Map of Manitoba Central Plains

Description: This map shows cities, towns, villages, rivers, lakes, highways, major roads, secondary roads, railways, parks, travel information points, hospitals, government campsites, and distances (km) in Central Plains (Manitoba).

The Central Plains region of Manitoba occupies the area west of Winnipeg, extending from the Assiniboine River valley to the Saskatchewan border. This region encompasses diverse agricultural lands and several important urban centers. The Trans-Canada Highway traverses the region, connecting Winnipeg to Brandon and continuing westward.

Brandon, Manitoba's second-largest city with a population exceeding 50,000, serves as the regional hub. The city functions as an agricultural service center, hosting the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and Brandon University. Portage la Prairie, located approximately 85 kilometers west of Winnipeg, represents another significant center with a strong agricultural equipment manufacturing base.

Agriculture and Land Use

The Central Plains features varied soil types suitable for diverse agricultural production. Grain farming dominates, with wheat, barley, and canola as primary crops. Mixed farming operations combine grain production with livestock, particularly cattle and hog operations. The region contains significant potato production areas, especially near Portage la Prairie and Carberry.

The Assiniboine River corridor provides water resources and creates localized variations in topography. The Spruce Woods Provincial Park preserves a unique desert-like landscape featuring sand dunes and mixed-grass prairie, representing an uncommon ecosystem within Manitoba.

Infrastructure

The region benefits from extensive transportation infrastructure. Multiple rail lines serve grain elevators and industrial facilities. Highway networks connect rural communities to larger centers. The Portage Diversion, a flood control channel, redirects excess Assiniboine River flow northward to Lake Manitoba, protecting Winnipeg from flooding.