Wrapping Manitoba

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/12/2022 (1036 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Looking for the perfect gift? Something that doesn’t take up space on the kitchen counter or require an awkward return? Gift the gift of travel! From sumptuous stays to heart-racing adventures, we’ve gathered these unique experiences that make it easy to put checkmarks on your shopping list. Share something new this holiday season — all right here in Manitoba.

Dog Gone Fun

Dashing through the snow on a sled pulled by an energetic team will make you whoop and holler like you’re racing the Iditarod. Dog sledding is fast, fun and educational too. All of Manitoba’s operators include a primer on the sport. And if you’re a fan of four-legged friends, dog sledding lets you spend some nose-to-nose time with the team. Harness Adventure offers a two-hour weekend tour near Richer. Or you can add an overnight stay in their winter walled tent, complete with a cozy fire and breakfast delivery in the morning. Near St. Martin, Interlake Dog Tours puts riders up close and personal with the magical landscape of the northern Interlake. And if a Churchill trip in on your radar, book a visit with Wapusk Adventures, BlueSky Expeditions or Churchill River Mushing to get the sub Arctic experience.

Arts & Crafts

At Masagana Flower Farm near La Broquerie, the Tinta Experience lets participants will learn how to cultivate, harvest and ultimately use dye flowers to create a luxurious silk scarf to take home. And speaking of flowers, a gift certificate to one of Manitoba’s flower farms make the very best stocking stuffers. Consider Stone Shed Gardens near Portage la Prairie, Lily Stone Gardens at Rosenort, Ten Liars Deep at Kelwood or Miss Millie’s flower Farm near Marquette. At Lower Fort Garry, take your pick from workshops on how to bake bannock, make ice cream or work with chocolate. Take your first steps toward mastering the craft of blacksmithing or get started on your annual supply of candles. Workshops happen every day of the week. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass means unlimited visits to over 80 destinations across the country, including Riding Mountain National Park, Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site and Riel House National Historic Site.

Lap of Luxury

Lakeview Hecla Resort is where luxury meets the great outdoors of beautifully boreal Hecla Island. You’ll find minimally modern décor in the spacious rooms, a lounge that offers a legendary Caesar along with perfect pickerel dishes and an adults-only swim area with hot-tub, Nordic plunge and mineral pool. Top off the getaway with the Escape to Black Island massage at Salka Spa.

Moonlit Canopy is a collection of three geodesic domes tucked into southwestern Manitoba’s Pleasant Valley near Belmont that brings glamping to its highest level. Luxury rules here, with modern furnishing, premium linens and even a hot tub on every deck. In every corner of the province, luxury cabins are offered through booking sites like AirBnB and VRBO. For example, Den 12 near Riding Mountain National Park features a fireplace, outdoor fire pit, heated floors, AC, private outdoor hot tub and a large deck all wrapped in a contemporary cabin vibe.

Culinary Discoveries

At Pineridge Hollow’s newest space called The Forest, five kilometres of walking trails wind through the woods where a collection of rooms await hungry hikers. The geodesic domes and prospector tents are outfitted with woodstoves and cozy seating, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. A delicious selection of catered options is also available including flatbreads over the fire. Pickled Loon Kitchen near Flin Flon puts guests in the heart of the boreal forest to gather, create and feast during the Foraging to Feasting tour. You may get a taste of goldenrod flower cornbread, wild berry chardonnay soup or roasted dandelion root coffee carrot cake.

Move It!

There’s nothing better than a round of golf to look forward to at the kickoff of the season. Tuck a gift card for a much-loved course into a stocking and become a duffer’s favourite Santa. Granite Hills, Larters at St. Andrews, Clear Lake, Grand Pines, Quarry Oaks and Falcon Lake are among the top picks. For fat bike enthusiasts, give the gift of a microcabin stay at Northgate Trails near Dauphin so riders can get an early start. Indulge your Yellowstone yearning with a little horsing around. Places like 9 Finger Ranch near Rossburn or Falcon Beach Ranch in The Whiteshell offer trails rides and accommodations.

shel@shelzolkewich.com