Published in Savour Manitoba Winter 2025
When the crisp air of fall descends upon Manitoba, a unique luxury emerges with a chance to reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Fall glamping, upscale cabin rentals and quaint B&Bs offer the perfect blend of cozy indulgence and invigorating outdoor adventure — making an ideal retreat for both romantic couples and families looking to be active outdoors in autumn.
This season it is not about roughing it; it’s about elevated comfort with an appreciation for the region’s breathtaking landscapes as the leaves begin to fall. Boutique glamping — often featuring high-end RV rentals, luxurious fully appointed cabins or cozy bed & breakfasts — is designed to maximize both seclusion and spectacle. Think king-sized heated beds, modern kitchenettes, full bathrooms and panoramic windows that put the fiery autumn forest on full display nestled in locations that can capture the perfect blend of wilderness and refinement.
The South Highway 59 corridor is rich in francophone and Mennonite heritage, providing a unique blend of culture and nature. St. Malo Provincial Park is a popular destination, centred on a reservoir where visitors can walk the trails surrounding the Rat River dam and dyke. For active families, the park’s easy hiking paths are perfect for a crisp fall afternoon, while history buffs can visit the replica of St. Malo’s famous Grotto and Shrine for a moment of quiet reflection in the most serene setting.
Just a short drive away, St. Pierre-Jolys and the surrounding areas near the Roseau River offer more exploration. You can trace the historic footsteps of fur traders and settlers along the Crow Wing Trail, a major section of the Trans Canada Trail that follows an old Red River ox-cart route. A must-see photo opportunity is the Senkiw Swinging Bridge over the scenic Roseau River, which offers dramatic views of the river valley.
The region is home to one of the last remaining sections of the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve, where you can take an interpretive trail walk to appreciate the rare ecosystem’s unique flora and fauna before cozying back up in your nearby retreat in Grunthal or St. Malo.
INVIGORATING FALL ACTIVITIES
Fall in Manitoba is arguably the best time for outdoor pursuits, since the absence of summer crowds and bugs allows for pure, unadulterated enjoyment of the experience. The fall colours create ideal settings for nature photographers looking to capture the fiery oranges and reds.
For couples, casual romantic hikes through the trees are a must as the leaves crunch softly underfoot. An afternoon spent paddling in a rented canoe or kayak on a quiet lake allows for serene reflection and a chance to spot migrating waterfowl.
Many glamping and cabin providers, like Tallpine Lodges (exclusively for couples), offer complimentary equipment and deluxe packages for a romantic stay.
Families will find plenty of space for adventure to enjoy a day spent exploring ancient rock formations at the Bannock Point Petroforms. For a more active pursuit, the region’s numerous backroads and paths are perfect for fall cycling or fat biking, providing a fast-paced way to cover ground and breathe in the refreshing fall air.
COZY FIRESIDE RELAXATION
The heart of a fall outdoor experience lies in the ritual of winding down, relaxing and reflecting. As the sun sets early and the sky pops with brilliant stars, the focus shifts to the warmth of a fire.
Couples cozy up in front of a wood-burning fire — or, even better, a private hot tub on a deck under the stars. The ultimate cozy activity is stargazing; with minimal light pollution, a late-night session with warm blankets offers a profound connection to nature and each other.
Families gather around the campfire for classic s’mores and storytelling. Simple pleasures like reading a good book by a fireplace, playing board games or simply watching a movie with the panoramic wooded view as the backdrop become cherished memories. The true luxury of the hearth is the time and space to unplug and be fully present.
SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS OF MANITOBA
Camp food can have a whole new meaning when glamping. With modern kitchenettes and high-end barbecues standard in most luxury rentals, guests can enhance their culinary experience using Manitoba’s exceptional local produce and gourmet products. Prior to your arrival, pick up a variety of premium locally sourced ingredients.
Start your day with beautiful fresh-baked breakfast delights from Boulangerie in St. Pierre-Jolys and pair it with a decadent cup of fresh-brewed coffee from Winnipeg’s Black Pearl Coffee. Instead of hot dogs, prepare thick-cut smokies from Winnipeg Old Country Sausage topped with maplesmoked cheddar from Bothwell Cheese on the barbecue.
A tender Manitoba bison steak from Central Plains Bison marinated with an artisan spice rub from Smak Dab is sure to take your grill game to the next level. For a more cozy dinner, slow-cook a hearty Wild Man Ricing wild rice and mushroom stew, showcasing Manitoba’s abundant wild rice.
Elevate your s’mores with handcrafted Utoffeea pieces instead of chocolate bars. For sophisticated warmth, bring a bottle of Red River Whisky from Patent 5 for post-dinner hot toddies. For couples, a high-quality Manitoba craft beer or an elegant Canadian red wine pairs perfectly with the chilly evenings.
Manitoba boasts a large variety of craft beverage producers to cap off the luxury outdoor experience with a few fireside beverages. Torque Brewing, Little Brown Jug, One Great City and Trans Canada Brewing are just a few of the local craft brewers that often have beverages for every occasion. Baltic Brothers feature delicious ready-to-drink cocktails for a fireside finishing touch to warm you from the inside without needing to mix a thing.
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TO GLAMP OR NOT TO GLAMP?
Glamping, luxury cabins and cozy bed & breakfasts all provide a relaxing, high-end, sophisticated experience to refresh the spirit. But they all offer subtly different vibes:
GLAMPING:
Immersive, modern and lightfilled. Luxury RVs with panoramic windows bring the outside in. Couples or small families seeking a unique “in-nature” experience with a luxury feel will find that glamping checks all boxes.
LUXURY CABINS:
Cozy, traditional and robustly built. Wood stoves or fireplaces and hot tubs are common luxury cabin features. Families or couples who want a fully contained home-like experience with complete privacy and luxury comforts will find this to be the perfect experience.
BED & BREAKFASTS:
Quaint, secluded and romantic. The ultimate relaxation retreat for couples that need to escape to nature but want a more personal experience.
Whether you’re nestled in a canvas tent on a raised platform or within a log-hewn chalet overlooking a lake, fall in Manitoba offers a true seasonal masterpiece: a canvas of brilliant autumn colour painted with the luxurious comforts of home. It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate fall on the Prairies.