Three Provincial Parks, One Incredible Day Trip

Looking for an easy road trip packed with great scenery, interesting history, and plenty to explore?

This day trip takes you to three provincial parks where rushing rapids, scenic trails, riverside picnic spots, and Manitoba's hydro history come together for a full day of adventure. Spend as much or as little time at each stop as you like and discover a different side of the Winnipeg River with every kilometre.

Trip Snapshot

Distance: Approx. 220 km round trip

Drive Time: Approx. 2 hours, 25 minutes round trip

Recommended Time: 5 to 7 hours

Great For:

• Families

• Couples

• History enthusiasts

• Photographers

• Birdwatchers

Before You Visit: Park Vehicle Permits

All three stops on this itinerary are located within Manitoba provincial parks, so a valid Park Vehicle Permit is required for most vehicles.

Purchase and print your permit from Manitoba eLicensing before you go, and be sure to display your printed permit in your vehicle while visiting the parks.

For current fees and to purchase your permit online, visit Manitoba Parks' website.

Stop 1: Whitemouth Falls Provincial Park

Distance from Winnipeg Perimeter: Approx. 57 minutes

Your first destination is where the two rivers meet.

Whitemouth Falls Provincial Park, located in Seven Sisters Falls, marks the confluence of the Whitemouth River and the Winnipeg River, creating a landscape shaped by rushing water, exposed granite, and surrounding boreal forest. It's a peaceful place where visitors can immerse themselves in nature, soak in the views, and experience one of the region's most scenic river settings.

As you walk along the path, enjoy the sights and sounds of cascading water as the rapids flow over the rocks. The park is also a favourite among birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot everything from songbirds and pelicans to soaring eagles and Great Grey Owls. Don't forget your fishing rods and cast off shoreside! Popular catches are walleye, whitefish, and northern pike, among others.

If you feel like extending your stay, you can hike the Seven Sisters Trails, with an on-site access point. The trail loops through Whitemouth Falls Provincial Park and offers views of the Seven Sisters Falls Generating Station. Just a short distance away from the park, you'll find the Seven Sisters Falls Generating Station, which stands as one of Manitoba's major hydroelectric facilities and an important part of the Winnipeg River's history.

Highlights

• Confluence of the Whitemouth and Winnipeg Rivers

• Shoreside fishing

• Birdwatching and wildlife viewing

• Picnicking

• Access to the Seven Sisters Trails

• Nearby Seven Sisters Falls Generating Station

Stop 2: Pinawa Provincial Wayside Park

Distance from Whitemouth Falls Provincial Park: Approx. 9-minute drive

Don't let its size fool you. At just 0.68 hectares, Pinawa Provincial Wayside Park is Manitoba's smallest provincial park, but it makes for an enjoyable stop along your journey.

Established in 1974 as one of several wayside parks across Manitoba, it was designed to give travellers a place to pull over, stretch their legs, and enjoy a picnic while exploring the province. These roadside parks helped support the growing popularity of highway travel and encouraged Canadians to discover more of what Manitoba had to offer. Today, it continues that tradition as a welcoming pit stop destination along the Winnipeg River.

Enjoy a picnic overlooking the water, cast a fishing line from shore, or simply sit back and take in the view. A public boat launch also makes it a convenient access point for boaters and anglers heading out onto the Winnipeg River.

One of the highlights of the park is its unique view of the nearby Seven Sisters Falls Generating Station. From here, you'll enjoy a different vantage point of the historic hydroelectric facility, making it a great stop for photographers and anyone looking to appreciate the region's connection to the water.

Highlights

• Manitoba's smallest provincial park

• Picnic area

• Fishing opportunities

• Public boat launch

• Scenic Winnipeg River views

• Unique view of the Seven Sisters Falls Generating Station

Stop 3: Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park

Distance from Pinawa Provincial Wayside Park: Approx. 16-minute drive

Finish your adventure where Manitoba's year-round hydroelectric story began.

The towering concrete remains of the original Pinawa Dam make this one of Manitoba's most fascinating historic sites. Built in 1906 as the province's first year-round hydroelectric generating station, the dam played an important role in powering the growth of Winnipeg before operations moved downstream to Seven Sisters in 1951.

Take time to wander the self-guided trails that wind through the old townsite and around the dam ruins. The Dam Ruins Walk features interpretive signs explaining how the station worked, while the Old Pinawa Self-guiding Trail shares the story of the original community that once called this place home.

Highlights

• Historic dam ruins

• Self-guided interpretive trails

• Scenic walking paths

• Manitoba hydroelectric history

• Great photography opportunities

Plan Your Trip

This is just the beginning. Turn your day trip into an unforgettable adventure by exploring the communities, attractions, restaurants, and experiences waiting along the Winnipeg River.