Narcisse
STAY
ANOTHER DAY
6
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
44
Winnipeg ni R.
11
La Broquerie
211
Seven Sisters
1
Pinawa
Whitemouth th R.
44
Whiteshell P. P.
307
Brereton Rennie e
Falcon Lake
McMunn
W Ha La
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