Discussions

Alternative usually has a half-decent selection also. Benefit in buying from the local places like them or Green Spot is they know our growing zone inside and out, should only sell you stuff that's meant to be in Southern Manitoba and should be able to advise you on what will work for you.  
 
That said Canadian Tire has been very underrated as far as bringing in varieties meant for this area. Havent been this year but generally have stocked stuff that's meant to survive in this growing zone... eg have seen Goodland and I think Norland in past years. In the past they've also brought in combination apple trees that give you a chance to grow different varieties that have all been grafted onto one tree. Superstore may surprise you too.  
 
Couple of the other big boxes have good-sized garden centres where you can often get a good price on trees. I havent been to any nursery anywhere this year, but the big asterisk with some of the international chain big boxes is that unless they've made changes in how they allocate trees to stores they've been known to sometimes bring in some trees that have no business growing in this climate. Classic example being a couple years ago when one store was selling sweet cherry trees that you'd expect to see in the Okanagan. Make sure you have your phone handy and Google the variety you're looking at to read about where it's meant to grow before getting too excited and making the commitment.  
 
If you can find Norkent apple, I'd recommend. Real nice sweet apple-pear taste that I wouldn't hesitate to buy from a grocery store produce section if it was available!  
 
Good luck! If you think of it, would be interested to hear how you make out/where you got it from.