From the arctic tundra to prairie grasslands, Manitoba is home to amazing museums and interesting festivals. It is also known as the polar bear capital of the world. If you are moving to this province, there are many things to consider when getting to know your new home. Let’s take a look at what to expect when moving to Manitoba.
Overview
Manitoba has a population of just under 1.4 million. Of these, roughly half live in Winnipeg, which is Canada’s seventh largest city. Manitoba is well-known for its polar bears and cold weather but also features many lakes and beaches for fun during the summer months. It is also a wonderful place for watching the aurora borealis, which can be seen in Churchill over 300 nights a year.
The economy of Manitoba is largely driven by its natural resources. The southern half of the province is largely dedicated to agriculture including grains and cattle. Top products include sunflower seed, dry beans, oats, and potatoes. Forestry, mining, and oil are also major industries while tourism is a strong contributor as well.
Housing Market
The median home cost in Manitoba is $293,000, representing a slight increase over the past year. However, homes will cost a bit more in Winnipeg where the median cost is $390,000 representing a 14.7% increase. Condos in Winnipeg represent a cheaper option with the median price sitting at $233,600 at the end of 2021, representing a 16.1% increase over the prior year.
Average rent cost in Winnipeg is $1,050 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,330 for a two-bedroom apartment. Both of these figures illustrate a increase of roughly 3% indicating that rent prices are growing much slower than home prices.
Culture & Recreation
Much of Manitoba’s culture is rooted in First Nations tradition. This is particularly true for the province’s musical and dance heritage. One dance, the “red river jig,” serves as a fusion of First Nations pow wows and European folk dance. There are many museums and festivals throughout Manitoba dedicated to preserving First Nations culture.
Manitoba is also home to some of the oldest arts centres in Canada. The royal Winnipeg Ballet is North America’s oldest ballet that is still in operation today. Meanwhile, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is Canada’s oldest English language theatre. Winnipeg is the home to the majority of the province’s arts scene featuring these venues as well as the Manitoba Opera and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
While there are a variety of festivals in Manitoba, one of the most popular is the Winnipeg Folk Festival which attracts over 70,000 attendees each year. The city is also home to Festival du Voyageur, a ten-day winter event that celebrates the nation’s French heritage and roots in fur trading. Finally, the multicultural Folklorama is one of the biggest draws in terms of tourism.
Manitoba is steeped in natural resources, meaning this is a great place for recreation. Whether you prefer hiking, kayaking, or geocaching, there are plenty of places to take part throughout the province. It is also a great location for hunting and fishing. Fans of winter sports will enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Things to Do
There are plenty of amazing things to do when you move to Manitoba. In fact, it will take you quite a bit of time to explore this vast province. Here are some of the things we think you should definitely add to your to-do list.
Churchill. While your first thoughts may turn to Winnipeg, Churchill is a must visit in Manitoba. This town on Hudson Bay has plenty to do. You simply must take a polar bear tour where you can get face-to-face (behind protective bars) with the creatures. It is also a wonderful place for seeing the northern lights and even kayaking with pods of beluga whales. This is not to be missed.
Riding Mountain National Park. One of two national parks in Manitoba, this park north of Brandon provides a great location for wildlife viewing including moose and bear. It is also a great place for a romantic getaway to the town of Wasagaming on the shores of Clear Lake. During spring and summer, this is a great location for golf and boating.
Manitoba Museum. While Winnipeg has many museums, this one is perhaps our favourite. It is dedicated to science and heritage education and features a planetarium. The Science Gallery is a favourite of children with many hands-on activities to help them learn and explore various scientific principles.
Thermea Nordik Spa. If you are looking for some relaxation, look no further than Thermea. This spa has four outdoor baths, four saunas, an exfoliation room, a restaurant, and a lounge. However, what draws many people is the Aufguss Ritual, a German ritual that aims to create a multi-sensory healing experience.
International Peace Garden. A site celebrating the peace between Canada and the United States, the highlight of this place is the floral clock, which creates a unique design each year. The water gardens are another place not to be missed including the Sunken Garden and reflecting pools. This is a great place for picnics, hiking, and biking. You can also spot wildlife including deer and moose.
Final Thoughts Moving to Manitoba can be the start of a great new adventure. You’ll surely love your new home as well as the multitude of things to do. As you prep for your move, rent-a-son is happy to help you make the moving process an ease. Let us handle the stress of the move. After all, it’s what we do. Contact Rent-a-Son for a moving quote today.
