Geography

The Southwest region covers 20,000 square kilometres (12,500 miles). Approximately 200 kilometres heading north from the United States border and 100 kilometres heading east from the neighbouring province of Saskatchewan.

We are located in the heart of Canada. There is variety of topography in Southwest Manitoba. Our vast landscape of valleys, plains and woodlands surround many lakes and rivers.  Within minutes of any community in Southwest you can experience the thrill of driving through a stunning valley, explore the outdoors in a forest like atmosphere and even fish, boat or swim in a river or lake.  In the winter our regional parks become the highlight to a downhill, cross country skiing or snowmobiling adventure. Here you will find an assortment of vegetation including small broadleaf forest stands. The grasslands of Southern Manitoba are often thought of as an endless sea. The prairie landscape is dotted with thousands of small broadleaf forest stands.  These modest sanctuaries of deciduous trees and shrubs not only provide an essential habitat for wildlife, but also a functional source of income to farmers and landowners through accurate woodlot management.

A general overview of Manitoba’s geography is available here and here.