Top Places to See When Driving from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Winnipeg, Manitoba

Are you planning to take a road trip from Ottawa, Ontario to Winnipeg, Manitoba? The drive may be long, but it's worth it. This route offers spectacular sights and experience along the way. So buckle up and get ready to embark on an adventure. In this blog post, we will take you through some of the best places to visit when driving from Ottawa to Winnipeg.

Before starting, let's mention one thing. This route is long, and it's crucial to prepare for it. Ensure you have enough time, keep your car in good condition, and check road conditions before departing. But most importantly, ensure you have an excellent playlist to keep the spirits high.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's dive in.

1. Old Fort William Historic Park

Located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Old Fort William Historic Park is a great first stop on your journey. The park presents an opportunity to learn about the fur trade era and immerse yourself in the rich history of Canada's West. You get to see how the fur traders lived and traded with the First Nations peoples. The park boasts several interactive museums, such as the Ojibwa Camp, with real teepees, and the Voyageur Encampment, who can teach you canoe-building skills. The highlight of the park is the reenactment of the fur trader's journey, where actors take you back in time, portraying real-life scenarios.

2. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

After Old Fort William, take a short drive, and you will arrive at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Its standout feature is the massive rock formation that takes the shape of a sleeping giant, with a trail mapping out the giant's chest, head, and back. The park has 80 km of trails for hikers and bikers, including a scenic drive to the head of the Sleeping Giant. You get to take in the beautiful view of Lake Superior from the giant's chest.

3. Whiteshell Provincial Park

Whiteshell Provincial Park is a nature sanctuary located in southeastern Manitoba. The park covers over 2,600 square kilometers, offering an abundance of recreational opportunities for visitors. The park's pristine lakes are perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming, and it's home to many wild animals such as moose, elk, and black bears. You can explore the park's water caves or visit the Bannock Point Petroforms to learn more about the First Nations culture.

4. Manitoba Museum

While in Winnipeg, make sure to visit the Manitoba Museum, a fascinating place that combines science, history, and human stories. The museum has nine galleries, each with unique exhibits that cater to all ages and interests. One of the highlights of the museum is the Nonsuch Gallery, where you can see the Nonsuch ship, which sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in the late 17th century during the fur trade era and is now an iconic symbol of Canada.

5. Royal Canadian Mint

Your last stop before leaving Winnipeg should be the Royal Canadian Mint, located at 520 Lagimodiere Boulevard. The currency-making operation offers guided tours that give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how coins are made. You get to see giant furnaces, enormous presses, and the robotic equipment used to make millions of coins daily. You can also browse souvenir items at the gift shop, including coins, jewelry, and artwork produced in the Mint's state-of-the-art facility.

Conclusion

Driving from Ottawa, Ontario to Winnipeg, Manitoba offers one of the most beautiful road trips in Canada. There are so many beautiful sights to see and so many extraordinary experiences to be had. Be sure to prepare well, have a great playlist, and enjoy your journey. As you make your way through the parks, museums, and historic sites listed above, you'll come to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Canada's nature and culture. Happy travels!