My first time in Flin Flon was defined by granite outcrops, quiet forest trails lined with towering trees, a deep current of creativity and art, and locals who greet you like you’ve been coming here for years. Here’s how I spent three days there.

Day 1: Art, Architecture and After Dark

Start at the Flin Flon Snowlodge

One of the newest reasons to visit Flin Flon is the Flin Flon Snowlodge, a winter pavilion built by local volunteers from packing snow into a large mould and harvesting ice from the nearby pond. The design for the lodge was created by Peter Hargraves of Sputnik Architecture, who's also known for helping launch the annual warming hut design contest for the Nestaweya River Trail in Winnipeg and the ice hotel in Sweden.

The result is a striking snow-and-ice structure filled with thoughtful details that reflect the grassroots creativity of Flin Flon. Inside, local artist Mike Spencer carved northern wildlife into the snow walls. Doug Dmytriw contributed intricate ice carvings, while First Nations carver Leroy Robilliard created the ice sculptures that frame the outdoor stage in front of the lodge.

Carved into the ice inside is a special dedication to the firefighters who helped protect Flin Flon and its residents during last year’s wildfire season. When you visit, make sure to sign the guestbook already filled with names from travellers across Manitoba and the world.

The snowlodge is a celebration of winter, intended to be a gathering place where you can spend a few hours marvelling at the artistry or even book the lodge for private events. Art exhibits, dinners, concerts and a wedding are set to happen in the coming weeks. There’s also a VIP Lounge (heated “prospector” tent) available for booking at $100/hour. In future years, organizes hope to be able to host overnight stays in the lodge making it Manitoba's answer to Sweden's ice hotel.

Need to Know:

Admission is free on weekends unless booked for a private event:

• Fridays: 4 to 9 pm
• Saturdays: 10 am to 9 pm
• Sundays: noon to 7 pm

Stop in at The NorVA Centre

The NorVA Centre is part of the creative heart of Flin Flon and showcases rotating exhibits by local and regional artists, highlighting everything from painting and photography to ceramics and mixed media. The gallery doubles as workspace for local artists, which means there's a chance you can watch an artist in action when you visit.

Join a Local Dance Party

Connected to the NorVA is Johnny’s Social Club, a local venue that will give you a glimpse into the people and creative energy that shape Flin Flon year-round. When I visited, the place was packed. Performers rotated on and off throughout the night and, at one point, no less than nine musicians played together on stage while members of the audience carved out corners of the club for their own dance floor. It’s clear that music flows through the veins of this community.

Day 2: Wildlife, Boreal Exploration and Nordic Skiing

Snowshoe and Birdwatch Near Denare Beach

To experience Flin Flon’s surrounding wilderness more deeply, connect with local birding guide Shayna Cossette. She offers half-day and 1-hour guided tours in Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach.

I joined a birding and snowshoeing excursion hosted by Cindy Ouelette of T&D Amisk Camp, about 30 minutes south of Denare Beach. Throughout January and February, Cindy leads a weekly rotation of guided snowshoe excursions through the Amisk Lake recreation area near the Sturgeon-Weir River. In March, the camp offers cabin rentals for ice fishing groups, snowmobilers and winter staycations, perfect for chasing starry night skies and northern lights.

During the tour, Cindy brought the forest floor to life, pointing out tracks from snowshoe hare, lynx, fox and even river otters, thanks to the lodge’s location near the river. Shayna drew my focus to the treetops and branches, where we spotted pine grosbeak, American goshawk, sharp-tailed grouse, Canada Jay, boreal and black-capped chickadees, red-breasted nuthatch, blue jay and a hairy woodpecker.

Spend a Few Hours with the Flin Flon Ski Club

Another outdoor adventure worthy of your time is the Flin Flon Ski Club. These trails are expertly groomed by local volunteers who are clearly passionate about Nordic skiing. More than 28 kilometres of cross-country ski trails wind through a valley carved into Canadian Shield, weaving between, up and over granite outcrops lined with snow-covered evergreens.

Travelling without gear? The club offers equipment rentals for daily use on their trails.

The Moonlight and Valley Loops were the perfect terrain for this prairie gal. With a little more time (and a bit more courage), I would have loved to tackle the challenging climbs for a birds’ eye view of Flin Flon.

Trail maps are available on their website and through the Trail Forks app. The trails are split into two sections, north and south of Company Road, with connecter trails so you can ski from one end to the other. Technically, the trailhead is located on the Saskatchewan side of the border, so depending which trail you tackle, you'll be skiing back-and-forth between the two provinces. Which is pretty cool, if you ask me.

• Valley Loop (2.3 km): A beginner-friendly trail with gentle elevation that is also lit until 10 pm at night.
• Moonlight Loop (1.2 km): A short trail perfect for a quick ski or extending the Valley Loop.
• Race Loop (5 km): This loop will have your legs and lungs burning with plenty of hills and hairpins to keep you entertained. Plus, those climbs will reward you with stunning views.

Day 3: Stay, Savour and Socialize

Unwind at Ravens Hollow Eco Dome Resort

After a full day outdoors, Ravens Hollow Eco Dome Resort offers a cozy four-season retreat about 10 minutes south of Flin Flon. This adults-only geodesic glamping dome sits on the granite outcrops near the shores of White Lake, surrounded by ample boreal forest, giving you both privacy and a spectacular view at the same time.

Ravens Hollow also operates an animal sanctuary. Guests can meet the resident animals, including furry friends Sayler and Captain who keep a watchful eye over the property. You can even book a goat walk to explore the surrounding area in a delightfully unexpected way. In winter, they offer snowshoe rentals ($25 for four hours) and local trail maps for you to venture out on your own time.

There are three domes, The Schist, The Athapap and The Big Island, and they come equipped with:

• heated floors
• king-size beds
• kitchen facilities
• sitting area
• board games
• electric heaters
• private bathroom with shower
  

Learn more and book your stay here.

Where to Eat in Flin Flon

Aurora + Pine Bistro and The Orange Toad are local favourites and both were recommended to me by no less than five people during my stay.

The bistro is a women- and gender-diverse-owned restaurant that specializes in modern dishes and hearty classics like striploin steak, baked chicken and pork chops alongside elevated plates including duck gnocchi and coffee-rubbed pork chops. For those with dietary considerations, they can accommodate dairy and gluten-free and vegan diets with modifications or unique dishes like the gochujang tofu bowl.

The Orange Toad is known as the best spot for a hot cup of coffee or a latte, plus delicious baked goods set in a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

An Ode to Flintabbatey Flonatin

A trip to Flin Flon isn’t complete without a visit to Flintabbatey Flonatin, the town’s namesake and a character who gives this place, well, character. Inspired by the protagonist of the 1905 novel The Sunless City, and affectionately known by locals as Flinty, this charming roadside attraction doubles as a check-in stop on the Explore Flin Flon Trail.

The trail is a digital pass that guides you to 20 points of interest across the region – like the Whitney Forum, home of the Flin Flon Bombers and neighbour to the local curling club. Check-in at the community connection pathway where walkers can go from Flin Flon to Creighton along a short paved trail. Or the Walhenburg Arch, a lookout point on the corner of Bellevue Avenue and Dion Street with a spectacular panoramic view of the city. It's where I spotted a pileated woodpecker, which I now know how to identify thanks to the morning I spent birding with Shayna.

While I skated at the local pond near the Snow Lodge (the very same pond they harvested the ice blocks from!), you can skate at the outdoor rink in Creekside Park which doubles as a check-point on the Flin Flon Trail.

As you check off each location on the trail, you’ll discover the story of this border city and earn your very own Flin Flon Explorer Certificate! However, some check-points may leave you with more questions than answers. Like, why is Flinty riding a fish-shaped submarine? Well, you’ll just have to make the trip to Flin Flon to find out.

Plan Your Northern Adventure

What To Do

• Marvel at art and architecture at the Snow Lodge, located within the Flin Flon Tourist Bureau & Campground.
• Stay at a unique accommodation like Ravens Hollow Eco Dome Resort or a comfortable hotel like the Victoria Inn, complete with pool and hot tub.
• Eat at Aurora & Pine and locals swear by the breakfast options at Chicken Chef.
• Get your coffee (and a souvenir!) at The Orange Toad.
• Explore the NorVA Arts Centre for a view into local life through art and browse prints produced by the artists to take home as gifts.

How To Get There

• Fly with Calm Air – it’s a roughly 2.5 hour flight from Winnipeg with a quick stop in The Pas and about 1.5 hour return flight from Flin Flon to Winnipeg.
• Make it a road trip by driving to Flin Flon via Highway 6 and/or Highway 10 depending on where you start. From Winnipeg, the drive will take about 7–8 hours depending on how often you stop. Build in time some extra drive time to:
  • See the Canada Goose Monument in Lundar for a unique photo moment.
  • Stretch your legs at Steep Rock for a scenic view of Lake Manitoba.
  • Pop in at the Sam Waller Museum in The Pas to view a quirky collection unlike any other in Manitoba.
  • Fuel up with a coffee at Cranberry Portage Coffee Shop before you arrive in Flin Flon.

• For more trip ideas, visit Flin Flon's website here.