Selkirk Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in the charming town of Selkirk, Manitoba in Canada. Read on for a detailed travel guide.


Introduction to Selkirk

Located in the Interlake region of Manitoba, Selkirk is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural sites, and outdoor adventures. The town is surrounded by tranquil lakes, rivers, and beautiful parks, making it a popular tourist destination in Canada.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Selkirk.

List of Places to Visit in Selkirk

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Selkirk is a town with a rich history, and visitors can experience it by exploring some of its fascinating museums and historical places.

  • Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site: This is a must-visit destination for history buffs. It was built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1830s and has served as a major trading post in the region for many years. Take a guided tour and learn about its intriguing history.
  • Marine Museum of Manitoba: Located along the Red River, this museum showcases the history of marine transportation in the region. Visitors can view an impressive collection of vintage boats and learn about their significance.
  • Selkirk Heritage Endowment Fund: The Selkirk Heritage Endowment Fund is dedicated to preserving the town’s rich history. Visitors can explore the various historical buildings, murals and take a self-guided walking tour to understand the town’s past.

Natural Attractions of Selkirk: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Selkirk is blessed with scenic natural beauty, and visitors can engage in a wide range of outdoor activities to experience it.

  • Cook’s Creek Wildlife Management Area: Home to various wildlife species, this area is an excellent place for bird watching and hiking.
  • Selkirk Park: This picturesque park along the Red River offers a beautiful beach, picnic sites, hiking trails, and sports facilities. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve: Located a few kilometers from Selkirk, this unique natural reserve is home to various endangered species. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the different species and efforts being made to conserve them.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Selkirk

  • Selkirk Waterfront Trail: A 7km trail that takes visitors along the Red River and offers beautiful views of the town and the river.
  • Gateway Trail: A popular bike trail that connects Selkirk with Winnipeg. This picturesque trail follows the Red River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Catfish Creek Trail: This scenic trail runs through natural forest, wetlands and offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and hiking.

Best Things to Do in Selkirk: Activities and Tours

  • Selkirk Golf and Country Club: A beautifully maintained golf course that offers an 18-hole championship course.
  • Pembina Threshermen’s Museum: Located a few kilometers from Selkirk, this museum showcases the area’s agricultural heritage with demonstrations of steam-powered farming equipment and antique machinery.
  • Selkirk Steelers Hockey Game: For sports enthusiasts, check out a Selkirk Steelers hockey game. This local junior hockey team has a dedicated fan base.

Week-Long Itinerary for Selkirk

Day 1: Visit the Marine Museum of Manitoba and take a stroll along the Selkirk Waterfront Trail. Day 2: Explore Selkirk Heritage Endowment Fund and spend the afternoon at Selkirk Park. Day 3: Visit Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site and learn about the town’s history. Day 4: Embark on the Catfish Creek Trail for a day of hiking and bird watching. Day 5: Visit Cook’s Creek Wildlife Management Area before trying your hand at golfing at the Selkirk Golf and Country Club. Day 6: Take a day trip to the Pembina Threshermen’s Museum. Day 7: Attend a Selkirk Steelers hockey game in the evening

Food and Drink Scene of Selkirk

Must-Try Dishes

  • Perogies: A delicious eastern European delicacy made with dough, potatoes, and cheese. Try it at Alycia’s Restaurant.
  • Poutine: A Canadian favourite made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Try it at Sab’s Takeout.
  • Bison Burgers: A healthy and lean option for burger lovers. Try it at Half Moon Drive In.

Local Beverages

  • Farmery Brewery: Try out some of the locally brewed beer from the Farmery Estate Brewery located a few kilometers from Selkirk.
  • Selkirk Distillery: This distillery offers a range of local spirits, including gin, vodka and rum.

Where to Stay in Selkirk: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Canalta Selkirk: A 3-star hotel conveniently located in the town center. It features an indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
  • Lakeview Resort and Conference Centre: A beautiful lakefront resort that offers various activities like fishing, boating, and hiking in the surrounding area.
  • Manitoba Sunflower Inn: A budget-friendly option that offers clean accommodation and friendly service.

What to Buy in Selkirk: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local Honey and Jams: Try out the locally made honey and jams.
  • Pottery and Crafts: Explore the various shops that offer beautiful pottery, crafts, and local art.

Local Culture and Customs of Selkirk

Selkirk has a rich cultural heritage that is shaped by its indigenous communities and early European inhabitants. Many festivals and events are held annually, like the Manitoba Highland Gathering and the Summer in the City festival, celebrating the town’s Scottish and cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Selkirk

The best time to visit Selkirk is in the summer between June and September when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Selkirk

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Engage in outdoor activities and hiking.
  • Try out the local cuisine and products.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash behind when hiking or visiting natural areas.
  • Ignore the local wildlife, especially when hiking.
  • Be disrespectful towards the town’s history and heritage.

Safety and Health

Safety in Selkirk

Selkirk is a safe town, but visitors should take necessary precautions while hiking, especially during tick season, and take care while engaging in water activities.

Health in Selkirk

Visitors should drink tap water as it’s safe to consume, but it’s always advisable to carry bottled water while hiking. Moreover, visitors should be aware of ticks and take necessary precautions to prevent tick-borne diseases.

Getting to Selkirk: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Selkirk

The closest major airport to Selkirk is Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, located approximately 60 km from Selkirk.

Bus Stations Near Selkirk

Greyhound Canada offers bus services to Selkirk from Winnipeg and other major cities in Canada.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or take a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach Selkirk.

How to Get Around in Selkirk

The best way to explore Selkirk is by car or by bike. Bikes can be rented from various shops in the town. Public transportation is not very extensive in Selkirk, but taxis and ride-sharing services are available.

Where to Go Next from Selkirk: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Winnipeg: The capital city of Manitoba is just 30 minutes away from Selkirk and offers a range of attractions and activities.
  • Grand Beach Provincial Park: Located about an hour’s drive from Selkirk, this beautiful park is famous for its white sand beaches and pristine waters.
  • Lundar: This scenic town is located about 40 km from Selkirk and is known for its parks and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Selkirk is a charming town that offers a range of attractions and activities for all kinds of visitors. From its cultural sites to its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Selkirk has something to offer to everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan a memorable trip to Selkirk, Manitoba in Canada.

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