Self-Drive The Heart of Canada

Tour Information

The expansive prairies define the nation’s heartland. This unique tour offers the opportunity to explore Manitoba’s cultural mosaic, unrivalled National Parks and wide open spaces of the central plains.

Day 1

Arrive in Winnipeg, the province’s capital, and pick up your rental vehicle at the airport. Drive to the centrally located Hotel Fort Garry for check in. This prestigious landmark is one of the city’s most recognized buildings, and stands as a historic symbol of the city.
Overnight: Hotel Fort Garry

Day 2

Enjoy a hot breakfast in the hotel dining room this morning. Today is free for you to explore the Prairie capital at your leisure. Visit The Forks, featuring a river promenade and international cuisine, tour the renowned Manitoba Museum, or stroll through St. Boniface, the charming French Quarter. (B)
Overnight: Hotel Fort Garry

Day 3

Head north to the opulent Hecla Oasis Resort, visiting the Marine Museum and Canada’s Icelandic Capital, Gimli, enroute. (approximately 2 hours). This beautiful new property features Manitoba’s premier rated public golf course set amidst the beauty of Hecla Provincial Park. Onsite L’Enoteca restaurant provides panoramic views of Lake Winnipeg and boasts cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs. Embark on an optional guided trek in Grindstone Provincial Park or indulge in a spa treatment at the luxurious on-site spa. (B)
Overnight: Hecla Oasis Resort

Day 4

Spend a day exploring Hecla and the surrounding area. This island is a paradise for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, and is home to a historic Icelandic Village, the Grassy Narrows Marsh, and a scenic harbour. (B)
Overnight: Hecla Oasis Resort

Day 5

Travel west through rugged, fascinating landscapes to Riding Mountain National Park, your home for the next two nights (approximately 4 hours). This National Historic Site of Canada is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as bison, moose, elk, deer, coyotes, timber wolves, and Bald eagles. The park features numerous lakes and rolling hills in the heart of the Manitoba Prairie, with the quaint town of Wasagaming set beside beautiful Clear Lake. (B)
Overnight Elkhorn Resort

Day 6

Today offers a fully guided tour throughout Riding Mountain National Park. Spend the day with your naturalist guide, with opportunities to visit a vacant bear den as well as the bison herd at Lake Audy.
Overnight: Elkhorn Resort

Day 7

Following check out this morning, drive south to Boissevain (approximately 2 hours). You may wish to stop in Brandon enroute. Head out on the Assiniboine River Corridor, a network of parks and pathways linked by a pedestrian bridge, and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Boissevain, visit the giant Outdoor Art Gallery in this small lowlands town, and continue on your way towards the Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. Check into your accommodation for this evening, at the Walkinshaw Place. Discover the rural lifestyle of Manitoba on a small working farm, with comfortable accommodations in a restored turn of the century Victorian house. Drive to the nearby International Peace Gardens, and return to your Bed and Breakfast for an optional barbequed steak dinner this evening.
Overnight: Boissevain

Day 8

Check out this morning and embark on a Geocaching Adventure! A hand-held GPS will be provided, preloaded with Geocache coordinates in the Turtle Mountain and Boissevain regions. This “treasure hunt” is an entertaining quest offering a wide variety of possible rewards! Depart Boissevain for Winnipeg this afternoon, (approximately 3 hours). Accommodation has been arranged at the Hotel Fort Garry. (B)
Overnight: Hotel Fort Garry

Day 9

Breakfast will be served in the hotel dining room this morning. Please return your rental car at the Hertz Winnipeg Airport location by twelve noon. (B) Check-in at Winnipeg International Airport for your return flight.

Day 10

ARRIVE BACK TO THE UK

What's Included

• Transatlantic schedule flights
• Economy size car rental
• Three nights accommodation Winnipeg Hotel Fort Garry (or similar), breakfast included
• Two nights accommodation Hecla Oasis Resort, standard room including breakfast
• Two nights accommodation Elkhorn Resort, Riding Mountain National Park
• Full day guided tour of Riding Mountain National Park
• One night accommodation Boissevain B&B with private facilities, breakfast included