Mother Nature has been very kind to us in Manitoba so far this summer. The sun has been shining and the temperatures are fantastic. And let’s not mention the M word, the lack of our buzzing and biting little friends.
Now that school is over, it’s time to think about how to entertain ourselves on the weekends and the kids for two whole months. With a younger generation having access to more technology and games than any previous generation, it’s easy to envision a summer indoors. With summer taking shape as it has been so far, what better time to break that cycle. Let’s be smart about it and don’t break the bank while we’re at it.
We live in a beautiful province that offers so many options for activities. These can range from day trips to week-long outings for anyone who wants to enjoy it. Here are some profitable options for creating memories.
- Grand Beach. This huge stretch of soft sand beach and sand dunes is just an hour’s drive from Winnipeg. This beautiful beach has been listed around the world as an experience to live and many locals have yet to make the trip. It’s a great getaway for a day and offers campgrounds, motels, and cabin rentals for longer stays.
- Birds Hill Park. Located just a short drive from the city, this year-round, heavily underused provincial park offers a wealth of activity options. Paved and nature trails allow biking, rollerblading, and walking. There are horse stables and quite often polo games can be seen. There is a campground with basic, electric, or full-service camping options and a beach with food and beverage options.
- Small limestone lake. A bit longer trip, but the closest you can get to the Caribbean when you don’t live near the ocean. It is the largest, color-changing, marl lake in the world.
- Whiteshell Provincial Park. Part of the Canadian Shield landscape, about an hour and a half east of Winnipeg, is a treasure trove of natural resources. This park is full of wildlife, as nature is undisturbed. If you are looking to spend time on the lake, there are beaches, waterfalls, rapids, diving, sailing, swimming, and waterskiing as some options.
- Assiniboine Zoo. An absolute gem located within the city and one of the most beautiful urban parks, the zoo offers a plethora of experiences for young and old. Right now you have a chance to see the incredibly endangered snow leopards. The two little cubs are settling into their new enclosure and are still waiting for their names. Included in regular admission this summer, the new Xtreme BUGS attraction is offered for a limited time. One of the biggest attractions, literally, is the polar bears that you can see in action without traveling north.
This is a small sample of the destinations available in Manitoba. If you love to travel and experience the great outdoors, this is a great place to do it without damaging your wallet. Now get out there and experience all there is to do in Manitoba!
