Manitoba - Canada Maps

Manitoba facts

Capital: Winnipeg
Population: 1,342,153 (2021)
Date of Admission: 1870
Provincial Motto: Glorious and Free
Provincial flower: prairie crocus
Time Zone: Central (CST) – (GMT − 6 hours)
Total Area (Sq Km): 647,797
Total Area (Sq Mi): 250,116

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Quick links: About, Major places, History, Geography, Climate, Google Maps, Facts, What to do, Accommodation, Pictures, Useful information, Further readings.

Manitoba is a Canadian province located between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is bordered by Nunavut, Hudson Bay, Ontario, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Saskatchewan. Manitoba has many lakes, including Lake Winnipeg and a large forested area. The capital city of Manitoba is Winnipeg. Manitoba became a province in 1870. It has a large agricultural sector, a mixed economy, and an urban orientation. Its political and cultural life has largely avoided the extremes that characterize Western Canadian society.

About Manitoba, Canada

Manitoba is one of Canada's Prairie Provinces and lies between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The territory of Nunavut bounds Manitoba to the north, Hudson Bay to the northeast, Ontario to the east, Minnesota and North Dakota to the south, and Saskatchewan to the west. Manitoba is one of Canada's wealthier provinces and contains more than 100,000 lakes. The province is also heavily forested, with two-fifths of the landmass covered in trees. The largest city in Manitoba is Winnipeg, the provincial capital. It was named for the Cree word meaning "the narrows of the Great Spirit," referring to Lake Winnipeg, which only gets wider towards its middle.

Manitoba, which is Canada's fifth province, became part of the Confederation in 1870 when the Red River Settlement was absorbed by Canada. Today, Manitoba straddles the boundary between Prairie and Central Canada, and it has a large agricultural sector and topography similar to those of Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces. The Canadian West is even more complex than it might seem. For example, Winnipeg has a mixed economy, a modern infrastructure, and a multiethnic character. It also shares many similarities with Ontario, while other areas in the Canadian West have experienced economic booms and busts. Manitoba hasn't had these problems. Likewise, the province's political and cultural life has largely stayed away from extremes that often characterize Western Canadian society. The province spans 250,116 square kilometers (or about 647,797 square miles) of land and water. Learn more about Manitoba's location here.

Principal cities and towns

The Canadian province of Manitoba is one of the country's three prairie provinces. The province is home to a population of 1.3 million people, which ranks 5th among all the provinces and territories in Canada. Additionally, Manitoba covers an area of roughly 649,950 km2, 8th among all the provinces in Canada. To be designated as a city in Manitoba, an urban municipality must have a population of 7,500 or more. Manitoba's 10 cities with this designation are the largest, with Winnipeg as the provincial capital.

10 Biggest Cities in Manitoba by Population: Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson, Portage la Prairie, Winkler, Selkirk, Morden, Dauphin, Flin Flon.

History

Aboriginal peoples in the Manitoba region first came into contact with Europeans through the fur trade. The Hudson's Bay Company was established in England in 1670 and given a monopoly over the fur trade in the area. The company faced competition from French traders, who eventually organized the North West Company. The two firms competed against each other for several decades before merging into the Hudson's Bay Company in 1821.

The successful settlement of the western United States in the 19th century encouraged expansionists in Central Canada to look to the western regions of British North America as Canada's natural hinterland. The agricultural potential of the vast prairie lands west of Red River was documented by two scientific expeditions in 1857: the Palliser Expedition, commissioned by the British government and led by John Palliser, and the (Henry Youle) Hind expedition, authorized by the government of Canada. Negotiations between the Hudson's Bay Company, the British government, and the government of the new Dominion of Canada resulted in an agreement in 1869 to transfer Rupert's Land to Canada. In 1870, under the Manitoba Act, the territory joined the Confederation as a province; the remaining lands were designated the Northwest Territories.

The federal government encouraged western settlement by providing land to would-be settlers. However, the settlement was delayed by a Métis uprising in 1885 and further slowed by the continued availability of homestead lands in the United States. At the turn of the century, immigration to Manitoba boomed, fueled by massive government advertising, social conditions in Europe, and the decline in available land in the United States.

The immigration boom of the early 1900s led to rapid growth in Winnipeg, which became a major urban center in western Canada. Farmers in Manitoba enjoyed unprecedented prosperity thanks to reduced freight rates, higher world prices for wheat, and improved strains of grain seed. The expansion of Manitoba's boundaries westward in 1881, eastward in 1884, and northward in 1912 led to even more economic growth.

The economic boom ended just before World War I, ushering in a depression that lasted through the first years of the conflict. The province was severely affected by the Great Depression of the 1930s, although the problem was more one of prices than of production in the agricultural sector. The return to prosperity during World War II was matched by a resolve to diversify the province's economic base. The provincial government gained control of natural resources in the 1930s and began encouraging northern development, particularly mining and lumbering. Government involvement in the economy peaked during the administrations of the New Democratic Party (NDP) from 1969 to 1977 and 1981 to 1986, with significant investments in infrastructure and some controversial experiments in direct ownership.

There are mixed signs of Manitoba's future in the 21st century. On the one hand, economic growth and diversification have been going well. On the other hand, Manitoban's cold weather often scares away potential residents, leading to overall out-migration rates.

Geography

One of the unique regions in Southern Manitoba is part of the Saskatchewan Plain. This area includes some of Manitoba's richest, most level prairies and rolling pastures and its vast basin, which borders Lake Winnipeg and Lake Winnipegosis. The Red River of the North and the Assiniboine River are famous rivers near Lake Winnipeg. Various landforms shape the area, including upland plateaus, wooded river valleys, limestone outcrops, forests, and swamps. This natural floodplain has often been flooded; modern-day flood-control measures have mitigated this problem.

Near the province's southeast corner is the Hudson Bay Lowland, which goes about 160 km / 100 miles inland as a flat plain of tundra and muskeg bog. Ontario's Central Lowland extends from this boundary eastward. It is bounded by an anticline or arch of up-faulted rocks, creating a natural plateau on which elevations are highest near Lake Superior. The Eastern Upland rises to 213 meters / 700 feet. The Manitoba Escarpment is the highest point in the Riding, Porcupine, and Duck Mountains. The terrain in this area varies from south to north, with fertile soil found just south and west of Lake Winnipeg. North of that, you'll find poorer-quality soils and peat. The Manitoba Escarpment's shield varies in quality, but overall, it's not conducive to cultivation.

Mountains to see Baldy Mountain, Turtle Mountain, and Hart Mountain.

Major lakes: Manitoba has three large lakes: Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba, and Lake Winnipegosis. The lakes in Manitoba are full of bass and pike. Lake Winnipeg covers a large part of Manitoba.

The 10 largest lakes in Manitoba are Lake Winnipeg (24,387 km2 / 9415.87 mi2), Lake Winnipegosis (5,374 km2 / 2074.91 mi2), Lake Manitoba (4,624 km2 / 1785.33 mi2), Southern Indian Lake (2,247 km2 / 867.57 mi2), Cedar Lake (1,353 km2 / 522.39 mi2), Island Lake (1,223 km2 / 472.20 mi2), Gods Lake (1,151 km2 / 444.40 mi2), Cross Lake (755 km2 / 291.50 mi2) Playgreen Lake (657 km2 / 253.66 mi2), Dauphin Lake (519 km2 / 200.38 mi2).

Churchill, Nelson, and Hayes are Manitoba's three most significant rivers. These rivers flow into Hudson Bay.

Manitoba is a vast province in Canada that contains open grassland and mixed forestlands. Manitoba has over 383,000 square km / 148,000 square miles of forests, including some aspen trees and white and black spruce. The Hudson Bay lowlands contain willow, spruce, lichens, moss, and sedge.

Many different animals exist in the northern forests, such as caribou, arctic foxes, martens, wolves, otters, lynxes, and mink. These forests also contain deer, moose, cougars, elk, and black bears. In more southerly areas, you might find beavers and weasels. There are also red foxes, coyotes, and muskrats to be found there too. Manitoba has millions of geese and ducks that live on the ponds there.

Climate

Manitoba's location at the center of North America means it can experience extreme weather. Temperature and precipitation decrease going south, and precipitation decreases as you go east. The flat landscape in some areas also makes Manitoba susceptible to multiple weather systems, icy Arctic high-pressure air masses from the northwest. These usually happen during January and February. Air masses often emerge from the Southern United States in the summer when intense air pressure ridges into North America. Warmer, wetter air is drawn northward from the Gulf of Mexico. Generally, this happens primarily in July or August.

The winters in Manitoba get extremely cold, with potential daytime highs of around -40 °C / -40 F and nighttime lows, on average, of around -20 °C / -4 F. It's not uncommon to see daytime highs reach up to 40 °C / 104 F on hot summer days. The annual average low is -14 °C / 6,8 F, and winter snow can last from November until April in the south and up until June in the north.

Southern Manitoba falls into the humid continental climate zone, more humid than the semi-arid climate zone. The best word to describe this region is "moderately" wet, but typically with lower precipitation than the other provinces in the Prairie area.

However, the southwestern region of the province is not part of the Prairie zone, with different vegetation and a drier climate that leads to less variability in weather across seasons. Winters are typically cold. Summers are generally hot and have low humidity.

Google Maps Manitoba

Please click here for driving directions.

Manitoba is a province in central Canada that is home to various exciting objects and places you can discover using Google Street View. Here are a few examples:

The Forks: This historic site in Winnipeg is home to a market, restaurants, and other attractions. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to shop, eat, and enjoy the outdoors.
Churchill Northern Studies Centre: This research facility located in Churchill is dedicated to studying the natural history and culture of the region. It is a great place to learn about the Arctic and its wildlife, including polar bears and beluga whales.
Riding Mountain National Park: This is a beautiful park located in the Manitoba Escarpment that is home to a variety of plant and animal species. It is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights: This museum in Winnipeg is dedicated to exploring the concept of human rights and how they have been violated throughout history. It is a unique and thought-provoking attraction that is well worth a visit.
Manitoba Legislative Building: This historic building in Winnipeg serves as the provincial government's seat. It is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture and is open to the public for tours.

These are just a few of the many interesting objects and places you can discover using Google Street View in Manitoba. We are sure you'll find many more as you explore this beautiful part of the country!

Did you know?

Manitoba has a lot of ethnic diversity, with many groups settling in different parts of the province.
Manitoba is home to many North American aboriginal groups, including the Assiniboin, Ojibwa, Cree, Chipewyan, and Inuit.
Aboriginal peoples have lived in the region for thousands of years, but their numbers have been reduced due to exposure to European diseases like smallpox.
The Métis people, who have indigenous and European ancestry, developed a unique plains culture in the early 19th century.
After 1896, immigrants from Eastern Europe arrived in Manitoba in large numbers. The province's population declined during the Great Depression and World War II but has grown steadily.
The largest religious denominations are Roman Catholicism and the United Church of Canada, but many smaller groups are also represented. Winnipeg has the largest Jewish community in the Prairie Provinces.
Although the climate and soil types limit agricultural production in Manitoba, it remains an essential sector of the economy. Farming has been a tradition for generations with limited success in some places.

A significant portion of the province of Manitoba, Canada, lies north of the 53rd parallel, where the Canadian Shield begins. This region has an extremely short growing season, but a sizable market gardening sector has developed in the lands bordering the Red and Assiniboine rivers.
The province of Manitoba is known for its wheat production but also raises poultry, hogs, and cattle. The livestock sector has been growing significantly in recent years.
Other important crops include barley, rapeseed (canola), flaxseed, oats, rye, sugar beets, sunflowers, corn (maize), and canning vegetables. Saskatchewan is also a major producer of dairy products, eggs, and potatoes.
The province has a range of resources to draw upon, which has allowed it to diversify its economic base. Numerous mineral deposits, including nickel, copper, gold, lead, silver, cadmium, and zinc, make mining a vital part of the economy. Although the fields are relatively small, oil and natural gas have been found in the southwest, particularly around Virden.
The province of Manitoba has a lot of potential for hydroelectric development due to its extensive network of rivers and lakes. The government-owned utility, Manitoba Hydro, has already developed several large power stations along the Nelson and Saskatchewan rivers. Additionally, Manitoba has some of the best wind resources in North America, which the province is currently working on developing further.

What to do in Manitoba

There are many different things to do in Manitoba, all depending on what you are interested in. There are several different trip options, such as going up north to see the aurora borealis or taking a paddle steamer down south. If you are more into city life, downtown Winnipeg has different programs and events. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature, with numerous hiking and biking trails throughout the province. No matter your interests, you will find something to do in Manitoba!

Manitoba is the home of many unique landmarks and attractions, such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Riding Mountain National Park, The Forks Market, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park Zoo, and more.

With its many amazing tourist attractions, there are plenty of things to do when visiting Manitoba. These include visiting the Forks Market in Winnipeg for summer and winter activities, Grand Beach Provincial Park, and going to the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba in Gimli and neighboring Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Churchill in Manitoba is the perfect destination for a tour and close-up views of bears. Visit in October and November to catch a glimpse of them. Or, take a tour at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and get up close with some live bears.

Winnipeg is a city with a lot to offer visitors. There are many different attractions to see and activities to participate in. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's history or enjoying its modern amenities, there's something for everyone in Winnipeg.

Accommodation in Manitoba

Manitoba has many different types of hotels and motels to choose from, depending on your budget and style preferences. If you're looking for a luxurious experience, plenty of 5-star hotels will offer all the amenities you could ever want or need. For those traveling on a tighter budget, don't worry - plenty of great options are available to suit your needs without breaking the bank. Whatever your style or budget, there's sure to be an accommodation option in Manitoba that's perfect for you!

Those in Manitoba looking for budget-conscious accommodations will be pleased to find many affordable options with great amenities. You may find features like air conditioning, wireless internet, and television. While budget-friendly locations tend to be more minimalistic, mid-range places will have more excellent amenities. They are often centrally located and more desirable for that reason. The most expensive accommodations in Manitoba include high-end options that offer world-class amenities, such as swimming pools, saunas, jacuzzis, and spas. Those are more luxurious.

Reserve a room

Tips for accommodations in Manitoba:

Budget-Friendly	Mid Range	High End
Bellas Castle Bed and Breakfast, Morden	Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Center Winnipeg	Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg
Aromansse Bed & Breakfast, Winnipeg	The Fairmont Winnipeg	Mariaggi's Theme Suite Hotel & Spa, Winnipeg
Micro Inn and Suites by Wyndham Portage La Prairie	The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Center, Ascend Hotel Collection, Winnipeg	The Souris Hotel

Some notable downtown hotels are the Fairmont Winnipeg, Fort Garry Hotel, The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, and the Alt Hotel. The city also has many chain hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, Marriott Hotels of Canada, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Best Western Premier.

While most people consider a bed and breakfast a quaint country inn, this is not always the case. Many bed and breakfasts are located in urban areas, some even in large cities. There are many bed and breakfasts located in Winnipeg, Canada.

Pictures

Useful information

Manitoba has some fantastic destinations, whether you know where your journey will end or if you're just along for the ride. Its capital city, Winnipeg, welcomes families with its many attractions and options. Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Churchill is home to polar bears and a popular destination for wildlife viewing.

For general travel information or trip planning, visit the Travel Manitoba site.

Car: Visit this site for Manitoba road conditions.

Bus: There are many bus lines and companies that let you travel to Winnipeg and dozens of other destinations in Manitoba, while public transportation is available in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson.

Maple Bus Lines, Northern Manitoba - Winnipeg Depot: 936 Sherbrook Street, R3A 1N2
Mahihkan Bus Lines, Northern Manitoba - Winnipeg Depot: Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, Main Terminal, Bus Loading at Pole #1.

Rail: Canada's major rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada, arrives and departs from Winnipeg and reaches many of Manitoba's smaller and northern communities, including Churchill. VIA Rail Canada Inc. - VIA Ticket Office: 146-123 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A3.

Plane: Winnipeg welcomes passengers from around the world via the James Richardson International Airport. Many destinations in the province have airports that serve regional carriers, but if you're going to Brandon, you'll appreciate the Brandon Municipal Airport. If you're going remote with no airport, your best option is to stop at an airstrip or use a plane that flies on floats.

Calm Air - Scheduled passenger service, charters, cargo
Fast Air - Air ambulance services, charter, helicopters
Harv's Air Service - Charters, flight training, air taxi
Kivalliq Air - Scheduled passenger service
Missinippi Airways - Charters, MEDIVAC (air ambulance), and scheduled services. Bases at Thompson, Norway House, Pukatawagan, and Winnipeg.
Perimeter Aviation - Scheduled passenger service, charters, MEDIVAC (air ambulance), and flight training
SkyNorth Air - Scheduled passenger service, charters

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