Because of the shape of its political boundries, Manitoba is often called the "Keystone Province". It is noted for its diversified economy, landscape, and ethnic origins. Winnipeg is its largest city about 50 kilometers north of the American border.

Although railroad activity is not as important today as it was then, Manitoba can claim bragging rights to North America's only inland sea port. Located on the arctic shores of the Hudson Bay, the port of Churchill is connected to Winnipeg by the Hudson Bay Railway. From here grain is shipped to foreign ports via the Atlantic Ocean.