Flin Flon is a MUST-SEE spot for adventurers of all kinds: families, couples, even groups of friends looking for outdoor adventure within reach of a city slicker's creature comforts. And it's only an 8-hour drive from Winnipeg, a reasonable distance for a long weekend adventure or summer getaway.

1. Flinty's Boardwalk

This 4.2 kilometre hike takes you around the perimeter of Ross Lake for some pretty spectacular views of Flin Flon. Expect stairs (many stairs) and interpretive signage along the way that explains how the rock that the city (and the boardwalk) sits on are actually volcanic rocks dominated by basalt that erupted underwater.

2. Get to know Flin Flon's past + Flintabbatey Flonatin photo op

It might surprise you to find out the origins of Flin Flon’s name derives from the character of a paperback novel: Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin of The Sunless City, which was found and read by prospector Tom Creighton. Flinty, as he’s now affectionately known, is immortalized in the town’s famous statue located next to the Visitor Centre and Museum near the city campground.

After getting your photo taken with Flinty, head into the Flin Flon Station Museum (housed in the former Canadian National Railway Station building) for an introduction to the town’s mining history.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Meet the critters of the Joe Brain Petting Zoo

Named after local millionaire and honorary citizen Joe Brain, the Joe Brain Children's Petting Zoo is a family fun (and not to mention CUTE) activity that can easily eat up an afternoon. The park houses everything from friendly pigs to adorable goats and ponies. Kids will also love the nearby playground.

6. Catch a movie at the drive in

There are three old-fashioned drive-ins left in Manitoba (the other being in Morden, Manitoba) , so you won’t want miss the opportunity to catch a flick at the Big Island Drive-In. The drive-in is well equipped with all the necessary snacks for such an occasion and you MUST try the giant pickles!

7. Spend a day on the water

What stands out most about the north are its vast, pristine lakes. They're expansive, quiet and seemingly untouched. It’s entirely possible to spend a full day out on the water without encountering another boat or person, a true testament to the region’s scale and solitude. Stay at Viking Lodge to explore both First and Second Cranberry Lakes canoe or boat. From soaring eagles overhead to hidden waterfalls tucked along the shoreline, each turn uncovered something new. The lakes are dotted with incredible camping spots as well, offering a sense of discovery and connection to nature that’s increasingly rare to find.

8. Hike the Karst Springs Trail

One of the best hikes in the area is on Lake Iskwasum in the gorgeous Grass River Provincial Park, 40 minutes from Cranberry Portage. The Karst Spring self-guiding trail is a moderate, 3.2 kilometre hike that takes you through a variety of landscapes: from lush greenery to the wreckage of a forest fire to a powerful spring.

9. Visit the Cranberry Portage Museum

Located in a restored CNR station, the Cranberry Portage Heritage Museum is a gem and must-see in the town of Cranberry Portage. Get to know the history of the region through a collection of unique objects and records, which shine the spotlight on notable Cranberry Portage citizens (like Caribou Bill, who ran the first museum in town, or Mary Buchholz, a famous northern trapper).

10. Eat to your heart's content

When in Flin Flon, eat like the locals do! Popular spots include the iconic Mike's Ice N' Burger, which boasts an obscene number of milkshake flavours and diner classics like burgers, hot dogs and fries, and the Orange Toad for specialty coffee. Not to be missed are Aurora and Pine Bistro and Inferno Shawarma and Donair.

And in Cranberry Portage, the Cranberry Portage Coffee House brews up a delicious cup.

11. Join a community event

Plan your visit in conjunction with a community event and REALLY experience the region like a local! Notable events include Culture Days (the town has an INCREDIBLE arts scene), the Trout Festival and the Blueberry Jam, Flin Flon's music gathering.

12. Get a view from the top

Head to the campground across the road from Bakers Narrows Lodge to find the Bakers Narrows lookout tower. A short walk up a series of wooden stairs will bring you to some of the best views of the region!

How to get there

• 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.
• 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.

Where to stay

• Viking Lodge
• Bakers Narrows Lodge
• Ravens Hollow Eco Dome Resort
• Victoria Inn