February Fun!

With a long weekend to break up the month and winter landscapes at their most beautiful, February is the perfect time to explore Southwest Manitoba… from outdoor adventures to lively indoor events – this month invites you to explore, play, and connect with family and loved ones – all without traveling far from home!

1. Celebrate Culture at the Westman Multicultural Festival

*Ukrainian Pavilion at Westman Multicultural Festival – Photo Credit: Matt Goerzen, Brandon Sun

Brandon is home to one of the region’s most vibrant indoor cultural events — the Westman Multicultural Festival

Taking place NOW (February 5th – 7th) – the festival offers:

  • 10+ global pavilions to explore

  • Music, dance, food, and performances from various cultures

  • Free admission to all pavilions (food, drink and souvenirs available for purchase)

It’s the perfect addition to your Winter calendar! Check out the pavilion map here

2. Plan a Family or Valentine’s Getaway

*Neepawa Crokicurl Rink – Photo Credit: Sandy Black

The long weekend (Feb 14th – 16th) is an ideal time to build your own adventure in Southwest Manitoba:

  • Book a stay at one of the many accommodations available in Westman

  • Plan for a fun outdoor Winter activity – see this post for ideas

  • Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant – Westman is home to a great variety of locally owned gems. A few recommendations are Farmhouse 50 (Minnedosa), Sawmill Tea & Coffee Co. (Boissevain), Lady of the Lake or Sabor Latino (Brandon) – but there are so many more to choose from.  Just be sure to call ahead for availability as it is sure to be a busy weekend!

  • Pop into some of our wonderful local shops for a great variety of items to peruse – here are some great suggestions!

  • A stop at a local bakery or cafe is always a must! A few to check out are Chez Angela Bakery & Cafe (Brandon), Country Crocus Bakeshop (Hamiota), Minary Homestyle Bakery (Souris)

*NOTE: Be sure to check information on individual websites, as some of the information may have changed since linked posts were made

3. Take in Local Museums & Art Galleries

*Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, Brandon – Photo Credit: Sandy Black

For those looking to balance outdoor play with indoor discovery, February is a great time to visit a local museum or art gallery. Southwest Manitoba’s cultural spaces offer engaging exhibits, hands-on learning opportunities, and a chance to explore our rich history:

  • The Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (The RCA Museum) in Shilo is a Manitoba Star Attraction and tells the story of Canadian military history since colonial times through 5 indoor galleries in a 24,000 square foot facility

  • A visit to the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (AGSM) in Brandon offers a diverse range of exhibitions, showcasing the artistry of the Region’s talented community

  • More than 100 years old, Heritage Home for the Arts in Killarney is a designated municipal heritage site that has been restored and now serves as a cultural hub – hosting exhibitions, workshops and events that celebrate creativity white preserving the community’s past

4. Try a New Outdoor Winter Activity

*Neepawa-Langford Winter Park – Photo Credit: Sandy Black

Looking for a new way to enjoy the Winter season? Make this the year you try something new; whether that be cross country skiing, snowshoeing or even ice skating.  Many communities across Westman offer groomed trails for Winter sports:

  • Groomed after every snowfall by the Neepawa & Area Ski Club, Neepawa-Langford Winter Park’s trails offer something for everyone! There are 10K for classic skiing (with 5K double tracked) and 2.5K for skate skiing. There is also a warming cabin along the trail, toboggan hill, and 7K of snowshoeing trails. The trails are well sheltered, passing through the woods on flat or gently rolling terrain. You will also find a tobogganing hill for the kids (and inner kid in you) for plenty of opportunity for Winter fun!

  • A scenic site for cross-country skiing in Western Manitoba; Hellman’s Cross Country Ski Trails can be found three kilometres east of Virden (3 kms east of the cement plant on Hwy #1, south on Rd 150 W, then 5 kms to parking lot on the left). The groomed trails span approximately five kilometres, winding through valleys and over hills.  The network of trails run through the property and range in their level of difficulty, from beginner, to challenging ones.  The access to both trails is found on the far side of the parking lot.  The Hellman Ski Trails are free of charge

  • North of Neepawa and West of Birnie lies Big Valley; an example of glacial meltwater spillway of the last ice age. The valley is a popular recreational area for hiking and tobogganing, as you can slide down the winding valley road for minutes at a time for maximum fun! The area is known for its natural beauty; surrounded by birch trees, a winding spring-fed creek and shale slides.  Also in close proximity is the Rossburn Subdivision Trail, which makes for a great snowbmobiling route in the Winter.  The trail runs 172km long, from Neepawa to Russel and follows the abandoned Rossburn Subdivision railway bed.

*Do not attempt to drive into the valley in the snow or wet conditions. It is recommended that you park your vehicle at the top of the valley and walk down from there.

From family-friendly outdoor adventures like skating, snowshoeing, and tubing to warming up at local museums, art galleries, and community events, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season!

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