We love our home province of Manitoba, so much that we wanted to spend the whole week celebrating the amazing things there is to see and do. Yesterday (May 12) we celebrated Manitoba Day, marking Manitoba’s 155th Anniversary, by taking you to our Northern and Parkland Regions. Today, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the Interlake and Western Regions of the province.
WESTERN REGION
The western region was where Manitoba’s first inhabitants arrived about 10,000 years ago. Today it’s home to Manitoba’s second largest city (Brandon), four of the province’s provincial parks, and the former childhood home and now heritage site of one of the greatest Canadian authors of the 20th century.
Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Located two hours west of Altona, this park is home to a number of unique features because it contains a hidden desert and “reverse oasis”. It is also an important area for conservation, as it is home to a number of threatened and endangered species.
The park is one of the very few areas of sand dunes in the country and nicknamed the Manitoba Desert. Despite that name it is not a true desert, but rather the remnant of a sandy delta of the Assiniboine River that formed during a time when the river flowed into glacial Lake Agassiz. Some areas to explore:
- Spirit Sands Trail moderately challenging with grassland, forest and sand dunes
- Devil’s Punchbowl is a deep, bowl-shaped depression filled with sand located near Spirit Sands and is popular for hiking and picnicking.
- There is a mini golf course located in the day-use area of the park
- Horse drawn wagon rides with an interpretive tour
- Kiche Manitou Lake offers a peaceful area to swim and a dog-friendly swim area
- Campgrounds offering basic tent camping, electricity and yurts
Souris Swinging Bridge
The Souris Swinging Bridge is Canada’s longest historic suspension bridge measuring 604 feet or 184 metres. Built in 1904 by Squire Sowden to allow him access to his property across the river, the bridge became an iconic symbol for the town through the years. The bridge has since then undergone many changes in structure and was rebuilt many times, the latest after 2011 floods.
While at Souris, visit the Mystical Old Oak Tree…one of the oldest in Manitoba (the exact age is unknown). It’s estimated that the tree has been left unfettered since 1497 A.D., which pre-dates all recorded history in North America.
International Peace Garden
The International Peace Garden is a park covering more than 2,000 acres located on the border of Manitoba and North Dakota. It was established on July 14, 1932, to symbolize the peaceful relationship between the two nations. The park lies near the centre of the Turtle Mountain plateau, whose climate, topography, wildlife, and natural vegetation differ considerably from the surrounding prairies.
The park features an 18-foot (5.5 meters) floral clock, a 14-bell carillon, and a memorial dedicated to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The memorial contains girders that were salvaged from the destroyed towers.
For more to do in Manitoba’s Western Region, see the Tourism Westman website.
INTERLAKE REGION
Manitoba’s Interlake Region gets its name because it’s located between the province’s two biggest lakes…Lake Manitoba to the west, and Lake Winnipeg to the east. Many communities in the Interlake celebrate their Viking heritage, complemented by Scottish, Ukrainian, and Indigenous peoples.
Gimli/New Iceland
This lakeside town is about two hours north of Altona and is a great summer or winter destination. It’s rich in history, art, culture and outdoor discovery. So, take a trip to the heart of New Iceland and discover the ways Gimli lives up to its name.
What can you do in Gimli you ask? Here are a few suggestions:
- Take a selfie with the 5-metre-tall Viking statue in the centre of Viking Park
- Spend a day soaking up the sun or rent a sea-doo on Winnipeg Beach
- Visit the New Iceland Heritage Museum and learn more about the early settlers
- Shop at the 100-year-old store called H.P. Tergesen & Sons – a must-see!
- Explore the solitude of Camp Morton a provincial park north of Gimli
- Take a stroll along the harbour to discover the outdoor seawall gallery
Hecla Provincial Park
Located three hours north of Altona lies Hecla Provincial Park, where Icelandic heritage meets East Coast charm. With limestone-pebbled shores, rugged outcrops, atmospheric skies and comforting seclusion, Hecla offers a true island experience in the prairies. It’s no wonder that it remains a favourite Manitoban retreat for families and experienced outdoors adventurers alike. Make the most of your visit in these fun ways:
- Gull Harbour Lighthouse Trail offers panoramic views of Lake Winnipeg
- Hecla Village Historic Sites such as the old schoolhouse, town hall and others
- Explore Boulder Bay with its unique bulky rock formations and quiet seclusion
- West Quarry and North Point trails are a birdwatcher’s paradise
- The Observation Tower is great for photographers and has a playground and picnic area
There’s lots more to see and do in Manitoba’s Interlake Region…learn more at their website!
All the listed attractions are located on Treaty 2 territory, the traditional territory of the Dakota Oyate, Anishinaabeg, and the National Homeland of the Métis Nation. We acknowledge that we are grateful and humble guests on this territory.
COME BACK TOMORROW AS WE EXPLORE MANITOBA’S EASTERN REGION!
In case you missed it, check out our Day 1 tour of Manitoba’s Northern and Parkland Regions HERE.
