Discover Manitoba’s hidden gems
A staycation in Manitoba doesn’t have to mean following a travel itinerary to well-known locations.
Sure, the beauty of the Interlake and Grand Beach is always worth the trip, but there are hidden gems and places dotting the province that combine nature’s finest with new activities and educational bonuses.
Here are five places that fit that bill, and could even be out-of-the-box ideas for team-building sessions.*
Asessippi Mountain Bike Trails
Asessippi Ski Area & Resort is known for winter pursuits, but its hills are repurposed during warmers months for mountain bike trails that even use the chair lift to get to the top.
Located in the picturesque Asessippi Provincial Park near the town of Russell, the resort transformed its slopes for bikes and opened in 2019 with both technical and flow trails for beginner to advanced riders.
Skill-testing features include berms, balance beams, log rolls and rock gardens. Full-suspension bikes can be rented.
Bald Hill
It’s no leisurely walk in the park but hiking to the top of Bald Hill in Riding Mountain National Park gives you the reward of inspiring, expansive views.
The trail rises in elevation, but there are spots along the nine-kilometre (return) hike to rest and you’ll likely see wildlife during the climb.
The trailhead is about a 40-minute drive from the quaint town of Wasagaming, which would make a great destination for a celebratory drink after your accomplishment.
Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail
If you’re searching for some peace and quiet (other than chirping birds), venture north on Highway 59 to the Brokenhead Wetlands Interpretive Trail.
About an hour’s drive from Winnipeg, the 3.6-km (return) trail is a wheelchair/stroller-accessible wooden boardwalk that meanders through the sacred ecological reserve that’s part of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation.
Information signs along the trail and open wetland explain the Indigenous connections as you take in fragrant cedar and spy rare lady slippers and wild orchid species that are irresistible to photograph.
Hywire Zipline Adventures
Prepare to hear plenty of “are we there yet?” while driving kids two hours southwest of Winnipeg to Hywire Zipline Adventures.
The family-owned business offers activities for all ages that go beyond its two ziplines in the scenic Pembina Valley. Visitors can also spin inside a gyroscope space ball, play mini-golf and beach volleyball, or navigate a bush maze and hiking trails.
If trekking to the top of the five- or eight-cable ziplines is a bit too much, there is an option to catch a ride.
Little Limestone Lake
When it comes to hidden gems, turquoise pops to mind at stunning Little Limestone Lake in the provincial park that bears its name.
The lake is recognized as the world’s largest and most exceptional example of a marl lake. Marl is created when calcium carbonate in the limestone bedrock erodes and forms floating crystals. Warm temperature causes more marl, which changes the colour of the water to tropical shades of blue.
Located 450 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg along Highway 6 to Thompson, the lake is within Mosakahiken Cree Nation. To keep the area pristine, there are few amenities but visitors can enjoy paddling or fishing (outboard motors are allowed, no ramps). The area is home to wildlife such as birds, muskrat, woodland caribou and even bat caves.
*Call ahead to find out about any COVID-19 rules or closures.
