Monday, May 12, 2025, is the 155th anniversary of Friesens home province of Manitoba. The Manitoba Act provided for its entry into Confederation on May 12, 1870. Only 37 years later, Friesens was established in the small agricultural town of Altona, Manitoba, a mere six miles from the United States border. We are incredibly proud of our roots and operating in Canada’s heartland, so as we approach the May Long Weekend we wanted to give you some “stay-cation” inspiration to experience our beautiful home!
NORTHERN REGION
North of the 53rd parallel is Manitoba’s Northern Region. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have lived off this land and played a key role in the fur trade. The communities in this region invite you to explore amazing parks and outdoor spots to seek a deeper connection to the land we call home.
Pisew Falls Provincial Park
Pisew Falls is located approximately 45 minutes south of Thompson. A 0.5-kilometer trail brings you to a viewing platform, perfect for snapping shots of the 13-metre-high falls.
Also located at the second largest falls in Manitoba is a suspension bridge that spans the lower falls. This bridge is the starting point of a rugged seven-mile hike that brings you to the highest waterfalls in Manitoba: Kwasitchewan Falls.
Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park
Little Limestone Lake is located in the northern Manitoba Lowlands, where it often looks as though it belongs in the Caribbean mainly because it is the world’s largest and most outstanding example of a marl lake.
The roughly 10,000-acre lake is part of Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park, a nonoperational park focused on conservation. It’s home to a variety of trees, plants, and wildlife, from bears and ducks to walleye and whitefish.
The landscape features sinkholes, caves, and other features typical of so-called “karst” (or limestone) geology—the result of the rock being eroded over time.
Located on Highway #6 near the Northwest tip of Lake Winnipeg, about 310 miles north of Winnipeg, and Grand Rapids (about 43 miles away). While the lake is open for a number of activities like hiking, camping, and boating, visitors should research and plan ahead, as the area is still rather remote.
Both Pisew Falls and Little Limestone Lake are located in Treaty 5 Territory, which was entered into on September 20, 1875, at Berens River and September 24, 1875, at Norway House. We acknowledge and honour the traditional lands of Treaty 5 Territory, the ancestral home to many Indigenous peoples, with deep respect and gratitude.
For more to see and do in Manitoba’s North, click here.
PARKLAND REGION
The Parkland Region gets its name from the landscape, pockets of forest emerging from grassland. There is also an added bonus…a range of hills formed by glaciers known as the Manitoba Escarpment.
Riding Mountain National Park
Covering three different ecosystems…grasslands, upland boreal and eastern deciduous forests…Riding Mountain offers more than its fair share of diversity and variety! It is also only one of five Canadian national parks that has a resort town.
Many people know Riding Mountain Park for it’s great camping, gorgeous hikes, stunning lakes, wildlife and breathtaking views. But here are some of those gems only most locals know about and within walking distance of the Wasagaming townsite:
- Deep Bay is located on Clear Lake and a popular place for swimmers
- Clear Lake Golf Course Boat Launch watch the sunset or do some stargazing
- Crooked Mountain Cabins have unique names and are almost completely off grid
- The Ominnik Marsh is a peaceful spot with a variety of fish, birds and other wildlife
- Bald Hill is the most difficult hike with unforgettable views
Fort Dauphin Museum
Located in Dauphin, Manitoba this museum is a step back in time. Learn about 18th century fur trade through exploring a trapper’s cabin, trading post, blacksmith’s shop, pioneer log houses and buildings, one-room schoolhouse, and church located with the wooden palisade surrounding Fort Dauphin Museum. Take a walk-through history or attend one of the special events held here.
Riding Mountain National Park and Fort Dauphin Museum are located on Treaty 2 Territory, traditional shared land between the Dakota, Ojibway, and Métis peoples. We acknowledge and respect the history, land and the people of this area. Treaty 2 was entered into at Manitoba House on August 21, 1871.
For more places to enjoy in Manitoba’s Parkland, visit the Travel Manitoba website.
