Hashtag Lakelife

I had the pleasure of showing a few places out in the west beaches area of Lake Winnipeg so I went early to make the most of it.

I grew up going out to Winnipeg Beach with my paternal side of the family so there are a lot of memories and reminiscing.

Matlock is a nice stop when heading up that direction. The piers are always a relaxing place to stop. The morning was cool, almost sweater weather, and I managed to still have over half a cup of my favourite Starbucks drink when I rolled in. Nothing like a warm chai latte, a light sweater and a moody sky over the lake to help you zone out for 20 minutes.

I visited with my parents at the marina. I can't believe I didn't think to take a picture there as the marina and pier with all the boats is a nice sight. From the south parking lot you have a unique perspective of the water tower through the bushes and cattails on the edge of the park. It always makes me want to pick up my paint brush. 

We decided to hit up The Emporium for lunch where I enjoyed a delicious home made crepe and my friend enjoyed the Drunken Chicken pizza. The Emporium is known for their crepes, pizzas and drunken chicken. If you go after 4pm they are wood fired pizzas. It is a really nice little place.

While waiting between showings we took a drive though downtown Winnipeg Beach. I didn't have time to take a walk on The Boardwalk to find my grandparents plaque or to stop at Dairy Bee to reminisce about gramma and grampa taking us for ice cream but we did come across a place that looks old but has only been there since 2012. We decided to pop in as it was right up my friends alley with all the unique decor. It is called Candies & Curiosities. Such a nice little place and they had a few treasures that took me back. 

There are so many more great places to check out if you are in the beaches area. The jam busters at Fred's (on the highway) are a great addition to a picnic, there is an off leash dog beach in the provincial park area near the water tower, there is the artesian well on the corner of Laurel and Grove, a new walking bridge just north of that, the waterfront park, and so much more. It is a leisurely drive down highway 9 and is less than an hour from the north perimeter. If you wanted add a few stops to your trip you could also see the locks in Lockport, Lower Fort Gary on highway 9, and the marine museum in Selkirk. 

What are your favourite spots to stop in the west beaches areas?

Manitoba Getaway!

We decided last minute to book a room up at Lakeview Resort Hecla so we could have a much needed getaway and enjoy some nature. We do love it there and they allow us to bring our dogs. The dog friendly rooms are laminate and tile so they don't get stinky like some other dog friendly places.

Because we booked so last minute we just got a room, not a suite which was fine since it was just for one night. It still had a very nice tub/shower and a fridge so we could keep the dog food in the freezer.

The hotel was full so overall it was noisier then when we have gone in the past. We were at the end of the hall by the stairs and door to outside so we heard it open and close a lot. It was handy for taking out the dogs though.




I enjoyed their adult only spa and pool area. They have a variety of pools ranging from hot tub to arctic pool. I love their salt pool. And the spray they have in the sauna is so refreshing. Jamus enjoyed a nap after the long drive.

Then we went to explore the area. We went to Hecla Village and checked out the docks and saw lots of people fishing. We saw an eagle checking things out from the top of a pool near the lake. We enjoyed the pelicans and watched a fisherman bring in his nets. The dogs loved exploring and the walking on the paths near the lake.

 

We did a movie night in the room to hang with the dogs and ordered room service. The food was really good. I had the Manitoba Walleye and Jamus had a burger. 

We ordered room service for breakfast as well since taking the dogs to the restaurant isn't appropriate. If the trip wasn't so last minute I would have been more prepared and brought something we could have made in the microwave as I have done in the past. But their food is great so it wasn't a hardship! 

The drive home we took our time and went to check out Camp Morton as we have a cabin booked there in August. Then we went to Gimli and took the dogs for a walk along the lake, got gas and a snack for the ride home. Then we ended up going into Winnipeg Beach to see if anyone was on The Gator at the marina. They had already left so we kept on going and finished the day by stopping for dinner at Half Moon in Lockport. It was a short trip but we made the most of it and had a blast. 

Where is your favourite Manitoba get away spot?

Traverse Bay Little Free Library

 

There are a lot of reasons to visit Traverse Bay area. Cinnamon buns at Saffies nearby in Albert Beach is one of them. The nearby beaches, quad trails and rib night at The Birchwood are others. Ride your bike, quad or drive into 7 Ateah Drive, Traverse Bay to enjoy the tranquility and pick up a book to read while you listen to the wind in the trees and the waves on the lake. It doesn't matter if it is a sunny beach day or a gloomy Gus day, it is the perfect day for one of these books and some fresh air. 

The library is well stocked thanks to the local people that use it year round. On the premise take a book or leave a book you don't need to return it and have no due date to worry about which is the law of the lake. Lots of novels as well as a good selection of books for children and teens, it has something for everyone!