Tourism North Visitor Guide

Transcription

Visitor’s Guide 2014
Northern
Discover how your heart beats in
M A N ITO B A
An official publication of Tourism North
www.visitnorthernmanitoba.ca
about us
Tourism North Manitoba was established in 1999 as a
regional tourism association with the goal of promoting
northern Manitoba as a priority visitor destination
and acting as a liaison between Travel Manitoba and
the North. Today, the association also coordinates
tourism product development initiatives with industry
partners. Tourism North receives operating funding by
way of an annual grant from the Province of Manitoba,
Department of Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and
Consumer Protection and is coordinated by Community
Futures North Central Development.
Tourism North is
composed of the
following
organizations:
Community Futures North Central Development
(www.northcentraldevelopment.ca)
Community Futures Greenstone
(www.cfgreenstone.ca)
Community Futures Cedar Lake
(www.cedarlakecfdc.com)
The Town of The Pas (www.thepasarea.com)
Photo: Stan Milosevic www.manitobaphotos.com
Thompson Unlimited (www.thompsonunlimited.ca)
Download a
Northern Manitoba
Guide
Tourism North Manitoba and The Winnipeg Free Press
have partnered to publish this edition of our
all-inclusive Northern Manitoba Guide. It includes
detailed descriptions of destinations, with maps,
photos, events and practical information for tourists
and residents alike. It’s available to download at
www.visitnorthernmanitoba.ca or
www.winnipegfreepress.com
Tou r is m
N ort h
Photo: The Pas Community Development Corp.
3
Camping
Fishing
Golfing
Canoeing
Sightseeing
Festivals
Sporting EVents
CultuRal Events
Museums
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Ice Fishing
Dog Sledding
HuNting
Photography
Skiing
Snowboarding
Northern
Experience
M A N ITO B A
Unspoiled wilderness, pristine lakes, endless
summer days and shimmering northern lights.
Explore this unique landscape and
you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.
Watch polar bears and beluga whales in their natural
habitat. Keep a lookout for wolves, moose, caribou and
Arctic fox. Reel in a trophy fish and savour the aroma of
fresh-baked bannock over a crackling campfire.
Enjoy city fun and festivals or head for the great
outdoors and follow in the wake of Aboriginal
forebears, fur traders and Arctic explorers.
This is life North of 53. Come on up and see what
you’re missing. www.visitnorthernmanitoba.ca
Visit our website for information
on accommodations, outfitters,
events, attractions and more
Summer Adventures
4
FUN
in the
northern
SUN
Drop a line off a dock, launch a canoe, go
hiking to rushing waterfalls in scenic parks,
celebrate at fairs and festivals and explore
the historic sites and natural wonders. Days
are long — there might be five hours or less
between a spectacular sunset and dawn
in midsummer — but when night falls, the
northern lights are visible year-round.
Bare feet on hot sand,
the scent of woodsmoke
and the soothing sound
of water lapping at the
lakeshore — these are
just some of the joys
of summer in northern
Manitoba.
The fishing is more than
fine and the landscape
south of the tundra is lush
with new life as wildflowers
bloom, evergreens sprout
fresh growth and birch
and poplar trees come into
leaf. Summer is the time
to commune with beluga
whales as they gather in
Hudson Bay estuaries. Polar
Gone Fishin’
Fish grow big around here. Bring a tape
measure and see if you can match a 53-inch
northern pike caught in the Burntwood River
near Thompson a few years back, or set your
sights on trophy-size walleye, lake trout,
Arctic char, perch, sauger or rainbow trout.
bears return to land after
Northern pike have a reputation as fighters
a winter of feeding on the
and they have the size to back up their
bay, and the living is easy
bravado. Walleye (pickerel) are another big
for moose, caribou, wolves
treat, especially for shore lunches and fish
and lynx.
fries around the campfire.
trophy-fishing capital and anglers flock
to provincial parks, rivers and lakes in and
around towns across the North. Turnbull
Lake is just four kilometres south of
Leaf Rapids, and Leaf Lake is a mere
200 metres from town. The Pas has
Clearwater Lake on its doorstep, and you
can drop a line in the Saskatchewan River or
head an hour or so north to Rocky Lake and
Cormorant Lake. Wabowden residents just
have to cross Hwy 6 to enjoy the pleasures
of Setting Lake, and Thompson is minutes
away from Paint Lake Provincial Park and
other fishing hotspots.
Fishing
Licences &
Regulations
You must have a Manitoba
Angling Licence to fish
in this province. Residents
under 16 years of age and Status
Indians are exempt. Annual fees
range from $19.25 ($37.95 for
non-residents) for a conservation
licence — which more strictly
limits the number of some species
of fish you can catch — up to
Snow Lake offers easy road access to Snow,
$47.65 ($62.35 for non-residents)
Wekusko, Herblett, Korman’s, Tramping and
for a regular licence. Licences are
Osborne lakes, and you can hike or ride an
sold at sporting goods stores,
ATV to favoured fishing holes in every neck
fishing centres and lodges and
of the northern woods.
can be ordered by mail from
Join the fun at a fishing derby, enjoy peace
Manitoba Conservation and Water
and solitude at a quiet hike-in backwater
or take advantage of services at a drive-in
lodge such as Bakers Narrows Lodge
(www.bakersnarrowslodge.com) near
Flin Flon or Caribou Lodge Outfitters
Stewardship at 200 Saulteaux
Cres., Winnipeg, Man., R3J 3W3.
Call 1-800-214-6497 or
download the Anglers’ Guide at
www.manitobafisheries.com
(www.huntnfish.ca) at Cranberry Portage.
for details.
There’s no shortage of fly-in lodges for
Fishing season closures vary
those who want a more exclusive guided
across the province. In northern
experience. Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters
Manitoba, fishing is typically
(www.mloa.com) can help you find
closed for the first three weeks
an ideal match.
in May, and restrictions vary at
For complete information on fishing spots,
specific lakes. You must carry
rules and regulations, check out Manitoba
Conservation and Water Stewardship’s
annual Anglers’ Guide. It’s available to
download at www.manitobafisheries.com.
your licence while fishing or risk
a $175 fine. The fine for fishing
without a licence is $300.
Summer Adventures
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Lynn Lake prides itself on being a
Summer Adventures
6
Paddle Your
Own Canoe
Step on the
Grass
Dip your oars in calm waters for a gentle
The historic Grass River canoe route
paddle on a picturesque lake, or get
draws paddlers from around the world.
wet and wild on rushing river rapids.
Aboriginal canoeists have traversed the
Whatever floats your boat, you’ll find
legendary route for some 5,000 years,
magnificent views and endless canoe
and you can follow in their wake while
routes throughout the North. Brave
enjoying modern benefits such as well-
large — and potentially rough —
marked portages and camp sites. Head
expanses of water on Reed, Wekusko
to Grass River Provincial Park or launch
and Clearwater lakes, or stick close to
a canoe west of the park at Cranberry
shore at wayside beaches and parks.
Portage and take a 176-kilometre run
Rent a canoe or kayak at Paint Lake
to Wekusko Falls. Admire the Aboriginal
Resort (www.mysterycountry.ca)
pictographs at Tramping Lake along
south of Thompson, or at Bakers Narrows
the way — it’s believed the artists were
Lodge (www.bakersnarrowslodge.com)
seated in canoes when they used red
near Flin Flon.
ochre to paint images of people, animals
and objects on rock faces not far above
the waterline. Expect to spend a week on
the route, or take two or three weeks for
epic treks to Paint Lake and Split Lake.
You can enter the river from several sites
and take side trips to scenic lakes along
the way. Find a route map at Canada Map
Sales (www.canadamapsales.com) and
check out first-hand trip reports at Paddle
Manitoba (www.paddle.mb.ca).
NORTHERN WILDERNESS
AND MODERN CONVENIENCES,
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR
NEXT ADVENTURE.
1-204-473-2436
www.townofleafrapids.com
COME SEE THE SUNRISE!
Thanks to Wistoba Connections LLC
Grass River Provincial Park
Vacation Rentals
Wapusk National Park
Get Wise to
the Owl River
You could be among the first modernday canoeists to experience the
Owl River route with a Parks Canada
excursion through Wapusk National Park.
Offered for the first time in 2013, the
trips along a 100-kilometre route are
limited to a few weeks in June. It’s
a rare opportunity to see the park’s
wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and
archeological sites that hint at thousands
of years of human history.
The adventure starts with a VIA Rail
(www.viarail.ca) ride from Gillam or
Churchill to the Herchmer railway stop,
about 30 kilometres west of the park.
Depending on conditions, it should
you must arrange for a helicopter pickup
at your expense.
Parks Canada recommends using
pakboats — collapsible canoes with
aluminum skeletons and a hardy, flexible
skin — since a regular canoe will be
difficult to transport out of the park.
The fee is $25 per day for adults, $6 for
school groups and students under 18.
Owl River fees are included in the cost of
a Northern Park Backcountry Excursion/
Camping annual pass.
Only experienced back-country paddlers
with whitewater experience should
consider the trip, and travelling with an
experienced guide would be ideal. For an
additional $290 per day, a Parks Canada
interpreter will accompany you.
take four to seven days to reach Parks
For information, call Parks Canada’s
Canada’s Owl River camp, five kilometres
Churchill office at 204-675-8863 or
from the Hudson Bay coast. From there,
email [email protected].
Summer Adventures
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Summer Adventures
8
Camp It Up
of ATV trails at Cook’s Campground,
Tuck in under the northern lights and
minutes of Grand Rapids. Just head
wake up to the sound of waterfalls
north on Hwy 6 and follow the signs
and bird calls. Camping is the ultimate
down North Cross Bay Road.
experience when you want to get away
from it all, and you can have it your way.
Hike to a no-frills back-country site on a
riverbank or lakeshore and start your day
with a cool dip and a cuppa joe perked
over a campfire. Park your RV or pitch
a tent at a serviced site in a provincial
park or resort, where you’ll typically find
showers, electrical hookups, beaches
and modern washrooms. Or stick close
to a town or city and treat yourself to hot
breakfast at a full-service restaurant.
on the shores of Cedar Lake within
You’ll find provincial park campgrounds
near Snow Lake, Flin Flon,
The Pas and Thompson. See
www.manitobaparks.com to check
out park amenities that might include
everything from boat launches to beach
volleyball courts and nearby convenience
stores. In some cases, you don’t even need
a tent to enjoy a camping experience.
Equipped with skylights and solar
lighting, yurts sleep up to six people.
They’re available at Bakers Narrows
Flin Flon Tourist Bureau and Campground
Campground and Clearwater Lake’s
is just across from Flinty’s Mall.
Camper’s Cove and will soon be offered at
It can accommodate all sizes of RVs and
Paint Lake Provincial Park. The eight-sided
you can pick up souvenirs, maps and
shelters, made of canvas stretched over a
other travel information right on site.
wood frame, have windows, a wood floor
Pet-friendly McCreedy Campground is
and a lockable door that opens on to a
conveniently located on the northern
porch or patio. Basic furniture includes
edge of Thompson on Hwy 6. Along with
futons, bunk beds, a table and chairs
storage and shuttle service for Churchill-
and an armoire, with an outdoor picnic
bound tours, campground amenities
table and easy access to campground
include RV sites, tenting,
washroom facilities.
picnic tables, a playground and group
camping sites.
The Setting Lake Wayside Park is
a popular destination for group
Connecting Businesses & The Community:
camping as well. It has spacious
Promoting and improving trade & commerce and the
economic, civic and social welfare of the district.
Location: #235-35 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB R8A 1J7
(tel) 204-687-4518 • (fax) 204-687-4456
(email) [email protected]
President: Tom Therien
General Meetings: held on the 2nd & 4th
Tuesday of every month.
basic and electrically serviced sites,
barbecues, a boat launch and nonmodern washrooms, just across Hwy
6 from the town of Wabowden. Rent
a boat and take a ride on a network
Summer Adventures
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Snow Lake
Photo: Tanis Grandmont
Swimming & Beaches
There are literally hundreds of swimming holes and beaches at provincial and
wayside parks, back-country waterways and lodges, but you don’t have travel
far from shopping, restaurants, museums and art galleries to enjoy a dip and a
relaxing afternoon at the water’s edge.
You’ll find a sandy beach, playground and picnic tables at Turnbull Beach, just
four kilometres south of Leaf Rapids. Swim in one of the world’s few true-blue
lakes at the well-serviced Clearwater Lake beach at The Pas. Sunset Beach
in Snow Lake has tennis courts, washrooms and change rooms, along with
playground facilities and a long dock. Gillam’s Pumphouse Beach is within
easy walking distance — a mere two kilometres from town — and Flin Flon
has a wealth of beaches within 30 minutes of downtown. Channing Beach
is three kilometres from the town centre and Blondies Beach, near Flin Flon
airport, is an excellent swimming spot, with change rooms and picnic tables.
Flin Flon also has an Aqua Centre that boasts a 25-metre pool with five
lanes, a one-metre diving board, saunas, weight room and change area. And
Thompson’s Norplex Pool is a destination in itself, with a 25-metre, six-lane
pool, sauna, gym and Big Splash waterslide, with acres of recreational options,
including tennis courts, nearby.
Summer Adventures
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Norseman Float Plane at Lions Club Park – Thompson
Take a Hike
Slip into a comfy pair of shoes and hit
from a sketch by famous wildlife artist
Robert Bateman.
the Millennium Trail in Thompson. The
In The Pas, head to Devon Park to
15-kilometre hiking, biking, snowshoeing
access a 10-kilometre path that skirts
and cross-country ski trail loops around
around the city. Or join Sam Waller
the city, passing through boreal forest
Museum staff for a historical walking
as well as urban areas. Take a selfie with
tour of the downtown area, where
the King Miner Statue and drop by
you’ll discover fascinating facts about
the Heritage North Museum to peruse
“Millionaire’s Row” and an 1896
exhibits and pick up visitor information.
church with a connection to a Franklin
Thompson’s 2.5 kilometre Spirit Way
(www.thompsonspiritway.ca) overlaps
with the Millennium Trail. Explore points
of interest along the way, including a
reproduction of a Norseman float plane
at Lions Club Park. Just watch out for
expedition search party. You can also
book a walking tour of Flin Flon and
learn about its unique history, or just
stroll on Flinty’s Boardwalk and Flinty’s
Trail, a 4.2-kilometre jaunt around Ross
Lake and on to the uptown area.
wolves. There’s a series of painted wolf
Leaf Rapids has several paths and bush
sculptures along the path, as well as
trails that wind through the forest and
Canada’s largest rock-face sculpture — a
across ancient eskers and sinkholes,
scene of wolves howling at the moon —
and Snow Lake is another great spot
and a 10-storey-tall wolf mural produced
for happy feet. Meander along three
Summer Adventures
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groomed trails
outfitted with
interpretive signs
that introduce you
to some of the
birds you might
encounter, including
the common raven,
downy woodpecker
and pine grosbeak.
You’ll find more
challenging trails
at Wekusko Falls
Provincial Park,
just 10 minutes
south of town.
Venture across two
suspension bridges
and view the falls
Karst Spring
from walking trails
along the shore.
miss Pisew Falls, about 75 kilometres south of Thompson.
From there, you can
View the falls from an observation platform and cross a
carry on another
swinging bridge to reach the trail to Manitoba’s highest
27 kilometres
waterfall, Kwasitchewan Falls. See www.manitobaparks.com
to Grass River
for more provincial park hiking information.
Provincial Park and
take a self-guided
3.2-kilometre roundtrip hike to Karst
Spring — a stream
of water that surges
out of solid rock.
Near The Pas, take
a self-guided tour
of Clearwater Lake
Provincial Park’s
caves, and don’t
Pisew Falls
Summer Adventures
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Flin Flon
Cache Out
Geocaching is a great way to explore the country. Flin Flon is a hot spot and
there are virtual caches at Snow Lake and Wekusko Falls. One of the oldest
sites is in The Pas, off the Rosie Mayne Trail, and there are caches in Churchill,
Wabowden and Thompson, where Spirit Way wolves are popular sites. Find
coordinates on the geocaching page at www.travelmanitoba.ca.
Spirit Way
Amazing Spirit Way!
actual
mural
scale
Spirit Way is one of the “Top 20 Places to Visit in Manitoba”!
It’s a 2.5 km walkway... be wowed! It all starts at the
Heritage North Museum. Photo yourself in front of
stunning 10 storey high Robert Bateman wolf
mural. Do the GPS Wolf Hunt for beautiful
wolf statues. Also, fish or
golf on beautiful summer
evenings. Have fun at our
hotels, cabins, & camp sites, and just
enjoy the rugged splendour of the North!
www.thompsonspiritway.ca
For Info:
1 866-WOLF-FUN
(1-866-965-3386)
Official Guide Book
& GPS Wolf Hunt
Passport
available at Museum
& Thompson Trading.
Hunting
Licences &
Regulations
If you are not a Canadian
resident, you must book
your hunt through a
registered lodge or
Photo: Eva Muswagon, Cross Lake Band
Happy Hunting
outfitter to hunt big
game — deer, moose,
black bear and caribou.
Along with world-class fishing, northern
If you’re bringing a firearm to
Manitoba offers hunters an adventure
Canada, you must contact the
they’ll never forget.
Canadian Firearms Centre
Fly, drive or travel by boat with one of
many experienced outfitters, such as
Thompson’s All Terrain Bear Hunts
(www.atbh.ca). All Terrain offers
(www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/
cfp-pcaf/index.htm) for
information on permits,
transportation and storage.
black bear hunts, timber wolf hunting
Manitoba Conservation and
and fall moose hunts.
Water Stewardship produces
Out of The Pas, River Country Outfitters
(www.huntingtop10.com/Manitoba/
Black-Bear-Hunting-Guide/
Outfitter/247/) offers black bear
hunts from its camp along the
Saskatchewan River.
Tradition Outfitters
(www.traditionoutfittersnorth.com),
based in Cross Lake, specializes in black
bear hunting in more than 1,000 square
miles of bear habitat, with all hunters
travelling exclusively by boat. See the
Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters website
(www.mloa.com) to find an outfitter in
your preferred area.
an annual Hunting Guide that
contains information on licence
requirements, seasons and
regulations for big game, wolves
and waterfowl. The guide is
available to download at
www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/
wildlife/hunting.
Summer Adventures
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Summer Adventures
14
Rock Climbing
Climbing is increasingly popular at Snow
Lake and the surrounding area, where
Precambrian rock offers even veteran
climbers a challenge. One of the best
spots can be accessed from PR 393 near
the airport. Or brave the limestone cliffs
at the south end of Wekusko Lake at Herb
Lake Landing (www.herblakelanding.ca),
a former gold-mining town off Hwy 39.
There’s a marked trail, but the ghost
town’s website warns climbers to be
vigilant for extreme drops and crevices
that may be hidden under vegetation.
At Mid Lake, just off Hwy 6 in Paint Lake
Provincial Park south of Thompson,
thrill-seekers climb rocks and then go
cliff-jumping into the lake.
Wildlife
Viewing
Polar bears, whose massive paws help them
Polar bears are the undisputed
most popular time to see the bears is in
monarchs of the North, but
October and November, when they gather
beluga whales are a close second.
on the Hudson Bay coast to wait for the
Thousands of belugas congregate
ice to freeze on their winter seal-hunting
in the Churchill, Nelson and Hayes
grounds. But eco-tour operators offer
river estuaries to give birth and feed
summer tours that combine beluga whale
in July and August.
and polar bear viewing excursions.
Called canaries of the sea because
Frontiers North Adventures
of their songs and chirps, belugas
(www.frontiersnorth.com) offers summer
are curious and surprisingly social.
packages that include whale watching and
Take a whale-watching tour aboard
Tundra Buggy tours to the Churchill Wildlife
a Zodiac boat or kayak and the
Management Area (WMA), where bears rest
whales will swim up to look right
over the summer. Churchill Wild
back at you. Slip into a dry suit and
(www.churchillwild.com) operates
you can even swim among them.
secluded fly-in lodges for bird, beluga and
swim for more than 100 kilometres at a
stretch, are often seen swimming too. The
Summer Adventures
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bear watching, including its Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge near York Factory, where staff have
logged 400 or more bear sightings in August and September.
Near Hudson Bay, visitors might see seals as well as bears, along with more than
250 species of birds, including Arctic terns, gulls, Canada geese and snowy owls.
The best time to see birds in the Churchill WMA is from June through September.
But starting in May, you can take a boat tour with Wapusk Adventures
(www.wapuskadventures.com) on the Churchill River to look for the rare
Ross’s gull, bald and golden eagles, osprey and tundra swans.
The Saskeram WMA, northwest of The Pas, and Tom Lamb WMA, northeast of
The Pas, include much of the Saskatchewan River delta. Part of the Canadian
Important Bird Areas program, they’re among Manitoba’s most significant breeding
areas and habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife, including lynx, moose, black bears,
muskrats and wolves.
Summer Adventures
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Swing, for the
Your game may suffer for
it, but the scenery is such
a spectacular distraction
you won’t mind adding a
few strokes at golf courses
throughout northern
Manitoba from mid-May to
mid-October.
Challenging holes,
environmentally friendly
designs and warm
hospitality are the rule. Hit
the links at every major
centre, and take your time
— long days at the height
of summer mean you can
tee off as late as 9:30 p.m.
trees
Halcrow Lake
Golf &
Country Club
The Pas
Public / 9 Holes
Charming log construction goes with the scenic
territory. Relax in the licensed clubhouse, enjoy
hearty daily restaurant specials, hit a few balls at
the driving range and drop by the pro shop to ask
the golf pro for course tips.
p: 204-627-2300
w: www.halcrowlakegolf.ca
Leaf Rapids
Golf Course
Leaf Rapids
Public / 9 Holes
Stay and play as long as you like at Manitoba’s
most northerly course. Just a 15-minute walk
from the Town Centre Mall, the course is open
24/7 in summer and you can’t beat the green
fee — it’s absolutely free. There’s no on-site
clubhouse, but you can borrow clubs free of
charge at the town office.
p: 204-473-2436 ext 5
w: www.townofleafrapids.com
Halcrow Lake Golf & COuntry Club – The Pas
Phantom Lake
Golf Club
Flin Flon
Public / Private / 9 Holes
Enjoy the view from the clubhouse deck
overlooking the ninth hole at this semi-private
club on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border
between Flin Flon and Creighton, Sask. In play
since 1952, the challenging course is fully
licensed and has a pro shop. Power carts are
available.
p: 306-688-5555
w: www.phantomlakegolfcourse.com
Phantom Lake Golf Club – Flin Flon
Thompson
Golf Club
Thompson
Public / 9 Holes
You might spot Canada geese, along with the
odd bear or fox at this picturesque course
located three kilometres north of Thompson
off Hwy 391. Check out the pro shop, get
tips from the Canadian Professional Golf
Association golf pro and follow through with a
visit to the licensed clubhouse.
p: 204-778-5537
w: www.thompson.ca
Snow Lake Golf
& Country Club
Snow Lake
Public / 9 Holes
Lake views, a licensed clubhouse, restaurant
and patio are among the attractions here. The
well-maintained course is graced with scenic
rocky outcroppings and it’s the site of several
golf tournaments each summer.
p: 204-358-2744
w: www.snowlake.com
Snow Lake Golf & Country CLub – Snow Lake
Summer Adventures
17
Winter Adventures
18
Let it
snow!
Forget about those lazy
days of summer — winter
is all about exhilarating
action, and nobody
embraces the season like
northern Manitobans.
When evergreen trees and
forest trails and ice-covered
lakes are blanketed in
fresh, white snow it’s time
to get out and play. Race
down a hill on a toboggan
or snowboard, lace up the
skates and go for a spin,
throw a few rocks at the
curling rink or drop a line
Mush Life
in an ice-fishing hole. Ski
As a mode of transportation, dog sledding is
or snowshoe on a town
unique to the North.
loop or head for the hills
and frozen streams to drink
in fresh air and views of
picture-perfect landscapes.
Getting there is more than
While horsepower has replaced paw-power
in daily life, hardy mushers still compete in
annual races and show guests the ropes on
recreational runs.
half the fun when you hop
Meet some of the characters — both the two-
on a snowmobile or bundle
legged and four-legged kind — who keep
up for a ride on a dog sled.
the tradition alive when you join a team for
an authentic dog-sledding experience.
19
Winter Adventures
In Thompson, third-generation musher
Clinton Morrisseau offers custom tours in
Paint Lake Provincial Park and other scenic
locales with his Wolf Pack Sled Dog Trail
Rides. Call Clinton at 204-677-2760 and
he’ll hook you up with an unforgettable ride.
In Churchill, Blue Sky Expeditions
(www.blueskymush.com) offers
“fur-wheeling” tours year-round (wheels
replace sleds in summer). Ask about local
heroine Isobel, a blind dog who came out
of retirement to run with her pack, and
hero Thunder, who led owner
Gerald Azure and his team to safety
through a severe snowstorm during the
2006 Hudson Bay Quest race. Go for a far
less gruelling mush and stick around for
tea and bannock after the run. Heck, you
Ice Time
can even spend a day or two getting to
Lacing up a pair of skates and gliding
know your canine companions when you
across the ice on outdoor rinks in
stay at Blue Sky Bed & Sled.
parks, schoolyards and backyards is a
At Wapusk Adventures
(www.wapuskadventures.com), you can
treasured winter tradition, and you’re
never too old to join the fun.
get the inside track on traditional Métis and
In Thompson, skate indoors at the
sledding life with owners David and Valerie
C.A. Nesbitt Arena (www.thompson.ca),
Daley, then find out what it takes to care for
or head to outdoor rinks at
a dog team when you ride on the Ididamile
Eastwood Park, Juniper Park and
— a one-mile trail ride through the
Southwood Park.
boreal forest.
Churchill River Mushing offers winter
There’s great skating on Paint Lake
in Paint Lake Provincial Park, 35
camping, igloo-building, trapline runs and
kilometres south of Thompson at the
other one-of-a-kind adventures you won’t
junction of Hwy 6 and PR 375. Log-
find in southern climes. Call Kelly Turcotte
cabin warmup shelters are equipped
at 204-675-8176 or 204-675-0080, or
with wood stoves, firewood and
email [email protected] to
picnic tables, and they’re open to the
customize your trip.
public at no charge.
Winter Adventures
20
Game of Stones
Flin Flon’s Whitney Forum
(www.cityofflinflon.ca/
whitney-forum.html) has indoor
Throw a few rocks, pick up a broom and
arena ice from Aug. 1-April 1,
hurry hard on local curling sheets. The
with set times for public skating
sport is increasingly prominent thanks to
and more hockey than you can
Canadian men’s and women’s gold medal
shake a stick at. Check out the
wins at the Sochi Winter Olympics. But the
history of Saskatchewan Junior
social side of curling is a major draw in rinks
Hockey League team the Flin Flon
across the province.
Junior Bombers. Formerly the
The Whitney Forum in Flin Flon
Flin Flon Bombers, the legendary
(www.cityofflinflon.ca/
team has produced more than
whitney-forum.html) and The Pas
its share of NHL greats, including
Curling Club (www.kelseyrec.ca) each
Philadelphia Flyers’ star-turned-
have busy six-sheet curling rinks.
executive Bobby Clarke.
There are sheets in Gillam and Wabowden,
There’s more indoor ice in The Pas
and The Cranberry Portage Curling Club
at RHJ Arena (www.kelseyrec.ca),
(www.cranberryportagecurlingclub.
and at Gordon Lathlin Memorial
weebly.com) has four sheets of natural ice
Centre at nearby Opaskwayak
and hosts three bonspiels each year. Snow
Cree Nation, or you can hit the
Lake Curling Club (www.snowlake.ca) is a
outdoor rink at Ralls Island
hive of activity, hosting several bonspiels
Community Park east of town.
on five artificial ice sheets at its modern
facility. Get swept up in the action at
Thompson’s Burntwood Curling Club
(www.burntwoodcurlingclub.com),
and enjoy a meal at Madeline Poirier’s
concession — home of locally famous
home-made cinnamon buns.
Discover
Manitoba
Manitoba has so much to offer,
you’ll want to explore all of our
province’s scenic regions.
For a comprehensive overview of places to go and things to do in every
area — from the Whiteshell in the east to the Parkland in the west and
the Pembina Valley in the south — check out videos and a wealth of
tourism information on the Travel Manitoba website at
www.travelmanitoba.com.
And be sure to pay a visit to our regional colleagues online:
Eastern Manitoba: Eastman Tourism www.eastmantourism.ca
Western Manitoba: Tourism Westman www.tourismwestman.ca
Interlake Tourism: www.interlaketourism.com
Central Plains and Pembina Valley Tourism:
www.centralplainsmanitoba.ca
Parkland Tourism: www.parklandtourism.com
Winter Adventures
21
Cross-country
Skiing: Your
Ticket to Glide
Frozen lakes, picturesque forest trails and
handy urban paths are an endless delight
for cross-country ski enthusiasts in every
corner of the North.
range from easy to challenging,
including the 7.5-kilometre Race
Trail and the 2.3-kilometre Valley
Loop, which has outdoor lighting
until 10 p.m. nightly, when weather
permits. A new ski chalet offers
ski rentals and there’s a small
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park has eight
concession.
scenic kilometres of looped cross-country
At Thompson’s Jack Crolly Cross
ski trails that are easily accessible from
the parking lot, and there are many
kilometres of groomed trails right in the
city of The Pas.
Country Ski Trail, on Hwy 6 north of
the Miles Hart Bridge, you can take a
short, one-kilometre jaunt or tackle
trails up to six kilometres. Spend a
The Snow Lake Cross Country Ski Club
day exploring 25 kilometres of trails
(www.snowlake.com) grooms and
at Mystery Mountain Winter Park
maintains several kilometres of trails.
north of the city, or head south on
And the Flin Flon Ski Club
Hwy 6 to Paint Lake Provincial Park,
(www.flinflonskiclub.com) has
where you’ll find a range of trails
28 kilometres of groomed trails that
from two to five kilometres.
Winter Adventures
22
Mystery Mountain
Mystery
Mountain
Winter Park
Alpine and cross-country skiing,
snowboarding, tobogganing and
snowshoeing — Mystery Mountain has it
all, and there are new improvements with
every passing year.
Go cross-country skiing or rent a set
of snowshoes to tackle more than
25 kilometres of groomed trails,
zoom down 18 alpine ski runs and
catch some air at the terrain park
and snowboarding half-pipe. There
are two Poma lifts, a rope tow and a
The non-profit recreation site, which
T-bar with a brand new lift shack. At
is owned and operated by Thompson
the end of the day, warm up by the
Ski Club, is just 22 kilometres north of
wood stove or fireplace at the fully
Thompson and it’s open for family fun from
serviced chalet and lounge. See
around mid-December until mid-April.
www.mysterymountain.ca.
Now That’s a Fishing Hole!
Drill a hole in lake or river ice and you’ll fall hook, line and sinker for ice fishing.
Northern Manitoba is a year-round destination for trophy fishers who flock to
hundreds of lakes and streams to catch walleye, northern pike, lake trout and
other species. Fly-in lodges abound, but you can drive or ride a snowmobile to
dozens of popular spots.
The Incorporated Community of
camp chair and take in the crisp winter air.
Nelson House hosts an annual
Aim for solitude or join the fun at a fishing
fishing derby on Foot Print Bay. The
derby — just make sure your fishing hole is
event has attracted as many as 1,000
big enough to accommodate a whopper.
people, which is mighty impressive
Near Lynn Lake (www.lynnlake.ca),
head for Burge Lake or Zed Lake, both
in provincial parks within 20 kilometres
from town. Wekusko Falls Lodge
(www.wekuskofallslodge.com) offers
prime ice-fishing opportunities at
Snow Lake. Take a Bombardier excursion
at Flin Flon’s Bakers Narrows Lodge
(www.bakersnarrowslodge.com),
considering the entire population
stands at 100 or less. And the Rotary
Club of The Pas organizes one of
the biggest derbies in Manitoba —
the Bill Bannock Fishing Derby on
Clearwater Lake, which offers an
instant prize of $25,000 for the angler
who catches a tagged fish dubbed
Lonesome Mary.
and head for Paint Lake Resort
Just north of The Pas, the Jimmy
(www.mysterycountry.com) near
Jackfish Ice Fishing Derby is
Thompson, where your hosts will shuttle
held at Rocky Lake in March. See
you to rental huts and ensure you’re
completely outfitted for a day on the ice.
for more events.
Photo: Murray Kissick
Winter Adventures
23
Stay cozy in a fishing shack or pull up a
Winter Adventures
24
On the
Wild Side
Even Noah would be hard
pressed to squeeze all the wildlife in
northern Manitoba into one boat.
Polar bears, black bears, wolves,
foxes, muskrats, beavers and lynx are
just a few of the dozens of mammals
that thrive in northern Manitoba’s
diverse habitats. And don’t forget
the huge herds of caribou, massive
moose, otters and wolverines — not
to mention Arctic fox, Arctic hare,
seals and great white beluga whales.
The subarctic transition zone
encompasses everything from
rocky flats, Precambrian Shield,
boreal and alpine forest, freshwater
lakes, whitewater rivers, coastal
dunes, tundra and mud flats. While
Churchill is the polar bear capital of
the world, Thompson boasts that
it’s the wolf capital, and eco-tourism
Lynx
Easy Riders
Snowmobile trails
go the distance
Joy rides don’t come any sweeter than this. A
vast network of groomed snowmobile trails
allow for epic rides in northern Manitoba. Cruise
from The Pas to Flin Flon and on to Snow Lake,
or ride from Wabowden to Thompson and on
to the Kelsey Generating Station, with jaunts
through provincial parks along the way.
is a growing industry along with
It’s possible to reach The Pas on a continuous trail
traditional big-game hunting at
from the U.S. border, and you can take your pick
drive-in and fly-in lodges that dot
of scenic routes through pristine forests, across
the northern landscape.
ice-covered lakes and along rocky shores in the
The North is home to the largest
Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
in the province. The Churchill WMA
covers almost 850,000 hectares
North. Snowmobiling season lasts until April some
years, and local clubs maintain more than 1,500
kilometres of trails that are part of Manitoba’s
Snoman network.
and protects polar bear summer
The Thompson Trailbreakers
resting areas and maternity denning
(www.thompsontrailbreakers.org) club takes
grounds. Snowy owls and snow
care of six trail systems spanning almost 700
geese are abundant, along with
glorious kilometres that run as far south as
ptarmigan and hundreds of other
Ponton — which connects to the Snow Lake
bird species.
trail system — and north to Kelsey.
Thompson Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club
Photo: Thompson Trailbreakers Snowmobile CLub
Trails are mapped and there’s signage along
Flin Flon’s Border Explorers Snowmobile
the routes, along with warmup shelters for
Club (www.flinflon.net/flinflon/
which the club supplies firewood.
community_groups/skidoo.htm)
Volunteer snowmobile clubs host special
events, including rallies, poker derbies
and group rides, and riders might see
wolves, moose and other wildlife along
the trails.
maintains about 240 kilometres of trails.
Take circular loops to ice-fishing lakes
and snowmobile-friendly lodges such
as Caribou Lodge Outfitters (www.
huntnfish.ca) at Cranberry Portage
or Bakers Narrows Lodge (www.
Setting, Ospwagan and Moak lakes,
bakersnarrowslodge.com), south of Flin
Mystery Mountain Winter Park
Flon. Variety spices up longer rides —
and Paint Lake Provincial Park are
you can head to Snow Lake on one trail
popular destinations, and My’s Place
and return to Flin Flon via a different
restaurant opens on Saturdays to serve
route. There are designated trails within
snowmobilers who pull in to Wabowden
the Snow Lake town site, and The Pas
to fuel up. At Sasagiu Rapids Lodge
and Thompson also have routes that let
(www.sasagiurapids.com), between
riders access restaurants, gas stations
Wabowden and Thompson on Hwy 6,
and hotels within the snowmobile-
guests can rent a snowmobile and ride
friendly communities.
right up to their door.
Kelsey Trail Sno-Riders club (www.
Gillam Snowmobile Club (www.
freewebs.com/kelseytrailsnoriders/)
townofgillam.com) maintains 295
maintains 421 kilometres of trails in The
kilometres of groomed trails, including
Pas and Clearwater Lake areas, and you’ll
popular routes to ice-fishing spots on
find warmup shelters along trails that
Atkinson, Wilson and Kettle lakes.
include runs to Atik and Rocky lakes.
Winter Adventures
25
Winter Adventures
26
snowmobile
Clubs & Passes
Snoman Inc.
Province Wide
Snoman is a non-profit organization that
works with local clubs throughout Manitoba to
help develop and maintain trails, protect the
environment and promote snowmobile safety.
Provincial maps are updated annually and are
available online. Note: The 2013-14 map may
not be valid for the 2014-15 season.
w: s noman.mb.ca
Border
Explorers
Snowmobile Club Snopasses
Flin Flon
Maps are available at Flin Flon Insurance,
Standard Insurance, the Petro-Canada station,
Victoria Inn North and other businesses.
w: www.flinflon.net/flinflon/community_
groups/skidoo.htm
Gillam
Snowmobile Club
Gillam
Pick up a map at Gillam Insurance. You can
check for trail updates on the recreation
section of the town website and email the club
for more information.
e: [email protected]
w: www.townofgillam.com
Kelsey Trail
Sno-Riders
The Pas
Snowmobile maps can be found at the Visitor
Information Centre at 1559 Gordon Ave.,
or at dealerships throughout the North.
They’re also available online.
w: www.freewebs.com/kelseytrailsnoriders
Province Wide
You must have a valid Snopass to ride on
designated trails maintained by Snoman Inc.
and its member clubs.
Riders can buy annual or seven-day passes at
any insurance office where Autopac is sold.
Seven-day passes cost $60.50 per snowmobile
in 2013-14. For more information, visit the
Snoman Inc. or Manitoba Public Insurance
websites at www.snoman.mb.ca
or www.mpi.mb.ca.
Snow Lake
Sno-Drifters
Snow Lake
Maps are available at the Town Office.
w: www.snowlake.com
Thompson
Trailbreakers
Thompson
Download a map online or pick one up at
City Hall, Heritage North Museum, Thompson
Unlimited or insurance agencies.
w: www.thompsontrailbreakers.org
Snow Lake Trails
Photo: Brenda Forsyth
Trail Guide
27
Winter Adventures
Northern Manitoba
OU TDOOR Pa r ks
28
the
park
side!
You could spend an entire
summer — and a good chunk
of the winter — exploring the
natural wonders in northern
Manitoba’s provincial parks
and Wapusk National Park.
Discover ancient Aboriginal
history and follow in the wake
of fur traders on monumental
canoe routes. Hike to
majestic waterfalls, explore
cave formations that were
millions of years in the making
and marvel at spectacular
Some experiences can’t be captured on
film. But when you hear the mournful call
of a loon or the call-and-response howls of
wolves in the night, they’ll leave an indelible
imprint on your memory.
wilderness scenery at every
Camp out under the northern lights and
turn. Cross-country ski, ride a
you’ll understand why they’re called dancing
snowmobile or don a pair of
spirits. You can rough it at back-country sites
snowshoes for a winter romp.
or enjoy the relative luxury of a rented yurt
Spend long summer days
or drive-through RV site in a campground
on a sandy beach, brave a
equipped with all the amenities, including
whitewater canoe trip or enjoy
hot showers and electrical hookups.
some of the best trophy fishing
anywhere — just don’t forget
Need help planning your park adventure?
to snap a photo to prove you
Visit www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/wapusk/
caught the big one.
index.aspx and www.manitobaparks.com.
OU TDOOR Pa r ks
29
Owl River Rapids – Wapusk National Park
Front row seats
© Earl gravois
Be one of the few that gets this
close and experiences a true
arctic adventure.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE
Visit us online
frontiersnorth.com
Phone us for more information
1 800 663 9832
Email us
[email protected]
OU TDOOR Pa r ks
30
Owl River – Wapusk National Park
Wapusk
National Park
Wapusk is a Cree word for white bear,
and this pristine national park has them
in abundance. Situated within the
Churchill Wildlife Management Area,
the park is home to one of the world’s
biggest polar bear mother-and-cub
denning areas. A protected summer
resting place, it also hugs a long expanse
of shoreline along Hudson Bay, the white
bears’ winter seal-hunting ground.
Prairie Helicopters
(www.prairiehelicopters.com)
offers tours out of Churchill, and
two eco-tour companies are licensed
to operate within park boundaries.
Wat’chee Lodge (www.watchee.com)
is located just outside the park at a
former navy communications base.
It’s open for a few weeks each spring,
when armed guides escort professional
photographers and other guests on
viewing expeditions as mothers and
cubs emerge from their dens.
Wapusk’s eastern boundary is only about
45 kilometres southeast of Churchill,
but the 11,475-square-kilometre
wilderness area is not accessible by road.
Adventurous types can access Wapusk
from Gillam by hitching a ride aboard
VIA Rail to the remote Herchmer railway
stop, about 30 kilometres west of the
park boundary, but most passengers
continue on to Churchill.
While males and non-breeding
females congregate on the shores of
Hudson Bay in October in November
to wait for pack ice to form, pregnant
females remain about 70 kilometres
inland. They give birth in November
or December and normally stay in the
dens until February or March, when
they head to the bay to end an eightmonth fast.
OU TDOOR Pa r ks
31
Owl River – Wapusk National Park
Frontiers North Adventures
(www.frontiersnorth.com) offers
overnight tours in October. Guests
stay in the Tundra Buggy Lodge, a
train-like setup equipped with sleeping
berths, a café and lounge. The lodges
can accommodate 40 guests, who split
into smaller groups during the day to
take Tundra Buggy tours in the Cape
Churchill area.
Polar Bears International (PBI) works with
Frontiers North to operate two polar bear
webcams from its Tundra Buggies, and
in 2012, PBI set up a webcam at Cape
Churchill to broadcast live from Nov.
5-26, generating thousands of views
each day. The footage is available for
viewing at www.explore.org.
Home to Arctic hare, foxes, wolverines,
lemmings, great herds of caribou and a
few dozen other mammals, along with
hundreds of species of birds, the park
is an important area for conservation,
research and education. To that end,
Parks Canada maintains two compounds,
one each on the Owl River and the Broad
River. Each camp is surrounded by a
bear-proof fence and has a small cabin
and space to set up tents. The Broad
River compound has water and waste
services, and Parks Canada anticipates
the Owl River camp amenities will grow
as it adds new visitor activities such as
hiking in the future.
Learn more about Wapusk National Park
at www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/wapusk/
index.aspx
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32
The Bear Facts
from Parks Canada
• Polar bears are the
largest land carnivore in
North America.
• Adult males average
300-450 kilograms.
The largest ever
recorded in Wapusk
National Park weighed
just over 700 kilograms
(about 1,500 pounds).
• At birth, cubs are about
the size of their mother’s
paw and weigh less than
one kilogram.
Polar Bear
• Females have cubs
every two or three years
in Wapusk. The oldest female known to have had cubs in the park was 29 years old.
Photo: Michael Poliza
• The fastest human sprinters can run at just over 35 kilometres per hour (kmh).
A polar bear trots at 30 kmh and can sprint at nearly 50 kmh.
SOME
DIG UP SOME AWE
rvEIllES
DétErrEz DES ME
Hands on History
Reach back in time alongside Parks
Canada archealogists as you dig up the
secrets buried in a northern wilderness.
parkscanada.gc.ca/princewalesfort
Sur les traces de l’histoire
Remontez dans le temps avec les
archéologues de Parcs Canada pendant
que vous déterrez les secrets cachés
dans une zone nordique sauvage.
parcscanada.gc.ca/fortprincegalles
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33
Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park
Bakers
Narrows
Provincial
Park
Just 20 kilometres south of Flin Flon
on Hwy 10, this popular destination
has plenty of elbow room for
campers and day trippers — along
with an unbeatable view.
The well-serviced campground is chock
full of amenities — showers, modern
washrooms, electrical hookups,
playgrounds, picnic areas and a boat
launch among them.
Climb the campground lookout
tower to get a spectacular 360°
view of mixed-wood forest,
Precambrian rock outcroppings
and the crystal clear waters of
Athapapuskow Lake — along with
a glimpse into the area’s history
courtesy of the tower’s interpretive
signage. Athapapuskow is a Cree
word meaning rocks all around, but
there are three beaches where you
can enjoy a leisurely day of sand,
sun and swimming.
Park your RV, pitch a tent or rent a
comfortable lakeside yurt and stay
a while. The 145-hectare park offers
endless recreational opportunities.
Launch a motor boat or canoe and
explore the shoreline, or drop a line to
fish for walleye, lake trout or northern
pike. Go for a hike and keep your
eyes peeled for blue herons, doublebreasted cormorants and other wildlife.
You might want to pack your camera —
the park is popular with mink, moose
and beaver too.
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Clearwater Lake Provincial Park
Burge Lake Provincial Park
Minutes away from Lynn Lake off Hwy 394, Burge Lake is a great spot to bask in a
natural setting and enjoy a little serenity. The campground is small and scenic, with
eight walk-up, non-electrical sites, some of which can accommodate large RVs.
Amenities include a rustic pit privy, a hand water pump, free firewood and a group-use
picnic shelter, which could come in handy after a day of fishing. There’s a dock, boat
launch and even a fish-cleaning shed where you can prepare your catch of the day —
the walleye and pike always seem to be biting.
Not into fishing? Lounge on the sandy beach, take a swim or spend some time with
the kids at the playground.
Caribou River Provincial
Wilderness Park
West of Hudson Bay, this 7,640-square-kilometre park butts up against the Nunavut
border. Few people set foot on this expanse of boreal forest and tundra since there’s
no direct road into the park, which includes Round Sand and Caribou Lakes. The
Caribou River system is a challenge for experienced canoeists, with sandbars, rapids
and waterfalls and campsites are in the rough, marked only by fire rings. About
100 kilometres west, the fly-in Lodge at Little Duck (www.thelodgeatlittleduck.com)
offers hunting, fishing and eco-adventures.
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The Caves (left) and the Yurts at Clearwater Lake
Clearwater
Lake Provincial
Park
Take a scenic drive 20 kilometres north
of The Pas on Hwy 10 and spend some
quality time exploring this spectacular
wilderness park. The spring-fed Clearwater
Lake lives up to its name and then some.
Look down and you might see clear to the
bottom — lake clarity has been measured
at 10 metres (33 feet), while the average
depth is 13 metres and the maximum
depth is 39 metres.
The lake takes up almost half of the
593-square-kilometre park, which also
contains spruce bogs along with boreal
forests and a fantastic collection of deep
crevices known as “the caves.”
Formed when massive rocks split from
cliffs along the shoreline, the caves are
incredibly cool — they may contain
snow in July, along with unique plants
that manage to grow with little sunlight.
Follow a short self-guided hiking trail
on the south shore and explore the
caves at leisure from the trail, viewing
platforms and stairways.
There’s plenty of room for campers
on the south shore. Pioneer Bay has
27 electrically serviced sites — all
of which boast lake views — and
Camper’s Cove has 70 serviced sites,
along with eight basic sites for tents
and tent trailers. At Camper’s Cove,
you can rent one of six yurts, each of
which sleeps up to six people. Both
campgrounds and the Sunset Beach
day-use area have beaches, beach
volleyball courts, changing houses
and picnic areas. Go swimming,
windsurfing or boating and fish for
the lake trout that thrive in Clearwater
Lake’s cool temperatures.
In winter, the park is ideal for
snowmobiling, and there’s access
to an eight-kilometre cross-country
ski loop near Pioneer Bay.
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36
Grass River
Provincial
Park
Several packs of wolves
roam in this park, along with
wolverines, moose and caribou
— which wisely calve on lake
islands where they’re safe from
predators. If you’re lucky, wolves
will serenade you on moonlit
nights while you tell tall tales
around the campfire. Located
about 45 kilometres east of
Flin Flon, the park contains
several designated back-country
camp sites along canoe routes.
And there are three large
campgrounds that each have
more than 50 sites equipped
with gravity-flow solar-heated
showers, hand water pumps
and privies. Gyles campground on Simonhouse Lake has a great sand beach, along
with a beach volleyball court and playground. For quiet camping, hiking and superb
walleye fishing, head to Iskwasum Landing campground, on the Grass River between
Iskwasum and Loucks lakes. Those who prefer lake trout and northern pike head to
Reed Lake campground on Reed Lake.
Little Limestone Lake
Provincial Park
This protected area is notable for its spectacular turquoise lake. Just north of Grand
Rapids, west of Hwy 6, it’s one of the world’s best marl lakes — a mineral-rich body of
water that changes colour when dissolved limestone bedrock reacts to the heat of the
sun. There are no park campgrounds or amenities, but the lake supports fishing and
there’s plenty of wildlife, including double-breasted cormorants, lynx and black bears.
Numaykoos Lake Provincial
Wilderness Park
Situated west of the Churchill River and Wapusk National Park and east of Sand Lake
Provincial Wilderness Park, Numaykoos has no direct road access. It contains the
whitewater portion of the Little Beaver River and camp sites are marked only by fire rings.
You can hook up with an air charter company or outfitter to fly into Numaykoos Lake.
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Paint Lake Marina in Winter
Paint Lake Provincial Park
An outdoor paradise on Thompson’s doorstep,
Paint Lake offers everything from trophy fishing
to back-country camping and beach volleyball,
just 32 kilometres south of town on Hwy 6.
The Paint Lake Resort (www.mysterycountry.ca)
has a marina with 170 boat slips, a restaurant,
convenience store and gas station, along with
a lounge and patio overlooking the lake. The
resort’s rental cabins have spectacular lake views,
and there are more than 190 camp sites in the
park. The Paint Lake campground has 76 sites
with both basic and electrical services, modern
washrooms, a shower building and water taps.
Lakeview campground is nearby, and there are
many camp sites on the islands
of Paint Lake, which is on the
Grass River canoe route.
Day-use amenities include
picnic sites, a baseball diamond,
a beach with horseshoe pitch
and hiking trails.
Moose, bears, foxes and wolves
roam in the forests, and the park
is a year-round playground for
human visitors. In winter, hit the
snowmobile and cross-country
ski trails, slide on the toboggan
hill and skate on the lake.
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Pisew Falls Provincial Park
Pisew Falls
Provincial Park
It’s a short drive from Paint Lake to
Pisew Falls, about 75 kilometres south of
Thompson on Hwy 6. Pisew is the Cree
word for lynx and the park is home to
plenty of wildlife, along with forests of
spruce, pine, tamarack and poplar trees.
Within the park, the Grass River drops 13
metres and spills through a gorge, creating
a rushing waterfall. You can get a view of
Pisew Falls from observation platforms
accessible VIA a short boardwalk, and
LOCAL 6166
19 Elizabeth Drive
Thompson, MB R8N 1S7
204-677-1700
follow a short trail to a swinging
bridge that crosses the river below
the falls. From there, you can tackle
a hiking trail to Manitoba’s highest
waterfall, Kwasitchewan Falls. The
return trip is about 22 kilometres
and it’s not for the faint of heart, but
you don’t have to do the entire hike
in one day. There are back-country
campsites at the end of the trail loop
above Kwasitchewan Falls where
you can spend the night and savour
the experience.
Sand Lakes Provincial
Wilderness Park
There’s no road access to Manitoba’s largest provincial park. Encompassing 8,310
square kilometres, the park contains an important Caspian tern breeding area and
ancient esker formations — ridges made up of sand and gravel that formed beneath
glacial ice thousands of years ago — that few people ever see. Camp sites are marked
only by fire rings, and even the most experienced canoeists will be challenged by its
waterways. But arrangements can be made with a charter air company or outfitter to
fly in to Big Sand Lake.
Wekusko Falls Provincial Park
Wekusko Falls
Provincial Park
Encompassing Hudson Bay Lowlands and
Precambrian Shield, this park just south
of Snow Lake was part of a vital fur-trade
route for hardy voyageurs in the 1700s,
and a few hundred years later, gold mining
brought a fresh influx of adventurers.
Today, it draws photographers, nature
lovers and canoeists who brave the Grass
River canoe route. Just 27 kilometres
from Grass River Provincial Park, this is
where the river makes a dramatic plunge
almost 12 metres through the rapids and
falls that make up Wekusko Falls. You can
feel the spray as you walk across
two suspension bridges over the
falls, enjoy hiking paths and camp
on the river’s shore. Wekusko Falls
campground has 88 camper sites and
25 tenting sites.
Launch a boat and head seven
kilometres south to see the Tramping
Lake pictographs, Aboriginal images
painted in red ochre on rock faces
more than 1,000 years ago. Visible
only from the water, it’s believed the
paintings could have been painted
by artists who were seated in canoes.
OU TDOOR Pa r ks
39
OU TDOOR Pa r ks
40
Zed Lake
Provincial
Park
Like Burge Lake, Zed Lake provides
a peaceful getaway for anglers,
swimmers and hikers who
appreciate relative solitude — and
the camping is free. The lake is about
20 kilometres from Lynn Lake off
Hwy 394, and the park campground
is a quiet spot with no electrical
hookups but all the amenities you
need — a pit privy, free firewood,
a hand water pump and a groupuse picnic shelter. There are 10
walk-up sites, some of which can
accommodate large RVs.
Go for a hike and check out the
eskers. Along with a sand beach and
playground, the park has a fish-
U
nwind – Touch eskers of
sand and gravel crafted by
the powers of retreating
glaciers millennia ago; be
mesmerized by the incredible
northern lights; breathe the
fragrant purity of the northern
boreal forest; taste the delicacy
of fresh pan-fried walleye; listen
to the enchanting sunset calls of
loons. Once you arrive in Lynn
Lake, there is no mistaking that
you are in Canada’s true north;
free, rugged, and breathtaking.
Experiencing the pristine lakes
and rivers surrounded by the
rugged northern boreal forest
provide memories to treasure for a
lifetime. Majestic wilderness in an
untouched setting offers solitude
and an opportunity to become
Zed Lake Provincial Park
cleaning shed, dock and boat launch — just
what you need to head out on the lake to fish
for pickerel, northern pike and lake trout.
one as a family, and with nature.
This is the Land of Little Sticks,
where spruce trees have adapted
to cope with the forces of nature
– the forest’s final hurrah before
giving way to the barren North.
Lynn Lake is the regional service
centre in northwest Manitoba with
a hospital, paved 5,000 ft. runway,
k-12 school, Manitoba Hydro,
provincial Conservation and
Transportation offices, Canada
Post, local and regional RCMP
services, ambulance and fire
protection.
Serving residents, visitors and
out-of-town workers alike, the
selection of businesses here
include lodges, short– and
long-term accommodations;
restaurants and licensed
establishments; automotive
services and fuel; and a variant
of stores offering groceries,
general merchandise, gifts and
jewellery, hardware, hunting/
fishing supplies, convenience and
healthcare/pharmacy.
Lynn Lake is your portal to true
northern adventure. Whether you
are looking for a relaxing day as
the only fisherman on a tranquil
lake or the challenge of white
water canoeing, you will find it
here. Annual caribou migrations to
the north, abundant moose, bear
and wolf populations, extreme
snowmobiling, hiking along eskers
and of course, unparalleled
affordable and road accessible
sport fishing; It’s all here.
www.lynnlake.ca
C a mp i n g
41
Campgrounds
Call Manitoba Parks reservation line and
visit the website for camping information.
p: 204-948-3333
Toll Free: 1-888-482-2267
w: www.manitobaparks.com
Bakers Narrows
Campground
(Athapapuskow Lake)
Burge Lake
Provincial Park
(Lynn Lake)
Camper’s Cove
(The Pas)
Grand Rapids
Wayside Park
(Grand Rapids)
Iskwasum
Campground
(Grass River Provincial Park)
Lakeview
Campground
(Paint Lake Provincial Park)
Paint Lake
Campground
(Thompson)
Pioneer Bay
(The Pas)
Reed Lake
Campground
Simonhouse Lake
(Gyles) Campground
Wekusko Falls
Provincial Park
(Snow Lake)
Zed Lake
(Zed Lake Provincial Park)
Au rora B o r ea lis
42
Northern
light SHOW
The northern lights shimmer in the night skies year-round, creating green and
red-tinged swirls that stretch to the heavens — and perhaps beyond.
In Aboriginal lore, the lights are dancing spirits of ancestors, creating a spectral
path for souls to follow to another realm.
The explanation provided by Churchill Northern Studies Centre is a bit less
romantic: When gases and solar wind particles collide in the atmosphere, their
energy produces light.
Photo: Frontiers North
Magnetic fields near the North Pole create
conditions that pull solar wind into Earth’s
atmosphere more than 300 nights each
year. But summer nights are so short,
lingering daylight obscures the view.
Some people say the lights
create a swishing sound, and
the centre has an explanation
for that too. The sound is caused
by electrical impulses in the
nerves of your eye: When there’s
a disconnect between what you
see and what you hear – which
is probably nothing on a quiet
night — your brain produces the
illusion of sound all on its own.
The best times to see the northern lights
are from late January through April, and in
late August and September.
The lights, however, are real.
Bring a camera and capture the
spirits on film.
While the aurora borealis is visible on clear
nights throughout northern Manitoba,
Churchill is a prime viewing spot, sitting
directly beneath the Auroral Oval in the
Northern Hemisphere.
Artwork By: Thompson Artist Jasyn Lucas
Au rora B o r ea lis
43
lively
gatherings
Northern Manitobans love to party, and why
not? There’s a lot to celebrate, from fur-trade
and mining heritage to cultural diversity
and national pride — not to mention winter.
February and March bring some of the
biggest parties of the year.
Northern
Manitoba
Trappers’ Festival
The mother of all trappers’ festivals, this five-day
February frolic in The Pas recalls the days of hardy
pioneers whose survival depended on mastering
a unique set of skills. Wood splitting, canoe
packing, muskrat skinning, bannock baking,
snowshoe racing and moose calling are among
the events for competitors vying for King and
Queen Trapper crowns.
Mushers compete in the three-day World
Champion Dog Sled Race, unique in that it’s a
spectator event, running in heats along a town
loop. Dating back to 1916, Manitoba’s oldest
festival offers everything under the northern
sun on the entertainment front — a rollicking
rendezvous, beer festival, torchlight parade, talent
shows and a Fur Queen pageant. And of course,
ice worms make an appearance. A scavenger hunt
for the fabled furry worms — made famous by an
oft-cited Robert Service poem — has been part
of the fun since 1949. See what’s in store next
February at www.trappersfestival.com.
Northern Manitoba
Photo: The Pas Community Development Corp.
L i v e ly G at h e r i n g s
44
Hudson Bay Quest
45
Thompson Winter Festival
Thompson Winterfest
One weekend isn’t big enough to contain Thompson’s celebration of northern life.
The entire month of February is given over to slates of events that run the gamut
from dog sled races to trappers’ competitions and family activities. A talent show,
hockey, curling, and fireworks might be on the bill on any given weekend, along
with a bannock bake-off, sponge hockey, kid-zone playland, sleigh rides and
a pancake breakfast. A kickoff bonfire with live entertainment gets the party started.
Bookmark www.thompson.ca.
Hudson Bay
Quest
Hardy mushers pack their sleds with
enough supplies to last two days
on a gruelling 320-kilometre race
between Gillam and Churchill each
March. That includes food for eight to
10 dogs who can burn up to 10,000
calories a day on a trail that hugs the
boundary of Wapusk National Park.
An adventure race that pays homage
to the fur trade and traditional dog
sledding culture, this one is not for
the faint of heart. Keep up with the
action at www.hbqrace.com.
Cross Lake
Annual
Winter
Festival
This week-long celebration held
in late February is packed with
traditional and non-traditional events.
Along with King and Queen Trapper
competitions, jigging, bannock
making, dog sled and snowshoe
races, participants can try their hand
at poker or take in a volleyball game,
among other amusements.
See www.crosslakeband.ca.
46
Gillam Annual Winter Carnival
This annual party doubles as a sendoff for Hudson Bay Quest mushers in 2015, with
jigging, a pizza-and-pool tournament, games, live entertainment and a hunt
for that ever-elusive ice worm. See www.townofgillam.com.
Churchill Aurora Winterfest
Churchill
Aurora
Winterfest
This party starts where the Hudson Bay
Quest ends in 2015. And there’s more dog
sledding at the town’s biggest annual
festival. Kids compete in mutt races
with the family dog — and sometimes
a borrowed sled dog. King and Queen
Trapper competitions, Aboriginal
drumming and square dancing, snow
sculpting and igloo building are part of
the celebration of northern culture and
heritage, along with hockey, dances, a
children’s carnival, snowmobile races,
workshops, fiddling and more. Check it
out at www.everythingchurchill.com.
Snow Lake Winter Whoot Festival
The mascot is an owl, and the festival is a hoot — and that adds up to Whoot,
a weekend of March merriment that includes road hockey, horse-drawn sleigh rides,
curling, indoor games and, naturally, a scavenger hunt for those pesky ice worms.
Read all about it at www.snowlake.com.
Cranberry
Portage
Bombardier
Rally
Bombardier owners and enthusiasts meet up
on a snowy trail during a weekend in March
for what amounts to a show and shine of their
sweet, bulky rides — cabin-equipped track
vehicles that were the original motorized
snowmobiles. See www.cranberryportage.net.
THOMPSON NICKEL DAYS
Photo: Tamy Burton
Thompson
Nickel Days
Rock stars descend on Thompson
in droves during Nickel Days on the
third weekend in June. The National
King Miner contest draws miners
from across the country to compete
in 11 events, including drilling, pipe
fitting and ladder climbing. And
this year, pop-rock stars The Trews
are the headline musical act at the
festival set for June 19-22. Along with
a midway, slo-pitch tournament,
vendors, a parade and games, there’s
wall-to-wall entertainment with
Elvis impersonator Daylin James, a
Fleetwood Mac tribute band and Boy
Band Mania, which performs One
Direction and The Wanted tunes. See
www.nickeldays.ca.
Canada Day Celebrations
Canada Day
Flags, fireworks and festivities are the order of the day on July 1. The Pas holds a flagraising ceremony and parade, and the Kinsmen Club hosts a barbecue at Devon Park
with free hot dogs and cake. A parade in Flin Flon follows a Rotary Club breakfast at
Creekside Park. And in Churchill, an 11-day Celebrate Canada party starts on National
Aboriginal Day June 21 and winds down on July 1, with a parade and the Hudson Bay
Dip — a bone-chilling romp in the bay.
The party at the Thompson Regional Community Centre includes a community brunch,
children’s games and activities, ethnic food vendors, live music and a grand fireworks
finale. Thanks to a continuing partnership with Folklorama, multicultural performance
groups contribute to a vibrant stage show that includes everything from traditional
Aboriginal entertainment to a Korean fan dance.
47
Immersive Culture
48
immersive
culture
Aboriginal settlement dates back thousands of years from taiga to
tundra. As hunters, artists, herbalists, trappers and traders, First Nations
played a vital role at each step in northern development.
Annual celebrations throughout the North embrace Aboriginal and
Inuit culture and reaffirm a commitment to sustaining it as long as the
sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow.
Photo: National Aboriginal Day Planning Committee
National
Aboriginal Day
When the summer solstice rolls around
on June 21, northern communities mark
National Aboriginal Day, and Thompson
holds the biggest celebration of all.
A sunrise ceremony in MacLean Park
welcomes a day filled with free family
entertainment, authentic learning
experiences in a tipi, and, of course,
feasting at a community barbecue.
Traditional teachings and activities
include displays and descriptions of
medicinal plants, jigging, beading and
hand-drum sessions.
Chiefs, grand chiefs and representatives
of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak,
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation,
Keewatin Tribal Council, the Manitoba
Métis Federation, provincial and
federal governments and the City of
Thompson demonstrate their
solidarity with a Grand Entry in the
afternoon. Cree, Dene and Métis
flags fly and O Canada is sung in
both English and Cree.
The longest day of the year ends with
live entertainment and presentations of
Soaring Eagle Honours to outstanding
First Nations citizens. For information,
call Thompson Neighbourhood
Renewal Corp. at 204-677-0760.
Aboriginal settlement dates back thousands of years from taiga
to tundra. As hunters, artists, herbalists, trappers and traders, First
Nations played a vital role at each step in northern development.
Annual celebrations throughout the North embrace Aboriginal
and Inuit culture and reaffirm a commitment to sustaining it as
long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow.
Fox Lake Cree Nation Pow Wow
Cross Lake
Annual Treaty
and Indian
Days & Cross
Lake Annual
Campout
The adrenaline flows at the end
of July when the Cross Lake Band
(www.crosslakeband.ca) hosts an
action-packed weekend of fun for all
ages, featuring a canoe marathon, York
boat races, foot races and a voyageur
race. Just try to keep up.
The Incorporated Community of Cross
Lake (www.crosslakemanitoba.ca)
joins the fun with a celebration of
culture and heritage that draws
hundreds of campers to the shores of
Sand Bay for a weekend of family games,
horseback rides and concerts.
Fox Lake
Cree Nation
Powwow
Fox Lake Cree Nation and the town of
Gillam pull out all the stops July 11-13,
2014 for their first annual powwow – the
northernmost such event in Manitoba.
A grand entrance on July 11 precedes
the premiere performance of the
Aboriginal School of Dance touring
company’s Neemu-Egwah, an expression
of multiculturalism through music and
dance. Vibrant costumes and intricate
movements are the order of the day
when traditional dance groups from
across the province compete, and
weekend learning experiences include
Aboriginal art, powwow and hoop
dancing, beading and making drums
and hand drums.
See www.foxlakepowwow.com or
www.townofgillam.com
Immersive Culture
49
Immersive Culture
50
Treaty & York Boat Days
Photo: Eddie Albert
Opaskwayak
Indian Days
Treaty & York
Boat Days
Northern Manitoba’s biggest Aboriginal
festival has been going strong for almost
50 years at Opaskwayak Cree Nation
(www.opaskwayak.ca). Celebrating
Cree traditions and culture, the festival
is held during the third week in August,
with canoe races, a Miss Opaskwayak
pageant, moose and goose calling
competitions, a scavenger hunt, poker
derby, socials, relay races and more.
Fuel up on moose stew and bannock
and enjoy a packed program of live
entertainment and dancing — including
fiddling, jigging and the Western
Canadian Square Dance Championships.
The population of Norway House Cree
Nation (www.nhcn.ca) explodes for
one week in August when dozens of
competitors hit the water for the World
Championship of York Boat Rowing.
A celebration of culture and the
community’s role in the fur trade, when
it served as a hub for traders en route
to York Factory, the week-long event
features a country talent showcase,
voyageur canoe races and a boat load of
family games and activities.
HISTORIC
places
The fur trade was key to Canada’s economic development and
colonization, and you’ll find historic sites throughout northern
Manitoba. A warehouse and jail built in the 1850s still stand at Norway
House, and the remains of a tram system built to bypass rapids on the
Saskatchewan River can be found at Tramway Park in Grand Rapids.
The Pas is home to several historic buildings, including the 1896 Christ Church and
the Lido Theatre — Western Canada’s first theatre built specifically to accommodate
“talkies” in 1929, the Lido is still a first-run movie house.
North of Gillam, take a boat tour with Nelson River Adventures (www.
nelsonriveradventures.com) to explore the ghost town of Port Nelson. Once
designated as the end of the line for the Hudson Bay Railway, the port was
abandoned in 1918, but a shipwreck and ruins
of a railway bridge still attract sightseers.
On the way, stop at Button Island, where a
plaque recognizes Sir Thomas Button, the first
European to explore the Nelson River in 1612.
Near the Hudson Bay coast, there are
several National Historic Sites (NHS) related
to the fur trade.
Hands-on History
in Churchill
Churchill’s Historic Railway Station
Photo: Heidi den Haan
Staff at the Parks Canada Visitor Reception
Centre in Churchill’s VIA Rail Station provide
information about visiting Prince of Wales Fort,
Cape Merry and York Factory National Historic
Sites. Phone 204-675-8863, email
[email protected] or visit the
website at www.pc.gc.ca.
H i s t o r i c P l ac e s
51
52
Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site
Cape Merry Battery
Photo: Dan Harper Photography
Prince of
Wales Fort NHS
Hands-on archeological learning
experiences let you explore the lives of
fur traders, labourers and officers at the
ruins of this massive stone fort at the
mouth of the Churchill River.
Parks Canada and the Churchill Northern
Studies Centre (CNSC) have partnered
to offer limited packages. They include
daily excavation trips to the site aboard
boats that cross paths with beluga
whales and offer spectacular views of
Eskimo Point, where you might just spot
a polar bear.
Built to defend Hudson’s Bay Company
interests from French fur-trade rivals, the
fort took 40 years to complete, starting
in 1732. Its outer walls were 6.5 metres
high and 11 metres (36 feet) thick. It was
fortified with star-shaped bastions and
42 cannons positioned to cover every
entry point. That should have done the
trick, but in 1782, French warships sailed
into the bay and the fort fell without
a single shot from its cannons. Tour
operators offer helicopter or boat trips
to the site, and Parks Canada offers Night
at the Fort adventures. For information
on learning experiences contact Parks
Canada or the CNSC at 204-675-2307,
email [email protected] or visit
www.churchillscience.ca.
Cape Merry NHS
While construction continued on
Prince of Wales Fort, the Hudson’s Bay
Company added a second stone battery
on the east shore of the Churchill River
in 1746 — belatedly realizing it would
be a great place from which invading
enemies could fire on the main fort.
Named for Captain John Merry, who was
deputy governor of the company from
1712-1718, the battery had six cannon
emplacements. Today, one of the
original canons from Prince of Wales Fort
is located at the site, where one of the
batteries was rebuilt in 1959-60.
53
York Factory National Historic Site
In summer, visitors can watch beluga
whales entering the Churchill River
and it’s a great place for birdwatching.
Private tour operators and Parks Canada
offer guided tours.
Sloop Cove NHS
Four kilometres upriver from Prince of
Wales Fort, the cove was once a safe
harbour for wooden ships. But postglacial land uplift has transformed it into
a meadow. Check out iron mooring rings
and rocks where Hudson’s Bay Company
men carved their names. Tour operators
take visitors to the site, which is only
accessible by boat or helicopter.
York Factory
NHS
A bustling Hudson’s Bay Company trade
centre from 1684 until 1957, York Factory
once contained more than 50 buildings
on a peninsula between the mouths of
the Hayes and Nelson rivers, about
250 kilometres southeast of Churchill.
So many traders passed through the
depot that York boats were named after
their most frequent destination. York
Factory became the company’s main
depot in 1810, and from 1812 to 1850, it
was Western Canada’s main entry point
for European immigrants.
Today, polar bears and other wildlife
are the main inhabitants, although
there’s still a cemetery and an intact
depot built in 1832. The oldest and
largest wooden structure standing
on permafrost, the depot stands
over important archeological remains
of a fort built in the 1700s. Contact
Parks Canada to find out about
interpretive tours and programs.
The remote site is only accessible
by air or boat. Nelson River Adventures
(www.nelsonriveradventures.com)
offers jet boat tours from Gillam.
A rt & A Rt s
54
inspiring
places
Some of the world’s most unique public art is on display in the North.
A few thousand years ago, Aboriginal artists used red ochre to paint images on
rock faces that are only visible from the water at Tramping Lake, and you can see
the Molson Lake pictographs on rock faces along Paimusk Creek north of Norway
House. Several murals adorn buildings in Snow Lake, The Pas and Flin Flon, and
Thompson boasts the world’s largest lighted mural — the 10-storey painting of
famed wildlife artist Robert Bateman’s wolf print that watches over Spirit Way.
There’s no shortage of traditional galleries, studios and arts centres either.
Arctic
Trading
Company
Churchill & Thompson – Find
traditional artwork ranging from
caribou hide tufting and beading to
soap stone sculptures at locations
on Kelsey Boulevard in Churchill
and at Thompson’s City Centre
Mall. The eclectic Churchill outlet
also offers workshops in traditional
Aboriginal and Inuit art forms.
See www.arctictradingco.com.
Molson Lake Pictographs
Flin Flon Arts Council
Flin Flon – Artists might specialize in birch bark biting, caribou hair tufting or
multimedia in this creative hotbed.
Northern Visual Arts Centre NorVA (www.norvacentre.com) exhibits and sells
original works and provides studio space for artists. The Flin Flon Community
Choir — which has performed at New York City’s Lincoln Centre and Carnegie Hall
— presents concerts and musical theatre productions. Other council members
include quilters, potters, the Ham Sandwich Theatre troupe and a film group.
See www.flinflonartscouncil.com.
A rt & A Rt s
55
Stacks – Home Routes COncerts
The Pas Arts
Council
The Pas – An active music club,
live theatre troupe and visual
artists present popular and original
works. Watch for Gallery in the
Garden, a day-long event featuring
music, arts and artisans who set
up shop in several local gardens.
Visit www.sites.google.com/site/
artscouncilthepas.
Musical
Routes
Flin Flon, The Pas & Thompson
– Home Routes concerts feature
touring folk, classical, roots and
rock acts who perform in spaces
small and large along The Borealis
Trail to The Pas, Thompson and
Flin Flon from September to April.
Check out the schedule at
www.homeroutes.ca.
Blue Heron Stained Glass Mosaics
Northern
Buffalo Art
Gallery
Cranberry Portage – Cranberry
Portage is another hotbed of artistic
activity, hosting an arts festival and
harbouring several small galleries. Shop
for soapstone and wood carvings by
artist Irvin Head and check out works
by guest artists in his studio on Portage
Road. See www.irvinhead.ca.
Blue Heron
Stained Glass
Mosaics
Cranberry Portage –
Connie Jo Smith incorporates
wildlife images — and sometimes
pebbles and schist rock — into custom
stained glass mosaic tables, trays,
windows and signs that are displayed
outdoors. Find examples of her work at
www.blueheronstainedglass.net.
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56
Jasyn Lucas Art STudio
Jasyn Lucas
Art Studio
Thompson – The landscape and
natural northern wonders are twin
muses for Jasyn Lucas, a 2008 Youth
National Aboriginal Achievement
Award recipient in visual arts.
National
Exhibition
Centre
Leaf Rapids – The centre features local and
travelling exhibitions. Shop for artwork,
crafts and books in the gift shop at the
Town Centre. Phone 204-473-8682.
His art studio is open by appointment
and he’s happy to show off his new
works and original prints of wildlife
and nature scenes. He may even be
available for a commissioned work.
See www.jasynlucas.ca.
Sweet
Nothings Art
Gallery
Snow Lake – Snow Lake is home to
many artists and as well as the Aurora
Borealis Arts Council. Browse through
a selection of local creations at this
Elm Street gallery near the lakeshore.
Phone 204-358-7659.
Eskimo Museum
Eskimo Museum
CHurchill – Explore the museum and
find unique works of Aboriginal and
Inuit art in this must-see emporium on
Laverendrye Ave. Phone 204-675-2030.
Discover
museum
TREASURES
Northern museums don’t just preserve artifacts and historical archives.
They’re the places where local heritage is passed from one generation
to the next, sort of like heirlooms that are handed down over time. Peek
inside and you’ll see that they hold a lot of fascination for visitors too.
Heritage
North
Museum
Thompson – A Manitoba Star
Attraction, this museum has
operated in partnership with the
City of Thompson since it was built
in 1989, and it plays a large role in
the community. The only designated
Travel Manitoba Visitor Centre in
northern Manitoba, the museum’s
two log buildings anchor the Spirit
Way walkway. It’s a place where local
artists display and sell their works and
it contains important archives as well
as a gift shop.
Explore a boreal forest diorama, learn
about local wildlife and
check out a caribou hide tipi and
other Aboriginal artifacts, along
with ancient fossils, a blacksmith
shop and exhibits related to
mining. Get a preview at
www.heritagenorthmuseum.ca.
Heritage North Museum
Mu s eum s
57
Mu s eum s
58
Eskimo Museum
Sam Waller Museum
Eskimo
Museum
Flin Flon
Station Museum
Churchill – Along with a collection
of Inuit artifacts and carvings that
are among the oldest in the world
— dating back to 1700 BC — the
museum contains taxidermied
animals, art, books and artifacts
related to local history and the fur
trade. Phone 204-675-2030.
Flin Flon – Housed in a Canadian National
Railway Station built in 1934 and moved
to its present site in 1983, this museum
showcases mining and pioneering history
— along with a 63-pound lake trout some
lucky angler caught in these parts. Located
at the Tourist Bureau Park on Hwy 10, the
museum is open from about mid-May until
Aug. 31. See www.cityofflinflon.com for
more information.
Lynn Lake Mining Town Museum
Lynn Lake – This museum on Cobalt Street preserves artifacts that recall the town’s
colourful history. From June through August, see Linn tractors and cat trains that are
relics of “the great move” — when the town of Sherridan was hauled part and parcel to
the Lynn Lake site. See www.lynnlake.ca.
Mu s eum s
59
Snow Lake Mining Museum
Sam Waller
Museum
The Pas – An astounding collection
of oddities, historical artifacts, art and
archives, this star attraction is housed
in The Pas Community Courthouse —
the oldest brick building in northern
Manitoba. Built in 1916, it’s a Provincial
Heritage Site, and a worthy home for
eclectic collector Sam Waller’s treasures.
Explore a vast array of exhibits related
to natural history and culture, check out
the hands-on children’s discovery centre
and view oddities including a collection
of costumed fleas. A naturalist, teacher
and taxidermist, Waller called the
original museum his “Clutter-torium.”
Open year-round, the museum hosts art
exhibits, special events and a wide range
of educational programs. Learn more at
www.samwallermuseum.ca.
Snow
Lake Mining
Museum
Snow Lake – This museum contains
drills, rescue equipment, miners’
clothing and other gear, along
with photos, mineral samples
and artifacts. Guided tours during
the summer explain the daily
lives of underground miners. The
museum is expanding to include
an experiential tourism component
that will see exhibits displayed
outdoors in the community.
See www.snowlake.com.
Nueltin
Lake
Regional MAP & Communities
60
Caribou River
Provincial Wilderness Park
Seal River
Chu
•
Churchill
River
Sand Lakes
ProvincialWilderness Park
Big Sand
Lake
•Kinoosao
Burge Lake
Provincial Park
Zed Lake
Provincial Park
Numaykoos Lake
ProvincialWilderness Park
McClintok •
Southern Indian Lake
• Lynn Lake
• South Indian Lake
Amisk Park
Reserve
•
Leaf Rapids
Sickle Lake
Pukatawagan
•
•
Nelson House
Fox Lake
First Nation
Moak Lake •
Thompson •
Paint Lake
Provincial Park
6
Kelsey
•
•
Split Lake
• York Landing •
Ilford
• Gillam
•
Pikwitonei
•Sipiwesk
• Thicket Portage
Pisew Falls Provincial Park
Sasagiu Rapids Provincial Park
Flin Flon
• Bakers Narrows Provincial Park
Grass River
Provincial Park
10
• Snow Lake
• Wabowden
Wekusko Falls
Provincial Park
Gods
Lake
• Ponton
• Cross Lake
• Wekusko
Jenpeg •
•Cormorant
•
Cranberry Portage
Clearwater Lake
Provincial Park •
•
The Pas
Opaskwayak
Cree Nation
Clearwater Lake
Cedar Lake
Lake
Winnipegosis
10
• Go
Na
39
60
6
Little Limestone
Lake Provincial Park
• Norway House
• Grand Rapids
• Poplar River
10
• Pelican Rapids
6
Lake Winnipeg
Berens
River
• Island
to our
Communities
urchill
Wapusk
National Park
Port Nelson •
Towns and cities in the North offer the best of two worlds — all
the conveniences you expect to find in a modern urban centre,
and all the advantages of the great outdoors. They’re gateways
to a vast wilderness playground of pristine lakes and rivers,
Precambrian rock outcropping and cliffs, green boreal forests,
wetlands and tundra. Explore archeological sites
and museums, play a round of golf and
enjoy warm hospitality. The
welcome mat is always out.
• York Factory
Nelson
River
• Sundance
Hayes
River
• Gods River
• Gods Lake
ods Lake
arrows
d Lake
Gods
River
Churchill
Cranberry Portage
Cross Lake
Flin Flon
Gillam
Grand Rapids
Leaf Rapids
Lynn Lake
Norway House
Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Snow LAke
The Pas
Thompson
Wabowden
Regional MAP & Communities
Welcome
61
Chu rchill
62
Welcome to
Population: 914
Municipal Government: Mayor and Council
MAIN EMPLOYER: Health Centre, Port of Churchill, Tourism
Churchill
Savour the thrill of a close encounter with a polar bear, commune
with beluga whales and marvel at the spectacle of the northern
lights at this eco-tourist destination on Hudson Bay.
Churchill offers a host of
magical experiences. Go
mushing with a dog sledding
team, immerse yourself in
a one-of-a-kind learning
vacation and pay a visit to the
polar bear jail, where bears
who roam too close to town
cool their heels until they can
safely be released.
Chu rchill
63
Canada’s only Arctic seaport has
no road access, but it’s well served
by private and commercial airlines
and rail passenger service.
The VIA Rail Station houses the Parks
Canada Visitor Reception Centre, where
you can learn about wildlife and historic
sites in the area.
Discover Inuit culture and explore the
history of Arctic settlement at the Eskimo
Museum, and visit the massive stone
Fort Prince of Wales, built in the 1700s to
defend Hudson’s Bay Company interests
against French fur-trade rivals. Henry
Hudson was the first European explorer
to arrive here in the early 1600s and
the company was established in 1670,
headquartered at York Factory.
Photo: Frontiers North Adventures
Chu rchill
64
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre (www.churchillscience.ca) is a model
of eco-friendly construction. Built to LEED Gold standards, the newly renovated
research station offers unique learning vacations built around studies of polar bears,
beluga whales, winter ecology, archeology, history and the northern lights.
There’s no shortage of tour operators in summer and fall, when you can commune
with belugas, bears and rare birds. Take a helicopter tour of the coast and Churchill
Wildlife Management Area or go for a wild, multi-day boating excursion on the Seal
River. From December to April, you can take a snowshoe or snowmobile tour with
Churchill Subarctic Tours (www.macriphoto.ca).
Photos: Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
65
Chu rchill
There are several lodges, bed and
breakfasts and hotels. Enjoy a pint of
brew and dinner at the Tundra Inn.
Gather around the massive fireplace
at the Lazy Bear Lodge, where you
can dine on muskox rouladen and
Arctic char, and join the crowds at
Gypsy’s Bakery & Restaurant for hearty
breakfasts and provincial specialties
such as pickerel and perogies.
Community events include Celebrate
Canada events that run from National
Aboriginal Day on June 21 through
to Canada Day July 1. And March
brings the Churchill Aurora Winterfest,
with mutt races for the kids and
celebrations to welcome mushers who
race in the Hudson Bay Quest between
Gillam and Churchill.
Photo: Sheldon Grantenoffski
www.everythingchurchill.com
Walk with us among the polar bears...
...on the world’s next great safari
TM
Enquiries:
[email protected]
1-866-UGO-WILD
www.churchillwild.com
C r a n b e r ry P o rtag e
66
Welcome to
Cranberry Portage
Population: 659
Municipal Government: Reeve and councillors RM of Kelsey
MAIN EMPLOYER: Frontier School Division
Cranberry Canoe Monument
This pretty lakeside
community is named
for its location and
for the low-bush
cranberries that grow
in abundance. Located
on the trail fur traders
once used as a portage
between Cranberry and
Athapapuskow lakes, the
town is just 50 kilometres
south of Flin Flon on
Hwy 10. With access to
all the larger centre’s
amenities, the town also
offers some of the world’s
best trout fishing.
Logging is an economic
driver, but tourism is
the main event here.
Athapapuskow Lake and
attract fishers, campers
and canoeists, and there
are plenty of biking and
hiking trails, beaches,
boat launches and
campgrounds.
C r a n b e r ry P o rtag e
67
Northern Buffalo Sculptures Gallery – Cranberry Portage
The town has a full slate of
annual events, including fishing
derbies and the Cranberry
Portage Winter Festival. There
are many attractions to see on a
daily basis. Along with the all the
conveniences you need — a gas
station, grocery and convenience
stores and restaurants — the
town is home to several artists,
and in summer, the town hosts a
northern arts festival.
www.cranberryportage.net
Cranberry Portage Museum
La k e
Cross
68
Welcome to
Population: 5,800
Municipal Government:
Pimicikamak Councils; Chief and Council; Mayor and Council
MAIN EMPLOYER: Cross Lake Band
Cross Lake
Two adjoining communities share the name of
Cross Lake — the Incorporated Community of
Cross Lake and Cross Lake First Nation.
Named for the original site’s
location on the shores of
the Nelson River — where
the river enters Cross Lake
— the area was a trade
centre for Swampy Cree
travellers long before it
became a stop for pioneers
and fur traders.
PhotoS: Eva Muswagon, Cross Lake Band
www.crosslakeband.ca
www.crosslakemanitoba.ca
Cross
There are plenty of recreational
opportunities — swimming at the
public beach in summer and fishing
at any time of year. The Incorporated
Community holds an annual campout
in July, with live entertainment, games,
horseback rides and other events,
and the Cross Lake Band hosts Treaty
Days each summer with a week of
entertainment, canoe races and other
activities. The winter festival includes
ice fishing and dog sled races and
there’s year-round action at the skate
park and baseball diamonds, which are
equipped with night lights. Known as
Nikickonakos — a Cree word meaning
otter people — the Cross Lake Band
also operates the Ponton Service
Station, motel and restaurant.
La k e
69
Flon
Fl in
70
Welcome to
Population: 6,000 (Flin Flon); 1,502 (Creighton)
Municipal Government: Mayor and Six Councillors
MAIN EMPLOYER: Hudbay
Flin Flon
To say Flin Flon has a unique and colourful history
would be an understatement of epic proportions.
Flintabattey Flonatin
One of Canada’s
richest mining
communities, with
deposits of zinc,
copper, silver and
gold, the city straddles
the Saskatchewan
border, and part of
Flin Flon is actually in
Saskatchewan.
100-step Staircase
Photo: Prairie Pathfinders
Fl in
Flon
71
In 1915, a pair of prospectors named the
site after Josiah Flintabattey Flonatin, a
character from the science fiction novel
The Sunless City by Preston Murdock.
American cartoonist Al Capp, of Li’l
Abner fame, donated his talent to create
the image of Flinty. Known for “his small
stature and huge perspective,” Flinty’s
statue overlooks the perimeter on Hwy 10,
near the Flin Flon Station Museum.
Formerly the Canadian National Railway
Station, the museum has artifacts from
pioneering days along with mining
tools and minerals and items related
to Flin Flon’s unique history. Ask about
the 100-step staircase built in 1935 (and
refurbished in 1993) to provide a shortcut
from Third Avenue to downtown. Then
ask about the 140-metre tunnel that was
almost built in 1947 to replace it — so
citizens wouldn’t have to climb those 100
steps. The tunnel was almost complete
before it was abandoned, but it wasn’t a
complete waste, since residents figured
they might use it as a bomb shelter
during the Cold War.
A dynamic, vertically
integrated and highly
productive mining
and metal production
business, with a well
established capacity
to mine, process and
sell metals, including
copper, zinc, gold, and
silver.
1 Company Rd,
P.O. Box 1500
Flin Flon, Manitoba
R8A 1N9
Phone: 1.204.687.2385
Fax: 1.204.687.3983
Fl in
Flon
72
Discover how an abandoned
mine shaft was transformed
into an underground
greenhouse to grow fruit,
vegetables and flowers — and,
for a time, medical marijuana.
And note that you can walk
on sidewalks that are really
above-ground sewer and
water lines, built in boxes
when the city’s bedrock
proved to be impenetrable.
Within 20 kilometres of
Creighton and Denare Beach,
Sask., Flin Flon is minutes
away from Bakers Narrows
Provincial Park. Surrounded
by spectacular scenery, forests
and lakes, it’s home to several
lakes with sandy beaches and
walking paths, a beautiful golf
course and a boardwalk and
walking trail that will take you
around Ross Lake and uptown.
The city offers fine restaurants, nightspots and
a thriving arts scene — its choir has performed
Flin Flon Choir
Photo: Crystal Banting
Fl in
Flon
73
at Carnegie Hall and Flin Flon has become
a hot spot for visual and performing arts.
North of 53
Consumers Co-operative Ltd.
#29-31 main street Flin Flon
phone
204-687-7548
www.cityofflinflon.ca
NiCkel Days
Location: Thompson
Regional Community Centre
June 19 - 22, 2014
The 2014
Dance Headliner is:
• In-store
Smokehouse
• Full - service Deli
• Gourmet Fresh
Meat Case
• Bakery
• Custom Cake
Decorating
THe TRews
Pancake Breakfast
Parade
National king Miner Contest
Midway
Family entertainment
saturday Night Dance
Store HourS:
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm
Sun 12pm-6pm (closed Holidays)
Please check out our Website:
www.nickeldays.ca or visit us on
Facebook: Nickel Days for more
information.
Come on down to NiCkel Days
G illa m
74
Welcome to
Gillam
Population: 1,269
Municipal Government: Mayor and Four Councillors
MAIN EMPLOYER: Manitoba Hydro
Long Spruce Power Station Near Gillam
Photo: Tim Kelly
A nature-lover’s dream in winter and summer,
Gillam is surrounded by pure lakes and forest trails.
It’s also a thriving hub of economic
activity thanks to a trio of Manitoba
Hydro generating stations on the
Nelson River.
Main Store:
Groceries, fresh produce
& Fresh meat counter
Convenience Store:
Snacks & Lotto
Cardlock: Fuel, vehicle supplies
Gilliam
CO-OP
Accessible by all-weather PR 280,
about 300 kilometres northeast
of Thompson, Gillam is the last
populated VIA Rail stop for
passengers en route to Churchill,
and it’s a gateway to the vast
wilderness of the Churchill
Wildlife Management Area and
Wapusk National Park.
G illa m
75
Limestone River in Fall
Photo: Tim Kelly
A mere two kilometres from town, the
Pumphouse Beach is an ideal spot to
spend a sunny afternoon. Camp at
Stephens Lake Municipal Park, just south
of town, and spend long summer days
boating on several lakes and rivers and
streams. The fishing is excellent and the
selection is too, with walleye, northern
pike, perch, sauger, whitefish, silver bass,
brook trout, sturgeon and more species.
Hunters are in their glory and hikers can
watch for everything from ptarmigan
and Canada geese to bears and wolves.
Check out the eskers — ridges of sand
and gravel left behind when ancient
glacial ice receded — and zip around the
bush trails on an ATV.
Snowmobilers ride on hundreds of
kilometres of groomed trails right up to
the end of April some years, and there
are plans to extend the trail system all
the way to Thompson. Go cross-country
skiing and mark your calendar for annual
Gillam Winter Carnival, which features an
ice worm scavenger hunt, games,
jigging and a host of other activities each
March. The festival is also a sendoff for
mushers in the Hudson Bay Quest sled
dog race to Churchill.
The recreation centre is a hive of activity
in all seasons. Go bowling, skating or
curling. Take in a hockey game or go for a
swim in the pool. The centre also houses
the public library and it serves as a social
hall for weddings and other celebrations.
www.townofgillam.com
G ra n d
Rap ids
76
Welcome to
Grand Rapids
Population: 2,000 Reserve, Town, Hydro Village
Municipal Government: Mayor and Councillors;
Chief and Council
MAIN EMPLOYER: Manitoba Hydro
Grand Rapids
has a long and
storied history
as a gateway
to points north
and west from
Lake Winnipeg.
Situated between the north shore of the big lake and the west shore
of Cedar Lake, it was once on the main canoe route to Western
Canada. Its namesake rapids on the Saskatchewan River made it a
natural portage site for fur traders and other travellers headed north
to Cross Lake and beyond.
At one time, the site was ripe for skirmishes between Hudson’s
Bay Company and North West Company fur traders who found
themselves forced into close proximity at the bottleneck the rapids
created on the northern route.
In the 1780s, a log roller road was built to move Hudson’s Bay
Company York boats past the rapids, and a century later, a
5.5-kilometre tramway was built to replace the portage. The tramway
was closed in 1909, but parts of it are still visible at Tramway Park.
77
Across the river
from Misipawistik
Cree Nation, the town hosts
an annual powwow in July to
celebrate Aboriginal culture.
G ra n d
Rap ids
Manitoba Hydro’s
Grand Rapids
Generating
Station was built
in the 1960s to
harness the power
of the rapids.
When the dam is
open, the walleye
are biting on the
Saskatchewan
River, thanks to
the influx of cool
water. And there
are plenty of
excellent fishing
spots on the river
and nearby lakes.
Camp at the Grand Rapids Wayside Park,
close to services, including grocery and
liquor stores, a bowling alley, restaurant
and a boat and vehicle repair shop. The
town also has a skating rink and curling
rink, and there’s plenty of room to enjoy
cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Cook’s Campground & Cabins,
about 10 kilometres north of town
on Cedar Lake, offers several kilometres
of ATV trails in summer, and there
are a couple of fishing and hunting
resorts on Cedar Lake as well. Hobbs
Resort (www.hobbsresort.ca)
and Moak Lodge (www.moaklodge.ca)
are both within 20 kilometres of town.
and Cabins
• Serviced Camp Sites
• Central Showers
• Ice & Fish Freezing
• Seasonal & Year Round
Cabin Rentals
• Rental Boats & Canoes
P.O. Box 336
Grand Rapids, MB
R0C 1E0
1-204-639-2014
email: [email protected]
website: cookscampgroundandcabins.com
L e a f
Rap ids
78
Welcome to
Leaf Rapids
Population: 567
Municipal Government: Mayor and Councillors
MAIN EMPLOYER: Government
Set down in the middle of an outdoor paradise on the
Churchill River, Leaf Rapids is also a model of urban
development, with circular residential bays that are all within
walking distance of forested trails and the town centre.
L e a f
Rap ids
79
About 220 kilometres northwest of Thompson on Hwy 391, the town has
tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course where players tee off free of
charge. You can even borrow golf clubs at the town office, where you can
also pick up free souvenirs and tourist information.
Stroll along walking paths and trails that
weave through the town and boreal
forest and past scenic river rapids.
Pick wild blueberries in August and
cranberries in fall, and watch for wild
mint and mushrooms.
The Churchill River and dozens of
surrounding lakes are prime spots for
northern pike, walleye and trout fishing.
The sandy Turnbull Beach is just four
kilometres from town and there are more
like it within a 30-minute drive.
Water ski, jet ski, zoom around lakes on a
motor boat or paddle a canoe in a gentle
stream. You can hunt for black bear, bull
moose, timber wolf and waterfowl or just
enjoy looking for rare birds and wildlife
in the unspoiled wilderness. National
Aboriginal Day is an annual occasion for
celebrating First Nations culture. And
the annual Leaf Rapids Winter Carnival
is packed with fun and games for all ages.
In winter, cross-country ski trails wind
through the forest and you can set up
an ice-fishing shack and drop a line
on Turnbull Lake. There’s plenty of
fresh snow for snowmobiling in the
surrounding area and there are even
designated trails to make snowmobiling
a practical transportation option within
town.
www.townofleafrapids.com
La k e
Lyn n
80
Welcome to
Population: 700
Lynn Lake
Lynn Lake Museum
Surrounded by untamed wilderness and dozens
of lakes and rivers, Lynn Lake boasts that it’s the
sport fishing capital of Manitoba.
Trophy-size walleye, northern pike and lake, rainbow and speckled
trout abound in crystal-clear waters near the town, about
322 kilometres northwest of Thompson at the end of Hwy 391.
There was no road at all when Lynn Lake was founded in 1950,
following the discovery of a massive nickel deposit. Since a mine
had closed in the town of Sherridan, some 240 kilometres south,
the entire town moved to Lynn Lake — and the people even
brought their houses with them.
Lyn n
La k e
81
Using a winter trail that crossed
frozen lakes, Linn tractors and
Cat trains pulled sleighs loaded
with building materials, general
supplies and homes to the new
town. It took six winters to move
146 buildings and more than
50,000 tons of equipment and
other goods, but perseverance
won the day. Pay a visit to the
Lynn Lake Mining Town Museum
to see exactly how it was done.
The museum has a display of a
Linn tractor towing a house, along
with many artifacts related to the
mining industry.
Named in honour of the first mine’s chief
engineer, Lynn Smith, the town has seen its
ups and downs since the original mine closed,
but tourism has helped fill in some of the
economic gaps.
The Churchill, Hughes, Keewatin, Laurie and
Lynn rivers are accessible by road for fishing,
and they’re favoured canoe and kayak routes
for experienced whitewater canoeists. Follow
in the wake of Aboriginal forebears and
explorers who traversed the same majestic
waterways a few hundred years ago and
you’ll find the wilderness in the same pristine
condition they enjoyed.
www.lynnlake.ca
N o r wa y H o u s e
82
Welcome to
Norway House
Population: 6,214
Municipal Government: Mayor and Councillors;
Chief and Council
Photo: Bruce Folster
Canoe and York boat races recall the fur-trade era when
Norway House holds Treaty and York Boat Days each summer.
The week-long celebration held during the first week of
August draws crowds to celebrate Aboriginal and fur-trade
culture and history at one of Manitoba’s biggest
First Nations communities.
N o r wa y H o u s e
83
Named for the Norwegian labourers hired
to build the post in the early 1800s, Norway
House is proud of the vital role it played
in Canada’s early economic development,
as a busy crossroads on the Hudson’s Bay
Company trade route.
Cree hunters, trappers and fishers worked as
mushers for dog sleds and manned canoes
that carried as many 12 men and 2,400
kilograms of cargo. York boats — named for
the trading hub of York Factory — replaced
canoes to carry even more cargo north to
York Factory and Hudson Bay.
Located on the Nelson River about 190
kilometres south of Thompson, Norway
House Cree Nation is adjacent to the offreserve community of Norway House.
Commercial fishing and trapping are
still important to the local economy. The
Sasquatch Ice Fishing Derby is held in
February, and in March, the Pipoon Festival
salutes trappers and their traditions.
Just 29 kilometres north of Lake
Winnipeg, the area boasts several
small lakes and picturesque islands,
along with a shopping centre,
medical centres, a recreation centre
and accommodations including the
York Boat Inn.
Historic buildings include the
log Archway Warehouse, built in
1840-1841, a jail built in 1855-56
and the ruins of the stone Powder
Magazine built in 1837-38. Stroll on
the grounds and dock and read the
plaques that tell their stories.
Along with canoe and York
boat races, games and live
entertainment, York Boat Days
features the Joe Keeper Memorial
Marathon, in honour of local athlete
Joe Keeper, who represented
Canada at the 1912 Olympic Games
in Sweden.
www.nhcn.ca
Opaskwayak C r ee Nat i on
84
Welcome to
Population: 4,652 (2,850 on reserve)
Municipal Government: Chief and Council
MAIN EMPLOYER: Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Opaskwayak
Cree Nation
Opaskwayak Cree Nation HeadDress
A gateway to the northern wilderness, Opaskwayak
Cree Nation is a progressive, thriving community just across
the Saskatchwen River from The Pas.
Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) owns and operates the three-level
Otineka shopping mall, the OCN Shell and the Aseneskak Casino
(www.aseneskak.ca), which boasts almost 200 slot machines, table
games, a fine restaurant and a 3 ½-star hotel, the Kikiwak Inn.
Opaskwayak C r ee Nat i on
85
Go fishing or ice-fishing at
Cormorant Lake or Rocky
Lake, where the shore is lined
with coloured limestone,
and take advantage of the
community’s proximity to
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park,
about 20 kilometres north.
Opaskwayak Indian Days
celebrate Cree traditions and
culture each August with
canoe races and a full slate of
games and entertainment at
one of three scenic parks in the
community. A summer powwow
competition draws crowds from
across North America every four
years, and each February, OCN
shares in the Northern Manitoba
Trappers Festival with The Pas.
The Gordon Lathlin Memorial
Centre hosts hockey for eight
months of the year, and it’s
also a venue for concerts and
celebrations.
www.opaskwayak.ca
S n ow La k e
86
Welcome to
Snow Lake
Population: 1,280
MAIN EMPLOYER: HudBay Minerals
Wekusko Falls Provincial Park
Snow Lake is experiencing a boom, thanks to a copper mining
operation that’s attracting new businesses and services.
Centrally located between northern Manitoba’s three cities — east of
Flin Flon, northwest of The Pas and about 250 kilometres southwest of
Thompson — Snow Lake is also rich in breathtaking natural beauty.
About 20 kilometres north of Hwy 39 on Hwy 392, the town is
surrounded by boreal forest, unspoiled wildlife habitat and pristine rivers
and lakes, including its namesake Snow Lake.
Wekusko Falls Provincial Park is just 10 minutes south, with its majestic
falls, walking trails and picturesque suspension bridges.
S n ow La k e
87
Within Snow Lake, follow a trio of
interpretive walking trails to go
birdwatching, pick berries and
wildflowers and take in scenic views.
Swim at Sunset Beach or Purple
Sandy Beach, go trophy fishing,
golfing, boating and camping
in summer. And follow endless
groomed snowmobile and crosscountry ski trails in winter, when
ice-fishing, curling and skating are
added to the recreational menu.
The Snow Lake Mining Museum is a
Manitoba Star Attraction. It contains
zinc, gold and other minerals, along
with exhibits that explain the daily
lives of underground miners, and it’s
adding a photo-op area complete
with costumes, as well as new
outdoor exhibits in the community.
The town also has a memorial to
miners who’ve lost their lives in
mining accidents, and it holds an
annual ceremony in their memory.
Check out several indoor and outdoor
murals, visit the Snow Lake art gallery
and treat yourself to home-fries at the
Diamond Willow restaurant, where you
can often buy moccasins and gauntlets
made by local artists.
Each March, the community comes out
to play at the Snow Lake Winter Whoot
Festival, when scavenger hunters seek
out fabled ice worms and everyone
enjoys live entertainment, sports
tournaments and games.
www.snowlake.com
The
Pas
88
Welcome to
The Pas
Population: 6,000
MAIN EMPLOYER: St. Anthony’s Hospital,
University College of the North, Tolko Industries
Clearwater Lake
The oldest community in the region, The Pas offers something for
everyone, from arts and cultural events to outdoor living at its best.
The city is home to many historic buildings, including the Sam Waller
Museum, which is a must-see for every visitor. Located in the oldest
brick building in The Pas, a former courthouse constructed in 1916, the
museum (www.samwallermuseum.ca), contains an eclectic collection
of artifacts and curiosities, thanks to late naturalist, taxidermist and
teacher Sam Waller.
The
Pas
89
Sam Waller Museum
Visit the Canadian National
Railway Station, a brick building
constructed in 1928, and tour
the city’s first Catholic Church,
the Charlebois Chapel, built from
logs in 1897, a few decades after
The Pas became a harbour for
steamboats transporting goods for
the Hudson’s Bay Company on the
Saskatchewan River.
This town’s oldest building, Christ Church,
was built in 1896 and it’s a monument
to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cooperation. Established by Henry Budd,
the first Aboriginal man ordained by the
Anglican ministry, it contains a walk with
the Lord’s Prayer and 10 Commandments
in Cree, as well as furnishings made by men
who were part of an 1847 search party for
the lost Franklin expedition.
The Lido Theatre is one of Western Canada’s most historic movie houses. Family-owned
and operated for four generations, it was built in 1929 to accommodate “talkies” and it’s
been fully upgraded with a digital system to show first-run movies today. The theatre is
just a stone’s throw from Clearwater Lake, one of only three true-blue lakes in the world.
The Kikiwak Inn is located on
Opaskwayak Cree Nation adjacent
to The Pas.
(NOW WITH ON LINE RESERVATIONS).
Our Conference facility features the
Phone:
latest technology and catering to
204-623-1800
groups from 8 to 240.
or toll free
Our guest rooms offer choices for
1-888-545-4925
everyone from Mini Suites, Standard
WE TAKE gROuP bOOKINgS
Room, Vip or Executive Suites.
Website:
www.kikiwakinn.ca
Explore the rich heritage of the
Town of The Pas and region.
Experience the
eclectic collection of
Mr. Sam Waller.
Discover the
Discovery Room where
children play and learn.
306 Fischer Ave., The Pas, Manitoba
Open Daily 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm; July/August 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Adults $4.00; Students/Seniors $2.00; Children Under Five, Free
Historic Walking Tours Available
Web: www.samwallermuseum.ca Tel: 204-623-3802
The
Pas
90
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park
The Caves
Clearwater Lake PhotoS: Stan Milosevic www.manitobaphotos.com
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park is just 20 kilometres north. A destination for fishing,
camping and recreation, one of the park’s features is a self-guided trail to “the caves”
— deep crevices in cliffs along the shore that are so cool you might see snow in their
depths in midsummer.
The
Pas
91
trappers’ Festival
Visit the Important Bird Areas at the
Saskeram and Tom Lamb Wildlife
Management Areas and enjoy fishing
and outdoor pursuits at Rocky and
Cormorant lakes north of the city.
There are several walking, hiking
and cross-country ski trails within
and around The Pas. The city hosts
an agricultural fair and rodeo each
summer and it’s famous for the weeklong Northern Manitoba Trappers’
Festival (www.trappersfestival.com).
The oldest festival in Manitoba, dating
back to 1916, it features the World
Championship Sled Dog Race and
competitive king and queen trapper
events.
Drop by The Pas Visitor Centre at
1559 Gordon Ave. to pick up a tourism
guide and check out souvenirs.
www.townofthepas.com
Free SuperStart® breakfast • Free wireless internet
Pool, waterslide & hot tub • Guest laundry
In-room coffee & hair dryer • Large vehicle parking
................................................
S. Hwy. 10 • 1717 Gordon Avenue
The Pas, MB
(204) 623-1888
SUPER8.COM | 1.800.800.8000
Thom p s on
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Welcome to
Thompson
Population: 13,123
Trading ARea: 34,000
Municipal Government: Mayor and Eight Councillors
MAIN EMPLOYER: Vale, Northern Regional Health Authority,
Government, Manitoba Hydro
Spirit Way Wolves
Don’t miss a chance to walk on the wild side in Canada’s wolf capital.
Take in cityscapes and traverse picturesque stretches of forest
when you hike, bike or cross-country ski on the 15-kilometre
Millennium Trail in the North’s largest city. The path winds
along the Burntwood River and overlaps with the 2.5 kilometre
Spirit Way, a scenic walk that passes by 16 points of interest.
Thom p s on
93
Heritage North Museum
Photo: Tanna Teneycke
Stop by the four-metre tall
King Miner statue that salutes
Thompson’s mining history,
and explore the Heritage North
Museum, a beautiful log building
where you can peruse exhibits
related to Aboriginal culture,
natural history, mining and wildlife.
The museum also houses a gift
shop and the North’s only Travel
Manitoba Visitor Centre.
Surrounded by eternally green
boreal forest, the city has grown
by leaps and bounds since it
sprouted up in the 1950s as a
nickel mining townsite.
Today, it’s a regional commercial
hub and home to the Global
Aerospace Centre for Icing and
Environmental Research, where
two of the world’s biggest jet
engine manufacturers conduct
cold-weather testing.
snowmobiling
Photo: Richard Saucier
Take in a concert at the Letkemann
Theatre, enjoy restaurants, concerts in the
park and other cultural attractions, and
get some retail therapy in the shopping
malls. Just remember to bring a bag.
Following the lead of Leaf Rapids, which
banned non-recyclable plastic grocery
bags in 2007, Snow Lake and Thompson
banned the bags in 2010.
The environment is important to people
who spend so much time outdoors.
Hop on a snowmobile and explore
hundreds of kilometres of trails to popular
destinations such as Paint Lake Provincial
Park and Sasagiu Rapids Lodge, south
of the city on Hwy 6. Or head to Mystery
Mountain Winter Park for alpine skiing,
snowboarding and cross-country skiing.
Just north of the Miles Hart Bridge, a
10-kilometre trail network is ideal for
cross-country skiing in winter and running
and mountain biking in summer. And
fishing is fine on the Burntwood River and
nearby lakes.
Thom p s on
94
Thompson Golf Course Club House
Photo: Dave Turpie
The Thompson Regional Community Centre and other recreational facilities provide
skating and curling rinks, an indoor swimming pool and waterslide, skateboard park,
racquetball and tennis courts, baseball diamonds and a running track.
183 Cree Road, Thompson Manitoba R8N 0C2
1-800-565-2401
Join us on Facebook at Keyword “MeridianHotelMotel”
Our Unique Rooms Feature
9 In Room Coffee
Also Available
9 On Site Lone Wolf Café Restaurant
9 Refrigerator
9 Conference Room
9 Free Wi-Fi
9 In House Guest Laundry Facilities
9 Flat Screen Cable TV’s
9 Pet Friendly Rooms Available
9 Air-Conditioners
9 Free Freezer Space Available
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 meter
high falls. A suspension
bridge that spans the
lower falls and is the
starting point of a sevenmile hike to the highest
waterfalls in ManitobaKwasitchewan Falls.
promoting
and preserving the heritage and history
of Thompson and area.
Visit: www.heritagenorthmuseum.ca
is a great place to live, work, and
play, but did you know it is a great place to visit.
Camping, fishing, and boating opportunities
abound in summer. Come play our golf course
– you can play extra late!
In winter the community boasts cross country
and downhill skiing as well as snowmobile
trails and the
chance to see Northern
Lights. A good selection of stores and lots of
accommodation will make your trip fun and
comfortable – CoMe See uS SooN!
an award-winning pathway
and biking route highlighting 16 unique points
of interest, wolf statues, and the world’s
largest lighted mural of a Robert Bateman
painting. Rated as one of the “Top 20 Places
to Visit in Manitoba”.
To learn more about Spiritway,
visit www.thompsonspiritway.ca
www.thompsonunlimited.ca
1-866-WOLF FUN (965-3386)
ONLY... the best snow, best terrain, steepest
runs, longest season, most variety, best
scenery, friendliest people, and MOST FUN is
at Mystery Mountain Winter Park this winter!
DESIGN NORTH•THOMPSON
• 18 Runs. 4 Lifts. X-C Trails.
• Concession. Lounge. Rentals. Lessons.
• December to April. Weekends & Holidays.
• Details at www.mysterymountain.ca.
Thompson Nickel Days
(www.nickeldays.ca) are
held in June and include a
midway, the National King
Miner Contest, a parade and
more. National Aboriginal
Day celebrations on June 21
feature live entertainment
and activities for all ages. And
Winterfest runs throughout the
month of February with live
entertainment, dog-sledding, a
children’s festival and a host of
fun events every weekend.
Photo: Nickel Days Archives
Thom p s on
97
A nine-hole public golf course
has a great clubhouse where
you can wind down at the end
of the day, and the city’s annual
winter and summer festivals are
something to celebrate.
www.thompson.ca
Complete your Northern Adventure with an Authentic
Unique Experience Visit the personal Artstudio of
Canadian Widlife & Landscape Artist
JASYN LUCAS
www.jasynlucas.ca
Meet the artist
See latest orginal
works
The mission of the Thompson
Gas Bar Co-op is to provide
petroleum and related
products and return earnings
to it’s member-owners within
a democratically controlled,
environmentally responsible
organization.
722 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 1Z9
Phone 204 778-7649 Fax 204 778-5139
Email: [email protected]
Shop inventory of
orginals and prints
Get autograph &
photos
Place custom order
Get inspired
“Enjoy a wide variety of options: from personal
custom orders. to corporate bulk orders.”
Jasyn Lucas studio visits are available by
appointment only, Ask your guide for a map
and call Jasyn at
204-679-6143
Wa b o w d e n
98
Welcome to
Wabowden
Population: 550
Municipal Government: Mayor and Councillors
MAIN EMPLOYER: Construction & logging industries
Wabowden is sitting
pretty when it comes
to scenic lakeshores.
Located about 110
kilometres southwest
of Thompson off Hwy
6, the town is nestled
between Bowden,
Bucko and Rock lakes
on the east side of the
highway, with Setting
Lake on the west.
Fishing on Setting Lake
Setting Lake Wayside Park is managed by the community council
and it’s a popular destination for campers from Thompson and other
locales. Open from the May long weekend until the Thanksgiving
weekend, its large sites and common greenspaces make it an ideal
spot for family and community gatherings. The park has a boat launch,
barbecues and electrically serviced sites as well as basic sites. In
midsummer, when sunsets may come as late as 11:30 p.m., it’s a great
time to stop by the town’s Ice Cream Parlour for a cool treat.
Wa b o w d e n
99
SnowShoeing
Pisew Falls in Winter
A traditional meeting place for
trappers, the town is on mile 137
of the Hudson Bay Railway and is
named for early Dept. of Railways
chief engineer W.A. Bowden. Its Cree
name, Mescanaganeek, means steel
road. The Mescanaganeek Winter
Festival is held each February, when
junior king and queen trappers
compete for crowns and families take
part in an ice worm scavenger hunt
and other social activities.
Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing,
ice-fishing, curling and hockey are
among winter pursuits, and summer
brings out the green thumbs, thanks
to the town’s location in a remarkably
fertile agricultural zone known as the
Wabowden clay belt. Wild rice is also
grown in the area and trapping is still
part of the local economy.
Along with beaches, the town has ball
diamonds, a recreation complex and
a museum where you can check out
exhibits related to fishing, mining,
logging and trapping. Explorers can
search for the remains of a chimney
that marks the spot of the first outpost
built on Setting Lake in 1795. Look for
the limestone rock quarry, where you
can take a dip in waters so clear you
can see all the way to the bottom.
And enjoy a meal at My’s Place, a
beautiful two-storey log building that
houses a restaurant, convenience store
and gas station.
Cross Lake Band operates Ponton
Service Station at the Junction of
Hwy 6 and Hwy 39, with a restaurant,
motel and store where you can shop for
convenience items as well as moccasins,
sweetgrass, dreamcatchers and CDs
made by local recording artists.
A n n ua l E V E N T S
100
What’s
going on?
February
February l Cross Lake First Nation
Cross Lake Annual Winter Festival
Cross Lake First Nation
w: www.crosslakeband.ca
February l Wabowden
Thompson Winterfest – Feb – Thompson
w: www.visitnorthernmanitoba.ca
March
February l Thompson
Churchill Aurora Winterfest
Mescanaganeek Winter Festival
Munn Cup Hockey Tournament
March l Churchill
p: 204-679-8087
w: www.thompsonminorhockey.ca
p: 204-675-2022
w: www.churchillchamberofcommerce.ca/
winterfest.html
February l The Pas
March l Cranberry Portage
Northern Manitoba
p: 204-623-2912
w: www.trappersfestival.com
Cranberry Portage
Bombardier Rally
p: 1-877-249-8886
w: www.northerntracks.com
February l Thompson
March l Gillam
p: 204-677-7952
w: www.thompson.ca
p: 204-652-3150
February l Norway House Cree Nation
March l The Pas
Thompson Winterfest
Annual Sasquatch
Ice Fishing Derby
w: www.nhcn.ca
Gillam Winter Carnival
Bill Bannock Classic
Ice Fishing Derby
p: 204-623-1617
w: www.billbannock.com
March l The Pas
Jimmy Jackfish Ice Fishing Derby
101
Snow Lake Whoot Festival – Feb – Snow Lake
Photo: Brenda Forsyth-Flamand
March l Gillam to Churchill
Hudson Bay Quest
Gillam to Churchill
p: 204-675-2022
w: www.hbqrace.com
March l Snow Lake
Snow Lake Whoot Festival
p: 204-358-2551
w: www.snowlake.com
March l Paint Lake
APRIL
April l Flin Flon
CFAR Trade & Leisure Show
MAY
May l The Pas
Snowmobile Drag Races
The Pas & District Chamber of
Commerce Trade Show
w: www.thompsontrailbreakers.com
w: www.thepaschamber.com
March l Split Lake
May l Thompson
Tataskweyak Annual
Ice Fishing Derby
CHTM Trade Show
March l Norway House Cree Nation
Pipoon Winter Festival
w: www.nhcn.ca/pipoon/home.php
See www.visitnorthernmanitoba.ca for complete event listings.
102
Flin Flon Trout Festival – June – Flin Flon
JUNE
Thompson Nickel Days – June – Tho
June l Thompson
Pride North of 55 Rally
June l Flin Flon
w: www.facebook.com/pridenorth
w: www.flinflontroutfestival.com
Nelson River Firefighters Rodeo
Flin Flon Trout Festival
June l Thompson
National King Miner Contest
Thompson Regional Community Centre
p: 204-677-7952
w: www.nickeldays.ca
June l Thompson
Thompson Regional Community Centre
p: 204-677-7952
w: www.nickeldays.ca
June 21 l Thompson
National Aboriginal Day
Celebrations
p: 204-677-7952
w: www.thompson.ca
June 21-July 1 l churchill
Celebrate Canada
p: 204-675-2491, 204-675-2022
June l Gillam
JULY
July 1 l Various Communities
July 1 l Churchill
Canada Day
p: 204-675-2491, 204-675-2022
July 1 l Thompson
MacLean Park
p: 204-677-7952
w: www.thompson.ca
July l Gillam/Fox Lake Cree Nation
Fox Lake Cree Nation Powwow
w: www.foxlakepowwow.com
August l Opaskwayak Cree Nation
p: 204-627-7100
w: www.opaskwayak.ca
August l Norway House
Treaty & York Boat Days
p: 204-359-4729
w: www.nhcn.ca/yorkboatdays
August l Wabowden
Setting Lake Fishing Derby
September
mpson
September l Gillam
July l Incorporated Community of Cross Lake
Cross Lake Annual Campout
Welcome Back Weekend
w: ww.townofgillam.com
Incorporated Community of Cross Lake
w: www.crosslakemanitoba.ca
November
July l Cross Lake First Nation
November l Thompson
Cross Lake Annual
Treaty and Indian Days
w: www.crosslakeband.ca
July&AUGUST
July-August l Thompson
Concerts in the Park
MacLean Park (rain location TRCC)
Fridays, noon-1 p.m.
w: www.thompson.ca
Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
w: www.thompsonunlimited.ca
November l Flin Flon
Santa Claus Parade
w: www.cityofflinflon.ca
December
December l Wabowden
Wabowden Santa Parade
AUGUST
August l Cranberry Portage
Cranberry Portage
Trout Challenge
w: www.cranberryportage.net
See www.visitnorthernmanitoba.ca for complete event listings.
103
T r a n s p o rtat i o n
104
getting
here
Manitoba’s North is closer than
you think. Take a scenic one-day
drive or bus trip, hop on a fast
plane or ride the rails and
drink in spectacular views.
by AIR
Bearskin
Airlines
(Throughout the North)
Founded in 1963, Bearskin Airlines offers
more than 100 departures daily to 18
destinations in Manitoba and Ontario,
including Flin Flon and Winnipeg.
p: 1-800-465-2327
w: www.bearskinairlines.com
Calm Air
Operating in the North for over 40 years,
Calm Air has a proud history of service and a
solid reputation as central Canada’s regional
airline. Calm Air has scheduled flights to
over 20 communities throughout Manitoba
and Nunavut, including Churchill, Flin Flon,
Gillam, Shamattawa, South Indian Lake, The
Pas, Thompson and Winnipeg.
p: 1-888-225-6247 or 1-800-839-2256
w: www.calmair.com
Cranberry
Air &
Wilderness
Outfitters
(The Pas)
p: 204-623-7276 or 204-472-3088
w: www.cranberryair.com
Wings Over
Kississing
(Flin Flon & Thompson)
Serving northern Manitoba,
Saskatchewan and Nunavut's Kivalliq
region with a large, modern fleet of
aircraft equipped with floats and wheel
skis. The main bases are in Flin Flon and
Thompson, with others in Lynn Lake,
Leaf Rapids, Churchill and Steinbach.
p: 204-687-8247 or 1-866-323-4210
w: www.wingsoverkississing.com
T r a n s p o rtat i o n
105
by BUS
Greyhound
Bus Lines
p: 1-800-661-8747
w: www.greyhound.ca
by RAIL
VIA Rail
VIA Rail Canada operates the national
passenger rail service on behalf of the
Government of Canada. Trains 693 and
692 service northern Manitoba.
p: Departure and arrival times
northern hotline at 1-888-842-6348
Reservations and fares:
1-888-VIA RAIL (842-7245)
w: www.VIArail.ca
outfitters & Tours
106
tour
operators &
outfitters
Northern Manitoba is made for adventure. Whether you're looking for an
invigorating canoe trip on crystal blue waters, an opportunity to view and
photograph wildlife, or an exciting fly-in fishing or hunting vacation, our
outfitters and tour operators can provide you with a memorable experience.
All Terrain
Bear Hunts
Aurora Canada
Tours
We specialize in black bear, moose and timber
wolf hunts. Add to that fantastic fishing and
you are in for the all-terrain adventure of a
lifetime. Call for season dates for spring and fall
bear hunts and fall moose hunts.
p: p: 204-677-1109 or 204-679-0735
w: www.atbh.ca
Offering beluga whale watching, birdwatching
and wildflower tours of one day to two weeks
in duration. Northern lights tours are also
offered in February and March.
p: 204-942-6617
f: 204-943-1971
(Thompson)
Arctic Nature
Tours
(churchill)
Arctic Nature Tours provides interpretive
nature and wildlife viewing tours of Churchill
and area. Experience the northern lights, build
an igloo, and photograph the flora and fauna.
p: 204-675-8878 or 1-877-765-2733
f: 204-675-2647
w: www.polarinn.com
(churchill)
Aurora Domes &
Taiga Tours
(churchill)
Providing aurora borealis viewing. The Aurora
Domes were specifically constructed for
viewing the northern lights and were used
when the Churchill Research Range was in
operation. Available tours include trips by boat
to see Fort Prince of Wales and beluga whales,
walking and canoeing tours, birdwatching
tours, polar bear sightseeing tours, bus and air
tours. The company operates a track vehicle
that can accommodate seven-16 passengers
for wildlife photography tours.
p: 204-675-8831 or 1-800-265-8563
f: 204-675-2764
w: www.tundrainn.com
outfitters & Tours
107
Bakers Narrows Caribou Lodge
Lodge
Outfitters
(Flin Flon)
(Cranberry Portage)
Guide services for scenic tours of historic
sites, fishing tours, snowmobiling, ice fishing,
dog sledding and Bombardier excursions.
Boat and motor rental, pontoon boat, canoes,
kayaks, walking trails, float plane excursions
to wilderness lakes. The lodge has 15 log
cabins, with banquet and meeting facilities
for up to 150 people. Now offering a tent with
seating for up to 200, with dance floor; great
for weddings, reunions or corporate events.
Located on Hwy 10, one kilometre from
Flin Flon airport.
p: 204-681-3250 or 1-866-603-6390
f: 204-687-8691
w: www.bakersnarrowslodge.com
The lodge sits on a private, 10-acre peninsula
on West Cranberry Lake and offers easy access
to five different lakes for fishing. The lodge also
specializes in bear hunts and can customize a
variety of packages for up to 50 people.
Open year round and also cater to
snowmobilers and work crews.
p: 204-472-3351 or 1-877-472-4868
w: www.huntnfish.ca
Burntwood
Lake Lodge
Churchill Nature Tours serves diverse groups
with everything from expert birdwatching
to general interest tours. Staff leaders offer
an array of expertise from ornithology and
wildlife research (including polar bears) to
horticulture, history and nature photography.
p: 204-636-2968
f: 204-636-2557
w: www.churchillnaturetours.com
(Snow Lake)
Fly-in fishing and outcamps with main lodge
located on Burntwood Lake.
p: 204-358-2259 or 204-358-7114
w: www.burntwood.com
Churchill
Nature Tours
(Churchill)
outfitters & Tours
108
Churchill
Northern
Studies Centre
(churchill)
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is
an independent, non-profit research and
education facility, which serves as a base for
researchers and offers a wide variety of quality
educational programs to the general public.
Sub-arctic learning vacations include beluga
whales, polar bears, wildflowers, birding,
northern lights, summer and winter ecology.
Tours of the centre are also available.
p: 204-675-2307
f: 204-675-2139
w: www.churchillscience.ca
Churchill
River Lodge &
Campground
(Leaf Rapids)
Campground, cabins, boats and motors, gas,
angling licenses, docking and extras. Situated
on the Churchill River. Fishing for walleye and
northern pike. Corporate and government
rates available. Open year-round.
p: 204-473-2362
f: 204-473-8680
w: www.churchillriverlodge.com
Churchill Wild
(churchill)
The true Arctic Safari, Churchill Wild provides
a variety of wildlife adventures, including
walking with polar bears at the Seal River
Heritage Lodge, Dymond Lake Lodge or Nanuk
Polar Bear Lodge. Choose from The Great
Ice Bear, Birds, Bears & Belugas, Arctic Safari,
Polar Bear Photo Safari and Mothers & Cubs
packages.
p: 204-878-5090 or 1-866-846-9453
w: www.churchillwild.com
Dymond Lake
Lodge
(churchill)
Remote, fly-in lodge just north of
Churchill on the Hudson Bay coast.
Meals & guides included.
p: 1-888-932-2377
w: www.webberslodges.com
Frontiers
North
Adventures
(Churchill)
Frontiers North offers life-changing wildlife
adventures in Canada’s North. Tours include:
Tundra Buggy® Lodge and Churchill Town &
Tundra Polar Bear Adventures; Belugas, Bears
& Blooms; Big Five Safari; Churchill Summer
Explorer; Northern Lights, Winter Nights;
Arctic Expedition Cruises; Elu Lodge and
Foxe Basin of Nunavut; Grizzly Bears of the
Great Bear Rainforest.
p: 204-949-2050 or 1-800-663-9832
f: 204-667-1051
w: www.frontiersnorth.com
Hobbs Resort
(Grand Rapids)
Enjoy beautiful sunsets and superb fishing at
one of Canada's longest-operating hunting
and fishing resorts. Three cabin rental units,
each with two bedrooms , sleep six-eight
with a fully equipped kitchenette. Campsites
include firewood and showers. We open when
fishing season opens. Cabin rentals, boats, gas,
fishing. Located 19 kilometres north of Grand
Rapids off Hwy 6.
p: 204-639-2266
f: 204-639-2645
w: www.hobbsresort.com
outfitters & Tours
109
Lazy Bear Lodge Nelson River
Adventures
(churchill)
Lazy Bear Lodge offers a variety of tours and
expeditions, including its Ultimate Polar Bear
Tour, Beluga Whale Dream Tour and Wilderness
Expedition. The cozy, handcrafted log hotel
has spacious rooms with private bath, cable
TV and 24-hour phone service. Free shuttle to
airport and train station. Room rate includes a
hearty breakfast. Restaurant boasts a beautiful
two-way stone fireplace and the menu
includes northern specialities, with a screened
outdoor attached eating area.
p: 204-663-9377 or 1-800-687-2327
f: 204-675-2408
w: www.lazybearlodge.com
Nature 1st
(churchill)
Be part of the ecosystem and explore the
Churchill area during half-day or full-day tours.
Tours available from beginning of June to end
of November.
p: 204-675-2147
f: 204-675-2103
w: www.nature1sttours.ca
(Gillam)
Nelson River Adventures offers guided tours
of the York Factory National Historic Site of
Canada. Visitors to York Factory can experience
the diverse history of the Hudson’s Bay
Company and the fur trade of the 1600-1800s.
p: 204-573-7942
w: www.nelsonriveradventures.com
Neso Lake
Adventures
(Cranberry Portage)
Offering guided wilderness canoe trips on the
Grass River, Neso Lake and Mistik Creek. Flyout fishing for northern pike and walleye, duck
hunting and spring bear hunts.
p: 204-687-0798 or 1-877-641-0104
w: www.nesolakeadventures.com
outfitters & Tours
110
North Star
Tours
(Churchill)
Historical bus and hiking tours.
p: 204-675-2356
f: 204-675-2852
Outland
Outfitting
(Grand Rapids)
Specializing in black bear hunts and some
of the best pickerel, pike and rainbow trout
fishing in Manitoba. With a combined area of
more than 2,000 square miles, record-size bear
and outstanding colour phase is common with
the Outland experience.
p: 780-870-1269
w: www.outlandoutfitting.com
Paint Lake
Resort
(Thompson)
Paint Lake Resort is a full-service outfitter
offering American plan moose and bear
hunting as well as guided fishing and icefishing excursions. We have four outpost
camps as well as a main lodge with six guest
cabins and one group-use bunk house. We
offer canoe, boat and dock rental as well as
propane, fuel, convenience store, restaurant
and lounge open year-round. Located at Paint
Lake Provincial Park, which offers fishing,
snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, skating,
swimming, camping and hiking.
p: 204-677-9303 or 1-888-246-9749
w: www.mysterycountry.ca
Prairie
Helicopters
(churchill)
Sightseeing tours by helicopter of the
Churchill area and Wapusk National Park with
the longest-operating helicopter company in
the Canadian sub-Arctic.
p: 204-642-4841
w: www.prairiehelicopters.com
Rail Travel Tours
(Churchill)
Rail tour packages travelling northern
Manitoba’s rail passenger routes round trip
from Winnipeg to Churchill year-round, with
an emphasis on beluga whale packages in
summer and polar bear migration tours in fall.
p: 204-897-9551 or 1-866-704-3528
w: www.railtraveltours.com
Red River
Outfitters
(Throughout Manitoba)
Canoe trips on the Hayes River system.
p: 204-878-3570 or 1-886-425-9430
w: www.redriveroutfitters.ca
River Country
Outfitters
(The Pas)
p: 204-623-2212
w: w
ww.huntingtop10.com/Manitoba/
Black-Bear-Hunting-Guide/Outfitter/247/
Sea North
Tours Ltd.
(Churchill)
Sea North Tours provides tours to view beluga
whales, Prince of Wales Fort, polar bears, seals
and birds. Sea tours are aboard the Sea North
II, a 32-passenger tour boat. Zodiac inflatable
boat charters are also available.
p: 204-675-2195 or 1-888-348-7591
f: 204-675-2198
w: www.seanorthtours.com
Tawow
Lodge Ltd.
(Snow Lake)
Fishing and hunting lodge with five cabins.
Outcamp at Woosey Lake. Accessible by road on
Hwy 392 just five minutes from Hwy 39. Located
at the south end of Wekusko Lake. Open yearround. Boat rentals and meal plans are available.
p: 204-358-2485
w: www.tawowlodge.com
(Note: Tourism North Manitoba Inc. does not recommend or endorse specific tour operators. This listing is provided
for information only. You are encouraged to confirm the information with individual tourism operators.)
Photos: Clint Sawchuk, Nelson River Adventures
The Great
Tradition
Canadian
Outfitters
Travel Company (Cross Lake)
(Churchill)
The Great Canadian Travel Company offers
personalized individual or group tours to
Canada’s north. Luxury or on a budget, we can
help you design your perfect holiday.
p: 1-800-661-3830
f: 204-949-0188
w: www.greatcanadiantravel.com
Thompson
Northern
Experiences
(Thompson)
We offer guided tours of the city of Thompson
and connect visitors with things to do in
Thompson and surrounding area.
p: 204-679-8388
f: 204-677-8226
We specialize exclusively in black bear hunting
in over 1,000 square miles of prime habitat in
northern Manitoba. All black bear hunts are
by boat along the beautiful, majestic northern
waterways surrounded by the boreal forest.
Tradition Outfitters is native to the area, with a
lifetime experience in hunting and fishing. Our
guides are extremely knowledgeable of the
landscape and guarantee all your needs are met.
p: 204-778-5233
w: www.traditionoutfittersnorth.com
Wekusko Falls
Lodge
(Snow Lake)
On the Grass River system midway between
Tramping and Wekusko lakes, 10 minutes
south of Snow Lake. Six two-bedroom cabins
each accommodate up to eight people,
with full bathrooms, stoves and refrigerator.
Two one-bedroom cabins sleep four. Fully
winterized with running water. Pre-booked
meal plans, boat and canoe rentals. Guide
service available.
p: 204-358-2341 or 1-877-358-2341
w: www.wekuskofallslodge.com
outfitters & Tours
111
where to stay
Ac c om m o dat i o n s
112
Bring your fishing rod and hole up in a remote cabin,
cozy up to a bed & breakfast, go camping or relax
in a full-service hotel or lodge. Wherever you go in
northern Manitoba, you’ll find warm hospitality and
all the comforts of a home away from home.
Athapapuskow
Lake
Constable’s
Lakeside Lodge
p: 204-472-3241 or 780-895-2014
f: 780-895-2014
Paradise Lodge
p: 204-687-8175 (summer)
204-687-3070 (winter)
CHurchill
Aurora Inn
Churchill Motel
p: 204-675-8853
f: 204-675-8228
Toll Free: 1-877-675-8853
Iceberg Inn
p: 204-675-2228
w: www.iceberginn.ca
f: 204-675-2228
Lazy Bear Lodge
p: 204-663-9377
Toll Free: 1-800-687-2327
f: 204-675-2408 e: [email protected]
w: www.lazybearlodge.com
Mike & Mykelen
Bed & Breakfast
p: 204-675-2773
Polar Bear
Bed & Breakfast
p: 204-675-2071
Toll Free: 1-888-840-1344
f: 204-675-2850
w: www.aurora-inn.mb.ca
p: 204-675-2819
w: polarbearbb.web.fc2.com
Bear Country Inn
Polar Inn & Suites
p: 204-675-8299 or 204-949-BEAR (2327)
w: www.bearcountryinn.com
Bear’s Den
Bed & Breakfast
p: 204-675-2556
f: 204-675-2361
Blue Sky Bed and Sled
p: 204-675-2001
w: www.blueskymush.com
p: 204-675-8878
f: 204-675-2647
Toll Free: 1-877-765-2742
Seaport Hotel
p: 204-675-8807
Toll Free: 1-877-558-4555
f: 204-675-2795
w: www.seaporthotel.ca
The Traveller’s
Touchstone
p: 204-675-2117 or 204-675-2676
The Tundra Inn
p: 204-675-8831
Toll Free: 1-800-265-8563
f: 204-675-2764
w: www.tundrainn.com
Cranberry
Portage
Athapap Lodge
p: 204-472-3140 or 204-472-3995
f: 204-472-3140
Caribou Lodge
Outfitters
p: 204-472-3351
Toll Free: 1-877-472-4868
w: www.huntnfish.ca
Cranberry
Portage Park
p: 204-472-3219
f: 204-472-3115
McKenzie’s RV Park
and Campground
p: 204-472-3660 or 204-472-3528
w: www.mckenziervpark.com
Northern Spirit
Lodge
p: 204-472-3285
Toll Free: 1-888-472-3285
f: 204-472-3875
w: www.northernspiritlodge.ca
Viking Lodge
p: 204-472-3337
w: www.mts.net/~viking/
f: 204-472-3337
Clearwater
Lake P. P.
Coyne’s
New Vickery Lodge
p: 204-624-5429
Toll Free: 1-888-624-5429
f: 204-624-5147
Cormorant
Cormorant
Community
Campground
p: 204-357-2050
f: 204-357-2224
Nootin Resort
p: 204-480-8386 or 204-480-8940
w: www.greatfishingcanada.com
Simon Nabess
Wayside Park
p: 204-480-8386 or 204-623-6842
w: www.greatfishingcanada.com
Cross Lake
Cross Lake Inn
p: 204-676-3333
f: 204-676-2274
Flin Flon
Aberdeen Lodge
p: 204-623-6710 or 204-687-0495
w: www.aberdeenlodge.net
Bakers Narrows
Lodge
p: 204-681-3250
Toll Free: 1-866-603-6390
w: www.bakersnarrowslodge.com
Flin Flon Tourist
Bureau and
Campground
p: 204-687-7502
w: www.cityofflinflon.ca
f: 204-687-7530
Legacy
Bed & Breakfast
p: 204-687-4101
113
114
Oreland Motel
p: 204-687-3467
Toll Free: 1-866-687-8178
f: 204-687-8178
w: www.polarinn.com
Royal Hotel
p: 204-687-3437
f: 204-687-5354
Toll Free: 1-800-308-2224
p: 204-687-7555
Toll Free: 1-877-707-7555
f: 204-687-5233
w: www.vicinn.com
Westwood Lodge
p: 204-687-6307
w: www.westwoodlodge.ca
Yo Ho Bay
Bed & Breakfast
f: 204-687-8397
p: 204-639-2014
p: 204-639-2266
w: www.hobbsresort.com
f: 204-639-2645
Pine Grove Cabins
p: 204-639-2331
f: 204-639-2331
Herb Lake
Landing
Tawow Lodge
p: 204-358-2485
f: 204-358-2485
w: www.tawowlodge.com
Gillam
Ace Gillam
Bed & Breakfast
p: 204-383-5628 Toll Free: 1-888-286-0433
w: www.manitobahunts.com
Aurora Gardens
Motel & Dining
p: 204-652-6554
Cook’s
Campground & Cabins
Hobbs Resort
Victoria Inn
p: 204-687-3051
Grand Rapids
f: 204-652-2182
Gillam Motor Inn
p: 204-652-2670
Moak Lodge &
Campground
p: 204-639-2351 (summer)
w: www.moaklodge.ca
Stephens Lake
Municipal Park
p: 204-652-2121
f: 204-652-2338
Leaf Rapids
Almost Arctic Inn
p: 204-473-8822
f: 204-473-2283
Churchill River
Lodge & Campground
p: 204-473-2362
f: 204-473-8680
w: www.churchillriverlodge.com
Leaf Rapids
Community
Development Corp.
p: 204-473-2978
w: www.townofleafrapids.ca
f: 204-473-2308
Wistoba
Connection LLC
p: 608-356-0243 or 204-473-8268
f: 608-356-0203
w: home.centurytel.net/wistoba
Lynn Lake
The Bronx
p: 204-356-2471
f: 204-356-8328
Norway House
York Boat Inn
p: 204-359-6550
f: 1-204-359-6444
Toll Free: 1-888-355-YORK
Opaskwayak
Cree Nation
Kikiwak Inn
(Opaskwayak Cree
Nation)
p: 204-623-1800
Toll Free: 1-888-545-4925
f: 204-623-1812
w: www.kikiwakinn.com
Rocky Lake
Kum-Bac-Kabins
p: 204-682-7489 (summer)
204-623-7385 (winter)
w: www.kumbackabins.com
f: 204-356-8297
Rocky Lake Cabins
p: 204-682-7423
Toll Free: 1-866-254-3020
Sherridon
Sherridon Kississing
Lake Campground
p: 204-468-2026
Bluenose
Bed & Breakfast
p: 204-358-2520
Diamond Willow
Inn/Lodge
p: 204-358-2842
f: 204-358-2216
Snow Lake Motor Inn
p: 204-358-2331
Sunset Bay
Bed & Breakfast
p: 204-358-2145
Wekusko Falls Lodge
p: 204-358-2341
Toll Free: 1-877-358-2341
w: www.wekuskofallslodge.com
the pas
Carpenter’s
Clearwater
Lodge & Outfitters
p: 204-624-5467
Toll Free: 1-866-881-5467
f: 204-624-5467
w: www.carpenterslodge.com/
Kum-Bac-Kabins
p: 204-356-2418
SNOW Lake
f: 204-468-2110
Evergreen Resort
p: 204-624-5750
f: 204-623-4686
w: www.evergreenthepas.com
Golden Arrow Motel
p: 204-623-5451
f: 204-623-5457
Super 8 Motel - The Pas
p: 204-623-1888
f: 204-623-4488
Toll Free: 1-800-800-8000
Watchi Bay Bed and
Breakfast
p: 204-623-4548
w: www.bedandbreakfast.mb.ca
115
116
Wescana Inn
p: 204-623-5446
Toll Free: 1-800-665-9468
f: 204-623-3383
w: www.wescanainn.com
Thompson
Best Western
Thompson
Hotel & Suites
Mystery Lake
Motor Hotel
p: 204-778-8381
f: 204-778-4193
Toll Free: 1-800-442-0429
Northern
Inn & Steakhouse
p: 204-778-6481
f: 204-778-7601
Paint Lake Resort
p: 204-778-8887
f: 204-778-8884
w: www.bestwesternthompson.ca
p: 204-677-9303
Toll Free: 1-888-246-9749
w: www.mysterycountry.com
Burntwood Hotel
Quality Inn
p: 204-677-4551
Toll Free: 1-800-442-0635
f: 204-778-6219
w: www.burntwoodhotel.com
Thompson Inn
Days Inn & Suites
p: 204-778-6000
Toll Free: 1-800-DAYS-INN
f: 204-778-6999
w: www.daysinnthompson.com
Friuli Suite Rentals /
Extended Stay
p: 204-677-3516 or 204-679-0159
w: friulirentals.com
Interior Inn
p: 204-677-5600
p: 204-677-2371
Toll Free: 1-800-803-3182
f: 204-778-8442
w: www.thompsoninn.com
Thompson Lodge &
Ecotourism Centre
p: 204-677-5909
Wabowden
Sasagui Rapids
Lodge Ltd.
p: 204-778-5535
Toll Free: 1-866-778-5535
f: 204-778-6658
w: www.interiorinn.ca
p: 204-677-9351
w: www.sasagiurapids.com
Lakeview Inn & Suites
Setting Lake
Wayside Park
p: 204-778-8879
Toll Free: 1-800-355-3500
f: 204-677-3225
w: www.lakeviewhotels.com/hotels/thompson/
McCreedy Park
p: 204-778-8810 or 204-677-4837
f: 204-677-8755
p: 204-689-2362
wanless
Forest Grove Motel
Meridian Hotel
p: 204-682-7458
p: 204-778-8387
f: 204-677-4087
For more information on all
accommodations in northern Manitoba,
see www.visitnorthernmanitoba.ca
Toll Free: 1-800-565-2401
f: 204-682-7002
2 4 H o u r G as S tat i o n s
117
24 hour
gas
stations
Michael’s Corner
Store & Esso
(The Pas)
702 Gordon Ave. p: 204-623-7888
Grand Rapids Esso
Northway Gas/
Petro-Canada
(Thompson)
50 Selkirk Ave. p: 204-778-8555
Thompson Shell
(Thompson)
745 Thompson Dr. p: 204-677-2023
Ponton Service Station
(Ponton)
Junction of Hwy 39 & Hwy 6 p: 204-689-9900
Penner Oil Cardlock
(Wabowden)
Junction of Hwy 6 & Fleming Dr.
24-hour access (any card)
Pinisew Energy/Shell
(Grand Rapids)
Junction Hwy 6 & Hwy 60 p: 204-891-7266
(Grand Rapids)
Hwy 6 p: 204-639-2459
Pelican Landing/
Shell
(Grand Rapids)
Hwy 6 p: 204-639-2402
OCN Shell
(The Pas)
Hwy 10 p: 204-623-4995
Flin Flon Co-op
Cardlock
(Flin FLon)
13 Timber Lane p: 204-687-7548
Leaf Rapids Consumers
Co-op Cardlock
(Leaf Rapids)
Muhekun Rd. & Wuchusk Bay p: 204-473-2411
Dining
Photo: Adventurer’s North Dining Room
118
Churchill
Churchill Motel &
Restaurant
152 Kelsey Blvd.
p: 204-675-8853
Gypsy’s Bakery &
Restaurant
Soups, desserts, sandwiches, ribs, burgers,
pizza. 153 Kelsey Blvd. p: 204-675-2322
Lazy Bear Café
Fish, caribou, sandwiches, wraps, desserts,
pasta. 313 Kelsey Blvd. p: 204-675-2969
Seaport Hotel
299 Kelsey Blvd. p: 204-675-8807
Cranberry Portage
Coffee Shop
210 Portage Rd.
Bison, elk, caribou, burgers, sandwiches, wings.
32 Franklin St. p: 204-675-8831
The Wong Kee
Tundra Dining Room
& Lounge
p: 204-675-2827
p: 204-472-3520
CRoss Lake
Kipapanow’s
Restaurant
Beardy Point
p: 204-676-3536
R ‘n’ J’s Pizza &
Restaurant
Natamic Road
Tundra Inn
Open June-November.
24 Franklin St. Cranberry
Portage
p: 204-676-3328
Rosey’s Diner
Settee Cres.
p: 204-939-1694
Flin Flon
Amigos Pizza & Tacos
308 Green St.
p: 204-687-6241
Canton Restaurant
550 Creighton Ave. p: 204-688-7259
Chicken Chef
Chicken, poutine, sandwiches, burgers, salads,
desserts. Route 10
p: 204-687-3779
Crepes N Grapes
44 Main St.
p: 204-687-3784
Hong Kong
Restaurant & Take Out
Burgers, noodles, rolls, rice, soups.
85 Main St.
p: 204-687-4941
KFC
69-3rd Ave.
p: 204-687-6078
Mike’s
Ice N Burger Hut
Burgers, desserts, subs, ice cream.
1 Island Dr.
p: 204-687-8600
Gillam Motor Inn
119 Railway Ave.
Happy Jack’s Canteen
Gillam Recreation Centre, 235 Mattonabee Ave.
p: 204-652-3162 w: www.townofgillam.com
Lynn Lake
Route 391 Bar & Grill
546 Sherritt Ave.
Soups, sandwiches, subs, coffee.
114 Main St.
p: 204-687-7676
Pizza Hut Express
p: 204-356-8050
Norway House
Roadhouse
Restaurant
302040 Lakeside Dr.
p: 204-359-4411
OPASKWAYAK
CREE NATION
Kikiwak Inn Niska
Dining Room
Hwy 10, Consol
Tim Hortons
Mugsy’s Deli
p: 204-652-2670
Hwy 10
p: 204-623-1800
p: 204-623-1480
Snow Lake
Soups, sandwiches, subs, coffee.
75 Church St.
p: 204-687-8522
Angilina’s Pizza
The Royal
Rib & Steak House
Diamond Willow Inn
93 Main St.
p: 204-687-7966
Subway
137 Main St.
p: 204-687-5558
Gillam
200 Lakeshore Dr. E
p: 204-652-5026
p: 204-358-2611
p: 204-358-2842
Split Lake
Morris Chicken
159 GD
Gillam D’Lite
235 Railway Ave.
112 Elm St.
p: 204-342-2004
Dining
119
Dining
120
The Pas
A&W
1226 Gordon Ave.
Burger King
125-2nd St.
Thompson
p: 204-623-2246
p: 204-623-6440
Burger Ranch
Burgers, wraps, onion rings, desserts.
Main St.
p: 204-623-7153
Dairy Queen
Brazier Store
333 Edwards Ave.
Golden Star
Chinese Food
404 Fischer Ave.
p: 204-623-6322
p: 204-623-7879
McDonalds
Open 24/7 – 212-1st St.
p: 204-623-2120
p: 204-623-3431
p: 204-623-7025
Miss the Pas Restaurant
Pasta, steaks, seafood, sandwiches.
158 Edwards Ave.
p: 204-623-3130
Smoothies.
40 Seal Rd.
p: 204-677-9642
p: 204-677-0111
Chicken Chef
Chicken, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads,
poutine. 31 Selkirk Ave.
p: 204-677-2331
Salads, soups, chili, sandwiches, ice cream.
City Centre Mall
p: 204-677-3997
Cruisin Fried
Chicken
City Centre Mall
p: 204-623-7827
p: 204-778-8438
Domino’s Pizza
Grapes Grill
146 Selkirk Ave.
p: 204-677-4567
p: 204-677-3333
Hub of the North
Steaks, salads, chicken, crab.
111 Churchill Dr.
p: 204-778-5630
I Scream Shack
38 Berens Rd.
KFC
240 Cree Rd.
Subway
254 Fischer Ave.
p: 204-778-4444
The Balance Bar
301-79 Selkirk Ave.
The Lav Restaurant
1333 Gordon Ave.
721 Thompson Dr.
p: 204-778-6500
Corner Deli
Wings, ribs, pizza, poutine, burgers, pasta.
1607 Gordon Ave.
p: 204-623-2412
1260 Gordon Ave.
Baaco Pizza
4 Moak Cres.
p: 204-623-6249
Good Thymes
Restaurant & Bar
KFC
77 Thompson Dr.
Boston Pizza
Fat Boy Restaurant
329 Fischer Ave.
A&W
p: 204-677-8010
p: 204-677-4664
McDonalds
Venus Pizza
Open 24/7.
217 Mystery Lake Rd.
Wescana Inn
Meridian Hotel
Lone Wolf Cafe
Salads, pasta, ribs, wings, pizza.
224 Fischer Ave.
p: 204-623-6673
Burgers, poutine.
439 Fischer Ave.
p: 204-623-5446
Breakfast & bannock.
183 Cree Rd.
p: 204-778-7779
p: 204-778-8387
Mystery Lake Hotel
Burgers, sandwiches, fish, steaks, chops,
chicken, waffles, omelets.
58 Cree Rd. & Selkirk Ave.
p: 204-778-8331
Northern Inn &
Steak House
104 Hemlock Cres.
p: 204-778-6481
Paint Lake Resort
Hwy 6 south
Pizza Hut
100 Thompson Dr.
p: 1-888-246-9749
p: 204-677-7888
Popeye’s
Open April-October. Hamburgers, French fries,
smokies, hot dogs.
p: 204-677-5575
p: 204-778-8899
River View
Restaurant & Lounge
50 Selkirk Ave. (Thompson Plaza Mall)
p: 204-677-2525 or 204-677-To-Go (8646)
Robins Donuts & Deli
50 Selkirk Ave.
(Thompson Plaza Mall)
p: 204-677-4444
Santa Maria Pizza &
Spaghetti House
Open 24/7 – 11 Station Rd.
p: 204-778-7331
Sasagiu Rapids Lodge
Thai & Canadian specialties.
Hwy 6 south
73 Thompson Dr.
p: 204-677-2222
Taco Time
50 Selkirk Ave.
p: 204-778-6522
Tall’s Lunchbox
1-129 Hayes Rd. Tim Hortons
p: 204-677-4433
p: 204-677-8467
Tom’s Restaurant
& Pizza Place
Pizza, pasta, steaks, salads, burgers, souvlaki.
236 Cree Rd.
p: 204-677-1999
Wong’s Asian Bistro
Soups, wings, chow mein, noodles.
745 Thompson Dr.
p: 204-778-8880
Quiznos
50 Selkirk Ave.
Subway
p: 204-677-9351
Wonton Place
717 Thompson Dr. p: 204-778-5578
WABOWDEN
Wabowden
Ice Cream parlour
18 Cran Dr.
MY’S
100 Fleming Dr.
p: 204-689-2247
p: 204-689-2530
Dining
121
Coverage Maps Courtesy oF MTS
Cellular Coverage
122
Tourism North
123
Wilderness, wildlife, beautiful campgrounds and
events such as Opaskwayak Indian Days are just a
few of the attractions in northern Manitoba.
363 Crossley, THE PAS, MB 204-623-6469
Supermarket
Shopping with
Convenience
Store Hours
Carry-out Service
Friendly Staff
O pe n 7
9am to 10pm; Sun noon-5pm
Days a Week – Mon-Sat
I t i n e r a ry C u lt u r e
124
Take a Trip From
Gillam
Churchill
TO
in
July
Approximate distance:
290 kilometres (180 miles)
Time this trip to take in the Fox Lake Cree Nation
Powwow in Gillam July 11-13 or the Bear Fest
music festival in Churchill July 19 — or do both.
1. T he powwow
takes place at the
baseball diamond
and adjacent park
right off PR 280
as you drive in to
Gillam. Check in to
the Gillam Motor
Inn or camp at
Stephens Lake
Municipal Park,
one kilometre
southwest of town
on Butneau Road.
1.
Fox Lake Cree Nation Powwow
York Factory
Photo: Parks Canada
Enjoy fishing and swimming, or take a jet boat tour with Nelson River
Adventures (www.nelsonriveradventures.com). See shipwrecks and
whitewater rapids and watch for seals, moose and polar bears during a six
to eight-hour round trip to Port Nelson, or extend the tour by two hours
and go all the way to York Factory. Shorter trips to Gull Rapids and the
Kettle Generating Station are also available.
2.
Churchill’s VIA Rail Station
3.
2. Park at the Gillam VIA Rail Station
(www.viarail.ca) and board an overnight
train to Churchill. There’s full meal service
in July and the 9.5-hour ride takes you
directly to the Parks Canada visitor centre
at Churchill’s VIA Rail Station.
3. Check in to the Lazy Bear Lodge, where
you can book a beluga whale watching
tour. Take a hike to see wildflowers and
check out a shipwreck. The MV Ithaca —
once owned by Italian dictator Benito
Mussolini — ran aground in 1961 and
sits in tidal flats at the western tip of Bird
Cove, about 20 kilometres east of town.
Guides can take you to see Miss Piggy, a
Lamb Air freight plane that crash-landed
near town in 1979. The plane may have
carried pigs at one time, but she’s named
for her cargo capacity.
Polar Bear Tours
Fly out of Churchill to Thompson or
directly to Winnipeg to connect to
international destinations.
I t i n e r a ry C u lt u r e
125
Take a Trip From
Flin Flon
Thompson
TO
in
Winter
Bring your snowmobile, skis and snowboard to take full
advantage of a winter getaway. Plan your trip around the
Thompson Winter Festival, the Snow Lake Whoot Festival or
one of many ice fishing derbies held in March or April.
1.
Photo: Richard Saucier
I t i n e r a r y O u t d oo r
126
1. In Flin Flon, go cross-country skiing on several trails, including a loop that
has lights for night skiing. Then pack up your gear and hit the road. Follow
Hwy 10 south for about 67 kilometres, then turn left at Hwy 39. Travel 163
kilometres east to Hwy 6 and continue for another 152 kilometres directly
on to Thompson. Or take a detour to Snow Lake, where you can ride on
designated snowmobile trails within the town site, or pick up maps to
explore a large network of Snow Lake Sno-Drifter’s club trails.
2. To reach Snow Lake, follow Hwy 39 east for about 100 kilometres from
Hwy 10. Turn north on Hwy 39 and drive about 33 kilometres.
127
d
2.
3. Head back down Hwy
39 to continue on to
Thompson, with a stop
at Sasagiu Rapids Lodge
(www.sasagiurapids.
com) on Hwy 6. Park your
snowmobile right outside
your hotel room door and
tuck into dinner at the
lodge restaurant, which
serves Thai and Canadian
specialties.
3.
Mystery Mountain Winter Park
Northern Manitoba’s largest city isn’t the end of the road by a long stretch.
From Thompson, you can ride on hundreds of kilometres of groomed
snowmobile trails, cross-country ski on trails in the city and throughout
the area, and enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding at Mystery Mountain
Winter Park (www.mysterymountain.ca).
From downtown Thompson, follow Mystery Lake Road for about 10.6 kilometres
to PR 280. Turn right and drive another 10 kilometres to the fun park.
Itin e ra ry ARTS
128
Take a Trip From
The Pas
Flin Flon
TO
in
September
Plan your trip around Culture Days in late
September, when groups in The Pas and Flin
Flon pull out all the stops to make an artistic
impression on residents and visitors.
It’s a beautiful season for a drive. Fall foliage is in full colour and the weather is ideal
for hiking at scenic stops along the route.
1.
Sam Waller Museum
1. Start the day in The Pas at the Sam Waller Museum, where you’ll find exhibits
from local visual artists in the Susan MacCharles Gallery year-round. The museum
also hosts performances and special events. During Culture Days — a national
program to raise awareness of arts and culture, held from Sept. 26-28 in 2014
— The Pas Arts Council might present everything from live theatre and musical
performances, exhibitions, workshops and contests at several public venues.
3.
2.
3. C
ontinue north for another 50 kilometres
and set up camp at the Flin Flon Tourist
Park and Campground, just off Hwy 10
as you enter the city, or continue on a few
blocks west to the Victoria Inn.
2. Leaving The Pas, drive north on
Hwy 10 about 90 kilometres
to Cranberry Portage, which
is home to several artists.
You can’t miss the Northern
Buffalo Sculptures gallery
at the corner of Hwy 10 and
Portage Road. Drop in to
peruse soapstone and wood
carvings. Then head down
the block to the Cranberry
Portage Coffee Shop to fuel
up on pizza or the shop’s
signature clubhouse sandwich.
From the inn, follow Channing Drive west to
Green Street, turn right and carry on about
five blocks to the Northern Visual Arts
Centre (www.norvacentre.com) at
177 Green St. The centre hosts arts events
year-round. Check out exhibits in the
gallery and browse for local artwork that’s
available for sale.
The Flin Flon Arts Council
(www.flinflonartscouncil.com) is
active throughout the year and hosts
an exhaustive slate of events during
Culture Days.
Itin e ra ry ARTS
129
130
Take a Trip From
Thompson
Lynn Lake
TO
in
Summer
Can’t decide between fishing and golfing? Days
are so long in summer you can do both. And if you
plan a trip from Thompson in late June, you can
incorporate National Aboriginal Day celebrations
or Thompson Nickel Days into your itinerary too.
1.
1. The first leg of a trip from Thompson is a short one for duffers. Drive three
kilometres north on Mystery Lake Road (Hwy 391) and hang a right at the
Thompson Golf Club (www.thompson.ca). Play a round and have an early
lunch at the clubhouse, then continue your scenic journey northwest on
Hwy 391 until you get to the end of the road — literally. You can’t miss the
sports fishing mecca of Lynn Lake where Hwy 391 comes to an end.
131
2.
2. But you’ll want to make a
stop along the way. About
216 kilometres northwest of
Thompson, hang a right at
Mehuken Road to enter the
town of Leaf Rapids
(www.townofleafrapids.com),
or turn left four kilometres
south of town and drop
a line or take a refreshing
swim at Turnbull Beach.
Don’t worry about making
the last tee time at the Leaf
Rapids Golf Course — it’s
open 24 hours a day in
summer, and the green fees
are free.
3.
Zed Lake PRovincial PArk
3. Stick around to do some fishing in the Churchill River or continue along Hwy 391 for
another 106 kilometres to Lynn Lake (www.lynnlake.ca). Turn north on Hwy 394 and
drive 7.3 kilometres to Burge Lake Provincial Park, or carry on another
12 kilometres to Zed Lake Provincial Park. Set up camp near the lakeshore at either
park and try your luck with the local walleye or northern pike.
I t i n e r a ry L i v e ly
132
Take a Trip From
Thompson
The Pas
TO
in
February
4.
Northern Manitobans embrace winter,
and February is the time to celebrate
the season at winter festivals.
1.
1. In Thompson, you can have
your snow cake and eat it too.
Enjoy family-friendly activities
every weekend in February in
Thompson (www.thompson.ca),
and take one weekend off to
hit the Northern Manitoba
Trappers’ Festival — the biggest
winter party in the North.
Thompson WOlves
Photo: Hans Pfaff
2.
3.
2. From Thompson, head south on
Hwy 6 for about 152 kilometres to
Hwy 39. Continue west for 163 kilometres
to Hwy 10. Turn left and carry on south for
about 75 kilometres to The Pas and party
central (www.trappersfestival.com).
Along with dog sled races and a beer
festival, there’s a long list of events to fill up
your schedule for up to five days.
3. Bring your cross-country skis and
take a few detours along the way
to The Pas. Just 28 kilometres
south of Thompson, turn left on
Hwy 375 and continue for about
five kilometres to Paint Lake
Provincial Park.
You can hang your hat at Paint
Lake Resort and spend a day or
two enjoying a network of crosscountry ski trails or even do a
little ice fishing.
4. Snow Lake is another scenic stop along
the way. About 63 kilometres along
Hwy 39, turn right at Hwy 392 and travel
north for about 33 kilometres. Take
advantage of cross-country ski trails and
warm hospitality, then head back south
to Hwy 39 to complete your trip.
I t i n e r a ry L i v e ly
133
take 5
Photogenic Facts
1.
1.
Stone markers that often take human form,
Inukshuks are a unique form of communication
in the far North. Traditionally built by Inuit
people, they may have been used as navigational
aids or signposts for fellow travellers, to mark a
route or point to camps or hunting grounds, food
caches and places of spiritual significance.
Photo: Clint Sawchuk, Nelson River Adventures
Fa s t fact s
134
2.
2.
3. 3.
4.
4.
5.
5.
Polar bear cubs grow up fast, but not
too fast. Females typically give birth
to twin cubs, who stay with their
mother for more than two years until
they can fend for themselves.
The Churchill Northern Studies
Centre is a model of green
construction. A certified LEED
(Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) Gold building,
the centre was built on a previously
disturbed site to minimize its
footprint. Water from a nearby lake is
treated on-site; a solar wall provides
alternative energy and pre-heats
incoming air; occupancy sensors
control ventilation and the centre is
equipped with composting toilets
and low-flow showers and taps.
Ancient esker formations like the
ones pictured at left, near Gillam,
are unique geological features
of the northern landscape.
Ridges made up of sand and gravel
that formed beneath glacial ice
thousands of years ago, they can be
found near Leaf Rapids, Lynn Lake
and other sites.
Kwasitchewan Falls is the highest
waterfall in Manitoba, and it provides
one of the province’s best hiking
opportunities. A 22-kilometre
(13.2 mile) return hiking trail starts at
Pisew Falls. Campsites are available at
the end of the trail.
Fa s t fact s
135
Dr iv e
Sa fe
136
drive safe
in winter
Weather
The Canadian Automobile Association and
Transport Canada have compiled a safety brochure
titled You, Your Vehicle and Winter Driving.
It’s available to download at www.caa.ca.
Safety Tips
• Install four matching winter tires and ensure your battery
is in good condition.
• Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.
• The safest strategy is to avoid driving in bad weather conditions.
Always tell someone where you are going, the route you plan to take
and when you expect to arrive.
• Give yourself extra time in bad weather. But be aware that snow and ice
are more slippery at 0°C than at -20°C or below.
• Watch for black ice at temperatures between 4°C and -4°C,where the road
surface looks black and shiny. It is often found on shaded areas of the
road, bridges and overpasses.
• If driving becomes too risky, turn back or look for a safe place to stop.
Make sure you have enough fuel. Try to keep the fuel tank at least half-full.
• See and be seen. Remove all snow from your vehicle’s hood, roof, windows
and lights. Clear all windows of frost and fog.
• If visibility becomes poor, find a place to safely pull off the road as soon as
you can. It’s best to stop at a rest area or exit the roadway and take shelter
in a building. Put on your emergency flashers.
• Avoid passing another vehicle when weather and road conditions are bad.
Get the latest information on road conditions by calling
Manitoba Highways toll-free at 511, or visit the website at www.mb511.ca.
Dr iv e
Sa fe
137
Pack a Winter Survival Kit
Keep these items in your trunk: Shovel, sand or kitty litter, traction mats, tow chain,
compass, cloth or roll of paper towels, warning light or road flares, extra clothing and
footwear, emergency food pack, booster cables, matches and a “survival” candle in a
deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light), fire extinguisher,
extra windshield washer fluid, fuel line antifreeze, reflective vest.
Keep these items inside your vehicle: Road maps, ice scraper and brush, flashlight,
first aid kit, blanket (special “survival” blankets are best) and a fully charged cell phone.
Carry a Northern Manitoba regional tourism guide and consult the list of 24-hour gas
stations when planning your trip.
If You’re Trapped in a Storm
or Snow Bank
Don’t do any heavy lifting, shovelling or pushing in the bitter cold — it can kill. Make
sure the tailpipe is not blocked by snow, to keep carbon monoxide from entering your
vehicle. If your vehicle is not at risk of being hit by other drivers, stay inside so you have
shelter. Going out into a storm puts you at risk of getting lost, or suffering from the cold.
You should also:
• Keep a window on the side
sheltered from the wind open
slightly to supply fresh air.
• Run your motor as little as
possible.
• Wear a hat, and use a survival
candle for heat, instead of the
vehicle’s heater.
• Set out a warning light
or flares.
• Put on the dome light.
(Overuse of headlights may
run your battery down.)
• Exercise your arms and legs
often and stay awake.
• Watch for traffic or searchers.
In dex
138
Northern
MANITOBA
Summer Adventures
Camping
Fishing.............................................................. 4 Campgrounds.............................................41
Canoeing......................................................... 6
Portage............................................................ 6
Owl River......................................................... 7
Camping.......................................................... 8
Swimming/Beaches.................................... 9
Hiking.............................................................10
Geocaching..................................................12
Hunting..........................................................13
Rock Climbing.............................................14
Wildlife: Summer........................................14
Golfing...........................................................16
Winter Adventures
Dog Sledding..............................................18
Skating...........................................................19
Curling............................................................20
Cross Country Skiing................................21
Downhill Skiing..........................................22
Ice Fishing.....................................................22
Wildlife: Winter............................................24
Snowmobiling............................................24
Outdoor Parks
The Park Side...............................................28
Wapusk National Park..............................30
Bakers Narrows Provincial Park............33
Burge Lake Provincial Park.....................34
Caribou River Provincial
Wilderness Park..........................................34
Clearwater Lake Provincial Park...........35
Grass River Provincial Park.....................36
Little Limestone Lake
Provincial Park.............................................36
Numaykoos Lake Provincial
Wilderness Park..........................................36
Paint Lake Provincial Park.......................37
Pisew Falls Provincial Park......................38
Sand Lakes Provincial
Wilderness Park..........................................39
Wekusko Falls Provincial Park...............39
Zed Lake Provincial Park.........................40
Aurora Borealis
Northern Light Show...............................42
Lively Gatherings
Northern Manitoba
Trappers’ Festival........................................44
Thompson Winterfest..............................45
Hudson Bay Quest.....................................45
Cross Lake Annual Winter Festival......45
Gillam Annual Winter Carnival.............46
Churchill Aurora Winterfest...................46
Snow Lake WInter Whoot Festival......46
Cranberry Portage
Bombardier Rally.......................................46
Thompson Nickel Days............................47
Canada Day Celebrations.......................47
Immersive Culture
National Aboriginal Day..........................48
Cross Lake Annual Treaty and
Indian Days & Cross Lake
Annual Campout.......................................49
Fox Lake Cree Nation Powwow...........49
Opaskwayak Indian Days........................50
Treaty & York Boat Days...........................50
Historic Places
Hands-on History in Churchill..............51
Prince of Wales Fort NHS........................52
Cape Merry NHS.........................................52
Sloop Cove NHS.........................................53
York Factory NHS.......................................53
2 Left
t PhotoS: Eva Muswagon, Cross Lake Band
ART & ARTS
Arctic Trading Company.........................54
Flin Flon Arts Council...............................54
The Pas Arts Council.................................55
Musical Routes............................................55
Northern Buffalo Art Gallery.................55
Blue Heron Stained Glass Mosaics......55
Jasyn Lucas Art Studio.............................56
Sweet Nothings Art Gallery...................56
National Exhibition Centre.....................56
Eskimo Museum.........................................56
Museums
Heritage North Museum.........................57
Eskimo Museum.........................................58
Flin Flon Station Museum......................58
Lynn Lake Mining Town Museum.......58
Sam Waller Museum.................................59
Snow Lake Mining Museum..................59
Regional Map
& Communities
Northern Manitoba Map........................60
Churchill........................................................62
Cranberry Portage.....................................66
Cross Lake.....................................................68
Flin Flon.........................................................70
Gillam.............................................................74
Grand Rapids...............................................76
Leaf Rapids...................................................78
Lynn Lake......................................................80
Norway House............................................82
Opaskwayak Cree Nation.......................84
Snow Lake.....................................................86
The Pas...........................................................88
Thompson....................................................92
Wabowden...................................................98
2 Right PhotoS: Clint Sawchuk, Nelson River Adventures
Annual Events
February..................................................... 100
March........................................................... 100
April.............................................................. 101
May............................................................... 101
June.............................................................. 102
July................................................................ 102
August......................................................... 103
September................................................. 103
November.................................................. 103
December.................................................. 103
Tourism North
Getting here.............................................. 104
Tour Operators & Outfitters................ 106
Accommodations................................... 112
24 Hour Gas Stations............................. 117
Dining/Restaurants................................ 118
Cellular Coverage Maps....................... 122
Itinerary Culture
Gillam to Churchill
in July........................................................... 124
Flin Flon to Thompson
in Winter..................................................... 126
The Pas to Flin Flon
in September............................................ 128
Thompson to Lynn Lake
in Summer................................................. 130
Thompson to The Pas
in February................................................ 132
In dex
139
Nort h
Tou r is m
Visit our Website
You’ll find information about
outdoor sports and recreation,
attractions, festivals and everything
you need to know to make the most
of your northern vacation at
See us on Instagram
Visit our Instagram pages at www.instagram.com/tourismnorth!
to check out photos of spectacular scenery, wildlife, sports action,
northern lights and tantalizing food. Then come on up and see the real thing.
Contact Tourism North
Mail: Tourism North Coordinator
c/o Community Futures North Central Development
Box 1208, 3 Station Rd.,Thompson, MB R8N 1P1
p: 204-677-1494
w: www.visitnorthernmanitoba.com

Tourism North Visitor Guide

Transcription

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