Central Canada

Winnipeg is the provincial capital of Manitoba and sits in the south of the province on both the Red River and Assiniboine River. With many museums and galleries to explore you won't be short of things to do. We recommend visiting the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, not only is it a stunning architectural building but it is home to many moving and inspirations exhibits. There are dozens of theatres in Winnipeg, too, where you can watch everything from ballet to opera.

People mostly know Manitoba for the polar bears, as it's also referred to as the polar bear capital of the world. Churchill is where you need to go if you want to head out in search of these majestic creatures. Located in the far north of the province on the edge of the Hudson Bay and only accessible by plane, Churchill is a small remote community but offers wildlife, culture and nature. It's not just polar bears you can see though, in the summer months there are hundreds of beluga whales and an abundance of bird life to spot. 

Regina is the vibrant provincial capital of Saskatchewan, located in the south of the province. The city is known for it's friendly people, abundant green spaces and is referred to as the 'Queen City' as regina in Latin means 'Queen'. Wascana Park right in the middle of the city is a must visit and is almost three times the size of New York's Central Park, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum has the largest T-Rex in the world,  head to the Mosaic Stadium to see the Riders play and sample a craft beer at one of the local brewery's. 

Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan, located three hours north of Regina and sits on the South Saskatchewan River. In the north along the riverside Meewasin Trail you'll find Wanuskewin Heritage Park, with exhibitions exploring indigenous culture. To the south of downtown you can enjoy the native wildlife that inhabit the prairie grasslands of Beaver Creek Conservation Area and to the east of the river is the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo which has manicured gardens and a children’s zoo.

Despite its northerly location, Manitoba and Saskatchewan enjoy a seasonal climate. Between May and September, temperatures in Winnipeg and Regina generally hover in the low twenties, while in Churchill and northern Saskatchewan you'll experience cooler temperatures averaging at 17°C. This pleasant weather is ideal for outdoor activities, summer is also the best time for wildlife-watching. 

Winter, meanwhile, is significantly colder. Between November and March, temperatures rarely rise above freezing. January is particularly cold, with nighttime temperatures dropping as low as -24°C. If you’re a snowsports enthusiast, though, winter is the perfect time for your Central Canada holiday, as you’ll be able to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and more. And you’re almost guaranteed to see the Northern Lights.