Heading into August, with our Manitoba summer almost over, it’s time to check in and make sure that you’ve been getting out and about. So far, it’s been a great summer.
Heading into August, with our Manitoba summer almost over, it’s time to check in and make sure that you’ve been getting out and about. So far, it’s been a great summer. The days have been long and mostly the perfect temperature, and the bug population seems to be at a record low this year. We hope that you’ve been out and about exploring the great outdoors, taking in the events and making some great memories along the way. If you haven’t . . . well, it’s time to get out there!
We’ve put together a list of 27 spectacular things to do in Eastern Manitoba throughout the month of August. From visiting our Mustseeums, historical sites and absorbing the cultures, history, art, and music around us to hitting the rivers, lakes, and trails for heart-pounding adventures or lazy days in the sun. Don’t wait until summer is over, come, discover how your heart beats in Eastern Manitoba.
Established in 1967, the Pioneer Village Museum recreates a small pioneer village. It contains a log house, school, community hall, Canadian Pacific Railway Station, store, blacksmith shop and a Ukrainian Church with a bell tower. Most of the pioneers of this region were of Polish, Ukrainian, or German descent coming from the areas known as Galacia and Volhynia. These pioneers had to face many hardships in carving out the wilderness and learning to adapt to a new country and a new way of life. Many artifacts depicting the lifestyle of the early pioneers of the surrounding area are located in these buildings. Hours of operation for August are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
The Whitemouth Municipal Museum includes machinery, an original trapper's shack, two log buildings, a Christ Anglican church 1905, an artifact building, train caboose 1929, antique tractors, a historic home 1910, a two-man rail car with a set of tracks, farm equipment, and small household items. A cairn honours Dr. Charlotte Ross, “The Iron Rose.” Heritage Day is in September. Open in August from Friday to Tuesday; hours vary by day.
A mysterious force insists that you must take the time to stop and tour Western Canada’s only Museum of Magic and Illusion, Phillip's Magical Paradise. Even before you enter, the magic is around you. Look carefully, as the key to this magic castle may be found in the sidewalk. Once inside, you will possibly be the closest in life to ‘Magic’s most inner kept secrets!’ On your way out, don’t forget a souvenir from the gift shop! As you leave, you will be taking a wealth of magical knowledge.
The Manitoba Glass Works Historic Site is the site of the first glass container factory in Western Canada. It was built in 1906 by Joseph Keilback and his partners. Glass-blowers from Poland and the United States, aided by local labour, used silica sands to produce bottles for breweries and soft drink companies in Winnipeg, serving the prairie market. Semi-automatic machines were soon installed to increase production. Winnipeg businessmen took over and enlarged the plant between 1909 and 1911. The new company expanded its production to include jars and medicine and ink bottles. At its peak, it employed 350 workers.
This historic site is situated at the south end of Glass Lake on First Street. It is open to public viewing throughout the summer months. Archeologists have participated in public digs at various times. Ink bottles, glass pieces, and tools have been found.
From 1872 to 1874, Fort Dufferin was the headquarters and winter home to the British-Canadian contingent of the International Boundary Commission. In mid-1874, a contingent of the newly-formed North West Mounted Police (later the Royal Canadian Mounted Police), assembled here prior to its march into what is now Alberta.
One of the buildings that once sat at the site still exists. A monument at the entrance to this site, near Emerson in the Municipality of Emerson-Franklin, bears two plaques. One plaque, erected in 1997 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, describes the westward march of the North West Mounted Police. The other plaque commemorates two constables in the force, W. C. Brown and A. McIntosh, who died in 1874 at Fort Dufferin and are buried in unmarked graves near the site.
Mennonite Landing is the site of the first landing of Mennonite settlers in western Canada. On 1 August 1874, the “International,” a steam-powered riverboat, landed here with the first contingent of 65 families. Between 1874 and 1880, some 7000 Mennonites came to Manitoba from German-speaking colonies in South Russia (Ukraine). The majority arrived at this spot, making their way 6 miles east to the Jacob Shantz reception houses near Niverville. From this base, they established some 54 villages in the East Reserve, present-day Rural Municipality of Hanover. Visit this historic place on Hwy 200 opposite Fontaine Road about 3.5 km north of Hwy 305 in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot.
In the heart of Buffalo Point community is the unmistakable tipi shape of the Cultural Centre with the traditional thunderbirds gracing the entrance. You are invited to explore the independent spirit of the Buffalo Point First Nation Ojibway people through the architecture, art, archival and interpretive displays. Tour the museum and learn how Buffalo Point has always been a gathering place for the Anishinaabe people. From the early 1700’s when Chief Red Cloud and the Sioux frequented the area to supplement their primary food source of bison with wild rice and venison; to the beautiful resort community that we all know and love today.
History enthusiast can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at Camp O’Roseau as they are whisked back in time for a truly authentic opportunity to live like the Metis for a few days. Immerse yourself in the history and culture along the banks of Roseau River at Rapids Camp, a replica of what life used to be like on a major trade route of the 1800’s. This hands-on experience of ancestral ways will give you the opportunity to live where travelers would stop to rest, trade, break bread and share stories. Sleep on a buffalo robe in a teepee, cook your own bannock, hear the stories of the Voyageurs and First Nations legends, do finger weaving and sing around the campfire.
Visitors can experience the important connection between the wetland and the traditional Ojibway teachings of Respect, Purpose, Balance, and Interconnection. The Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail contains 28 of Manitoba’s 37 native orchid species, including the globally rare Ram’s Head Lady-Slipper, the Dragon’s Mouth orchid and more common yellow and pink lady slippers. Located 50 minutes outside Winnipeg by paved highway and just north of the Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation. The fully wheelchair accessible, the floating boardwalk is 3.66 km return trip and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
A community tradition since 1970, this three-day event has tons of fun for the whole family. Start Friday night with Movie Night in the park. Saturday will begin with a free pancake breakfast followed by the parade, and the 5th annual Chili Cook-off gets underway just in time for everyone to be the judge for lunch. The chili promises to be out of this world as the finalist from this Canadian Food Championship will go on to Worlds! The kids can play all day at the Play Land of Milk & Honey where your kids will play for hours at the carnival, bouncy park, and more great activities. Kleefeld Honey Festival takes place August 10 – 12, 2018.
Get ready for the most exhilarating 8 seconds in sports at the Hanover Ag Fair! Some of the best riders from across Canada are coming to put on a great show, trying to go home with the prize money, the bragging rights, and that shiny new buckle. It's also a weekend packed full of entertainment and activities to suit all ages! Besides from the rodeo action, there's musical talent on the main stage, revving engines during the enduro-cross and demolition derby, children’s activities, special meals and much, much more! Hanover Ag Fair takes place August 16 – 19, 2018.
Say goodbye to summer at the ever-growing 4P Festival! One of Eastman’s largest festival events celebrates Power, Pickerel, Paper, and Peas, the things that this community was built on. Highlights of the festival, running from August 30 through to September 3, include a fish fry, open mic music showcase, baseball tournament, fireworks, chainsaw carving competitions, children’s activities, town market and so much more.
One of Manitoba's best kept secrets! This intimate festival features musical acts along the scenic Brokenhead River. The Moonrise Cabana offers delicious food vendors and a full bar. Book your camping site in advance and take advantage of everything Great Woods has to offer! From tubing down the Broken Head River to relaxing at your campsite during the day. The Great Woods Music Festival is truly a unique experience and will be featuring The Livesays, Tuva Bergstron, Tracy K Band, Toney Stevens, Slow Ride, and Original Foghat.
One of the coolest summer indie music festivals that Manitoba has to offer, Rainbow Trout Music Festival, is three days of music, camping, good friends, bonfires, dancing, swimming, and so much more. It's also 100% volunteer driven and dedicated to promoting local music and arts. RTMF showcases the high level of quality that exists in local music of all genres. Its unique programming inspires audiences and challenges the listener. Rock, electro, hip-hop, blues, jazz, folk, garage, funk, reggae, just to name a few. The 2018 lineup features Black Cloud, Ghost Twin, Odd Outfits, Pastoralia, Anemone, Smoky Tiger, Lake and Pine and so many more!
Creativity runs deep in Eastern Manitoba, and inspiration flows at every turn. From the surreal east shore beaches of Lake Winnipeg, through the Winnipeg River System to the rugged lake country of the Whiteshell, you’ll be taken on a tour of art and landscapes as artists across this beautiful region open their homes and studios to share their world with you. 45 artists will have their works on display during the 2018 Tour. Embark on this self-guided tour, featuring artist studios, artist group locations and galleries scattered throughout the beautiful and diverse Boreal forest and shore regions of Eastern Manitoba.
Extending 60 kilometers, the Mantario Hiking Trail is the longest Canadian Shield trail in Western Canada. Completing the trail can take 30 hours, stretched over 3 or 4 days, but with its climb along granite ridges, panoramic views of lakes and bogs and the undulating boreal forest surrounding you, it’s definitely a bucket list worthy trip.
We bet you didn’t know that Sturgeon Falls is regarded as a world-class river surfing destination that is ideal for aspiring river Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) surfers! Forget heading to the ocean to learn how to surf, hit the waters at Sturgeon Falls and see how we do it on the prairies!
Here’s another extreme outdoor sport that you probably wouldn’t think to find in Manitoba – Rock Climbing. Eastern Manitoba has two amazing destinations where climbers can put their skills to the test, Castle Rock, and Lily Pond Cliff, climbing the Canadian Shield.
Hailed as one of the most scenic canoe trips in the province, the Pinawa Channel also offers the ultimate tubing experience. Float along the channel surrounded by the boreal shores, deer, turtle, otters, birds, and more great wildlife. Don’t have a tube? No worries Wilderness Edge Resort in Pinawa tents tubes and more, plus they’ll drive you out to the channel and pick you up at the suspension bridge at the end of the route!
Corn mazes are pretty self-explanatory, large mazes cut into crops of corn, full of twists and turns and dead ends. Your goal . . . find your out while laughing wildly with your family! Eastern Manitoba has two spectacular corn mazes to check out, Amaze in Corn and Deer Meadow Farms, but don’t just think all you’ll see is corn! You’ll want to plan an entire day to take in the petting zoos, pumpkin patches, wagon rides, bale pyramids and much more!
Grand Beach is an excellent summer destination and has been a favourite Manitoba holiday destination since 1916. Enjoy playing along the white sandy beach, swimming, windsurfing, hiking along the Wild Wings Trails, or stroll the bustling Boardwalk along the beach.
Immerse yourself in nature by paddling one of two canoe routes on Tulabi Lake or Elbow Lake; breathe in the fresh air while hiking Tulabi Falls Trail or enjoy a quiet day at the beach relaxing in the clear water of the lake while enjoying the spectacular view of Tulabi Falls.
These man-made tunnels through solid granite rock allow for the natural flow of water for the Whiteshell river system and provide paddlers with one unique trip along Caddy Lake. The view within the tunnels is outstanding and only pales in comparison to the natural tree-lined shore that provides ample opportunities to observe deer, fox, eagles and other wildlife as they come to the shore to drink.
Whitemouth River is a hidden gem that stretches throughout the RM of Whitemouth. With tranquil passages for a relaxing scenic river paddle, Whitemouth River provides the perfect paddle escape for novice paddlers or those who just want a relaxing day on the water. Whitemouth Paddle Club meets weekly on Thursdays, (bring your own equipment) and explore the river with a group of paddling enthusiasts.
Do you want to drop the top down and feel the wind on your face? Sunrise Corner has over 80 kilometres of paved roads! Along the way, you’ll find a provincial forest, museums, good food and historical sites. Let our highways be your next destination.
Located in Manitoba's most diverse tourism region, La Vérendrye Trail is comprised of five distinct corridors within Northeastern Manitoba, each with its own geographical and cultural uniqueness. Use the Trail as an exciting opportunity to explore the adventurous heart of Manitoba's historical and cultural past. Travelers coming from the west begin their adventure at the historic Forks in Winnipeg, where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet. Follow the yellow and blue signs of La Vérendrye appearing on the designated highways in eastern Manitoba, marking the path of the fur traders along the Red River to the beaches of Lake Winnipeg. The LaVerendrye trail will take you to many unique little towns and villages where you will discover a treasure trove of things to do and see!
Discover routes, trails, and rivers that will provide you and your family with hours of fun. Discover new amazing routes to take along Eastman’s roads, rivers and trails that are perfect for hiking, cycling and cruising with the top down or the windows wide open. This adventure is carefully mapped out providing you with tons of information on where to stop along the way for shopping and food, sightseeing and whatever your heart desires. Stayed tuned as more information about this adventure is released in the coming weeks!
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