Bordered by Ontario to the east, Saskatchewan to the west and the US to the south, the province of Manitoba is located on the stunningly beautiful and evocative Canadian Prairies. It's a predominantly agricultural region, but is steeped in history and culture, with locals and visitors enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle centred on fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Manitoba's capital and largest city, Winnipeg is a fantastic place to explore and is located close to its eponymous lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Those travellers keen to explore beyond the city's limits will be pleased to know that greater Manitoba boasts incredible natural splendour, a rich cultural history and a number of exciting attractions.

The province is believed to have been first inhabited shortly after the last glaciers melted away, as a large amount of boulder mosaics and medicine wheels can be found near Turtle Mountain in the southwest. North American aboriginals went on to inhabit the land before Henry Hudson sailed into what is now known as Hudson Bay in 1611.

The winter months in Manitoba provide perfect conditions for tobogganing, skating and snowmobiling, although heavy snowstorms are common and those unfamiliar with the terrain should beware of plummeting temperatures, which can drop as low as -40°F (-40°C). On the other hand, Manitoba compensates with equally extreme summers and plenty of sunshine year round.

Along with trips out to Oak Hammock Marsh, summer in Manitoba sees visitors spotting polar bears and beluga whales in Churchill, black bear and bison in Riding Mountain National Park and moose in Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park.

All in all, fascinating Manitoba is a nature lover's paradise.