Spectacular SUMMER stays

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/06/2022 (1217 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Summer is here! And it’s time to explore all the fun and fabulous accommodations Manitoba has to offer. Find the right fit—whether it’s a tucked-away cabin or a posh hotel room with all the trimmings—and settle in for a revitalizing change of summer scenery.

The five serene rooms at riverfront Moon Gate Guest House have the magical touch when it comes to releasing the stresses of the week. Once an egg grading station, the freestanding building between Whitemouth and Elma has extra-spacious common areas and even a sweet-smelling cedar sauna. Breakfast includes Jenny’s homemade preserves and Michel’s sourdough bread baked on the outdoor wood fired oven. On Friday nights, gather around the oven and treat yourself to the tomato basil pizza and sweeping Prairie views.

The unmistakable stone façade of Bella’s Castle in Morden will put you in mind of fairytales and fair maidens. The magic continues inside with five rooms including The Penthouse—complete with a clawfoot tub, gas fireplace and charming hat collection on one wall. There’s a restaurant onsite offering lunches on specific days and the castle also serves as a wedding venue, so there’s a good chance you’ll get a peek at the bride.

Northern Manitoba’s charms start at Paint Lake Lodge near Thompson, where the expansive deck perches over that deep, dark lake and invites one and all to share the day’s adventures. Perhaps it was an exploration of nearby Pisew Falls or a record-breaking session of plucking hungry walleyes from the lake, visitors are rewarded with heaping plates of signature ribs and irresistible desserts. Everything you need is here—boat rentals, firewood, a convenience store, guided fishing, tackle shop and even ice cream! Settle into a cozy cabin and rest up for more adventurous days ahead.

The campfire glow dances off the walls in your very own, fully equipped log cabin at Bakers Narrows Lodge near Flin Flon. It’s that northern Manitoba vibe at its best. Book a guided day of fishing and hang on as feisty northern pike and chunky lake trout get interested on legendary Lake Athapapuskow. Let the lodge do the cooking with an all-inclusive package, giving you more time for fun, including fat tire biking, hiking and kayaking. Fun north of the 53rd parallel awaits!

The mighty Grass River snakes its way through Wekusko Falls Provincial Park near Snow Lake before taking a 12-metre tumble to create its namesake waterfall. Get a front row seat at Wekusko Falls Lodge with its roomy cabins, homecooked meals and uncommon views of northern scenery along Manitoba’s Waterfall Alley. Take a seat on the porch swing, warm your toes by the campfire and watch the river flow by. These cold and clear waters are the stuff of dreams for diehard anglers.

For those who crave challenging outdoor experiences but want a little bit—or a lot—of luxury at the end of the day, Lakeview Hecla Resort delivers. It starts with minimally modern décor in the spacious rooms, moves into the adults-only swim area with its hot-tub, Nordic plunge and mineral pool and ends with a legendary Caesar and a Charcuterie by the Sea platter in the lounge. A little tender from hiking the Black Wolf Trail? Book the Escape to Black Island massage at Salka Spa.

Manitoba’s best kept secret just might be Lake Metigoshe, the border-straddling body of water that’s famous for crappie and bluegill fishing, lakeside lounging and stunning sunsets. Make Turtle Mountain Resort your home base for a deep dive into the southernmost playground, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. Grab a cabin, feast at the Velvet Antler Café and venture into the park that boasts a 245-metre rise over the prairie, making it a win for mountain bikers and hikers.

Mooswa Resort offers the quintessential stay in Riding Mountain National Park with charming chalets—with lofts no less—circling an outdoor pool. It’s all so very summer vacation! For over half a century, the resort has offered R and R to those exploring every nook and cranny of the park. And new to the Mooswa family are Arbitus Cabins offering family accommodations in big and bright cottages. It’s all about location, location, location, on enviable Mooswa Drive, where everything is a summer stroll away.

Seeking sanctuary? Everything about Tall Pine Lodges was designed to tick all the boxes—a quiet cove of cabins, the tranquility of soaring evergreens, fireplaces, jetted tubs, indoor saunas and oh-so-comfy big beds. The adults only resort rests at West Hawk Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park where the granite outcroppings of the Canadian Shield invite curious hikers. Afterward, soak in the outdoor pool at the lodge where friendly whitetail deer just might stop by to say hello.

Manitoba is home to four dome resorts including Wild Skies, Domes in the Orchard, Glamping InStead and Moonlit Canopy. Imagine waking up to the rising sun as it sweeps across a panoramic window. At Moonlit Canopy, a collection of three geodesic domes tucked into southwestern Manitoba’s Pleasant Valley that brings glamping to its highest level. Luxury rules here, with modern furnishing, premium linens and even a hot tub on every deck! Get in an early round at the golf course, go for a swim in Pelican Lake or simply stroll the trails of the picturesque valley. Stargazing is a must.

shel@shelzolkewich.com