It’s day 3 of our virtual road trip around Manitoba, as we continue to celebrate not only Manitoba Day (May 12), but also the province that Friesens has called home for the last 118 years. In fact, our founder, D.W. Friesen, was born in the Mennonite East Reserve, a block settlement in Eastern Manitoba initially set aside by the Government of Canada exclusively for settlement by Russian Mennonite settlers in 1874. D.W. was born only five years later, June 12, 1879.
Knowing Friesens founder is originally from Eastern Manitoba, it makes sense that we would take you on a virtual tour today of the Eastern Region of the province!
WHITESHELL PROVINCIAL PARK
Spanning over 2,700 kilometres and containing 200 lakes, this park is a year-round home for a range of wildlife and a year-round destination for all kinds of traveller types. Animals like deer, wolves, otter, fox, beavers, eagles, turtles, snakes and bats live in the boreal forest and rocky granite outcroppings, which provide the perfect backdrop for favourite park activities like hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Make sure you visit these locations:
- Whiteshell River Suspension Bridge is 86 metres of picturesque beauty
- Pine Point Rapids with your choice of easy and more challenging hiking trails
- Caddy Lake Tunnels connects two lakes through granite tunnels
- Rainbow Falls is a nice stop-over for anglers and photographers
- Falcon Lake Beach and boardwalk for a leisurely stroll or resting up on the beach
Whiteshell Provincial Park is located on Treaty 3 territory, the traditional land of the Ojibway and the Chippewa. We respect the treaties that were made and thank the Indigenous communities for allowing us to enjoy their beautiful land.
Mennonite Heritage Village
This village is a step back in time and located in Steinbach, telling the story of low German Mennonites in Canada. Explore a turn-of-the century Russian Mennonite Street village, similar to what D.W. Friesen would have experienced as a boy. Taste traditional Mennonite fare at the museum’s Livery Barn Restaurant and explore a classic Mennonite housebarn and a fully operational Dutch windmill during the summer season. View historic and heirloom treasures from Poland and Russia to Canada, displayed in the galleries, and find that perfect souvenir at Village Books and Gifts, all open year-round in the Village Centre.
There is always something new to experience. With changing annual themes and temporary exhibits celebrating the Mennonite heritage and culture, new artifacts donated each year, and a broad range of activities and demonstrations.
Grand Beach
Grand Beach may be just over two hours from Altona, but on a gorgeous sunny day, it’s truly worth the drive! Time and time again, Grand Beach has been named one of the top beaches in North America, due to its powdery white sand and grass-topped dunes. The dunes reach as high as 8m (or 30 feet)! It’s an excellent place to swim, wind surf, or hike, with two great self-guiding trails: Spirit Rock Trail and the Ancient Beach Trail.
Adjacent to the beach is a campground, outdoor amphitheatre, picnic shelters, and a restaurant. In addition to the beach and trails, other activities are available including tennis, volleyball, waterskiing, fishing, and golf. Located on Lake Winnipeg, the sixth largest lake in Canada, you’ll feel like you’re in a whole different world.
Both the Mennonite Heritage Village and Grand Beach are located on Treaty 1 territory, traditional territory of the Anihinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
For more to see and do in Manitoba’s Eastern Region, visit the Travel Manitoba website.
TOMORROW WE’LL EXPLORE MANITOBA’S CAPITAL CITY!
Missed the first two days? See them here!
