Manitoba Stay-cation: Entry #1 Canada Day

I have made it my mission to stay in Manitoba this summer… and enjoy it! That won’t be too difficult considering all there is to do in and around Winnipeg during the summer, but most of it is contingent on the weather. I’m all for a “stay-cation”, but would not be too happy if that meant staying indoors to avoid the rain! Hopefully the skies will clear and we’ll be able to enjoy the heat and sunshine that we are accustomed to as Manitobans.

Destination ~ Binscarth, MB:

Every year we head out to Binscarth, Manitoba to visit family and partake in their Canada Day celebrations. I grew up in Binscarth and have wonderful memories of my small town upbringing. Binscarth is a pretty little village located west of Winnipeg on the Yellowhead Highway (#16) just 12 km from the Saskatchewan border. This tiny town of approximately 425 people has many successes to be proud of including being named the “Best Place to Raise a Family” by Canadian Living Magazine in 1999. The town has also received  both provincial and national recognition for Communities in Bloom. Recognition trees have been planted in the community to mark the successes of many former “Binscarthians”. To check out the list of those who have had a tree planted in their honour, follow this link.

Besides being clean and well cared for, Binscarth has the largest outdoor heated pool along Hwy 16. The town pool is located in a beautiful valley just outside of town. The scenic park has a wonderful serviced campground and concession along with the swimming facilities. The Binscarth Park and Pool becomes the hub for socializing throughout the summer months and holds many great memories for all who grew up spending their summer days at the pool. If you are planning a camping trip or are looking for a great place to stop on a trip out west, this is it.

Binscarth, MB

Canada Day in Binscarth:

Like many years, Tim’s work schedule will not allow for him to join us, but tomorrow after church the kids and I will be heading out to “the country” to unwind. The forecast isn’t great, but I am expecting it will change as I honestly don’t ever remember having bad weather on Canada Day at Binscarth! The festivities always start on June 30th with a social at the town hall and then continue right through to almost midnight on July 1st.  Here is what a typical Canada Day at Binscarth entails:

  • Pancake Breakfast at the town hall ($3 to $5 per person)
  • Parade
  • Swimming at the Pool
  • Museum Luncheon (sandwiches and homemade pies)
  • Museum tours
  • Longest Golf Drive contest
  • Horseshoe Tournament
  • Cribbage Tournament
  • Cow Plop Drop – Guess where the cow poop is going to land, and win cash! (So Binscarthian!)
  • Kids Games and Races
  • BBQ Beef on a Bun Dinner
  • Wiener Roast and Canada Day Birthday cake
  • Fireworks – the display is always fabulous and people drive for miles to take in Binscarth’s great fireworks show

For the full list of events and times for Canada Day 2014, follow this link. The day is packed full of engaging activities for the whole family and the costs are really quite minimal considering the great food and entertainment. If you don’t already have plans, why not join us for some good down home Manitoba fun in Binscarth. Google maps says the drive is over 4 hours, but I generally do it in about 3 1/2. Here are some pictures from our previous Canada Day experiences!

I actually had a hard time finding appropriate photos that didn’t contain other kids. Lots of my photos from years ago are not on my computer anymore, so it was way too much work to dig through those, but it really is a great time. For us, most of the fun is being around people that we love very much! I cherish our visit home for Canada Day each year. If Binscarth seems like too far for you to go, perhaps this post will inspire you to take in some events closer to home.