From handcrafted cider and unforgettable farm-to-table meals to award-winning restaurants and one-of-a-kind attractions, Manitoba is full of delicious surprises. Follow this Canada Culinary road trip from Kenora to Winnipeg as we share 11 unforgettable culinary and agritourism experiences that showcase the people, places and flavours making Manitoba one of Canada's most exciting food destinations.
1. Forage for Wild Ingredients at Mossy Birch Homestead
Where: Seddons Corner, MB
Just over an hour from Kenora, Mossy Birch Homestead invites visitors to slow down and experience Manitoba's boreal forest through a different lens. Led by Métis educator and forager Erica Lindell, the Forage + Feast experience provides a hands-on introduction to the edible and medicinal plants that have long been integral to the region's landscape and traditions.
As we pulled into Erica's beautiful property, it immediately felt like we had arrived somewhere truly special. She greeted us from the front porch with the biggest smile, before welcoming us with a traditional smudge and offering a prayer to the land.
Fun Fact: Smudging is a sacred practice used by many First Nations that involves burning traditional medicines, such as sage, cedar, or sweetgrass, to encourage mindfulness, gratitude, and connection before beginning an activity. Participation is always voluntary and rooted in respect for yourself, others, and the land.
With open minds, we set off on a 30 to 40-minute walk through the forest, where Erica introduced us to the edible and medicinal plants growing all around us. One of our biggest takeaways was learning about broadleaf plantain, a common plant found in lawns, trails, and roadsides across Canada that many people mistake for a weed.
When a few mosquito bites started bothering me, Erica showed us how to crush the leaves into a simple poultice and apply it directly to the skin. The relief was almost immediate.
Did You Know? Broadleaf plantain has been used for generations to help soothe insect bites, minor skin irritations, scrapes and sun-exposed skin. Before we began cooking, Erica gifted us one of her handcrafted plantain salves, made by slowly infusing the leaves in organic oils and blending them with locally harvested beeswax.
After spending far too much time in the sun that week, it quickly became one of those products we wished we'd discovered sooner. If you'd like to take a little piece of the experience home, Erica's handcrafted salves are available to purchase during your visit or through her online shop.
Back at the homestead, everything we had learned came full circle. We returned to the stinging nettle patch to harvest our own ingredients before rolling up our sleeves to prepare fluffy wild nettle pancakes topped with a warm blueberry compote Erica had foraged earlier.
It was a simple yet unforgettable meal that celebrated the flavours of the forest and reminded us that some of the most remarkable ingredients are growing just beyond the trail.
More than a cooking class or guided walk, Mossy Birch Homestead is an opportunity to reconnect with the land through food, knowledge, and storytelling. It was one of the most memorable culinary experiences of our journey from Kenora to Winnipeg.
2. Gather Around the Table at a Traditional Métis Kitchen Party at Moon Gate Guest House
Where: 61105 MB-406, Whitemouth, MB
After an unforgettable afternoon foraging with Erica, we made our way to Moon Gate Guest House, where we'd be spending the night. As we pulled onto the property, we weren't quite sure what to expect.
Within minutes of meeting Jenny and catching the first smoky aromas drifting from Michel's wood-fired pizza oven, we had a feeling this was going to be one of those places we'd be talking about long after the trip was over.
Jenny welcomed us with genuine warmth while Michel worked away between the outdoor kitchen and the pizza oven, carefully preparing dinner over the fire. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, a long harvest table dressed with rustic décor and string lights and the smell of wood smoke drifting through the air, it didn't take long to feel completely at home.
More than hosts, Jenny and Michel are passionate storytellers who share their Métis heritage, deep connection to the land and warm hospitality through every experience they create.
By the time we gathered around the harvest table, dinner was ready.
The evening began with warm bannock-wrapped bison bites seasoned like traditional tourtière and a fresh garden salad tossed in Michel's house-made dressing.
The bison bites felt like a warm hug in every bite, comforting, flavourful and the perfect way to begin the meal. Then there was the salad. Calling it "fresh" almost doesn't do it justice. Knowing many of the ingredients had been harvested just steps from where we were sitting made every bite even more memorable.
Then came the pizzas.
Cooked in Michel's wood-fired oven, each pizza reflected Moon Gate's field-to-fork philosophy. We shared four of Michel's signature creations, including the loaded BMP, the spicy Hot Métis, the rich Frisky Brisket and the fresh Tomato Basil.
Topped with locally raised meats, Bothwell cheese, seasonal vegetables and ingredients sourced from nearby farms and, in some cases, the gardens surrounding us, every pizza celebrated Manitoba's incredible producers. The perfectly blistered crusts, endless cheese pulls and thoughtful flavour combinations made it nearly impossible to pick a favourite.
As the evening settled in, Jenny took us on a walk around the property. Golden hour cast a warm glow over the gardens as we wandered down to the winding Whitemouth River before stopping to explore the Round House, a cozy self-contained retreat built from reclaimed materials just steps from the water.
With its rustic charm, wood stove and peaceful surroundings, it felt like the perfect place to truly unplug and reconnect with nature.
Back at the harvest table, we lingered long after dinner had ended, chatting with Jenny and Michel about their journey, sharing laughs and reaching for one more slice. Somewhere between the stories, the incredible food and the peaceful setting, we realized this was exactly what a Taste of Place experience is all about.
It wasn't just about what was on our plates. It was about slowing down, connecting with the people behind the meal and leaving with a much deeper appreciation for the place itself.
Worth Knowing: Moon Gate offers two unique dining experiences: Michel's handcrafted wood-fired pizza nights on Fridays and Saturdays, and seasonal Métis Kitchen Parties inspired by local ingredients, culture and the changing seasons. We highly recommend staying overnight, so you can wake up to a breakfast of wood-fired sourdough, handcrafted jams, fresh local eggs and locally roasted coffee.
3. Start Your Morning with Fresh-Baked Pastries at Boulangerie St.Pierre
Where: 530 Hébert Ave, St Pierre-Jolys, MB
As much as we loved our stay at Moon Gate, the road was calling. On our way to Winnipeg, we made one more stop that proved some of the best travel memories are often the simplest.
The moment we stepped into Boulangerie St. Pierre, the smell of fresh bread and warm pastries filled the air. Then came the donuts.
There is something magical about biting into a fresh, made-from-scratch donut that has only just come out of the fryer. Light, pillowy and still warm, it was one of those moments that instantly ruins every ordinary donut you've ever had. It's the kind of flavour your tastebuds remember long after the trip is over.
After happily polishing off our donuts, we had the chance to step behind the scenes to see where the magic happens. Watching the team mix, shape and bake everything from scratch gave us an even greater appreciation for the care that goes into every loaf, pastry and sweet treat leaving the ovens each day.
Owned by Joe Gagné, who proudly took over the family business from his father, Boulangerie St. Pierre has become much more than a neighbourhood bakery. It's a place where generations have gathered over fresh baking, where locals stop to catch up and where visitors quickly feel like regulars.
As one of the village's largest employers, the bakery also plays an important role in supporting the local economy while continuing Manitoba's proud baking tradition one fresh loaf and one unforgettable donut at a time.
4. Sip Small-Batch Cider Crafted from Manitoba Apples at Dead Horse Cider Co
Where: 15062 Rd 22 W, Winkler, MB
About an hour and a half outside Winnipeg, we pulled into Dead Horse Cider Co., where we were welcomed by Matthew and Marcus, the duo behind one of Manitoba's most exciting craft cider stories.
Before we tasted a single sip, they shared the journey that brought them here. What started as a fourth-generation family farm slowly evolved into a cidery built on curiosity, collaboration and a deep respect for the land.
One of our favourite parts of the visit was learning about the connection between Dead Horse and the surrounding community.
While the orchard continues to grow, many of the apples still come from backyards and farms across Manitoba. Every fall, neighbours arrive with baskets and bins full of surplus apples that might have otherwise gone to waste. Those apples are pressed, blended and transformed into ciders that quite literally tell the story of the province, one bottle at a time.
After hearing their story, Matthew took us on a walk through the orchard, sharing how the seasons shape everything they do. Standing among the apple trees with a cider in hand, it was easy to appreciate the patience and care behind every bottle.
We settled onto the sunny patio overlooking the orchard to sample a flight of their ciders, and while every pour had something to offer, one quickly became our favourite.
The Strawberry Fizz was everything you want on a warm summer afternoon. Made with their signature apple cider, real strawberries and a light sparkle, it was crisp, bright and incredibly refreshing without being overly sweet.
It's the kind of drink you can picture enjoying on a patio with friends or gathered around a backyard table as the sun begins to set.
Of course, no cider tasting is complete without something delicious to pair alongside it.
Inside the cidery, the atmosphere was every bit as memorable as the drinks. The industrial cider tanks stood proudly in the centre of the space, surrounded by warm wood, exposed metal and rustic touches that made the tasting room feel both modern and inviting.
We shared what can only be described as the charcuterie board of our dreams, piled high with local meats, artisan cheeses, house-made jams, honey and pickles. The standout, though, was the warm cider-infused cheese dip served with everything bagel bites and fresh bread. It disappeared far faster than we'd like to admit.
We paired it with another favourite, Sunny Side Bright Cider, a crisp, tart and refreshing cider that celebrates the prairie apples growing across Manitoba. Every sip reminded us that some of the province's best ingredients have been here all along, simply waiting to be rediscovered.
Leaving Dead Horse, we couldn't help but think about how fitting the experience felt. Their cider isn't just made in Manitoba, it's made with Manitoba. From family orchards and backyard apple trees to neighbours contributing their harvest each fall, every glass reflects the people, the land and the community that helped create it.
5. Snap a Photo at the Iconic Winnipeg Sign
Where: Winnipeg, MB
After an incredible journey through Manitoba's countryside, we officially made it to Winnipeg. Our first stop? The colourful Winnipeg sign at The Forks.
Set where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, The Forks has been a gathering place for thousands of years and remains one of the city's most vibrant destinations.
It's the perfect spot to snap the obligatory photo, stretch your legs and soak in the energy before diving into Winnipeg's incredible culinary scene.
From here, our delicious city adventure was just getting started.
While you're at The Forks: Don't miss the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, located just a short walk away. As the world's first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights, it's one of Winnipeg's most impactful experiences.
During our visit, we explored thought-provoking exhibitions including The Witness Blanket, Reclaiming Power and Place, Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present, Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge and Broken Promises.
It's a meaningful addition to any Winnipeg itinerary and an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
6. Kick Off the Evening with Seasonal Small Plates at The Roost on Corydon
Where: 651-A Corydon Ave, Winnipeg, MB
After checking into our hotel, we were ready to dive into Winnipeg's food scene. Our first stop was The Roost, a cozy cocktail bar tucked away in the heart of Little Italy that instantly felt like the kind of place locals hope you discover.
While The Roost has become known for its ever-changing seasonal small plates, cocktails are truly at the heart of the experience.
Every drink feels thoughtfully crafted and a little unexpected. Our favourite was the Cartoons & Cereal, made with Earl Grey-infused Goslings rum, Campari, guava, lime and a house-made Froot Loops syrup. It somehow managed to be playful, nostalgic and beautifully balanced all at once.
To pair with our cocktails, we shared the pulled pork bao buns. Pillowy soft, generously filled and packed with flavour, they disappeared almost as quickly as our drinks.
With its rotating menu of locally inspired dishes, creative cocktails and laid-back atmosphere, The Roost is the perfect place to slow down, share a few plates and ease into an evening exploring Winnipeg.
7. Experience One of Winnipeg's Most Exciting Restaurants: Baby Baby
Where: 137 Osborne St, Winnipeg, MB
One thing to note before visiting Baby Baby: reservations are not accepted. It's first come, first served and after one meal here, you'll quickly understand why people are happy to wait for a table.
The menu is built for sharing, making it nearly impossible to stop at just one dish. We kicked things off with an Amaretto Sour Slushie, a refreshing blend of amaretto, whiskey, lemon and orange that was equal parts nostalgic and delicious.
Alongside it, we sipped a crisp Pink Cider from Next Friend Cider while deciding what to order.
Fresh oysters dressed with yuzu rosé mignonette, celery and calamansi were the perfect way to start, followed by the buttery Little Lobster Roll served on a pillowy milk bun with kohlrabi, roe and vadouvan butter. The Endive Salad, with macadamia, green grapes, apple and sharp cheddar, brought the perfect balance of crisp, creamy and sweet.
Then came the dish we still can't stop thinking about.
The fried broccoli completely stole the show. Crispy, bold and packed with flavour, it was topped with kosho aioli, golden raisin relish and daikon for a combination that was equal parts unexpected and addictive. If you order just one dish at Baby Baby, make it this.
To finish, we shared the whole sea bass, beautifully prepared with passionfruit beurre blanc, pistachios, crispy rice and fennel. Light, vibrant and packed with flavour, it was the perfect finale to an unforgettable meal.
From the inventive sharing plates and creative cocktails to the lively atmosphere that fills the room every night, Baby Baby delivered one of our favourite dining experiences in Winnipeg. It's the kind of restaurant you'll find yourself recommending before you've even left the table.
8. Finish the Night with a Cocktail at Solera
Where: 725 Osborne St, Winnipeg, MB
Just when we thought the night couldn't get any better, we discovered Solera, one of Winnipeg's best-kept secrets.
Hidden behind Tabula Rasa, this intimate speakeasy isn't the kind of place you stumble upon. If you're planning to visit, be sure to ask the team at Tabula Rasa to point you in the right direction. Trust us, it's worth finding.
The cocktail menu is as creative as the space itself. We started with The Apiary, a beautifully balanced blend of hazelnut oil fat-washed rye, honey grappa, lavender, bee pollen bitters and smoked chamomile. Rich, floral and wonderfully smooth, it was unlike anything we'd tasted before.
Then came the showstopper.
Enchantment Under the Sea arrived topped with an enormous cloud of delicate bubbles that had the entire room turning to see what was coming out of the bar. Our server handed us a small spoonful of sugar and invited us to sprinkle it over the bubbles. As they burst, a shimmering dust floated through the air before settling into the cocktail below. It was playful, theatrical and just plain magical.
Even before taking our first sip, we knew it would be one of the most memorable cocktails of the trip.
Sometimes the perfect way to end an evening isn't with dessert. It's finding a hidden speakeasy, ordering something unexpected and letting a little bit of cocktail magic surprise you.
9. Fuel Up with One of Winnipeg's Best Brunches: Clementine
Where: 123 Princess St, Winnipeg, MB
No reservations. A lineup out the door. And somehow, it's still absolutely worth the wait. Welcome to Clementine Cafe!
Located beneath the historic streets of Winnipeg's Exchange District, Clementine has earned a reputation as one of the city's most beloved brunch spots, serving inventive dishes in a lively space that buzzes from the moment the doors open.
While you wait for a table, take the opportunity to wander through the Exchange District. Filled with independent boutiques, cafés and hidden gems, it's the perfect place to explore before settling in for brunch.
Once we finally grabbed a table, we understood exactly why people line up.
The Braised Beef Chilaquiles arrived looking almost too beautiful to eat. Tender braised beef, hominy corn, chipotle crema, a perfectly fried egg and a rich birria broth came together in a dish that was wonderfully messy in the best possible way.
Every bite was packed with bold flavour and completely worth reaching for an extra napkin.
Next came the Fried Chicken on Toast, loaded with crispy buttermilk fried chicken, smoked onion dip, jerk-spiced honey, pickles and sourdough toast. Crispy, comforting and bursting with flavour, it was everything you could want from an indulgent brunch.
Our final dish, the Turkish Eggs, ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the morning. Poached eggs rested over creamy hummus and were finished with chili butter, fresh zhoug and grilled sourdough. The combination melted in your mouth and offered a fresh Middle Eastern twist on a beloved breakfast classic.
From the creative menu to the lively atmosphere, Clementine is the kind of brunch spot that reminds you some meals really are worth waiting for.
10. Experience the Atmosphere at Nonsuch Brewing Co.
Where: 125 Pacific Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Walking into Nonsuch Brewing Co., we immediately stopped to take it all in. The rich colours, flowing tassels suspended across the ceiling creating the illusion of waves and the stunning mid-century modern furniture all came together to create one of the most thoughtfully designed spaces we visited on the trip. It felt like stepping into a hidden speakeasy with the heart of a brewery.
The food and beer more than lived up to the setting.
We shared the creamy Burrata, served with Rogers tomatoes, Calabrian chili vinaigrette, crispy garlic and perfectly crunchy sourdough. Every bite struck the perfect balance of fresh, creamy and spicy, proving that simple ingredients can be extraordinary when treated with care.
After soaking in the atmosphere indoors, we took our drinks out to the patio to enjoy the Manitoba sunshine. It was the perfect way to slow down, sip a locally crafted beer and reflect on another incredible stop in Winnipeg's culinary scene.
Whether you're looking for an unforgettable lunch, a relaxed evening with friends or a date night that will impress, Nonsuch Brewing Co. deserves a spot on your Winnipeg itinerary.
11. Wander Through The Leaf Before Dining at Gather
Where: 145 The Leaf Wy., Winnipeg, MB
After an incredible few days eating our way across Manitoba, there couldn't have been a more fitting place to end our journey than Assiniboine Park.
As we made our way toward The Leaf, its striking architecture slowly emerged through the trees. With every step, our excitement grew. From the outside, it felt like a modern greenhouse unlike anything we'd seen before. Inside, it was nothing short of magical.
We wandered through four spectacular indoor biomes, each transporting us somewhere completely different. Towering tropical plants stretched overhead, vibrant Mediterranean landscapes filled the air with fragrant herbs and colourful blooms and every corner revealed another incredible display. Seeing a horticultural attraction of this scale in Canada was genuinely impressive and reminded us just how connected food, nature and culture really are.
Just when we thought we'd seen it all, we climbed to an overlook above Canada's tallest indoor waterfall. Looking down across the lush tropical canopy before stepping into the butterfly garden was one of those moments that made us stop in our tracks. Hundreds of butterflies floated effortlessly around us, landing on nearby flowers and occasionally surprising visitors as they passed by. It was impossible not to smile.
After exploring The Leaf, we made our way to Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar, where everything we'd experienced throughout the afternoon suddenly came together on the plate.
Inspired by global flavours and rooted in Manitoba's seasons, Gather showcases local ingredients harvested from nearby farms, preserved throughout the year and in many cases grown just steps from the restaurant itself.
We had the opportunity to chat with Head Chef Mike Richardson before joining him for a walk through the kitchen gardens, where he shared how fresh herbs, vegetables and botanicals from the gardens and biomes inspire many of the dishes and cocktails served throughout the season.
One dish immediately stole the spotlight.
The Roasted Carrots arrived over a silky buttermilk dressing with kale, salsa macha and fresh dill. Somehow, a humble carrot became the star of the meal. Tender enough to melt in your mouth while still bursting with natural sweetness, every bite proved that incredible cooking doesn't need complicated ingredients, just thoughtful ones.
To pair with our meal, we sipped the Rotating Garden Cocktail, crafted with fresh herbs and seasonal ingredients harvested from The Leaf's gardens and living collections. It was bright, refreshing and the perfect reflection of the landscape surrounding us.
Leaving Gather, we couldn't help but reflect on how perfectly this final stop captured everything we'd experienced throughout the trip.
From foraging in the forest and gathering around Métis kitchen tables to orchards, cideries and neighbourhood restaurants, every stop celebrated the people growing, harvesting and transforming Manitoba's incredible ingredients.
The Leaf and Gather brought that story full circle, reminding us that every memorable meal begins long before it reaches the plate.
Worth Knowing: While you're exploring Assiniboine Park, be sure to leave time for the Assiniboine Park Zoo, one of Winnipeg's most beloved attractions for more than a century. Home to over 80 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring wildlife from around the world, it's the perfect addition to a day spent discovering one of Canada's most remarkable urban parks.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer Manitoba road trip, these experiences offer just a taste of what the province has to offer.
From foraging in the forest and meeting passionate producers to discovering vibrant restaurants and unforgettable attractions, every stop celebrates the connection between people, place and food.
Looking for more delicious Canadian adventures? Explore more culinary travel guides, road trips and local food experiences at CanadaCulinary.com/Winnipeg and start planning your next unforgettable getaway.
