ciao! travels
Cuisine, Serene & Canoe
Pack your appetite, curiosity and an overnight bag, then head east toward the backwoods playground of Whiteshell Provincial Park
WHERE TO EAT
BUEN PROVECHO! A late-morning departure from Winnipeg lines up perfectly for lunch in Beausejour, home to Colin’ s House, a relaxed cantina-style spot elevated by serious culinary talent. Since leaving the hectic pace of city kitchens in 2022, to hang a shingle on Park Avenue, Chef Colin Dick hasn’ t looked back. Step inside and the room immediately works its charm. Rustic barn wood, cozy booths and rooster collectibles in every imaginable size create an atmosphere that feels warm, unfussy and unmistakably small-town Manitoba. Tacos are the headline attraction. Slow-roasted meats arrive juicy and generously filled, each thoughtfully paired with bright sauces and garnishes. Chicken is layered with jerk seasoning and mango-lime sauce, pulled pork gets smoky chipotle barbecue with a hint of passionfruit, and crispy fried prawns come finished with Thai hot-andsour sauce. Beyond tacos, globally inspired dishes continue to impress. A delicately spiced Thai-style laksa nods to the chef’ s affection for Southeast Asian flavours. Finish with a slice of lime pie and no regrets.
Colin’ s House
WHAT TO DO
WATER CALLS Continue east along Highway 44 toward Caddy Lake for a magical afternoon in the Whiteshell. Canoes and kayaks available through Caddy Lake Resort make this iconic Manitoba adventure wonderfully accessible. The main attraction is paddling through the famous Caddy Lake rock tunnels. Across calm water lies the first of two solid granite passageways carved during early railway construction. Voices echo dramatically inside the cool cavernous space, and visitors can test the acoustics with a song or two while bats sleep overhead. Emerging into South Cross Lake feels almost cinematic. More ambitious paddlers can continue another seven kilometres to the second tunnel leading into North Cross Lake. Along the route, quiet backcountry campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those tempted to stretch the adventure overnight.
WHERE TO EAT & STAY
CHIC RETREAT A scenic 20-minute drive from Caddy Lake leads to Falcon Lake and the beautifully designed Hotel at Falcon Lake. This chic lakeside retreat blends cottage-country ease with upscale comforts, including fireplaces and heated floors in all 34 guest rooms, along with a peaceful sauna and steam room for postadventure recovery. Book an overnight stay and spend another day exploring the area’ s beaches, hiking trails or horseback riding opportunities at nearby Falcon Beach Ranch. If heading back to Winnipeg, settle in for dinner at the hotel’ s signature restaurant, 1964, where Italianinspired dishes pair perfectly with lake views. House-made pastas,
hand-stretched pizzas and premium steaks anchor the menu, while Sinatra’ s Lounge offers plush red seating and a thoughtfully curated wine list for pre-dinner cocktails. For a leisurely shared feast, start with crisp truffle mushroom arancini topped with shaved pecorino and rosé sauce alongside Nonna approved pork and beef meatballs simmered in tomato sauce. Sweet and savoury flavours shine in the fig, prosciutto and arugula pizza, while creamy burrata finished with balsamic glaze adds another luxurious touch another pie.
Savouring Whiteshell( clockwise from top left): Caddy Lake tunnel to South Cross Lake; canoe and kayak rentals at Caddy Lake Resort; sunset paddling on Caddy Lake; truffle mushroom arancini and dining room with a view at The Hotel at Falcon Lake; aerial view of Falcon Lake
14 ciao! / summer / two thousand twenty-six