the festival or you can just come along for the day. With children up to 12 getting in free, it’s clear that this is a family focussed event that will see you enjoying intimate performances in pop up tents, magical woodland concerts and a variety of hands-on activities.

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A National Holiday will always put the masses in a good mood, so jump on board the excitement as locals celebrate Canada Day on 1st July. We’d recommend heading out to one of the beautiful Manitoban National Parks where you’ll find all sorts of different activities taking place. Listen to live music at Riding Mountain, or for the more adventurous types amongst you, head to Churchill for the Hudson Bay Dip, which sees hundreds leap into the (often icey) waters of the bay.

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With an exciting wildlife population and some truly awe inspiring landscapes, Manitoba is a dream come true for photographers. Here’s a few of our favourite snapshots that will transport you to this incredible destination.

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image © Falcon Trails Resort

image © Tyler Letkeman

image © Falcon Trails Resort

When you cast your mind around the globe for culinary destinations the usual go-to places pop up time and again – but why not look off the beaten track to discover world-class food that will give you a more original story to tell? Enter Winnipeg, home to a creative hub and a burgeoning food scene. There’s an incredibly eclectic array of places to choose from, so to help you navigate your way around the offerings we’ve cherry-picked some of the best.

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1image © Sydney’s at the forks

Perched next to the water with lovely river views, the real beauty of this dining spot lies on the plate. Each dish is a carefully constructed work of art, with colours and shapes that work beautifully together; when your food arrives it almost looks too good to eat – but don’t let that stop you. Chef Michael Schafer is an alchemist, balancing curious flavours and textures, such as wild scallops with candied bacon, vanilla soy, celery hearts and salt roast cashews. There are so many delicious pairings on the menu that we urge you to go with a group so you can taste a few.

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The award-winning Sunday brunch set in the magnificent lobby of this old railway hotel is not one to be missed. It offers the perfect power breakfast before a full day of activities – but if time is on your side, we recommend a more leisurely meal so you can make your way through the elaborate spread at each of the food stations and soak up the buzzing atmosphere. As well as having all the usual brunch staples, you’ll also find a ‘chef’s station’ with their famous chocolate fountain, truffles and every other indulgent treat you could wish for.

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Beyond the mish-mash of cool, modern décor, the message at Deer + Almond is that food should be fun. The bistro is committed to creating experimental menus to keep things exciting. Sample creations such as crispy cauliflower beer and cheddar soup and pickled radish with miso and sesame, as well as many other unusual but hearty tapas.

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From the makers of Deer + Almond, this fabulous annual pop-up sells tickets quicker than you can say “Raw:Almond”. And deservedly so. For just three weeks each year (late January to mid February) you sample food by some of Manitoba’s best chefs in a tent set up on the frozen river systems in downtown Winnipeg. It’s become an iconic destination for foodies each year, with a mystery menu and rotating list of celebrity chefs who never fail to deliver the ultimate gourmet experience in a truly memorable setting.

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image © Deer + Almond

image © The Fort Garry Hotel

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Whether it’s an ancient scrawling on the wall of a cave in Africa or a vast and intricate mural in Rome that’s left you lost for words, it’s quite easy to immerse yourself in the arts wherever you travel. Forming the backbone of cultures worldwide, it’s little wonder that art is celebrated and preserved universally. What’s more, a city’s arts scene is just as important to the discerning traveller as good food and comfortable accommodation (and rightly so). Now, if we asked you where you’d go to see the very best of the arts, you’ll probably offer us tales of London, New York, Paris and Berlin, to name a few. Well, what if we threw Winnipeg into that mix? Yeah, we didn’t expect to be adding that last one in either, but there’s good reason to take this little Canadian city seriously. You see, Manitoba’s capital has burst onto the arts scene with an impressive offering that we just can’t ignore…

Known as Canada’s ‘cradle of culture’ by those in the know, Winnipeg is home to various, world-class artistic institutions. Take for example the Winnipeg Art Gallery. It’s a gallery that houses well over twenty thousand art pieces, the earliest coming from the Roman era. As well as this impressive assortment spanning centuries, the gallery also has the largest collection of Inuit art in the world. The collection is made up of fascinating prints, sculptures and drawings that offer an insight into a rather mysterious and ancient culture. It’s a culture whose art is well represented in Winnipeg beyond the Winnipeg Art Gallery. You’ve also got some of the best indigenous artists in the world being regularly showcased at local spaces including Urban Shaman and Wah-Sa, so there’s no chance of forgetting the country’s roots.

Bringing it back to the contemporary is PLATFORM, a gallery dedicated to photography and the digital arts, which also happens to be an institution run for and by the artists themselves. Here you’ll find photographic and digital exhibitions by local and international artists alike as they seek to showcase the scope of such art forms.

Now, the creativity of the city can be attributed in part to the University of Manitoba, which runs one of the best art schools in the country. It’s also very apparent that both the governors and the residents of the city have a passion for the arts, running plenty of not-for-profit organisations. Take, for example, the Graffiti Art Programme. This particular programme allows talented youths to express themselves without restriction and locals often end up exhibiting in the Graffiti Gallery space itself. It’s a great incentive to the city’s youths and is a perfect example of a city that recognises potential.

Without a doubt, Winnipeg is devoted to nurturing and propelling its creative citizens to success. A quick Google search will offer you some well-known names, born and bred in Winnipeg. For example, there’s Marcel Dzama, probably the most famous of Winnipeg’s exports. Now based in New York, Marcel is a contemporary artist whose ink and watercolour drawings have been exhibited all over the world. Then there’s the LA based painter and sculptor Jon Pylypchuk who was born in Winnipeg in ’72 and has achieved world-wide success, even exhibiting in London’s much revered Saatchi Gallery.

You see, it might be a little off the grid, but Manitoba most definitely has an arts scene worth shouting about. London, New York, Paris, Berlin and Winnipeg indeed.

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T A K E A T R I PW I T H B L A C K T O M A T O

As the snow melts and the white winter of Manitoba recedes northwards, it leaves behind a region alive with culture and bristling with wildlife, emerging to warm itself in the prairie summer sun. We didn’t want you to miss an opportunity to see this exceptional region with all its budding natural beauty, culture and heritage, so we’ve put together this exciting 7-day trip to give you a unique experience of Manitoba’s wilderness wonders and city culture.

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Touch down in Manitoba, Canada’s central prairie region that’s speckled with lakes, coated in evergreen forest, and home to our cute fluffy friends, the polar bear (but don’t say that to their faces). First things first, we’ll take you to The Fairmont, your luxury Winnipeg hotel for 3 nights. In the city’s vibrant downtown, Fairmont also boasts Winnipeg’s only Four Diamond awarded restaurant, the Velvet Glove, so we recommend you loosen your belt for Canadian classics like Carmen Creek Bison Short Rib or locally caught fresh fish. Relaxed and well-fed, kick off your holiday with a visit to Fort Gibraltar and witness how the colourful characters of the early 1800’s lived prairie life. Then, as the sun dips low in the sky, head to Winnipeg Art Gallery where the city’s Jazz series is held on the gorgeous roof terrace under the warm skies of summer. Take a drink in hand and sway to the beat of open air jazz for a magical evening uncovering one of the many beauties of Manitoba.

Also on any Winnipeg must-see list has got to be the Hermetic Code tour of the Manitoba Legislative Building. Be introduced to the mysterious undertones as your expert guide reveals the building to be a temple to pagan gods and uncovers the secrets of Freemasonry hidden in the walls. Freshly spooked, take advantage of the prairie summer and follow a traditional Manitoban pursuit on the Red River by fishing for giant catfish with the sun on your shoulders.

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Leave the city behind and head for the hills, where you’ll stay at the luxury wilderness retreat, Falcon Trails Resort. Snug in the dense pine trees of Boreal Forest, you’ll have your own private cabin with lavish hot tub, where you can soak for hours, losing yourself in the stunning views over Falcon Lake. From your luxury cabin, begin exploring the lake and forest, with canoeing, stunning hiking trails or simply find solitude in the expansive natural wilderness. We can also arrange for expert local guides to take you on some exciting Manitoban adventures, like trophy fishing, bird watching, and geo-caching (hi-tech hide and seek to us technically challenged folk).

For a spectacular twist to your wilderness trails, we can arrange for a flight for you in a float plane, taking in the awesome natural views from above. This magical spectacle will take your breath away and remind you what amazing natural settings Falcon Trails and Manitoba are. We’re sure you’ll fall for the ethereal beauty of this region just as quickly as we did.

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For all you intrepid photographers out there, have we got a treat for you. For six nights we’ll whisk you off on this exclusive voyage to the coastline of Hudson Bay where the Northern Lights illuminate the night skies and polar bears reign king. Manitoba is one of the most pristine and unknown areas left on our fair planet, and we’ll show you this final frontier in blissful comfort from the exciting city of Winnipeg to the wilds of Cape Tatum Wildlife area. There’s really nowhere else on earth like it if you’re looking for perfect photographic backdrops and awe inspiring subjects.

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Touch down in Winnipeg, a city well known for its rich history and animated culture located in the southern region of Manitoba. Rest up in your hotel for the night before you set out the following day to explore the sights and sounds of the city. Known as the ‘culture cradle of Canada’ we recommend getting stuck in and getting a taste of what this fascinating city is all about. Head down to the Winnipeg Art Gallery home to the world’s largest collection of Inuit art, and after your culture fix make your way to the aptly named Forks Market for some foodie treats. Located in the heart of down town Winnipeg the market has been integral to the city for over 6,000 years, and still pulsates with locals picking up gourmet produce with various forms of entertainment to keep you enticed.

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For the next three nights you’ll hole up at the deliciously cosy Seal River Heritage Lodge set in Canada’s sub-Arctic adventure playground. After a hearty breakfast to keep you warm during your action packed day you’ll be updated on the whereabouts of the polar bear communities. With such high concentrations of polar bears in the area they can often be found near the lodge so make sure you have your cameras ready for the rare opportunity to view the grandiose beauty of the bears in their natural kingdom.

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On your second day at the lodge, you’ll be whisked off on another unique photography tour with your guide who will find you the picture perfect spot for that snap that’s worthy of a National Geographic front cover. Naturally at Black Tomato we leave the best till last, so on your final day in the wilderness look forward to coming face to face with the undisputed King of the Arctic. Staying close to the lodge you’ll immerse yourself in the spectacular Arctic environment, on a walking safari of the wilderness, stopping to view the mesmerising polar bears playing in the snow. For your last evening wrap up warm and settle down under the frosty sky to view the dazzling Aurora as it illuminates the blackness above with delicate wisps of green and pink.

Time to bid a fond farewell to the Arctic wilderness, for today you depart for Winnipeg for one last chance to dip into the captivating heritage of the city. Be sure to pick up some last minute arts and crafts as a souvenir of your astounding Manitoba winter jaunt.

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