Take a tour of the Interlake

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/07/2016 (3474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One of the most interesting road trips you can take in our province is into the Interlake, that region nestled between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg.

There are many special places to visit, with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and breezy marshlands, divided by tracts of forest and multi-coloured fields. Occasional glimpses of the lakes reveal water stretching beyond the horizon, seeming as vast and infinite as an ocean. Sometimes the landscape morphs into something different every few kilometres. At other times, it feels like the sameness will never end.

The Interlake embraces a deep cultural legacy comprising Aboriginal roots, and early settlers of Icelandic, Ukrainian and Scottish descent. Every town offers up a small piece of the region’s historic puzzle. Every landmark conjures up a bit of fascinating folklore.

Guarding the southern gateway to the Interlake is the ‘White Horse’ statue, noticeable when driving west on the Trans-Canada, and standing stoically since 1966. Legend has it a Sioux chief wished to marry the daughter of an Assiniboine chief, but her hand had already been promised to a Cree chief, who offered a rare snow-white horse as a gift. I won’t tell you the rest, because it doesn’t have a happy ending. Today, this area is known as the White Horse Plain, and accompanying plaques tell you more.

Travelling northwest from St. Francois Xavier, skirting the meandering Assiniboine River, and turning off onto Highway 248 lets you easily cut across to Highway 6. This takes you through what I affectionately call the flattest place on earth — my tiny hometown of Marquette. At the end of this road you’ll emerge just south of Lake Francis — the even tinier town my family lived in before I came along.

From there, Highway 6 traverses the entire length of the Interlake and then some, with terrific spots from which you can venture over to the shores of Lake Manitoba. Lundar Provincial Park, due west of the townsite, has a nice place to swim, laze around the sand, or skip rocks. There is also an easy hiking trail that winds through marsh and forest, with new interpretive signs showcasing six different ecosystems packed into one square kilometre. With over 100 bird species that migrate here, it’s a haven for birders.

For years I’ve been hearing about Steep Rock, and finally went to see it for myself. My conclusion is that everything everyone has been saying is absolutely true. Steep Rock definitely is a must-see place, with rugged limestone cliffs and shimmering turquoise water. It feels like a little piece of the Mediterranean right here in Manitoba.

The scenery is utterly spectacular, whether you’re hiking, picnicking, or relaxing. Rock lovers will have a heyday roaming around here. Paddlers can get up-close to the cliffs and explore the caves. Diners can enjoy tasty lakeside eats at the Beach Comber restaurant. Whatever you choose to do, it’s an ideal place to let your inspiration run rampant as you soak up the surroundings on a summer’s day in the Interlake.

RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca