Grounding Begins Before You Arrive

The shift started on the drive toward Ninette, one of the last stops before you reach the domes. The landscape gradually opened up, oak trees framed the road and wildlife appeared frequently. We spotted wild turkeys crossing ahead of us and deer moving quietly through the trees, early signs that this area stays active throughout the winter.

Moonlit Canopy is located by Pleasant Valley Golf Course, perched above Pelican Lake at the southern edge of the Pembina River Valley. While the golf course itself is winterized and not accessible for walking, the surrounding views felt expansive and calm. The domes sit about 50 feet apart, tucked among trees and elevated above the landscape.

Seeing our dome for the first time felt like discovering a secret hideaway and we were excited to explore the amenities.

Comfort That Creates Space to Slow Down

Once inside the dome, warmth wrapped around us. Each dome is fully insulated and heated with a gas fireplace, mini split and electric wall heater, offering comfort that supports winter stays without compromise.

During the day, the panoramic bay window fills the space with natural light, framing the snowy valley outside. As evening settles in, the mood shifts. Firelight flickers, moonlight reflects off the snow and the dome feels like a cozy bear den. In those moments, Moonlit Canopy truly lives up to its name.

The layout balances coziness and practicality:

• A king-sized bed on the main floor
• A queen bed in the mezzanine
• A full bathroom with a hot shower
• A kitchenette stocked with cookware, dishes, toaster, hot plate, coffee maker and mini fridge

With linens, towels and shower essentials provided, the focus stayed on settling in rather than setting up.

Winter Mornings That Invite Presence

Mornings at Moonlit Canopy were gentle. Coffee brewed with Stone City Coffee Roasters’ Berkeley Blend tasted especially good enjoyed by the window as daylight slowly moved across the valley. At one point, deer wandered just outside the glass, a serene moment that stopped my mum and me mid-conversation.

One morning, we rolled out a yoga mat and practised as the dome grew brighter around us. We read by the fire, played crib in the living room area and listened to vinyl records on the provided record player. A coffee-scented Coal & Canary candle crackled on the table, adding to our cozy ambience. Watching the light shift throughout the day became almost meditative, one of those moments where you allow yourself to linger in the sun.

Crisp Air and Clear Perspectives

Time outdoors felt just as intentional. Snowshoes are available on site and can be rented for the duration of your stay, ready at the dome when you arrive. Snowshoeing on Pelican Lake offered wide-open views and fresh air, while nearby trails at Hidden Valley Campground added variety to the afternoon. The familiar winter scene of ice fishing huts dotted the lake.

For guests interested in making ice fishing part of their stay, Moonlit Canopy pairs well with Ice Hole Adventures, a local operator based in Ninette. Guests can be picked up directly from Moonlit Canopy or meet on the lake, spending the day fishing from a heated Ice Castle or Snobear alongside knowledgeable local guides.

Back at the dome, inspiration came from a snowperson someone else had built just outside our window. That small detail turned into a shared creative moment of our own with quality time spent outdoors.

Evenings That Settle the Day

As daylight faded, the pace slowed naturally. Evenings at Moonlit Canopy don’t require much structure to feel full.

Dinner was prepared outdoors on the BBQ, featuring bison burgers and sausages from Marcello’s Meats. Gourmet Inspirations, Elman’s pickled vegetables, Tomahawk Chips and Brite Water from Little Brown Jug were just some of the local menu items during our stay. Supporting Manitoba producers became part of the experience. It was a satisfying bonus!

The outdoor hot tub quickly became a highlight. Sitting in hot water as steam rose into the cold air, watching the sky shift from sunset into night, felt so restorative.

Later, we stargazed from both inside and outside the dome. The night sky was remarkably clear. I picked out the Big Dipper, Orion and the Pleiades, alongside constellations I didn’t recognize but want to learn more about. With minimal light pollution, the stars felt close and the night sky never-ending.

Time Together, Uninterrupted

One of the most noticeable changes during our stay was how naturally screens faded into the background. Without constant notifications or interruptions, conversations deepened and time together felt more intentional.

Moonlit Canopy suits many kinds of travellers:

• Couples celebrating an anniversary or milestone
• Retired travellers who can appreciate midweek getaways and quieter pacing
• Families looking for undisturbed connection through shared meals, games and outdoor time
• Wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts drawn to calm landscapes and seasonal activity

For me, the experience was anchored in peaceful time spent with my mum. It was time we chose deliberately, time that felt meaningful and time I won’t soon forget. Moonlit Canopy offered a backdrop that made those moments feel grounded and lasting.

Why Winter Brings It All Into Focus

Words like quiet, peaceful, serene, and relaxing appear often in Moonlit Canopy’s guestbook and after staying there, they resonate. Moonlit Canopy offers a way to step out of daily patterns without disconnecting from the natural world around you.

Winter brings clarity here. Crisp air outdoors, warmth inside and space to notice what matters most. Even after leaving, I’ve found myself returning to those moments, the firelight at dusk, the stars overhead and the conversations that unfolded simply because we made room for them.

Plan Your Stay at Moonlit Canopy

• Location: 451 Pleasant Valley Drive, Belmont (By Pleasant Valley Golf Course near Pelican Lake)
• Stay length: Minimum two-night stay
• Rates: $255 - $285 per night, plus tax
• Year-round comfort: Fully insulated domes with multiple heating options
• Winter activities: Snowshoeing, ice fishing, stargazing, wildlife viewing, hiking
• Good to know: The nearest gas station and convenience store is about a 20-minute drive away