Forget flying all the way to England, did you know that there’s an amazing high tea experience at the Norwood Hotel every Sunday afternoon? Enjoy a luxury experience at Pauline, the French bistro found inside Winnipeg’s Norwood Hotel. This traditional High French Tea includes an assortment of sandwiches, pastries and sweets as well as a selection of teas and other beverages to choose from. It’s a great way to celebrate a special event with friends (or to just spend some quality time together). Make sure to book your tickets online ahead of time.

For evening plans, head to the other restaurant in the Norwood Hotel, The Wood Tavern. With exposed brick, rich leather accents and dark wood throughout, the beautiful decor of the restaurant creates a welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal for long conversations with friends. The menu features many items that are smoked, wood-fired or fire-grilled, keeping in line with the restaurant’s theme of “campfire-inspired cuisine”: think house-smoked ribs and fire-grilled cauliflower. Don’t miss out on the fantastic selection of wine, cocktails and mocktails, either.

Celebrating 25 years this year, the Gimli International Film Festival is back from July 23 to 27, 2025. It’s a wonderful opportunity to visit Gimli with your pals, whether for a day trip or an extended stay. With numerous films to choose from over five days, you can view local, national and international feature films, short films, documentaries and a variety of experimental media. Fun fact: GIFF is actually the largest rural film festival in all of Canada, screening over 100 films every year!

With a focus on Canadian and Manitoba-made contemporary cinema, common themes include social justice, under-represented voices, women filmmakers, Indigenous perspectives and environmental issues. You’ll also be able to interact with many of the featured filmmakers through post-screening Q&As and social events.

And make sure to keep your evenings free, as one of the most memorable summer activities in the province is GIFF’s nightly beach screenings. Bring a folding chair or blanket for the best experience!

Head to West Hawk Lake for one of Manitoba’s most beloved dining spots: the Hi-Point Restaurant and Lounge. Known throughout the Whiteshell and surrounding communities for its cozy atmosphere and comfort food, summer is the perfect time to relax on the restaurant’s patio with a few buddies.

This family owned and operated restaurant offers rustic charm alongside a diverse menu, serving up homemade burgers and pizzas, tender pork back ribs and Manitoba walleye grilled to perfection (with numerous vegetarian options, too). There’s also an excellent selection of beers on tap, cocktails and mocktails to enjoy with friends. Keep your eyes peeled for daily specials, events and menu deals on offer; the all-day Eggs Benedict on Sundays is definitely worth a visit.

Perhaps one of the most unique retreats in Manitoba can be found in the Prairie Gateway region, in Kenton: the Farmhouse Scrapbook Retreat! Whether you’re new to scrapbooking or are experienced in the craft, the farmhouse is equipped with everything you’d need for a scrapbooking retreat with your friends, including supplies, 12 tables and a scrapbook supplies storage room. There are also four bedrooms that can accommodate up to eight overnight guests as well as an open-concept kitchen.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out Applejacks Orchard in Elkhorn for a u-pick experience; choose from over 40 varieties of apples, eight varieties of cherries, plums, raspberries, haskaps and more. There’s another u-pick option at The Garden Shoppe in Virden, where you and your crew can wander and pick whatever your heart desires, whether it’s colourful flowers or herbs such as lemongrass, peppermint or chamomile.

In the area on a Thursday? The Virden Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday afternoon from 4 to 6:30 PM and features local baked goods, fresh produce, handmade jewellery and crafts and more.

Attend an Outdoor Sporting Event

Whether you're sports enthusiasts or not, nothing beats an outdoor sporting event with friends for a bit of summer socializing. Thankfully, Manitoba has a ton of sporting events to choose from, so there’s plenty of opportunities to gather up a few pals and enjoy all the action. Even better if it’s with a hot dog and a cool drink in hand!

In Winnipeg, catch the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Goldeyes for home games all summer. Are you and your buddies into tennis? Check out the Winnipeg National Bank Challenger from July 6 to 13, 2025, where some of the sport’s most promising players battle it out for the win. Western Canada’s largest outdoor volleyball tournament Super-Spike is also back from July 18 to 19, 2025, where volleyball is combined with a fun festival atmosphere.