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Eastman: A sampling of the best of Manitoba

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/06/2016 (3705 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba is a big, beautiful province with a little something for everyone. But exploring all 650,000 square kilometres could take a while. Luckily for summer travellers, there’s one corner that showcases some of the best of what our province has to offer—Eastman.

Bordered by Lake Winnipeg to the west and Ontario to the east, the region is divided into five distinct parts, each offering a unique experience for visitors. Think of it as a sample platter for all of Manitoba.

In The Little North around Bissett, First Nations culture, pristine wilderness, excellent fishing and paddling safaris are on the menu. The Prairie Waterways around Beausejour offer historical waterways, spectacular sandy beaches and plenty of family fun. In The Shield area around Lac du Bonnet and east, the deep, dark lakes of the boreal forest give way to top hiking trails, wilderness camping and more great fishing. In the Bison Woods, cultural gatherings and unspoiled nature are celebrated in Marchand and Sprague. For an immersion into Métis culture and to visit the true centre of Canada, visit The Great Plains around St. Pierre Jolys.

Music, baseball and family fun abound during St-Jean-Baptiste Days (ssjb.ca) in La Broquerie June 25 and 26. Come celebrate the 119^th birthday of this French Canadian town with carnival games, volleyball and a pancake breakfast on the weekend.

The community of Lac du Bonnet goes big for Canada Day celebrations from July 1 to 3. There’s a talent show, parade, slo-pitch tourney and even a show and shine event for car buffs. Stay well fed with a pancake breakfast and the fish fry. Fireworks launch at dusk on Canada Day.

One of Canada’s iconic festivals, the Frog Follies & Agricultural Fair (frogfollies.com) in St-Pierre-Jolys springs into action July 7 to 10. There’s entertainment on the main stage, inflatable bouncer fun for the kids and a slow-pitch tourney too. And for the highlight of the weekend, bring your own Northern Leopard Frog or choose one out of a barrel for the National Frog Jumping Championships. Make three big jumps and you and your croaking friend could be winners!

Cap off July at the Fire & Water Music Festival (firenwater.ca) for a mix of country, folk, alternative, jazz and bluegrass in Lac du Bonnet. Camp on site or stay at nearby lodgings to make the most of this musical weekend. Food vendors and an artisans market will be on site too.

When the honey starts flowing, head to Kleefeld Aug. 5 to 7 for the annual Honey Festival & Chili Cook-Off (kleefeldpark.ca). Since 1970s, the community has celebrated the work of the winged ones with a movie night in the park on Friday followed by a parade Saturday morning. Just in the time for the lunch, the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off will be underway in the park, much to the delight of judges and fairgoers alike.

The Rainbow Trout Music Festival (rainbowtroutmusicfestival.com) has quickly become the darling of the summer festival circuit for millennials looking for indie vibes. It runs this year from Aug. 19 to 21 and features Pop Tart, Smoky Tiger and Heartbeat City at the site just south of St. Malo. Bring your positivity, love of dance and your craving to camp to this one.