Presented to a tourism business, organization or group that launched an innovative concept, offer or product last year. This award celebrates creativity and forward-thinking within the tourism industry, recognizing both new tourism businesses and established businesses or organizations with new projects that have enhanced visitor experiences, diversified existing offerings or introduced new tools that have significantly contributed to the growth or transformation of the industry. Whether through a new and exciting tourism experience, unique collaboration or creative solution, this award highlights innovation that drives demand, increases engagement and elevates Manitoba’s tourism landscape.
Nestled within Riding Mountain National Park in the township of Wasagaming, the Snow Pavilion crystalizes the perfect Clear Lake winter experience. Cut from blocks of ice pulled from the lake, the pavilion serves as a warm gathering hub, performance stage and social anchor for signature events like the Fire & Frost Festival. Pairing creative infrastructure with curated programming, the pavilion connects to the winter skating trail and integrates other businesses like Klar So Nordic Spa or Lakeview Guest House into a cohesive winter tourism experience. With partnerships and Indigenous inclusion, the Snow Pavilion reimagines coolcations in Manitoba.
The new Buffalo Crossing Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre at FortWhyte Alive is a groundbreaking Indigenous-focused event space that seamlessly blends beautiful architecture and sustainability. As Manitoba’s first commercial Passive House and Zero Carbon certified building, it centres nature through floor-to-ceiling windows, lake-view balconies and wood interiors. The inclusive design includes an accessible boat launch, gender-neutral bathrooms, sacred fire pit and ventilation for smudging. Indigenous ceremonies, maker markets and conferences are all new or expanded offerings attracting visitors from across the region and driving visitation to FortWhyte Alive.
The Holiday Alley festival hosted each November in Selkirk closes with a fiery spectacle of creativity and cultural engagement. Over two weeks leading up to the event, students, teachers and local residents collaborate with architects to build towering straw sculptures that are then set aflame, creating ephemeral works of art that ignite the waterfront in bright light and bring warmth to one of the darkest times of the year. This first-of-its-kind in Canada experience draws thousands of visitors, activates underused public spaces and showcases local talent while fostering hands-on learning, intergenerational collaboration and civic pride.
Tamarack Shack & Tipi reimagines nature-based tourism by blending sustainability, innovation, and immersive experiences. Guests can enjoy a tropical biome oasis filled with exotic plants in winter and in summer they can swim in the plant-filtered pool alongside painted turtles and frogs. Visitors stay in comfortable solar-powered off-grid domes, enjoy saunas and walking trails carefully engineered for minimal environmental impact. Tamarack Shack & Tipi adds thoughtful, sensory-rich experiences to extend the tourism season attracting travelers from near and far while inspiring social media storytelling that spreads Manitoba’s eco-tourism profile on a global scale.
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