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STAY
ANOTHER DAY
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From swaying fields to calm and cool boreal forest hideaways , a couple of days touring eastern Manitoba recharges the soul .
BY SHEL ZOLKEWICH
3
231 231
Winnipeg
17
Beach
1
7
9
8
67
St . Andrews Glenlea
305
311
Red R .
59
Gimli
Winnipeg
59 Selkirk
212
Steinbach
213
Lac du Bonnet
15
Ste . Anne
New Bothwell
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Winnipeg ni R .
11
La Broquerie
211
Seven Sisters
1
Pinawa
Whitemouth th R .
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Whiteshell P . P .
307
Brereton Rennie e
Falcon Lake
McMunn
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WHERE TO STAY Lay in Luxe Hosts Rick and Fran are doing everything right at The Staff House Bed & Breakfast in Seven Sisters Falls . Each of the three suites in the converted 1920s dwelling includes luxury touches like fine linens and heated bathroom floors . Wake up to Fran ’ s home-made sourdough toast then take in one of her yoga classes in the sunny second floor studio .
Winning Rooms Live like a high roller in the Grand Suite at South Beach Casino in Brokenhead . The sprawling corner room includes a lavish soaker tub , the perfect place to digest your prime rib buffet ( Fridays and Saturdays ) from Mango ’ s Restaurant . Roll the dice in the casino or kick back in the Art Deco inspired Tropical Pool .
WHAT TO DO Bow Your Head Keep your eyes peeled downward for rare wild orchids , insect-eating plants and mushrooms along the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail ( near Scanterbury ). The fully wheelchair accessible boardwalk makes for a nature-packed stroll through this sacred area that has been used by the local Ojibway for more than 300 years .
Land a Cat Lockport is catfish country ! Be prepared to hang on tight and hold on for a long stretch when that big fish grabs your hook . Fish from shore along both sides of the mighty Red River or book with Blackwater Cats or City Cats for a half-day adventure . Catch one that ’ s over 86.5 cm ( 34 in ) and qualify as a Manitoba Master Angler .
Step and Sway There ’ s no better view of the Pinawa Channel than from the centre of the 54 metre long Pinawa Heritage Suspension Bridge . Built by volunteers , the swaying bridge leads hikers to the Heritage Walk — an offshoot of the TransCanada Trail — where sights and sounds of the boreal forest abound .
Patricia Beach White sand , dunes and shallow waters make Patricia Beach near Scanterbury feel like a tropical destination on those scorching July days . It ’ s smaller and quieter than big sister Grand Beach up the road and the far end , across the channel , has been an unofficial nude beach for five decades .
Step Through History The remnants of the Pinawa Dam are reminiscent of Roman ruins half a world away , but no less striking . Built over a century ago and abandoned in the 1950s , the area now includes an amphitheatre , interpretive signage , walking bridge , picnic shelter and nature trails . Cast a line , go for a swim or nap under the swaying spruces .
WHERE TO EAT Smoked to Perfection It ’ s the real deal at Blue Haze Barbecue in Beausejour . Lunch specials include Carolina pulled pork , Texas brisket and smoked turkey breast . The standout sandwich is the B-Town Club , slathered with house-made mango jam . Sweet iced tea is the go-to beverage for barbecue . Leave room for mile high banana cream pie .
Corner Stop There ’ s never been a more unlikely location for a German / New Orleans fusion menu then at Seddon ’ s Corner , but Lazy Tuesday ’ s makes it a delicious reality . Opt for the signature breaded pork cutlet in Jaeger sauce or try one of the nightly specials that range from crab cakes to garlic-glazed salmon . Red velvet cheesecake for dessert ?
Beach Please Wrap up your day at Grand Beach with a table on the covered patio at Potenza ’ s Restaurant in Grand Marais . Start with the Italian salad — the full size is enough for four to share , then opt for the San Donato , a thin crust creation with balsamic sauce , sun-dried tomatoes , spinach , prosciutto , bocconcini , artichokes , feta and pesto .
Photography : Courtesy of Bart Majenski ( Pinawa Suspension Bridge ); Donovan Pearase ( Blackwater Cats ); Shel Zolkewich ( Blue Haze BBQ ); Trail Lady ( Old Pinawa Dam )
Pinawa Heritage Suspension Bridge Blackwater Cats Pinawa Dam Blue Haze BBQ
42 where . ca JULY / AUGUST 2018