This week in Manitoba you can enjoy the great outdoors with a trip to an Interlake beach, a hike near Portage la Prairie or an e-scooter adventure around Winnipeg. If you’d rather take it slow, enjoy an online concert series, get tips for better nature photography or attend a virtual art exhibit while staying home. Here are 10 things to do this week in Manitoba…
1. CATCH A FLICK AT THE STARDUST DRIVE-IN
As one of the two operating drive-in theatres in Manitoba, the Stardust offers a truly unique movie watching experience. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through July the theatre is open for movie viewing from the comfort of your car. Grab some classic movie snacks from the concession stand and settle in for a special movie viewing experience.
2. HIT THE TRAILS NEAR PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Three minutes South of Portage la Prairie, you will find 9km of hiking and biking trails that follow the twists and turns of the Assiniboine River. The Junkyard Dogs’ Trail System offer peaceful surroundings of mature forest, native wildlife and serene sounds of the river flowing below. Day passes can be purchased online.
3. GO CANOEING IN THE WHITESHELL
Whether you’re a well travelled canoeist or are just learning the basics of paddling, the Whiteshell has great canoe routes to try. Paddle the breathtaking Caddy Lake Tunnels, the more secluded Frances Lake or take on the challenge of the Whiteshell River. Check out Explore Whiteshell’s blog post for more information for all three of these routes.
4. ZIP AROUND THE CITY IN STYLE
Kendrick Outdoor Adventures has expanded their rental offerings to include e-scooters. Book your rental then zip around paved trails in Winnipeg on an e-scooter or take on slightly rougher trails with an e-bike. Book online on the Kendrick Outdoor Adventures website.
5. RELAX ON THE BEACH IN THE INTERLAKE
Between the two largest lakes in Manitoba are some of the province’s most beautiful beaches. The Interlake offers many choices for a summer excursion, from more remote spots like Hnausa Beach and Sandy Bar Beach to beaches that come with all the small town amenities like in Gimli and Winnipeg Beach. Check out Interlake Tourism Association’s blog post for 20 beaches to visit in the Interlake.
6. ATTEND THE OPENING OF A VIRTUAL ART EXHIBIT
July 7 | 7 p.m.
Manitoba’s Regional Art Exhibitions are all available for viewing online this year. From now until the end of August you can browse the galleries, learn about local artists and purchase art all from home. Join the virtual launch party on July 7 which will include presentations from guest speakers and discussions with regional artists.
7. LEARN ABOUT RAPTORS AND REPTILES
Join Manitoba’s Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre for a free virtual evening of fun facts and useful tips about reptiles and birds of prey in Manitoba. The evening promises to be fun and informative and there will be a few special guest appearances from some animal ambassadors!
8. EXPLORE THE SMALL TOWN OF BOISSEVAIN
Boissevain is perfectly poised as a small town getaway destination. Just north of the beautiful natural spaces of Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, the town shows its own beauty through its murals and Arts Park. Once you’ve taken it all in, grab a bite at the Boissevain Bakery, Busy B Drive-In or Sawmill Tea & Coffee Co. Don’t forget to snap a picture with Tommy the Turtle before heading home!
9. LISTEN TO THE VOCAL STARS OF THE MANITOBA OPERA
Sit back and enjoy the vocal stylings of five Manitoban vocalists. The Manitoba Opera has released a five-episode cinematic series featuring opera, musical theatre, folk and pop songs. Visit the Manitoba Opera’s website for more information on how to purchase and watch the series.
10. LEARN TO TAKE PERFECT PICTURES
Learn how you can capture the perfect moment in nature with this week’s Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s Lunch & Learn series. Nature photographer Ryan Lucenkiw will teach the virtual class, giving participants tips for working around weather and wildlife, finding unique environments and creating compelling images in Manitoba.