Every road trip leaves you with a few memorable stops, but it's often the people you meet along the way who make it unforgettable.
As we travelled through southeastern Manitoba, we found ourselves slowing down, asking more questions and learning from the people who welcomed us into their businesses and shared their stories with us. From foraging in the forest with a Métis educator to gathering around the table for homemade pizza and savouring cider crafted from Manitoba-grown apples, every experience deepened our appreciation for the region.
1. Discover the Land Through Traditional Foraging at Mossy Birch Homestead
Where: Seddons Corner, MB
Our first stop was the perfect way to ground ourselves and reflect on the abundance of nature that surrounds and nourishes us every day.
At Mossy Birch Homestead, Métis educator and forager Erica Lindell welcomed us with a traditional smudge before leading us into the forest to discover the edible and medicinal plants growing all around us. It was a reminder that food doesn't always begin at a market or restaurant. Sometimes it begins beneath your feet and in the trees surrounding you.
As we wandered through the mossy birch forest, Erica shared generations of knowledge about the plants that have nourished communities for centuries. We learned how broadleaf plantain has traditionally been used to soothe insect bites and skin irritations, discovered edible greens we would have otherwise walked right past and gained a new appreciation for the landscape through her stories and teachings.
Back at the homestead, we transformed our harvest into fluffy stinging nettle pancakes topped with fresh blueberry compote. Watching simple ingredients become something so memorable made the experience even more rewarding. Engaging all five senses, from the earthy scent of the forest to the taste of freshly foraged ingredients, made us feel completely immersed in the experience.
What made this stop so meaningful wasn't just what we learned, but how it changed the way we look at the world around us. It encouraged us to slow down, notice the abundance growing in our own communities and better understand the importance of preserving traditional knowledge by sharing it with future generations.
More than just a meal, this experience offered a deeper understanding of the connection between food, culture and the land, leaving us with a renewed appreciation for the stories rooted in every landscape.
2. Stay + Dine at Moon Gate Guest House
Where: 61105 MB-406, Whitemouth, MB
Some accommodations are simply a place to spend the night. Moon Gate Guest House becomes part of your journey.
Owners Michel Dupas and Jenny Roy have created an eco-friendly retreat where guests are encouraged to slow down, disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Powered by geothermal heating and solar energy, every detail reflects their commitment to sustainability without sacrificing comfort.
During our visit, Michel and Jenny welcomed us into their home with a taste of the traditional Métis Kitchen Party experience they offer guests. We gathered around the table to enjoy handcrafted bison bites, wood-fired pizzas and genuine conversation that made us feel less like visitors and more like old friends.
The standout for us was the Bison Bites. Every bite felt like comfort food, warm, pillowy and deeply satisfying. It's one of Michel's signature creations and a perfect example of how simple, thoughtfully prepared ingredients can leave a lasting impression. They disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived, and we were already reaching for another when the wood-fired pizzas emerged from the outdoor oven.
Served straight from the fire to our plates, the pizzas delivered the kind of legendary cheese pulls you can't help but smile at. Choosing a favourite wasn't easy, but the Hot Métis stole the show for me with hot sausage, hot salami, prosciutto, mushrooms, onions and plenty of gooey mozzarella. Every bite struck the perfect balance of smoky, savoury and just enough heat.
What made the meal even more memorable was learning where those flavours came from. The organic pizza dough is made with Manitoba-grown flour, while the meats are sourced from local producers, including Archie's Meats, Zinn Farms and Creek Meadows Grass-fed Beef. Even the chicken is raised right on the property.
Michel explained their field-to-fork philosophy with a simple statement that perfectly captures their approach: "Some of our ingredients are from right here on our land." That commitment to sourcing locally is reflected not just on the menu. It's woven into every meal they serve, creating an experience that truly reflects the people and landscape of southeastern Manitoba.
Before the evening ended, Michel and Jenny gave us a tour of the property, including the beautiful Round House tucked beside the Whitemouth River. Built with reclaimed materials and thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in nature, it's the kind of place that instantly makes you want to extend your stay.
Guests who spend the night wake up to a breakfast of wood-fired sourdough bread, homemade jams, farm-fresh eggs and locally roasted coffee, another thoughtful reminder that hospitality here extends well beyond check-in. It's easy to understand why so many visitors leave already planning their return.
3. Sip Manitoba Craft Cider at Dead Horse Cider Co.
Where: 15062 Rd 22 W, Winkler, MB
Every cider tells a story, and at Dead Horse Cider Co., that story begins with Manitoba apples.
Owners Matthew and Marcus have created more than just a cidery. They've built a destination that celebrates Manitoba's orchards, local agriculture and the people behind every harvest. By sourcing apples from their own orchard and neighbouring growers, each small-batch cider captures the flavours of the region while supporting the local farming community.
After touring the cidery and learning about their process, we settled onto the patio overlooking the orchard with a tasting flight in hand. Surrounded by rows of apple trees, it was easy to appreciate how closely connected the cider is to the land it comes from.
Our favourite was the Strawberry Fizz, a crisp, lightly sparkling cider made with real strawberries that tasted like summer in a glass. Refreshing, fruit-forward and not overly sweet, it was the perfect sip for a warm Manitoba afternoon.
Of course, no tasting is complete without something to snack on. Warm pretzels paired with their house-made cider cheese dip were the perfect complement to the flight and quickly became one of our favourite bites of the afternoon.
What stayed with us most, though, wasn't just the cider. It was the passion Matthew and Marcus brought to everything they do. From sharing the story behind the orchard to explaining their cider-making process, their pride in Manitoba agriculture was evident in every conversation. You could feel how much this place means to them and how intentionally they've created an experience that connects visitors to the land, the growers and the community that makes it all possible.
It's the kind of place where one tasting flight easily turns into an afternoon, soaking up the sunshine, enjoying great conversation and gaining a deeper appreciation for Manitoba's growing craft cider scene.
4. Explore Winnipeg One Delicious Meal at a Time
By the time we arrived in Winnipeg, one thing became very clear: this city knows food.
Every neighbourhood introduced us to another restaurant, brewery or cocktail bar worth adding to our list. Before long, we found ourselves planning each day around where we were eating next.
We kicked off the evening at The Roost, where creative cocktails and fluffy pork bao buns set the tone for the night before heading to one of our favourite dinners of the trip at Baby Baby.
Baby Baby's retro-inspired dining room, open kitchen and playful menu made every course feel like an experience.
Standout dishes included fresh oysters with yuzu rosé mignonette, buttery lobster rolls, crispy fried broccoli and a beautifully prepared whole sea bass. The lobster roll quickly became our favourite, served on pillowy soft bread with tender lobster that practically melted in your mouth.
To finish the evening, we slipped into Solera, a hidden speakeasy tucked behind Tabula Rasa. Watching each cocktail come together was part of the experience, while the intimate atmosphere made it feel like we'd stumbled upon one of Winnipeg's favourite local spots.
If this first evening was any indication, we knew we were in for something special.
5. Slow Down with Brunch at Clementine Café,
After an evening of incredible food, the next morning called for one thing: brunch.
A visit to Clementine Café is well worth the wait. Tucked beneath a historic building in Winnipeg's Exchange District, this beloved brunch spot quickly became one of our favourites.
We couldn't resist ordering the Fried Chicken on Toast alongside the Braised Beef Chilaquiles, both packed with bold flavours and generous portions that fuelled us for the day ahead.
6. Explore The Leaf and Unwind at Gather
From there, we made our way to The Leaf at Assiniboine Park. Walking through lush tropical biomes, watching colourful butterflies flutter overhead and standing beside Canada's tallest indoor waterfall felt like stepping into another world.
It was a refreshing change of pace and the perfect way to slow down between meals.
After exploring the gardens, we stopped into Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar for a snack and drink. Inspired by the surrounding gardens and seasonal Manitoba ingredients, it was the perfect place to relax, reflect on the day and enjoy one last delicious bite before continuing our Winnipeg adventure.
Whether you're travelling with family, visiting as a couple or exploring solo, this combination of incredible food and beautiful green spaces makes for one of Winnipeg's most memorable afternoons.
Every road trip leaves you with a few memorable stops, but it's often the people you meet along the way who make it unforgettable.
As we travelled through southeastern Manitoba, we found ourselves slowing down, asking more questions and learning from the people who welcomed us into their businesses and shared their stories with us. From foraging in the forest with a Métis educator to gathering around the table for homemade pizza and savouring cider crafted from Manitoba-grown apples, every experience deepened our appreciation for the region.
1. Discover the Land Through Traditional Foraging at Mossy Birch Homestead
Where: Seddons Corner, MB
Our first stop was the perfect way to ground ourselves and reflect on the abundance of nature that surrounds and nourishes us every day.
At Mossy Birch Homestead, Métis educator and forager Erica Lindell welcomed us with a traditional smudge before leading us into the forest to discover the edible and medicinal plants growing all around us. It was a reminder that food doesn't always begin at a market or restaurant. Sometimes it begins beneath your feet and in the trees surrounding you.
As we wandered through the mossy birch forest, Erica shared generations of knowledge about the plants that have nourished communities for centuries. We learned how broadleaf plantain has traditionally been used to soothe insect bites and skin irritations, discovered edible greens we would have otherwise walked right past and gained a new appreciation for the landscape through her stories and teachings.
Back at the homestead, we transformed our harvest into fluffy stinging nettle pancakes topped with fresh blueberry compote. Watching simple ingredients become something so memorable made the experience even more rewarding. Engaging all five senses, from the earthy scent of the forest to the taste of freshly foraged ingredients, made us feel completely immersed in the experience.
What made this stop so meaningful wasn't just what we learned, but how it changed the way we look at the world around us. It encouraged us to slow down, notice the abundance growing in our own communities and better understand the importance of preserving traditional knowledge by sharing it with future generations.
More than just a meal, this experience offered a deeper understanding of the connection between food, culture and the land, leaving us with a renewed appreciation for the stories rooted in every landscape.
2. Stay + Dine at Moon Gate Guest House
Where: 61105 MB-406, Whitemouth, MB
Some accommodations are simply a place to spend the night. Moon Gate Guest House becomes part of your journey.
Owners Michel Dupas and Jenny Roy have created an eco-friendly retreat where guests are encouraged to slow down, disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Powered by geothermal heating and solar energy, every detail reflects their commitment to sustainability without sacrificing comfort.
During our visit, Michel and Jenny welcomed us into their home with a taste of the traditional Métis Kitchen Party experience they offer guests. We gathered around the table to enjoy handcrafted bison bites, wood-fired pizzas and genuine conversation that made us feel less like visitors and more like old friends.
The standout for us was the Bison Bites. Every bite felt like comfort food, warm, pillowy and deeply satisfying. It's one of Michel's signature creations and a perfect example of how simple, thoughtfully prepared ingredients can leave a lasting impression. They disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived, and we were already reaching for another when the wood-fired pizzas emerged from the outdoor oven.
Served straight from the fire to our plates, the pizzas delivered the kind of legendary cheese pulls you can't help but smile at. Choosing a favourite wasn't easy, but the Hot Métis stole the show for me with hot sausage, hot salami, prosciutto, mushrooms, onions and plenty of gooey mozzarella. Every bite struck the perfect balance of smoky, savoury and just enough heat.
What made the meal even more memorable was learning where those flavours came from. The organic pizza dough is made with Manitoba-grown flour, while the meats are sourced from local producers, including Archie's Meats, Zinn Farms and Creek Meadows Grass-fed Beef. Even the chicken is raised right on the property.
Michel explained their field-to-fork philosophy with a simple statement that perfectly captures their approach: "Some of our ingredients are from right here on our land." That commitment to sourcing locally is reflected not just on the menu. It's woven into every meal they serve, creating an experience that truly reflects the people and landscape of southeastern Manitoba.
Before the evening ended, Michel and Jenny gave us a tour of the property, including the beautiful Round House tucked beside the Whitemouth River. Built with reclaimed materials and thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in nature, it's the kind of place that instantly makes you want to extend your stay.
Guests who spend the night wake up to a breakfast of wood-fired sourdough bread, homemade jams, farm-fresh eggs and locally roasted coffee, another thoughtful reminder that hospitality here extends well beyond check-in. It's easy to understand why so many visitors leave already planning their return.
3. Sip Manitoba Craft Cider at Dead Horse Cider Co.
Where: 15062 Rd 22 W, Winkler, MB
Every cider tells a story, and at Dead Horse Cider Co., that story begins with Manitoba apples.
Owners Matthew and Marcus have created more than just a cidery. They've built a destination that celebrates Manitoba's orchards, local agriculture and the people behind every harvest. By sourcing apples from their own orchard and neighbouring growers, each small-batch cider captures the flavours of the region while supporting the local farming community.
After touring the cidery and learning about their process, we settled onto the patio overlooking the orchard with a tasting flight in hand. Surrounded by rows of apple trees, it was easy to appreciate how closely connected the cider is to the land it comes from.
Our favourite was the Strawberry Fizz, a crisp, lightly sparkling cider made with real strawberries that tasted like summer in a glass. Refreshing, fruit-forward and not overly sweet, it was the perfect sip for a warm Manitoba afternoon.
Of course, no tasting is complete without something to snack on. Warm pretzels paired with their house-made cider cheese dip were the perfect complement to the flight and quickly became one of our favourite bites of the afternoon.
What stayed with us most, though, wasn't just the cider. It was the passion Matthew and Marcus brought to everything they do. From sharing the story behind the orchard to explaining their cider-making process, their pride in Manitoba agriculture was evident in every conversation. You could feel how much this place means to them and how intentionally they've created an experience that connects visitors to the land, the growers and the community that makes it all possible.
It's the kind of place where one tasting flight easily turns into an afternoon, soaking up the sunshine, enjoying great conversation and gaining a deeper appreciation for Manitoba's growing craft cider scene.
4. Explore Winnipeg One Delicious Meal at a Time
By the time we arrived in Winnipeg, one thing became very clear: this city knows food.
Every neighbourhood introduced us to another restaurant, brewery or cocktail bar worth adding to our list. Before long, we found ourselves planning each day around where we were eating next.
We kicked off the evening at The Roost, where creative cocktails and fluffy pork bao buns set the tone for the night before heading to one of our favourite dinners of the trip at Baby Baby. The retro-inspired dining room, open kitchen and playful menu made every course feel like an experience. Standout dishes included fresh oysters with yuzu rosé mignonette, buttery lobster rolls, crispy fried broccoli and a beautifully prepared whole sea bass. The lobster roll quickly became our favourite, served on pillowy soft bread with tender lobster that practically melted in your mouth.
To finish the evening, we slipped into Solera, a hidden speakeasy tucked behind Tabula Rasa. Watching each cocktail come together was part of the experience, while the intimate atmosphere made it feel like we'd stumbled upon one of Winnipeg's favourite local spots.
If this first evening was any indication, we knew we were in for something special.
5. Slow Down with Brunch at Clementine Café,
After an evening of incredible food, the next morning called for one thing: brunch.
A visit to Clementine Café is well worth the wait. Tucked beneath a historic building in Winnipeg's Exchange District, this beloved brunch spot quickly became one of our favourites. We couldn't resist ordering the Fried Chicken on Toast alongside the Braised Beef Chilaquiles, both packed with bold flavours and generous portions that fuelled us for the day ahead.
6. Explore The Leaf and Unwind at Gather
From there, we made our way to The Leaf at Assiniboine Park. Walking through lush tropical biomes, watching colourful butterflies flutter overhead and standing beside Canada's tallest indoor waterfall felt like stepping into another world. It was a refreshing change of pace and the perfect way to slow down between meals.
After exploring the gardens, we stopped into Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar for a snack and drink. Inspired by the surrounding gardens and seasonal Manitoba ingredients, it was the perfect place to relax, reflect on the day and enjoy one last delicious bite before continuing our Winnipeg adventure.
Whether you're travelling with family, visiting as a couple or exploring solo, this combination of incredible food and beautiful green spaces makes for one of Winnipeg's most memorable afternoons.
Thank you, Winnipeg!
It's learning about traditional foraging from Erica, sharing stories around the table with Michel and Jenny, hearing how Manitoba apples become award-winning cider and discovering a city where passionate chefs continue to push boundaries with every menu.
Those are the experiences that stay with you long after the road trip ends.
If you're looking for a destination where food, culture and hospitality come together naturally, Manitoba deserves a place on your list!
Ready to start planning? Read the full itinerary here!
