Summer with the Family: Things to do with the Kids

Nothing beats the fond family memories of packing up the car and heading out for a family adventure. Simple family outings often become the memories that stick in a child’s mind and create the stories that are shared for generations. The Eastman region offers endless potential to create those family memories.

Explore the Trails

Grab those hiking shoes or put your sneakers to the test and experience the magnificent trails scattered throughout the Eastman Region.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or running, these trails offer endless opportunities for a fun family outing that you’ll remember for years to come!

Ancient Beach Trailhead – Grand Marais
Aspen and Bluestem Loop Trail – Oakbank
Black Lake Hiking Trail – Black Lake (Nopiming Provincial Park)
Blue Highway Mountain Biking Trail – West Hawk Lake (Whiteshell Provincial Park)
Blue Water South Trail – Lac du Bonnet & Great Falls
Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Tail – Beaconia
Cabin Lake Hiking Trail – Whiteshell Provincial Park
Cedar Bog Trail – Birds Hill Provincial Park
Top of the World Trail – Falcon Lake

Centennial Trail – McGillivray Falls, Caddy Lake and West Hawk Lake
Crow Wing Trail – Emerson, Franklin, De Salaberry, St-Pierre-Jolys, Niverville, Ritchot and Roseau River First Nation.
Elk Island Loop Trail – Elk Island Provincial Park
Falcon Creek Trail – Falcon Beach
Forester’s Footsteps Self-guiding Trail – Betula Lake (Whiteshell Provincial Park)
Fort Dufferin Riding Trail – Emerson
Horseshoe Lake – Sundown
Hunt Lake Trail – Hunt Lake (Whiteshell Provincial Park)
Walking on Ancient Mountains – Nopiming Provincial Park

Jessica Lake Hiking Trails – Jessica Lake (Whiteshell Provincial Park)
Mantario Trail – Whiteshell Provincial Park
McGillivray Falls Self-guiding Trail – McGillivray Falls (Whiteshell Provincial Park)
Nimowin Self-Guiding Trail – Oakbank
Niverville Wetlands – Niverville
Old Pinawa Self-guiding Trail – Lac du Bonnet
The Pinawa Trail – Pinawa
Pine Point Rapids – Whiteshell Provincial Park
Whitemouth Falls Provincial Park – Whitemouth

Pine Ridge Self-guiding Trail – Springfield
Rat River Heritage Marsh – Rosa
Red River North Trail – Birds Hill Provincial Park, Beaconia, Grand Marais, and Grand Beach
The Prairie Shore Interpretive Trail – Gardenton
Sandilands Provincial Forest – RMs of Reynolds, Piney, and Stuartburn
Seven Sisters Falls Generating Station – Seven Sisters Falls
St. Malo Loop – St. Malo
Sturgeon Falls Trail – Rennie

Camping

For years, camping has been the go-to family adventure. And we can see why! From pitching up your tents, treating yourselves to amazing amenities, roasting marshmallows over the fire, and more, family camping is the perfect way to spend your vacation.

When you stay at any of Eastern Manitoba’s fabulous campgrounds, you can experience friendly staff, outdoor adventures, and a gorgeous and relaxing time.

Either on or off-site, you will find uncountable adventures waiting for you. With private beaches or lakes and rivers not far away, you can have the perfect beach day. Explore the trails and take in the magnificent sights of wildlife, wildflowers, and landscapes. Or simply relax on-site with a cozy fire, family games, and site amenities.

The tradition of family camping trips made a big comeback in 2020 which has created high demand on the spaces available. Camping has become so popular, that you may find yourself needing to book this adventure now for the 2022 calendar year. The good news is, that Eastern Manitoba has a large selection of campgrounds to choose from, but you’ll want to get on finding a site soon if you want to add this to your summer to-do list.

Arrowhead RV Park – Ile des Chenes
Birds Hill Provincial Park Campground – Springfield
Brereton Lake Campground – Brereton Lake (Whiteshell Provincial Park)
Buffalo Point Resort Campground – Buffalo Point
Champagne’s RV Park – Lac du Bonnet
Cooks Falls Campground – Whitemouth

Cripple Creek Campground – Richer
Debonair Campground – St. Malo
Great Woods Park & Campground – Beausejour
Lilac Resort – Ste. Anne
Nutimik Lake Campground – Whiteshell Provincial Park
Opapiskaw Campground – Whiteshell Provincial Park

O’Roseau: Rapids Park Campground – St. Malo
Otter Falls Campground – Otter Falls (Whiteshell Provincial Park)
Pine Tree Campground and Trailer Park – Birch River, Prawda
Pine View Campground – Woodridge
Prairie Oak Campground – Emerson
Rock Garden Campground – Richer
Whitemouth River Campground – Hadashville

Visit the Museums

Eastern Manitoba has a rich and diverse history. Around every corner lies an intriguing piece of history that tells the story of how our communities, Manitoba, and all of Canada have formed into how they are today.

Nestled in our municipalities are museums and historical societies that showcase fascinating stories and artifacts. Through programs, events, and simply visiting these museums to see their displays, you learn our history in a fun way.

Visiting a museum is a great way to spend some quality time while learning new things! By exploring our many museums, you can learn about the first woman doctor in Manitoba (Whitemouth Museum), how the Winnipeg River was integral for the development of Canada (Winnipeg River Museum), discover how pioneers lived (Pioneer Village Museum), and much more.

You could make a weeklong staycation in the Eastman with the goal to visit all of the museums on our list!