Outdoor Summer Adventure

OUTDOOR SUMMER ADVENTURE 

Morning – Get Moving!  

To get moving in the morning go for a nature hike at Binney Nature Preserve.  Located just 2 miles west and 2 miles north of Manitou, there is 30 acres of wooded and open grassland divided by a stream and marshland. At Binney visitors will experience nature and can walk along 3 kms of hiking trails to a look-out tower that looks for miles across the countryside. Along the hike, you can see over 35 wild flowers as well as birds, waterfowl and possibly a deer in the woods or even a beaver in the water!  There is a picnic/rest area and restroom access.

Manitou Town and Country Golf Club is a challenging 9-hole course located in Manitou that has a newly renovated clubhouse. The Clubhouse is also a licensed restaurant with food from lighter fare to more substantial meals and they are open for breakfast. Carts are available for rental.  This course is a must stop for golf enthusiasts! 

Fishing can be a fun way to start a day whether it is at Mary Jane Reservoir stocked with Crappy and Bass, or on the Pembina River that offers excellent Pike and Pickerel fishing.  Go out on a canoe for a leisurely ride down the Pembina River leaving the dock near La Riviere Campground to explore the beautiful surroundings in Pembina Valley. If in La Riviere, don’t forget to look for Tom the Turkey.  He greets everyone that passes through town!

Lunch:  Nothing beats a good burger and fries and a cold drink!  Stop in at Siggis located in La Riviere or the Burger Shack on PTH 3 at Manitou to grab some comfort food.  These popular seasonal spots offer a good selection at reasonable prices. 

Afternoon – Adventure or beat the heat!

If you are looking for an adventure head to Hywire Zipline AdventureLocated just 20 minutes west of Morden, go out and take a plunge on one of 8 lines with up to a 150 foot drop.  Also features miniature golf, and a licensed eating area.  Go to www.hywirezipline.ca to make reservations. 

If cooling down is more what you would enjoy visit the Manitou Community Pool.  This pool is a junior Olympic size in the main area.  It has a beach entry with 3 different slides.  There is a large grass area with 2 large shade structures to keep cool on a hot summer day.  The pool is open 7 days a week from mid-June to early September.  Swimming lessons run July and August and swim team for all abilities.  Visit www.pembina.ca for more details.

Dinner – Time to relax:  Now that you have had a full day it is time to sit back and enjoy some food in a friendly and relaxed setting.  Located in Manitou, visit TT’s Return.  This local favourite offers a wide selection of home cooking and is fully licensed. Great for the whole family or a quiet dinner for two. If Chinese food is what you are craving the Spotlite caféis also located in Manitou on Main Street.

Evening – Outdoor Theatre Experience:  One of the unique attractions in our area is the Passion Play that is staged the middle two weeks in July.  The Passion Play is the story of Jesus in his final days. This performance is set in the Pembina Valley just outside La Riviere and produced by Oak Valley Productions which are active year round with Candlewick Productions.  Visit www.passionplay.ca for more information and show times for this hidden gem.

If you decide that one day is just not enough time to experience our communities, we have two campgrounds available for booking!  Manitou Community Campground recently added sites and is located on the edge of town making it easy to access yet close to all the amenities Manitou has to offer just a short walk or bike ride away! La Riviere Campground is another option located right beside the beautiful Pembina River.  Large grass area and dock make this a quiet and relaxing destination.  To book at Manitou Campground call (204) 242-2838 and for La Riviere Campground booking call (204) 242-2509.

Additional Activities: 

If you are planning a trip to the Municipality of Pembina, there are a couple events you may want to make part of your trip. The Raptor Festival is an annual event held in La Riviere early April that celebrates the migration of birds of prey through the Pembina Valley.  Hundreds of people attend this event; great food, friendly people and activities for kids make it a fun family day.  The Ag Fair which is located at the Manitou fair grounds is a local fair usually first weekend after July 1st.  This small town fair highlights the local 4-H club.  Activities include cattle show and sale, open horse show, petting zoo, children’s activities, displays, steak supper and beverage gardens. Honey Garlic Maple Syrup Festival is an annual event held the second weekend of September.  Get a "taste of the Pembina Valley” with a pancake breakfast, children’s tent, Farmer’s Market, display booths and craft sale, car show, free entertainment, beverage garden, and ends with an amazing buffet supper highlighting local food.  Go to www.pembina.ca for more information on these events.