The La Vérendrye Trail is a designated heritage route that follows Paul Gaultier de Varennes de la Vérendrye’s path as he searched for the waterway to the Great Sea in 1733.The highway route follows the Whiteshell Lake system, Winnipeg River, east shore of Lake Winnipeg and down the Red River to The Forks.
BIRDS HILL
The first community the traveler encounters on the La Verendrye Trail is just off of Highway 59 on #202. The town of Birds Hill, named after James Bird, Chief Factor of the Red River District in 1788 boasts the Silver Springs Fish and Wildlife Heritage Park and the Silver Fox Quarry.
Moving north along Highway 59, you will cross the floodway where you will encounter Springhill Winter Park. The hills of the floodway have been utilized into making this a great place for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to display their skills. Continuing north on Highway 59, you will find Birds Hill Provincial Park, with 8,673 acres of parkland whose role is to preserve a portion of Aspen/Oak Parkland. Rare plants and wildlife can be found throughout the park. The Winnipeg Folk Festival, held in the park, is one of the largest folk festivals in Manitoba.
Nestled right up against the south park boundary is Pineridge Hollow Tea Room and Gift Shoppe. Specializing in Prairie Cuisine featuring local products and homemade baking from Grandma’s Kitchen, this unique carriage house also offers a multitude of country gifts and collectibles and special events are held throughout the year.
North of Oakbank on Highway 206, lies Wildrose Pottery, the shop where artisans “throw” pots and fire “raku” pottery. Down the road, a quaint antique shop, Hilltop Antiques offers a wide variety of local antiques and collectibles, especially depression glass. Sandis’ Workshop in the area features fleece accessories and wooden yard figures and toys. South of the Park, a garden art and giftware shop, Calla Lily tantalizes the senses with soaps, candles etc. For more active travelers, a riding stable with trail and hay/sleigh rides, Miracle Ranch assures a memorable experience.
The community of Pineridge virtually vanished in April of 1964, when one hundred and fifty residents received expropriation notices from the Provincial Department of Mines and Natural Resources. This was to make way for the new Birds Hill Provincial Park.
At Lockport you will discover the historic St. Andrew’s Lock and Dam, which regulates the level of the Red River and allows larger boats to navigate the river at this point. You can watch avid fishermen pulling giant catfish from the swirling waters in summer or see colourful ice fishing shacks on the Red River in winter. Visit the Kenosewun Visitor Centre and Museum featuring an archaeological site, artifacts and displays tracing the pre-1750 Aboriginal groups in the area.
EAST SELKIRK
East Selkirk was once the intended river crossing site for the Trans-continental railway before Winnipeg won out and the mainline route subsequently moved south. Originally known as Colvelle Landing, it was a loading site for goods being shipped up Lake Winnipeg to northern Hudson Bay Company posts. A CPR roundhouse was built here in 1883 and was later used as an immigration shed, primarily to house 2000 Doukobour settlers from Russia in 1898. St Peter’s Dynevor Church, built in 1836, was the only First Nation Anglican Parish in the Red River settlement and is the burial site of Chief Peguis. Fresh fruit and vegetable growers and U-pick fruit fields are abundant in the area.
LIBAU
German and Latvian immigrants, who settled between 1895-1907, named the town of Libau after the port of Liepaja (Libau in Russian). To the east, the Mars Hill Ecological Preserve, a natural area of mixed bog and parkland teems with birds, wildlife and wildflower species rare to this area. Nearby, Crocus Grove is a “clothing optional” resort for adults and families.
The Brokenhead Ojibway Village, found at this First Nation community, is a replica of how the Aboriginal people lived many years ago. You can take part in their ceremonies or enjoy a peaceful night in one of their teepees. A plaque at the Tommy Prince School honours Manitoba’s most decorated war veteran, Sergeant Thomas Prince, a First Nations soldier who served with distinction in World War II and the Korean War.
The South Beaches consist of the Patricia Beach, Beaconia Beach, Grand Marais and Grand Beach.
Patricia Beach is renown for it large, natural marsh area and is home to a large variety of waterfowl and wildlife species native to Manitoba. It is one of the prettiest stretches of beach to be found along Lake Winnipeg. Patricia Beach is a quiet, less populated beach.
BEACONIA BEACH
Named after a beacon that was built around 1896, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, Beaconia was originally a Station House for the Canadian National Railway in the early 1900s.There is a historic plaque commemorating the village’s birthday of over a century.
Adjacent to the Grand Beach Provincial Park, you will find a small resort town of Grand Marais. It can provide you with all the amenities to make your stay at Grand Beach a memorable one. The town of Grand Marais can trace its name back to 1734, when La Verendrye’s oldest son marked the area on his map with the words “grand marais”, or “big marsh”. The town’s population increases during the summer with cottagers and tourists alik
GRAND BEACH
Grand Beach is located a short drive north of Beaconia Beach on Highway 59. It is one of the most famous strips of sand in North America. The miles of clean, white silica sand, backed by dunes as high as eight metres is a perfect place to windsurf, swim, suntan, or just take a leisurely stroll around the beach. Snowmobile and cross-country trails can be found in the area during the long winter months.
The Grand Beach Provincial Park is home to the endangered piping plover. You can also access the excellent picnic and camping facilities that are being offered. The main beach is 1.8 miles and some of the dunes are as high as 39 ft. In 1916, the Canadian Northern Railway built a rail line and added a resort at the beach.
Previously, the area consisted of a handful of homesteaders and a large Metis population. A boardwalk was built and extended along the beach, complete with concessions. Park interpretive signs will guide you through “the past” as you stroll through the area.
The North Beaches consist of Lester Beach, Belair, Hillside Beach, Victoria Beach, Albert Beach and Traverse Bay. Victoria Beach and Traverse Bay both have golf courses for your golfing enjoyment. Traverse Bay has a conference centre that is available for your meeting needs
SAGKEENG FIRST NATION
A willow-crowned peninsula located at the mouth of Lake Winnipeg marked the joining of rivers and streams and was originally known as Sagkeeng, the Meeting Place. The original fort, Fort Alexander built in 1739 was the trading place of the French explorers and the First Nations. Today, the Sagkeeng Cultural Centre Museum on the Sagkeeng First Nation contains native contemporary art and handicrafts, a copper artifact as well as artifacts such as projectile points, ceremonial dress, early 1900s photos and a model of Fort Alexander (1857)
The last Winnipeg River portage for fur traders on their way south to Lake Winnipeg was Pine Falls. The Spanish River Paper Company built the town in 1926. Pine Falls is now a company town owned by Tembec Paper Group, a pulp and paper company that harvests wood from the thousands of hectares of forest in the region for newspaper and other paper products. In operation since 1927, they are the largest recycler of newspaper and magazines. Tours of the paper plant can be arranged by calling 204-367-5210.
POWERVIEW
There are several generating stations, operated by Manitoba Hydro, along the Winnipeg River. They are located at Powerview, Great Falls, McArthur Falls, Seven Sisters, Pointe du Bois. Powerview has one of the larger generating stations along the Winnipeg River system. The Pine Falls Generating Station in Powerview started producing electricity in 1951 and offers free guided tours. For more information, contact 204-474-3233. The river in this area is famous for walleye (pickerel), goldeye, and northern pike. The “4 P’s Festival held in the area is a celebration of peas, pickerel, paper and power.
Nopiming Provincial Park can be found just past the village of Powerview on Provincial Trunk Highway #304. The park is classified as a Natural Park and preserves a diversity of fauna and flora. This park provides great outdoor activities, as well as an abundance of wildlife for your enjoyment. Canoe access to the Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park can be made through the Wallace Lake Provincial Park on the same highway
St. Georges, established in 1882, is one of the Winnipeg River communities that retained its French cultural identity. When the generating stations manipulated the water levels of the Winnipeg River, riverbanks revealed their hidden treasures. This small Franco-Manitoban community also boasts a beautiful fort, Fort Bas de la Riviere, situated along the banks of the Winnipeg River, where you can take part in mini-golf, sailing, plus many other family activities. A sandy beach is also available for swimming and sun bathing. The St. Georges Museum contains artifacts dating back to the 1880’s.
The Great Falls Generating Station is Manitoba Hydro’s oldest generating station, which began producing electricity in 1922. The Warren Sinnock Site at Great Falls contains bison bones, projectile points, and tools dating back to the Woodlands period of 800 to 1750 AD.
Built by Winnipeg Hydro in the early 1900s, the hydro-electric generating station at Point Du Bois, is now owed by Manitoba Hydro. It is 25 miles from Lac du Bonnet by paved road with a small company town surrounded by cottage country. Tours of the station are available.
Nestled in eastern Manitoba, approximately 1.5 hours away from Winnipeg is the community of Lac du Bonnet (Town and Rural Municipality). Rich in culture, heritage, and history, the community offers visitors the best of both an urban and rural setting. The Town of Lac du Bonnet lies within the boundaries of the rural municipality and is situated on the west shore of the Winnipeg River.
The amenities include an elementary and senior high school, four churches, a library, arena, community center and youth center. The Town of Lac du Bonnet also offers visitors a beautifully landscaped walkway along the river, as well as a large public pier, with boat slips and sand beach. Sparman Park on the west side of town offers both residents and visitors the chance to play tennis. Memorial Park where Lake and Park Avenues merge contains the Royal Canadian Legion Cenotaph and a playground for young children. Leslie Park, built during Canada’s Centennial in 1967, boasts beautiful gardens, where stone from the Tanco Mine and Old Pinawa Dam site add to its beauty. A bridge spans a local creek and links a walkway, which connects to Lakeside Park a block further south.
The town is a Community in Blooms participant and in 2003 was awarded the maximum achievement of five blooms in the 1000 to 3000 population category.Lac du Bonnet House, a privately owned museum, contains pictures of the region from years gone by and also contains small artifacts depicting the history of the region.
During the Canada Day Celebrations on July 1, the Town of Lac du Bonnet plays host to an excellent parade, midway, antique automobile exhibit, as well as the largest fireworks display in Manitoba outside of Winnipeg. In March each year, the town is the scene of the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Challenge. The competition usually draws in excess of 2000 fishermen intent on winning one of 100 major prizes for landing the biggest fish. The municipality’s large tract of forestland and granite outcropping makes it an ideal location for hunters, bird watchers and hikers. Just when you think that you have seen and done it all, another adventure awaits you around the corner.
Fun and relaxation is not just confined to the warm weather months. During winter, the region is accessible by hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails, which link eastern Manitoba with other areas of the province. The Winnipeg River and its tributaries offer anglers some of the best sport fishing in North America, both summer and winter. These waters also provide visitors with opportunities to enjoy other water activities such as boating, water skiing, swimming, etc. Come visit Lac du Bonnet and find out what the rest of the world already knows!
Welcome to Pinawa! This hidden gem in Eastern Manitoba has something for everyone. Situated on the Winnipeg River, just 110 kilometers from Winnipeg, the town is a recreation paradise offering sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. It is home to an 18-hole Championship Course, one of the province’s best golf courses, along the shores of the Winnipeg River and Pinawa Channel.
Pinawa derives its name from the First Nations people who lived in the area prior to the explorer La Vérendrye’s arrival along the historic Winnipeg River route. This particular area was referred to as “pinnowok,” or “calm waters.” The Pinawa Heritage Sundial, located at the marina, portrays the history of the region and the whimsical Pinawa Mall Murals, created by local artists, lead you through Pinawa’s past and present.
Hikers of all skill levels will delight in exploring Pinawa’s extensive trail system. Grab the kids, take a relaxing walk along the riverfront Ironwood Trail and look for the rare Ironwood trees, and small tree spirits carved by a local artist. Continue along the 10-kilometre Heritage Channel Walk, bounce across the Suspension Bridge, relax, and enjoy the scenery at the Pavilion. Hot after a day of trekking? You’re welcome to cool off at the beach or our heated outdoor pool. For the more adventurous, Pinawa’s section of the Trans Canada Trail, winds through mixed terrain from the Seven Sisters Generating Station to Pinawa Dam Provincial Park.
Are sports more your speed? Adults and kids can take advantage of four-season recreation, including public skating rinks, well-groomed ski and snowmobile trails, and soccer fields in summer. The public beach is equipped with a play structure, picnic shelter, volleyball court, diving dock, and the Pinawa Pool offers lessons as well as designated times for public swimming. The four-section Pinawa Club is the place for tennis, golf, curling, and bridge.
People are choosing Pinawa’s quality lifestyle for recreation, cottage living, and a place to do business. Deer are a common sight on a walk or bike to work. Our excellent schools, full daycare services, public library, bike paths, and playgrounds make it a great place to raise a family.
Come discover the secret of Pinawa! Drive, snowmobile or boat on over. We’re located on Highway 211, just north of Whiteshell Provincial Park. Check out our events and join us for the Pinawa Birthday Celebrations, our popular Street Markets, golf tournaments, and other activities. For more information on events and attractions, residential, and business information contact the Pinawa Community Development Corporation at 1-800-806-0412 or visit www.pinawa.com.
SEVEN SISTERS
Originally named for the Seven Portages past seven sets of rapids along the Winnipeg River, Seven Sisters Generating Station is Manitoba’s largest producer of electricity on the Winnipeg River. In 1929 the community of Seven Sisters was built but the generating station was not completed until 24 years later. Located near the town is the picturesque Whitemouth Falls Park and Picnic Area with picnic tables and fire-pits. Jennifer’s Restaurant offers an exotic menu and is a popular place for campers, cottagers and travelers.
