Souris Summer

Where in Manitoba can you find free-roaming peacocks, Canada’s longest swinging pedestrian bridge and one of the coolest rock quarries in the province? Located 2.5 hours from Winnipeg and 30 minutes from Brandon, Souris is a top destination for families this summer in Manitoba.

Tour this southwestern town’s local attractions and historical homes, or spend the day at the community waterpark. Take in views of the scenic Souris River Valley or savour some quiet time on the peaceful trails of Victoria Park. Souris also has a number of restaurants, a drive-in and a highly coveted bakery to keep you and your family well fed throughout your visit.

Summer Trip

Top Stops

Souris Swinging Bridge: This Manitoba Star Attraction draws in visitors from all over the province to cross Canada's longest swinging pedestrian bridge.
Souris Agate Pits/The Rock Shop: Shop for rocks, agates and fossils or unearth your own finds with a permit through to the Agate Pit.
Victoria Park: Walk the trails of this 20-acre oasis that is one of the oldest parks in the country.

Where To Stay

Hotels: Souris Motor Inn & Beverage Room, The Souris Hotel
Unique Stays: Victoria Park Campground, Rustic Retreat Bed and Breakfast, Sweet Dreams Bed and Breakfast, The Guest Room, The Dolmage House Bed and Breakfast, Cora’s Crabapple Cottage

PART 1 - Park pathways and swinging bridges

Start your Souris adventure at Victoria Park, located just below Crescent Avenue where the Plum Creek meets the Souris River. Have a picnic on one of the spacious lawns with a playground nearby or continue on down one of the many trails and paths, where the town’s honorary peacock residents can be often spotted roaming freely. Victoria Park is one of the oldest parks in the province and is also home to the Old Oak Tree, believed to be over 600 years old.

Take the sand hill route to reach the Lookout Tower, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the town and its surrounding landscape.

Victoria Park is also where you’ll find the campground and community pool – making it a convenient and fun place to put down roots for your visit. The pool is a favourite for families and features four slides, a lazy river and a beach-like entry.

Located close to the park is Souris’ most iconic attraction: the Souris Swinging Bridge. This Manitoba Star Attraction spans 184-metres over the Souris River and is Canada’s longest swinging pedestrian bridge.

Looking at the Souris Swinging Bridge through the green leaves of a nearby tree.

Souris Heritage Church Museum featuring 'Plum 1883,' a cherished symbol of history and community, encapsulating heritage.

The Plum Heritage Church Museum

Take a guided tour of the museum or enjoy a high tea experience in the Victorian tea room.

Souris-Glenwood Community Golf Course

Practice your swing at this scenic and challenging nine-hole course.

Minary Homestyle Bakery

This small-town bakery has gained notoriety for its scrumptious fritters and made-from-scratch granola bars.

PART 2 - Town wanderer

In town, you’ll find a handful of restaurants, shops and museums you keep you busy throughout your visit. Flower lovers should spend some time in Sadler’s Creekside Greenhouse, or head out of town to Hicks Berry Farm for a U-Pick strawberry farm and fresh-cut flowers. Back in town, Lagasse’s Studio of Fine Art is the place to go for a selection of works and products from over 80 local artists.

Housed in a heritage building, the Hillcrest Museum transports you back in time to life in the early 1900s. The museum contains Indigenous artifacts and collections and exhibits on the early settler families of Souris. The building itself is a sight to behold – with an etched glass entrance, an ornate wooden staircase and pressed tin ceilings.

In the evening, catch a movie at the historic Avalon Theatre, which has been recently upgraded with comfortable seating and a digital film projector.

A person walking up the front path to the Hillcrest Museum in Souris.

Exterior view of the Avalon Theatre in Souris.

PART 3 - Rock shops and riverbanks

Don’t leave Souris without a stop into the famous Rock Shop. Here, shop a fine array of finished and polished stones and fossils, or take your visit to the next step by getting a permit into the Agate Pit. Try your hand at uncovering rare stones at this twelve-acre glacial deposit that is known for its agates, epidote, jasper, petrified wood and more.

Book a tour to dig deeper and learn about the many rare finds unearthed at the pit; like the teeth of Equuleus (ice age horses) and mammoths.

The Souris River Valley itself is another reminder of Manitoba’s geological history, formed back when glaciers were melting and the river acted as a spillway for the Glacial Lake Souris, with evidence of human occupation in the valley dating back over 12,000 years. Today, the river valley is popular for its scenic views and water recreation. Take a 30-minute detour southwest to a different stretch of the river where you can hike the Souris River Bend Wildlife Management Area.