Manitoba road trips: Hot dogs and channel cats

Posted April 10, 2023

From fur trade history and retro eats to art deco casinos and beautiful boardwalks, this road trip is perfect for those looking for a balance of adventure, history and nature.

This summer, we're featuring an amazing collection of road trips that will help you explore every corner of Manitoba. The Hot Dogs and Channel Cats road trip takes you through the southern reaches of the Interlake, located on Treaty 1 territory. Take one part of the itinerary for a day trip, or combine them for a multi-day trip.

Part one

River Road

St. Andrews on the Red

St. Andrews Rectory

River Road

Start your road trip from the south by travelling along the scenic River Road: a historical ox-cart route that is still speckled with hints of the past. Take in the views of the Red River as you drive past historic homes like the Hay House and the Captain Kennedy House.

Also located along this stretch is the St. Andrews on the Red Anglican Church. Dating back to 1845, the stonework on the building is credited to Duncan McRae, one of the top masons of the day. The cemetery is the final resting place of HBC officers and settlers, including Captain William Kennedy. Across the way at the St. Andrew's Rectory, get a closer look at the history of the region with a number of exhibits.

Lockport Provincial Heritage Park

Continue down River Road until you reach Lockport. Lockport Provincial Heritage Park spans over 5.5 acres of lawn that overlooks a more modern engineering feat: the St. Andrews Lock and Dam, the only lock of its kind on the Canadian Prairie. Keep an eye out for flocks of pelicans and anglers that love to hang out at the dam waiting for a bite.

Drive-ins and diners

Don’t leave Lockport before trying one of the competing retro diners or drive-ins. Options for burgers, hot dogs and milkshakes include Skinner's, Half Moon Drive In, and Sonia’s Stand.

Lower Fort Garry

Enter the historical stone walls of Lower Fort Garry to find Canada's oldest collection of fur trade buildings (some dating back to the 1830s) and to get a glimpse into the life of trappers and traders of the Hudson's Bay Company. Check the website for guided tour dates, or visit in July and August when the buildings are open to the public for self-guided tours – with costumed interpreters to share information along the way.

Selkirk

Continue your road trip through to the city of Selkirk. There are several accommodation options here (including a campground), so stay the night and rest up before continuing onto the next leg of the road trip. If there’s time, you can also check out some of the city’s locally owned businesses like Three 6 Tea, Packers Women’s Fashion and The Gypsy Trader.

Dinner in Selkirk

Choose from one of Selkirk's many restaurants for a bite to eat. Roxi’s Uptown Café is a great, family-friendly choice with options like pizza, pasta, salad, wings and more.

Roxi's Uptown Cafe

Part two

Breakfast in Selkirk

Have a sweet start to the morning with a stop into The Upper Crust Bakery. Try one of the best cinnamon buns in Manitoba or choose from a variety of pastries and baked goods. You can bring your goodies down to Selkirk Park for a breakfast picnic.

Upper Crust Bakery

Catfishing on the Red

Did you know that the Red River is one of the best bodies of water for catfishing? Rise bright and early for your booked catfishing excursion with a local guiding company like City Cats, Blackwater Cats, Cat-Eye Fishing and Red River Catfishing. Have a blast reeling in these giant fish and aim to nab a master angler qualifying fish.

Photo Op!

Chuck the Catfish roadside attraction in Selkirk.
Chuck the Channel Cat

Selkirk celebrates its favourite fish with Chuck the Channel Cat - a giant statue located just outside the McDonald's on Main Street.

The Mighty Kiwi restaurant in Selkirk
The Mighty Kiwi

Lunch in Selkirk

There are plenty of options to pick from for lunch in Selkirk. Try Riverside Grill or Snak Shak Dairy Bar for classic burgers and fries, The Mighty Kiwi or wraps and other healthy options and Frank’s Pizza for some of the most beloved pizza in the province.

Marine Museum of Manitoba

Throw your anchor down at the Marine Museum of Manitoba. This is one of the most unique museums you’ll go to, with six restored boats to explore through - all attached together with outdoor walkways to help tell the story of marine life in Manitoba dating back to 1850.

South Beach Casino & Resort

Time to depart Selkirk and continue heading north to the next stop on this Interlake road trip: South Beach Casino & Resort. Admire the hotel’s art deco inspired design and check in for the night. Spend some time gambling, take a dip in the heated, indoor pool and grab dinner from Mango's Restaurant on site.

Part three

Grab breakfast from Mango’s and get in some last-minute gambling before heading out for your final day packed with outdoor adventure.

Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail

Located just 7 minutes from South Beach Casino & Resort, the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail is easy to find and great for people of all hiking levels. The trail features Ojibway teachings in both English and Anishinaabemowin. This messaging on respect, purpose and balance continued throughout the trail, along with information of the traditional medicines found in the area

Patricia Beach Provincial Park

Next, savour the heat of the day by heading to the picturesque Patricia Beach. This little oasis is lined by trees, with a vast strip of sand that stretches along Lake Winnipeg. Don't forget to pick up a Manitoba Park Pass prior to your visit!

Picnic on the beach

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach from Sandy’s Chipstand, located at the entrance of Patricia Beach.

Sandy’s Chipstand

After a day spent in the sun, it’s time to head home -- or spend a final night at South Beach Casino & Resort!