For the past few years I’ve lived in Vancouver. In March (2022) I moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family. I am now ready to freshen up my Manitoba photography portfolio. If you’re from the area I hope you’ll consider booking a couple, engagement or wedding photography session with me. By the end of 2022 my goal is to have photographed a new session at each one of these places. Without further ado, let’s walk through my top 10 Manitoba engagement photography locations in and around Winnipeg!

1. Sandilands Provincial Forest

Are you up for an adventure? Sandilands Provincial Forest is located about an hour and 20 minutes from downtown Winnipeg. It’s well known for its beautiful forests and it’s grassy fields. This is one location I would love the chance to explore more. Many wedding and engagement photographers rave about it.

2. Grand Beach

See Amanda and Mat’s full session here

Grand Beach is ABSOLUTELY worth the one hour, 10 minute drive. This beach is actually one of my favourite Manitoba engagement photography locations. Not only is it a beautiful sandy beach, but it also has grassy hills and large shore rocks. If you’re after a beach engagement session drive past the beaches closer to Winnipeg and go to Grand Beach, you won’t regret it! Also how cute would a vintage bike or picnic set-up look on this pretty beach?!

3. Bird’s Hill Provincial Park

See Nicole + Justin’s full session here

If you live in Winnipeg and have never been to Bird’s Hill Provincial Park we need to change that IMMEDIATELY. Bird’s Hill is a VERY popular photography location, likely because it’s an escape from the city and only 30 minutes from downtown Winnipeg. I’ve done my fair share of photography sessions here and I’m always happy to go back. Dependent on the season there are a few different locations across the park that we can visit to escape the crowd. In terms of landscape it offers a variety of forests, grassy fields, and even a man-made beach. The photos above were taken at a sneaky location just outside the park.

4. Beaudry Park

To be honest, until last year I didn’t even know Beaudry Park existed. Here you’ll find long grasses, forest paths, and farmer’s field. The park is about a 40 minute drive from downtown Winnipeg.

5. Whiteshell Provincial Park

Where are my adventure lovers at? I mean who doesn’t love the Whiteshell?!?! Shamefully, I have to admit that I have not spent enough time here. However, this summer I’m planning to explore this area a lot more. The Whiteshell is best known for its lakes, rocky features and boreal forests. Should you go swimming, hiking or canoeing during your photography session??? The answer is ABSOLUTELY YES. Just make sure to hire me as your photographer first…. please 🙂 .

6. Spirit Sands

This is one location I have never done a photo session at. However, I did manage to visit the trails myself over the May long weekend. In case you were wondering my Pinterest is also FULL of sand dune inspiration photos. So, somebody please book your session here! Yes, this location is a bit more of a drive, about 2 hours and 10 minutes from downtown Winnipeg to be exact. However, we can get some good road-trip snacks and drive together 🙂 .

7. The Harte Trail

Here you’ll find gravel trails, forests, and if you stick with me a grassy field. If you live in Charleswood this trail is basically in your back yard. Not only do I enjoy this sunset spot but so do a couple pretty deers that enjoy snacking on the field. For reference the trail is roughly 25 minutes from downtown.

8. Downtown/The Exchange

Do you want to stay a little closer to home? Don’t worry, I get it. There are plenty of local options if you’d prefer to stay in Winnipeg for your photo shoot. Downtown Winnipeg is full of interesting architecture and parkades that provide a unique vantage point of the city. If you’re looking for a city scape for your engagement session look no further.

9. Matlock Beach

Summer is almost here and I can’t wait to explore of Manitoba’s beaches. Matlock is located 54 minutes from downtown Winnipeg. This beach is best known for it’s wooden piers that overlook the water. Apparently sunsets here are pretty, but the beach actually faces east, making it a great sunrise location.

10. The Forks Market

If you’re a beer or coffee lover the Forks may just be the location for your session. I actually prefer this location in the winter when we can take advantage of the twinkly lights and skating trails. Just note that this location can be busy. If you’re camera shy this would not be my top recommendation. Sometimes I’ll actually meet my clients here to grab a coffee before heading to our main photo location.

More Locations Near Winnipeg

There are definitely more Manitoba engagement photography locations in and around Winnipeg. Please do not feel limited by the list I’ve created above. However, I would be one very happy photographer if you did book your session at one of these 10 locations. As I photograph sessions at these locations I will put more photographs in this post.

Do you have a favourite location that didn’t make the list? Please let me know in the comment below!