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How to make the most of cabin season on the Prairies

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/08/2017 (3274 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Trips to the cabin aren’t what they used to be. Modern conveniences let you tailor your cabin experience to your liking, and ensure a comfortable escape from the city.

To help you prepare for your next adventure, here are some ideas on where to go, what to bring and what to do during your cabin getaway.

Where to go:

There are many spots in Manitoba that welcome those looking to trade their work shoes for trusty outdoor wear.

Falcon Lake is nestled in Whiteshell Provincial Park, just under two hours east of Winnipeg on Highway 1. Whiteshell is a beautiful tangle of forest and water within driving distance of the city, offering an easy escape for urbanites. Visitors can choose between the lakeshore campground or the beach campground, both of which offer easy access to the lake’s sandy beaches and clear, deep waters.

Winnipeg Beach, a town on the southwestern shores of Lake Winnipeg, offers the charm of cottage country just an hour north of Winnipeg. Gimli, found further north on the lake’s western shores, provides a similar laid-back vibe and beautiful views of the water. There are many accommodation options on cabin rental websites, from cozy family cottage rentals to studio cottage suites.

Turning west toward Portage La Prairie and Brandon, Clear Lake is a three-hour trek from Winnipeg on the southern border of pristine Riding Mountain National Park. Visitors can explore the park during the day and retire to local Wasagaming Townsite at night, where they’ll find cabins, luxury cabins, hotel rooms and lodges.

What to pack:

What you pack for your cabin retreat will depend on the style of cabin you’re calling home, as well as the kind of experience you’d like to have there.

Have your basics covered. Check ahead to see if sleeping gear like blankets, sleeping bags, linens or pillows are provided. See what appliances the cabin will be equipped with. Depending on how modern the trappings are, you might be able to pull off some more complicated meals.

If you’re looking for an active outdoors trip, consider renting a canoe or kayak to boat in. Hiking gear, like supported boots and wool socks, is a must if you’re planning to get around on foot in the woods.

It’s also important to remember that getting out of the city doesn’t necessarily mean isolating yourself anymore. Advances in network coverage mean Netflix shows or pressing work assignments can come to the cabin with you, without a drop in network speed or reliability. Just pack up your laptop, your mobile battery pack or even a solar battery charger and hit the road. TELUS’ new and improved network in Manitoba means even in the heart of the woods, you will have fast and reliable coverage so that you can cozy up with the family and watch a movie together no matter where you are.

What to do:

The diversity of geography in Manitoba provides something for everyone. Canoeing, kayaking and other aquatic endeavours provide excellent ways to get out on the water, as well as great exercise. If you’re seeking new activity, test out your balance with stand-up paddle boarding.

Hiking and biking trails crisscross cabin country, so check out local trail maps to pick a suitable route. The views along these scenic trails are perfect for sharing on social media, so take a moment to practice your photography skills and post your best shots online.

Pending fire bans, a campfire in the evening is a must. Reward yourself with some nighttime stargazing, which is especially beautiful outside of urban confines. Apps like Star Chart and SkyPortal help identify and explain constellations, planets and just about anything overhead.

Heading to the cabin is a great way to take advantage of all the natural attractions Manitoba has to offer. And thanks to upgrades in mobile network coverage by companies like TELUS, you can stay connected while enjoying the classic — yet upgraded — cabin experience.

TELUS has upgraded its network across Manitoba, bringing an expanded 4G LTE mobile network to 97% of the population. While you won’t want to be on your phone during your entire getaway, you can rest easy knowing that when you need to check in, your network is there.