As a follow up to their participation in the June 2010 Destination Development Best Practices Mission, Interlake Tourism conducted a two-day mobile workshop on February 8 and 9 to provide inspiration and training on building winter product throughout the region. The adventure was designed to help industry members discover the hidden gems within the region, foster partnerships and work toward creating unique tourism experiences.

Beginning at the Six Pines Ranch, just outside of Winnipeg, the group travelled to Country Harvest Inn in Broad Valley for a delicious home cooked lunch and to learn about the Inn. The group then moved onto the Bernier farm north of Fisher Branch to experience a horse drawn sleigh ride and nature trip on the old rail bed. Along the way, Dr. Heather Hinam, of Second Nature – Adventures in Discovery, educated the group on the plants and wildlife of the area.

After seeing the murals in Eriksdale, the group arrived at the Narrows West Lodge, where they were taken on a night owl nature walk. While no owls were heard at the time, the many stars in the sky offered an opportunity for a lesson in constellations.

The next morning the group was led by Travel Manitoba staff through possibilities for developing an outdoor winter destination in the Interlake, barriers to success and potential partnerships.