Do you need to get out of the house, but have no idea of what to do? No problem, we have you covered!

There are loads of things to see and do in the Eastman, but here are five things that cannot be overlooked. From learning about wildlife, exploring new mountain biking trails, to finally saying that you have visited the center of Canada, you’ll find something that will fill your heart with excitement!

*Disclaimer*

• Stay home if you have been travelling or do not feel well. Here is an excellent resource if you are quarantined. This will help you find people in Manitoba who are willing and able to help you while quarantined. Help Next Door Manitoba
• Go out with people within your household, but practice social distancing (2 metres away) with other groups.
• Stay within your community. Please do not travel to other communities.
• Please practice Leave No Trace. Clean up after yourself and leave nothing behind such as trash and waste.
• Social distancing can be easier in rural communities because we live farther apart from each other. If you live in a condo or apartment, please follow the guidelines provided to you to ensure you keep your social distance from your neighbors.

Blue Highway Mountain Bike Route

McGillivray Falls/Caddy Lake

Calling all mountain bikers! If you are looking for a new and exciting route to venture, then Blue Highway Mountain Bike Route is your next biking adventure.

This trail is an out-and-back route with a “lollipop” loop. The layout consists of open rock face with dirt single track connectors between open rock area, has drops that can be rolled or dropped, a good flow, and features bridges, ramps, and wallride. The route has impeccable scenery of nature and wildlife, so if you feel you need a break, take out your phone and snap a few fantastic pictures!

The trail was designed and is maintained by the volunteers of the South Whiteshell Trail Association (SWTA). The organization consists of locals, businesses, cottagers, and trail enthusiasts who want to commit time to develop and maintain the trails in Falcon Lake, West Hawk and Caddy lake areas.

They are always busy with plans of new trail routes, keeping existing ones up to par, and giving you an adventure that you’ll never forget. For information on other trails they have built, check out their website.

Centre of Canada

Taché

If there is one Canadian landmark you should see, it’s the centre of Canada, right here in Eastern Manitoba! In the small town of Taché marks where East meets West, creating the centre of Canada – longitudinal 96° 48’ 35.

Along the TransCanada Highway, this 20-acre park is the national gathering place to celebrate Canada, whether you’re travelling the landscaped paths with interpretive plaques, or relaxing by the “Little Canada” natural playground for a picnic.

Fort Dufferin

Emerson-Franklin

Experience some of Emerson-Franklin’s rich history by visiting Fort Duffin. From 1872 to 1874, this site served as the headquarters for the British-Canadian contingent of the International Boundary Commission as they mapped out the 49th parallel. Assembling here was the newly-formed North West Mounted Police for their march towards the West – what is now Alberta.

From 1875 to 1879, Fort Dufferin was used as an immigration station, where over 18,000 people landed to start their journey to the West. Fort Dufferin is now a National Historic Site maintained by the Post Road Heritage Group with the assistance of the Municipality of Emerson-Franklin.

Make your trip to Fort Dufferin an adventure-packed day! The site has monuments telling the story of history that took place here, along with some of the original buildings. You can also tour the quarters, which is now used as an interpretive centre that holds artifacts and information displays.

When you’re finished exploring the historic site, travel along the well-maintained trails for scenic sights and a relaxing stroll. And don’t forget to bring your fishing rods! Not far from the site is the Red River, where you can cast a line and catch a few Catfish.

Manitoba Glass Works

Beausejour

Dive into the history of the first glass container factory in Western Canada. Explore the ruins of the site and travel back in time to the place that once employed up to 350 workers.

Construction began in June 1906 Joseph Keilbach and his partners Gustav Boehm, Edward Keilbach, and Carl Keilbach, and in October of the same year, history was made. Glassblowers from Poland and the United States, aided by local labour, used silica sand to produce bottles for breweries and soft drink companies in Winnipeg.
In 1907, the plant was producing 15,000 to 20,000 bottles per week, and in 1909 new semi-automated equipment was installed, and production of jars, medicine and ink bottles started and continued to 1911.

Unfortunately, the Beausejour plant could not compete with the Eastern Canada manufacturers who had an exclusive license for fully automatic machines. The glass company was sold to a Montreal company and eventually was relocated to Redcliff, Alberta, due to an offer of free natural gas and land. By 1914 the glass company was closed in the town of Beausejour.

While there are no buildings on the site today, concrete foundations can still be seen and some glass pieces to be found. The Chryplywy Nature Park is nearby this historic site, so when you’re done, you can trek the trail!

Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre

Île des Chênes

Wildlife is more than something beautiful and wonderful to watch and admire; it plays an essential part in the ecological and biological processes. Without wildlife, the life of our environment, and also our own lives would be completely different.

Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre works towards rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife that has been injured, sick, or orphaned, giving the animals a chance at a new start. Unfortunately, some of the animals that are brought to the attention of Wildlife Haven are not able to be released back into the wild for a variety of reasons (animals imprinting on humans, injuries, or chances of spreading diseases to other animals). But in these cases, the animal becomes part of Wildlife Haven’s family.

Their Ambassador Program are non-releasable animals that stay in the care of Wildlife Haven. Their ambassadors include owls, hawks and falcons, to reptiles and amphibians, each of them has detailed information about how they came to Wildlife Haven and the reasons why they cannot return to the wild. Through Wildlife Haven’s presentations and information booths, you have a chance to meet their Ambassadors, listen to their stories, and learn how to coexist with wildlife without harming it.

If you want to know how to coexist with wildlife peacefully, then Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre is the place to find your information. Through their Murray Education Centre, they give you excess to experienced professionals that are ready and willing to teach you all about wildlife. With presentations, activities, and workshops either on-site or off-site, you’ll learn how to respect wildlife in a fun, educational, and captivating way.