Categories > Guides and Tips
Your Friendly Guide to Brandon, Manitoba
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get Around
- Things to Do in Brandon
- Visit the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum
- Go back in time to the Daly House Museum
- Join the Mural Walking Tour
- Experience the Dakota Nation Winterfest
- Drop by the Assiniboine Food Forest
- Bring your A-game at Kickin’ Axe Throwing
- Where to Eat in Brandon
- Black Wheat Brewing
- The Dock On Princess
- Chilli Chutney
- Where to Stay in Brandon
- Lakeview Inns & Suites
- Best Western Plus Brandon Inn
- Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
- FAQ about Brandon, Manitoba
If you’re looking for a place to go this weekend, Brandon, Manitoba, is always a good idea. This city is rich in history, places to see, and eateries to dine in—and it’s cozy because of the small town feel despite being the second-largest city in Manitoba!
If you aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place! We made a travel guide if you plan on visiting the beautiful city of Brandon! Let’s get started!
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (CST)
Central Daylight Time (CDT)
Best Time to Go
You’re free to visit Brandon any time of the year! But if you’re looking to go on some outdoor adventures, June to September (summer) are the best months to visit since you’ll get to enjoy warmer temperatures of 12°C (54°F) to 26°C (79°F).
But expect rain in the summer, with June being the wettest month. So, don’t be surprised when it gets humid, which is common in Southern Manitoba.
If you’re up for some winter activities, make sure to bundle up—and we mean layers and layers of clothing. Temperatures can get freezing, particularly on January nights when it can drop to -20°C (-4°F).
Things to Know
Province: Manitoba
Language: English
Population: 51,313 (2021 Census)
Area Codes: 204, 431, 584
How to Get Around
Car: One of the best ways to get around in Brandon is by car. You can find plenty of car rental services in and around the area if you don’t have a vehicle.
If you’re coming from Winnipeg, it will only take you around two and a half hours or 214 km (depending on traffic and weather conditions) via the Trans-Canada Highway. The drive is pretty simple since there aren’t a tonne of turns to worry about.
Bus: If you don’t want to drive to Brandon, you can ride the bus via Brandon Air Shuttle, an airport transportation service at Winnipeg International Airport.
It has daily trips from Winnipeg to Brandon and vice versa, costing $116 + GST for a round-trip, with drop-offs at hotels and hospitals. If you’re bringing winter sports gear, you’ll have to pay extra for the cargo.
Once you’re in Brandon, you can get around mostly by bus. You can find many Brandon Transit buses, but note that these can run behind schedule sometimes, especially during peak hours.
Plane: You can book a flight via the WestJet airline to Brandon Municipal Airport. It’s actually the only airline here, but it has daily flights to and from Calgary–so you’ll have to stop at Calgary first.
Once you’re at the airport, you can rent a car from Town Car Rental or Enterprise Rent-a-Car to help you get to and around Brandon. It’s only a short drive, actually, lasting an average of 15 minutes.
Taxi: You won’t find Uber in Brandon, so your best bet is to hail a taxicab. But the thing is, if you aren’t in a busy area, you might have difficulty finding a taxi, and you’ll end up calling the cab company or waiting for a bus.
Foot: Brandon is a walkable city, especially if you’re downtown since most places are only a few minutes of walking distance from each other. But it’s not the most convenient way to travel if you’re planning to visit many places, and we still suggest renting a car.
Things to Do in Brandon
Visit the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum
Media from catpmuseum
Website: https://airmuseum.ca/
Address: 300 Commonwealth Way, Brandon, MB R7A 5Y5, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 727-2444, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Admission:
- Adult: $10
- Youth (6 – 17): $5
- Under 6: Free
- Current Military/Veterans/University or College Student: $5
- Family: $25
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is not to be missed in Brandon, especially if you’re flying in—it’s located at McGill Field at the Brandon Municipal Airport.
This museum commemorates the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force who served during World War 2—definitely something to visit.
You’ll find yourself in awe at the collection of artifacts, like planes and vehicles, of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. It also provides educational content about the rich and interesting history of Canada.
Don’t forget to drop by the Tiger Moth Gift Shop for merchandise to remember your visit. The flasks and plane models are worth checking out.
Go back in time to the Daly House Museum
Media from dalyhousemuseum
Website: https://dalyhousemuseum.ca/
Address: 122 18th St, Brandon, MB R7A 5A5, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 727-1722, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
- Summer, Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Winter, Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Admission:
- Adult: $7
- Senior: $6
- Youth (6 – 18 years): $6
- Family (Up to two adults and three children): $13
- Children (5 and under): Free
Travel back in time and visit this Victorian Mansion, which was home to the first mayor of Brandon, Thomas Mayne Daly. The gorgeous house was built in 1882 and now houses a collection of artifacts seemingly frozen in time from the 1880s to the 1920s.
There’s plenty to do here: it has four floors and ten display rooms. New exhibits, like antiques from the Prince Edward Hotel, always pop up for guests to check out.
If you’re lucky, you might even get to join some fun activities at the Victorian Garden. Events and gatherings are usually in the summer since the garden is usually covered in snow in the winter months.
Join the Mural Walking Tour
Media credit: brandondowntown
Website: https://bdnmb.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/
Address: Downtown Brandon, Manitoba
Operating Hours: On your own time
Admission: Free
One of the fun ways to explore Brandon is by doing a self-guided mural walking tour downtown. It starts at 315 10th Street, where you’ll see a fun (and funny!) orange cat mural by mother-daughter duo Mary Lowe and Erica Lowe.
Then, you’ll travel to 11th Street until you reach Rosser Avenue. During your tour, these beautiful murals will take you on a nice little adventure in town, where you can also discover what Brandon has to offer.
Best to do the walking tour when the sun’s out so you can see the colours pop out. Check the weather app to avoid rainy days because you’ll need at least an hour looking for the murals—and make some time for photo ops!
Experience the Dakota Nation Winterfest
Media credit: jeff_p_fawcett
Website: https://svdngovernance.com/dnwf/
Event Date: January, annually
Contact Details: (204) 855-2671, 1 (866) 721-0293 (Toll-Free)
Admission:
- Adult: $20
- Youth: $10
*subject to change
It’s no secret we love hockey. In Brandon, the Dakota Nation Winterfest is an annual event that celebrates the culture of indigenous peoples and hockey. It also welcomes indigenous hockey players across North America.
There are games, talent shows, bingo, and various competitions, but most importantly, there’s hockey—over 75 teams registered for the last one! You get to enjoy watching our national sport while honouring indigenous culture!
If you plan on supporting the event, check the calendar, as they may change depending on circumstances. But they’re always held in January.
Drop by the Assiniboine Food Forest
Media from assiniboinefoodforest
Website: https://www.assiniboinefoodforest.com/
Address: 1735 Rosser Ave E, Brandon, MB R7A 7J2, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 728-6278, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 8:30 pm (subject to change)
Admission: Free (donations are appreciated)
The Assiniboine Food Forest is the largest food forest habitat regeneration and conservation project in Canada. When it’s time to be close to nature, this is a calming place to visit, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Visitors can join in on guided tours but can also opt for a self-guided nature trail. But avoid coming a little after and during rainy days because you’ll spot some submerged pathways.
Sometime around fall and winter, you can join Dave Barnes, a naturalist, on his Sunday Nature Walks. Besides exploring the forest, you can learn more about the area and its importance.
Bring your A-game at Kickin’ Axe Throwing
Media from kickinaxe
Website: https://www.kickinaxethrowing.com/
Address: 1203 Princess Ave, Brandon, MB R7A 0R2, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 730-5425, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Friday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
*hours are subject to change
Admission:
- 1 Hour Axe Throwing: $52.50
- 1 Hour Projected Axe Throwing: $52.50
- 1.5 Hour Axe Throwing: $77.70
- 1.5 Hour Projected Axe Throwing: $77.70
- 2 Hours Axe Throwing: $94.50
- 2 Hours Projected Axe Throwing: $94.50
De-stressing doesn’t always have to be quiet; sometimes, you just need to release your pent-up energy. Kickin’ Axe Throwing is a must-try in Brandon if you want a bit of adrenaline rush throwing heavy axes!
You don’t have to be a pro to join in (there’s training in all sessions), as even teenagers as young as 13 can attend. They have one rule, though: wear closed-toe shoes to keep your feet safe!
Where to Eat in Brandon
Black Wheat Brewing
Media from blackwheatbrewing
Website: https://blackwheatbrewing.ca/
Address: 402 10th St, Brandon, MB R7A 4G2, Canada
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Price Range: $3 – $11
A visit to Brandon, Manitoba is not complete without dropping by Black Wheat Brewing. This local brewery is the go-to for brewtiful moments before you leave the city.
You’ll most likely find your favourite beer here because the drinks are just that good! This casual spot has an amazing selection of brews, including the 10% alc/vol Tombstone Triple IPA for that smooth and rich flavour of fruits and malt.
So, sit on the patio on a sunny day and order a bag of chips with your beer. The patio is dog-friendly, too, so you can bring your pup on your Brandon adventure.
The Dock On Princess
Media from thedockonprincess
Website: https://www.thedockonprincess.com/
Address: 1133 Princess Ave, Brandon, MB R7A 0R1, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 726-1234, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Price Range: $17 – $37
If you’re looking for a local hotspot, The Dock on Princess is a must-visit because of the casual vibe and amazing food. This pub has a very laid-back atmosphere (there’s even a pool table), especially when there are live performances.
Popular food choices are the beer-battered fries and the onion rings (it’s dipped in coconut batter). Of course, you have to order a beer or a cocktail—the watermelon martini is a refreshing suggestion.
Chilli Chutney
Media from chilli_chutney555
Website: https://thechillichutney.ca/
Address: 555 34th St, Brandon, MB R7B 3P8, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 571-9310, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
- Friday – Sunday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Price Range: $8.99 – $18.50
Satisfy your cravings at Chilli Chutney, an authentic Indian restaurant that will awaken your taste buds. This family-friendly restaurant has one of the best butter chicken meals we’ve tried in Brandon.
But before getting the main, we recommend the pani puri for a starter. It’s a round, hollow, crispy shell filled with chickpeas, potato and minty, spicy water—it’s an absolute flavour burst!
This yummy spot also offers Indo-Chinese and South Indian cuisine. Popular choices are Hakka noodles and chilli prawns!
Where to Stay in Brandon
Lakeview Inns & Suites
Media from think_brandon_1st
Website: http://www.lakeviewhotels.com/brandon/
Address: 1880 18th St N, Brandon, MB R7C 1A5, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 728-1880, (877) 355-3500 (Toll-Free)
Average Price: $115/night
If you’re travelling with your pet, we suggest checking out Lakeview Inns & Suites. This hotel has dedicated pet-friendly guest rooms that welcome dogs, cats, rabbits, and more!
You can breathe in fresh air in Brandon because this facility is 100% smoke-free! Plus, there are wheelchair-accessible guest rooms to accommodate individuals with physical abilities.
It’s also pleasing to hear that staying here means you get to support their sustainability program. This Brandon hotel earned 3 keys from the Green Key Eco-Rating Program!
Best Western Plus Brandon Inn
Media from bestwestern
Website: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-brandon/
Address: 205 Middleton Ave, Brandon, MB R7C 1A8, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 727-7997 (Hotel Direct), 1 (800) 780-7234 (Toll-Free, US and Canada only)
Average Price: $170/night
The Best Western Plus Brandon Inn is one of our favourites because it’s very convenient. Basically, it provides a complimentary full breakfast, has an indoor heated pool, a steam room, and a 24-hour gym.
With pet-friendly rooms available, you can bring your cat or dog to your Brandon vacation! And if you have work to attend to, the business centre is open 24/7.
Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
Media from vicinnbrandon
Website: https://brandon.vicinn.com/
Address: 3550 Victoria Ave, Brandon, MB R7B 2R4, Canada
Contact Details: (204) 725-1532, 1 (800) 852-2710 (Toll-Free)
Average Price: $153.89
A budget hotel in Brandon worth checking is Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre. It’s not a small hotel, too, given it has 133 guest rooms—makes it easy to find accommodation during peak months, eh?
There’s a small indoor pool, complete with dump buckets for the kids! There’s also a fenced play area for children for some active play.
To complete your stay, there’s a restaurant on-site, so you won’t have to go out for dinner. The 34th Street Bar & Grill specializes in steaks and serves only the Certified Angus Beef brand.
