If you’ve been searching for an unforgettable experience that will please everyone in your family, venture to the warm and welcoming city of Selkirk Manitoba. Located just 30 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg, adjacent to the beautiful Red River, this charming Canadian town boasts never-ending outdoor adventures and historic sites sure to delight kids, outdoor adventurers, and history buffs alike! No matter what season, from warm summer days, spent exploring nearby attractions and trails to winter months spent ice-fishing within a community of ice shacks on the Red River – Selkirk is a destination that visitors will never forget. So what are you waiting for? Let’s embark on a journey through magical Selkirk! Here’s a discovery guide to all that Selkirk has to offer from January to December.
January – March: Winter Wonderland
Winter in Selkirk is truly magical! Outdoor enthusiasts will love wintertime activities such as taking a wintery stroll along the Selkirk Park Trails or joining the ice-fishing community out on the Red River. If winter family fun is more your style, then you are spoilt for choice. Start off at the outdoor community rink. This community rink is free of charge and is typically open from mid-December through February. Or take a tour through the city admiring the murals, each one touches on a common theme of respect and human rights and shares the history of Selkirk. The murals have been painted by professional muralists assisted by a number of mentees as part of the Interlake Art Board mentoring program. Spend the rest of the day of skiing and tobogganing at the Selkirk Golf and Country Club. There are three classic tracked loops: Zoey’s (short), Sophie’s (medium length), and Janna’s (longest). In addition, there is a great toboggan hill for the kids right behind the clubhouse.
Afterward, drop by Roxie’s Uptown Cafe for a cozy meal to warm those feet and hands up. You don’t want to miss experiencing winter activities in Selkirk. Have a history buff in the family? Selkirk has a rich and vibrant history. Visit The Selkirk Museum and turn this city into a museum with a real-time, interactive, heritage experience. Check out the Selkirk Events Page for events and activities within the City of Selkirk!
April – June: Springtime Splendor
Spring in Selkirk is nothing short of spectacular. Watch as nature comes alive with wildflowers blooming and birds singing in the trees. Head out to Selkirk Park to spend a day birdwatching or take your furry friends to the dog park to socialize. Selkirk Park also features the Marine Museum of Manitoba for visitors to explore. Opening late May to early September, this unique museum provides visitors with a hands-on, heritage experience. You’ll get to board the actual ships that navigated the waters of the world’s tenth-largest lake and will learn about how the Port of Selkirk played a vital role in the development of Manitoba.
Take part in one of their many family activities such as The Great Benjamin’s Circus and Lobsterfest! Excited to get outdoors? Take a self-guided tour of the Streets of Selkirk or Historic Houses through your digital device and see this community as it was. Snap a pic with Chuck the Channel Cat as you pass by! Nothing says “Catfish Capital of North America” more than this 11-metre town mascot. Let the kids free up some energy at Selkirk’s awesome Skate Park! They’ll have a blast shredding those ramps.
July – September: Summertime Sunshine
During the summer months, there’s no shortage of things to do! The City of Selkirk’s Concert Series is a popular draw for residents and visitors throughout the summer. Enjoy music with the gorgeous view of the Red River as the backdrop or visit one of the many food vendors to grab a bite to eat. The series gets underway with the Season Opener in June, the highly anticipated Rock the Waterfront in July, and the annual Music and Market in August. Come on down and bring a lawn chair, you won’t want to miss these family-friendly, free concerts!
Whether you’re looking for a lunchtime treat or the perfect way to brighten up your summer wardrobe, head down to Selkirk Port Market! Open every Wednesday in August and the last two of July from 10 am – 2 pm rain or shine, this market has something special waiting around every corner. From delicious food trucks and homemade jams & jellies to hand-painted signs, jewelry, and sports collectibles – just to name a few.
Selkirk Park has everything – trees, grass, beach, and an unbelievable pool! 5 million litres of shimmering water stretch out over 110m x 95 m with a beveled bottom that descends 1.5 m deep. It’s the perfect spot for swimmers looking to make a splash or just soak up some sun poolside. But wait there’s more – situated beside this majestic pool is an 18-feature Splash Pad providing hours of fun in the great outdoors!
Come on down and have a blast with the City of Selkirk for Canada Day! There will be something fun for everyone: from delicious food vendors, to live entertainment, to an awesome fireworks display at night. It’s totally free – so no worries if you’re stuck in your student budget! Plus there is an educational side that we’re just as jazzed about – The City of Selkirk is working towards reconciliation and we’re providing an educational opportunity with our Canada Day page on the city website. People can visit myselkirk.ca/canadaday and learn about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories and cultures, the history of residential schools, and Truth and Reconciliation.
Saddle up and get ready for a wild ride! Selkirk’s 58th annual rodeo is back this July, with lots of exciting events sure to enthrall everyone. Get the full scoop on the Triple S Fair and Rodeo website – giddyup!
Make history come to life on the incredible Selkirk Comes Alive interactive tour! Get up close and personal with fascinating historical figures from around town, played by local actors – each telling stories of how they helped shape our community. Tickets will be available starting August 2023.
Unleash your inner artist and take part in a celebration of creativity and the largest public participation campaign for the arts in Canada! Culture Days is a yearly extravaganza that invites millions of people to explore, create and experience thousands of participatory free arts and culture events across the country – get hands-on and behind the scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities.
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, The Selkirk Friendship Centre and The City of Selkirk have partnered to host a commemorative ceremony, remembering the lost children and survivors of residential schools. So don’t miss out on an opportunity to experience a meaningful cultural engagement this September 30!
October – December: Fall Fun
Fall is when Selkirk really comes alive with its vibrant fall colours and cool temperatures. Spend your days exploring downtown shops and restaurants, visiting the Marine Museum of Manitoba for their annual Halloween Haunt, or check out Red River North Tourism to participate in some local activities in and around Selkirk. And don’t miss out on all the fun Holiday events happening throughout November — yes, we are talking about HOLIDAY ALLEY!
Holiday Alley is a Red River North Tourism project, sponsored by IG Wealth Management. This winter festival brings art, light, sound, creativity, and culture to the heart of Selkirk’s old downtown and to Red River North. Spirited by downtown redevelopment and business rejuvenation, Holiday Alley boasts more than 130,000 installed LED light bulbs on 40 buildings, community events, and art-forward entertainment.
Holiday Alley is committed to reconciliation through meaningful partnerships with Indigenous and Métis-led organizations and businesses, hiring Indigenous and Métis artists and musicians, and leading with the support and knowledge of Elders and Knowledge keepers.
With so much to see and do from January through December, it’s easy to see why family getaways are so popular in Selkirk Manitoba. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences—there’s something here for everyone! So why not plan your next family getaway today? You won’t regret it! Uncover the magic that awaits you, come discover what makes this city so special!
