Eastman Stories

Road Trip Along Mom’s Way

By Eastman Tourism

July 20, 2021
Read time: 15 min

Experience Eastern Manitoba in a New Way with a Road Trip Along Mom’s Way

Boasting beautiful prairie sunsets and lake-filled forests, you can travel through the municipalities of Hanover, Piney, Buffalo Point First Nation and other great communities during your drive down MOM’s Way.

Are you dying to find a road trip-worthy destination? Get ready to pack up your vehicle and hit the open road for your adventure along MOM’s Way.

This Historic east-west route joins Lake Superior to the western prairies. MOM’s Way is the name for a series of highways in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba and the U.S. state of Minnesota. The name “MOM” is an acronym for Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota, the two provinces and one state traversed by this multi-highway route. But don’t worry, you can leave your passports at home! The section of MOM’s Way in Eastern Manitoba promises loads of fun while staying in Friendly Manitoba and close to home!

For centuries, First Nations people and the fur trades, “coureurs de bois,” paddled the historic boundary waters of this route, joining Lake Superior to the western prairies. Today you can explore the beauty and wonder of the original route.

The roads included along MOM’s Way are: Manitoba Highway 12 between the Trans-Canada Highway (PTH 1), 40 km (25 mi) east of Winnipeg, through Steinbach and Sprague, to the Minnesota border.  Minnesota State Highway 313 between the Manitoba border and Warroad. Minnesota State Highway 11 between Warroad and Baudette. Minnesota State Highway 72 through Baudette to the Ontario border. Ontario Highway 11 from the Minnesota border, through Rainy River and Fort Frances, to Thunder Bay.

*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.
  • Please call ahead before visiting a business and inquire about their regulations to enter the building, such as capacity, sanitation, etc. Also, consider using curbside pickup where possible.
  • Please practice Leave No Trace. Clean up after yourself and leave nothing behind, such as trash and waste.

RM of Hanover

The RM of Hanover is a strong Ag community with tons of things to do and experience. Comprising of the communities of Mitchell, Grunthal, Kleefeld, Blumenort and New Bothwell, you’ll discover Afri-tourism, relaxing accommodations, unique shops, mouthwatering restaurants, sinfully delicious bakeries, breathtaking nature opportunities, and much more!

The Tourond Creek Discovery Centre is a fantastic outdoor environment to explore! While here, you can discover the diversity of plants and animal species, take in the breathtaking sights of grassy meadows and trails, and check out the five micro-ecosystems throughout the centre.

Splatters Paintball Park truly is a paintball paradise with paintball fields and amenities spread over a 40-acre peaceful property in the country. Organized game ideas (e.g. Alpha Squad vs Delta Force), great props (massive Castle, 50′ helicopter, real firetruck, and much more), there are game styles to suit all group types and player styles!

And while you’re in the area, you can even snap a few photos with the Bison Statue located in Grunthal! This monument was erected in 1995 by the Grunthal Chamber of Commerce in celebration of the tourism that was brought to the area by the Cottonwood Corner Game Farm, a bison and elk farm once open to the public.

Head over to The Patio Grill to pick up some tasty food and enjoy the family environment and helpful staff!

If you plan on staying overnight in Hanover, you can’t pass the opportunity to stay at Thistle Lane Guesthouse Bed & Breakfast! Located in Grunthal on a 130-acre hobby farm with a spectacular view overlooking the prairie pasture, you can experience tranquillity with a rustic twist.

For a list of more things to do in Hanover, please read our blog, 5 Reasons to Visit: RM of Hanover.

 

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RM of Piney

There are tons of things to do in the RM of Piney! From trail, paddling and tubing, birding and wildlife viewing, foraging, fishing, and hunting, it won’t be hard to find your adventure here!

One of the many must-sees in Piney is the Sprague & District Historical Museum. Preserving the history of the region, the museum showcases local artifacts in vignettes like an old barbershop and railway station, exhibits a canoe from the 19th century, and proudly displays a tribute to local veterans.

For those who LOVE nature, the Spur Woods Wildlife Management Area is a must! This WMA was established to protect old-growth red pine, and eastern white cedar stands on the western fringe of their natural range. Along the way, you are sure to see a variety of birds like large Great Gray Owls, the tiny Northern Saw-whet and Boreal Owls, Pine Warbler, large Pileated Woodpecker and the rare Pine Marten. Along with birds, don’t be surprised if you find deer and other wildlife throughout the area!

If you happen to visit the RM of Piney during a Friday, you can even visit the Southeast Farmer’s Market located in South Junction. If you can’t make it, bake it, or grow it, you can definitely find it at this farmers’ market. You discover various vendors from bakers to jewellers, craftsmen to farmers, and everything else in between.

If you are looking for a place to stop to grab some food, then head over to South Junction’s Diner (located at the South Junction Co-op) for home-style cooking served with a smile!

For a unique place to stay, you can’t miss Tamarack Shack & Tipi! This fabulous glamping destination is excellent for a secluded getaway surrounded by the beauty of Woodridge’s nature.

For more information on things to do in the RM of Piney, please visit Sunrise Corner’s website.

Buffalo Point First Nation

Buffalo Point is a nature lover’s dream come true. This spectacular destination is one full of rugged, natural beauty carved out of Lake of the Woods, offering some of the finest year-round outdoor recreation and hospitality you’ll find anywhere.

Whatever adventure you’re craving for, you’ll find it here! From 7 miles of white sandy beaches and the best walleye fishing year-round, a championship golf course at on Lake of the Sandhills Golf Course, the Buffalo Bay Marina, to relaxing accommodations, cabins, and camping with Buffalo Point Resort, this is where relaxation and thrilling adventure meets.

If you’re feeling hungry, then Fire & Water Bistro is just the place to go! When you visit the bistro, you’re getting more than just food; you get a whole experience. With the Bistro nestle in Buffalo Point Resort, you could easily spend the entire day here. From a menu that includes classic, upscale, casual dining options to the readily available adventures around Buffalo Point, the experience is one of a kind.

Find more adventures in Buffalo Point by visiting Buffalo Point Resort’s website.

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