Are you planning your family vacation? Why not consider a Staycation? Staycations are becoming more popular every year. With no borders to cross, no paperwork to fill out, no new languages to learn, or currencies to convert we think you may find that Staycations are an affordable, stress-free alternative to the family getaway.

Eastern Manitoba is rich with history and culture, endless lakes and beaches for swimming and fishing, waterparks to enjoy, a plethora of trails for hiking, ATVing, snowmobiling, cycling . . . all located within hours of your own backyard.

With a diverse selection of getaways, from simple family camping weekends to weeklong or summer long vacations, we are sure you will find the perfect Staycation destination here with us.

Lilac Resort

Located just 20 minutes south of Winnipeg you’ll find the perfect tropical resort nestled among the prairies. The lodging options include camping sites (tent and RV) and cabin rentals, allowing you to pair your fun in the sun with your desired comfort levels.

Well known for its waterpark with 2 pools, giant water slide, 2-speed slides, wading pool and 4 hot tubs, Lilac Resort provides many additional family-friendly activities. The words, “I’m bored” will not escape the lips of your children as they swim for hours, take in the free entertainment and activities offered by the resort, or get a lively game of soccer, volleyball, baseball, or basketball going on the fields and in the courts.

Falcon Beach Ranch

Located in the Whiteshell Provincial Park, just an hour east of Winnipeg, Falcon Beach Ranch offers your family a rustic ranch experience. Take the family horseback riding through the scenic landscapes of The Whiteshell or enjoy the route from the comfort of a horse-drawn wagon. Spend your time relaxing in one of three authentic log cabins, nestled in the forest atop a rock ridge that overlooks the ranch.

Of course, Falcon Beach Ranch is all about the riding experience, and they offer many riding excursions to suit any skill level. From short trail rides to pony rides around the pond to overnight cookouts this is a family vacation that will forever be remembered.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the UFO Ride. This is a unique experience for any rider, and especially for those with interest in the unexplained. This ride takes you to the actual site of the world famous “Falcon Lake Encounter,” one of North America’s most well documented UFO sightings. This ride takes about 1.5 hours and includes a chance to get off your horse and explore the site on foot while your guide tells you the story of that fateful day in May 1967.

Buffalo Point Resort

Located on southern Lake of the Woods in Manitoba, 2 hours southeast of Winnipeg, Buffalo Point Resort overlooks the waters of Big Traverse Bay, Muskeg Bay, and Buffalo Bay. With a mix of accommodation options to choose from (cabin rentals, cottage rentals and camping and RV sites) you’ll be able to find the perfect accommodations for your entire family.

A visual spectacle of rugged, natural beauty carved out of Lake of the Woods, Buffalo Point Resort is as breathtaking as it is fun, offering some of the finest year-round outdoor recreation and hospitality you'll find anywhere. With 7 miles of white sandy beaches, the best walleye fishing year-round, and world-class snowmobiling trails, kids of any age will never want to leave.

Rich in history, Buffalo Point has always been a gathering place for the Anishinabe people dating back to the 1700's when Chief Red Cloud and the Sioux frequented the area until the 1800's when the Ojibwa started to move in. Many battles ensued over control of Lake of the Sandhills, which was the original name of Lake of the Woods. In 1857 Gladman, Hind and Dawson explored this route with the assistance of the Ojibwa. Eventually, it was Simon Dawson who found the route at the Northwest Angle, known today as the Dawson Trail.

In the heart of Buffalo Point community is the unmistakable tipi shape of the Cultural Centre with the traditional thunderbirds gracing the entrance. You are invited to explore the independent spirit of the Buffalo Point First Nation Ojibway people through the architecture, art, archival and interpretive displays.

Nutimik Lodge 

Located on the shore of Nutimik Lake, 1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, you’ll find the perfect family getaway. Set in the midst of 2590 square km of lakes, rivers, forests, rocks and fine sand beaches better known as the Whiteshell Provincial Park. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure packed staycation, Nutimik Lodge has you covered.

Choose from six different cabin styles to stay in, with all the comforts of home and one fantastic view. Enjoy swimming on the three sandy beaches, hiking one of the many scenic trails, cycling through scenic mountain bike trails, getting in a round of tennis or exploring the Indigenous history and culture at Bannock Point. As a four-season lodge, there is also plenty to explore in the winter months with many kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trials, ice fishing and more.

The Lodge also offers fishing boat, Pontoon Boat rentals so you can get out on the lake for a chance to catch Northern Pike, Sturgeon, Walleye, Perch, Small Mouth Bass, and Goldeye.

Crow Wing Camp

Located 1 hour South of Winnipeg, on the shore of the Oroseau River, you’ll find the perfect user-initiated adventure area that provides a wide range of activities.

The Crow Wing Camp is a replica of what life used to be like on a major trade route of the 1800's, where travelers would stop to rest, trade, break bread and share stories. It is located near the convergence of the Roseau River and the Crow Wing Trail and is designed for a hands-on experience of ancestral ways.

Campers and visitors are brought back to a time when Red River carts were used to transport merchandise across the Canada/US border, and voyageur canoes traveled with trade goods and furs. An overnight stay is considered a primitive camping experience with little or no modern amenities. Cellular phones do not work, and there is no electricity on site. A rudimentary outhouse is the only concession that deviates from authenticity. Campers savour authentic trail cuisine of bannock and bison stew before spending the night wrapped in history on bear pelts and buffalo robes. This taste of a rich piece of history endows a new-found appreciation of modern life and of what our ancestors had to endure.

During your stay, a local Métis Trader will be your guide and interpreter as you overcome daily challenges and take part in various camp activities. His wealth of experience in the ways of old will be invaluable to you whether you're starting a fire, traveling to a nearby buffalo compound or exploring the rapids. The camp is open to individuals and groups every day of the week from June to September. Accommodations include a tee-pee for up to 6 people or a canvas tent that holds up to 8. Some may even choose to sleep in wool blankets under an authentic Red River cart.