From Montreal To Winnipeg -A Road Trip
As a seasonal traveler, I carefully pack the necessary items for any flight.
To make my travel experience more enjoyable, I ensure that I am fully stocked and can fit under my seat or in the overhead bin.
Having all my go-to essentials within reach saves time and avoids any hassle during flights. Furthermore, I always keep a change of clothes and essential toiletries in my tote bag in case my checked luggage is lost or delayed.
Choose the right size of carry-on and tote bags to ensure a stress-free journey. A well-packed suitcase will help you with your travel.
It can be frustrating to need help to fit your bags in the overhead compartment or be asked to check them in.
Most airlines have size restrictions for carry-on bags, so check the guidelines before packing.
A tote bag can be an excellent alternative to carry-on luggage if you prefer a more compact and portable option.
Wawa*Agawa Bay & Old Woman Bay
We stopped at Wawa on our route to Thunder Bay.
Wawa is a township in the Algoma District in the Canadian province of Ontario. You can see a large goose in the Wawa area.
My son, always adventurous, suggested we stop at Old Woman River and Agawa Bay.
Despite the promising pictures on Google Photos, the gloomy weather palliated our visit, dampening the ‘wow’ factor I had anticipated.
Since this was a short stop on our driving day, we did not explore further to get to the bottom of the Bay. I needed the right shoe, as there were too many slippery rocks.
Despite the windy and cold conditions, the Old Woman Bay exuded a raw, untamed beauty that left us in awe. We briefly stopped at Wawa on our way to Thunder Bay, where a giant goose statue stands proudly.
While the photos on Google Photos had piqued our interest, the gloomy weather dampened our experience, leaving us with unmet expectations.
Manitoba
As we crossed into Manitoba, we bid farewell to Ontario and continued our three-week vacation to visit our kids. Finally, arriving only took two days and 18 hours of driving.
Kildonan Park
In Winnipeg, you can find lots of walking trails and beautiful parks.
One is Kildonan Park, where you can see the wicked witch’s house from Hansel and Gretel.
Walking through the North Flower Garden, I see many flowers bloom.
The Kildonan Park Loop is a 1.2-mile heavily trafficked loop trail near Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
The Forks
The Forks is a beautiful public space and park in downtown Winnipeg, where the Red River and the Assiniboine River meet. It’s a great place to explore and has a range of restaurants and boutiques to visit. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings.
My Winnipeg trips always include a stop at The Forks. The pandemic has added a unique twist-now, even for outdoor dining, you must present your passport. It’s an intriguing experience that adds to the adventure.
If you’re up for a walk, you can easily reach other attractions like the Children’s Museum and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a water bottle.
Grand Beach And Brokenhead Trail
Have you heard of the Grand Beach and Brokenhead Trail? Grand Beach is a lovely freshwater beach located in Manitoba’s Rural Municipality of St. Clements on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg.
It’s situated on the historic La Vérendrye Trail and is a beautiful spot to visit, although it can get windy and chilly sometimes. While exploring the town, we stumbled upon “Trish’s Just Fries,” and I highly recommend their fries – they’re delicious!
If you’re looking for a scenic trail, check out the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail. The trail is 1.73 kilometres long, takes approximately two hours to walk round trip, and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
The trailhead has plenty of parking, washrooms, garbage and recycling bins, and picnic tables. It’s best to visit during the spring or summer season. Remember to pack out what you bring in and follow the “Be Bear Smart” guidelines. Lastly, please note that dogs, bicycles, or ATVs are not allowed on the trail.
Trappist Monastery Ruins
Historic Sites of Manitoba
This Monastery was established in 1892 by five members of the Trappists.
Five years later, a fire gutted the vacated church and residential wing. The remaining ruins display information about the Trappist monks and the Monastery. The former Trappist Monastery Guesthouse, now called The St. Norbert Arts Centre, is located on the grounds and is home to many resident artists.
The Indigenous Peoples Garden
The Indigenous Peoples Garden is a magnificent tribute to the unique heritage and cultural traditions of the world’s native peoples. This garden is dedicated to preserving our ancestors’ wisdom, knowledge, and practices and reflects indigenous culture’s endless beauty and diversity.
With its vibrant colours, organic shapes, and breathtaking scenery, this garden offers a true testament to the power and resilience of Indigenous communities. From the towering trees to the delicate flowers, every detail has been carefully designed to honour the spirit of Indigenous peoples.
Whether you are a visitor or a resident, the Indigenous Peoples Garden is a must-see destination that will fill you with wonder and awe. Come and discover the beauty and brilliance of Indigenous culture!
The new garden beside the Zoo is the “Indigenous Peoples Garden.” It was still underway when we visited. With every step, there is something new to discover and so much to see. Put on your good running shoes.
I can’t wait to return to Winnipeg next summer to see the finished gardens.
The Indigenous Peoples Garden is a gathering place that recognizes the country’s solid Indigenous heritage.
Here, in the Indigenous Peoples Garden, the relationships of Indigenous cultures with the environment, both past and present, will be explored.
*Kitchen Garden
*Seasonal Garden
*Sensory Garden
*Performance Garden
*The Grove
Before embarking on your road trip, please note that not all gas stations are open due to the pandemic. Some gas stations may also have limited hours or be closed depending on the time of day.
I recommend having at least four hours’ worth of gas. Please be aware that there are no gas stations along Route 10.
Additionally, there may be limited dining options, with only Tim Horton’s available in many areas.
Unfortunately, many restaurants and motels may be closed due to the pandemic, making it difficult to find a hotel if you do not book in advance.
On a positive note, I thoroughly enjoyed my one-month extended stay and had the opportunity to visit many new and old places.
The weather was consistently warm, with temperatures ranging from 27-30 degrees Celsius daily in September.
Lastly, please exercise caution when taking pictures and avoid crossing the highway at 7.30 am, even though there may be no traffic.
It was an excellent road trip from Montreal to Winnipeg and Back.
