Where is Manitoba and why would I camp there? Manitoba is known for its camping. This is why.
If I can encourage one couple or one family to head outdoors this summer to go camping in Manitoba, then I've done my job. If I can encourage you to have a fun pet-friendly getaway, even better.
I've grown up camping my whole life and I've loved every minute of it. Well, almost. It's only a right of passage as an outdoor enthusiast that you're going to have good times, bad times, and every story in between. When I met my husband, I knew I was looking for a life partner who enjoyed spending time outside. Would it help to know that our very first date was a 14 kilometre hike in Riding Mountain National Park? True story. Anyway, almost six years into our relationship, we had done almost every type of outdoor activity under the sun.
Except, camping. Honest truth! We had gone hiking, snowshoeing, stayed in cabins, trailers, you name it. But, we had never actually gone camping together and stayed the night together in a tent. The summer of 2023 we decided to change that. We logged onto the Manitoba Parks Reservation System late into the season around the beginning of June. We had no idea where we wanted to stay and didn't have our veteran list of campsite choices. We left it to fate and fate did not disappoint. We signed up for two campsites that were randomly available at two random parks. We had the experience of a lifetime and this was our first stop. Here is our first camp trip together, as husband and wife, with our dog in tow.
Pretty and Prepared
Now don't be shocked to see that our camping trip was anything but thought-out. Yes this was our fist overnight camping trip together, but remember that I've been spending time outdoors since I was born and my husband has quite the adventure know-how himself. In fact, I was only 2 months old when I went on my first camping trip. Being prepared and organized when it comes to outdoor activity is something I take great pride in. Not only is it an art in itself, but it's simply the difference between having a really bad time, and a time you'll never forget. Trust me, sleeping on a thin sleeping pad and eating dehydrated food is great... but it only goes so far.
The Good, The Bad and The Tasty
When you're camping, a few simple efforts go a long way to having a good time.
Eating filling, delicious meals.
Having a warm, comfortable, dry nights sleep.
Enjoying a dang good cup of hot coffee in the morning.
We brought quick, easy to prepare hot meals, we brought a blow up double bed with our favourite linens, and enough instant coffee and orange pekoe tea bags to keep us both happy all weekend. We truly did enjoy our own version of glamping this weekend it seems like. But don't let these photos fools you, behind the experience lies tales of burnt hashbrowns, deflated mattresses, and and cold wet mornings.
Not only did we decided to escape into the woods just the two of us, but we brought our dog, Hazel. Hazel goes everywhere with us and she's becoming quite the adventure dog and social media darling. Big Whiteshell Lake Campground had the right amount of quiet with the right amount of hustle and bustle noise. It was a great first time for Hazel to figure things out and to practice managing her barking. Learning the difference in alarming noises from rustling trees in the wind to kids on bicycles. She is absolutely precious and the light of our life, we love her so much! She made our trip so memorable, from slow mornings sleeping in, peeking her head out to see who's out there and what's going on, to curious campsite adventures to sniff new places and new people.
Does it get more cuter than this? My whole heart bursts looking at this photo.
Cool, Colourful, Collect
We spent Saturday hiking Big Whiteshell Lake Trail and afterwards decided to cool off at Big Whiteshell Lake Campground's beach. I didn't capture it in these photos, but the beach, was bumpin'. It was full of families having fun making sandcastles, kids splashing in the water, and tons of folks snoozing amongst the trees in the shade, us included. Afterwards, we headed back to our campsite for some sips and hangs in our hammock.
Evening Escapades
After a day spent hiking, lounging at the beach and some great campfire grub, the adventure continued into the evening; we are so glad it did. We found a small trail off to the east side of the beach and the boat launch. It wound through the trees and hugged Big Whiteshell Lake shoreline. The sun was setting and golden hour was in full force. We walked the trail until it broke out into beautiful open space. There were cliffs with the best view. Kayakers out in the water arriving back from an evening paddle, kids running the trails and locals setting up with their coolers, chairs, and snacks. You can tell they've been here and done this before. They knew the ropes. We sat for a while and reflected on the beats of summer. Hazel? she was in her glory.
You may find yourself wondering, "Where is Manitoba, and why would I camp there?" Manitoba is right in the centre of Canada, full of heart and heaping amounts of summertime adventure. The next time you want to try camping somewhere new, just go for it. Don't overthink it. make that reservation, you'll be glad you did.
