5 Ways to Have an Adorable Day Trip with Your Bestie to the Town of Carman

Posted March 03, 2024 | Author Breanne Sewards

Looking for the next great small town to explore in Manitoba? Carman, Manitoba is a gem of a community, known for its Country Fair and serene, dreamy streets.

Holding an ice cream cone in front of Syl's Drive In

But you don't have to go for a specific event to make the most out of this town. Here are 5 ways to have an adorable day trip to Carman with your bestie...

memorial hall

1. Find a shopping gem

Evensong
Store in Carman, Manitoba

Make your first stop in Carman along Main Street, where you can stop into 3 local shops that will satisfy the savviest of shoppers.

Evensong will make you ooh and awh over home accents and gifts - think candles, pillows, jewelry and the prettiest butterfly-printed scarves. Next door, Stepping Stone - Aspen Winds offers unique country crafts, woodworking and really, everything you need to decorate your cottage. Don't leave without a stop into Knockabouts, where you can get your fashion fix with both men's and women's fashions (with a TON of great brands to browse).

Knockabouts

If you need a snack before all this shopping, a quick detour into Crazy Lady's Cafeteria will do just the trick.

2. Eat at Syl's Drive In

Syls drive in
Hold up a milkshake from Syl's Drive In
Holding up an ice cream cone from Syl's Drive In

Burgers! Fries! Shakes! Syl's Drive Inn may seem like just about the most classic drive in a small town can have, but there's a reason why it draws in visitors from across the province. Not only does it serve all the diner favourites (highly recommend the classic cheeseburger and fries combo), it also is famous for its delicious breakfast and its deep fried shrimp - all for super reasonable prices!

3. Walk the community pathway

Community pathway
Nature along Carman's Community Pathway

The community pathway links recreational areas throughout Carman, and it's also a mighty nice trail for a walk. Start from behind the school (across the highway from Syl's) and enter an oasis of greenery and babbling brooks. The trail follows alongside the meandering Boyne River and leads to a well-maintained tall grass prairie. The pathway will also bring you right past Carman's stunning golf course, if you're up for a few rounds!

4. Admire Manitoba-made art

Vibrant essence of the Golden Prairie Arts Council encapsulated, showcasing a hub of creativity, culture, and community.
Old ticket office window at Golden Prairie Arts Council in Carman

Built in the old train station, the Golden Prairie Arts Council retains several pieces of the original structure - like the main gallery pillar and the ticket office window. In addition to housing travelling exhibitions from within the province, the space also serves as a community centre for artists and musicians of all kinds. Don't forget to check out the small store for some Manitoba-made goodies!

5. Get your green thumb on at Vanderveen's

Rows of flowers inside Vanderveen's Greenhouse in Carman
greenhouse flower
Rows of flowers inside Vanderveen's Greenhouse in Carman

Is there anything better than the scent of flowers in the early days of summer? Vanderveen's Greenhouse has a long history in the little town of Carman, and is best known for suppling the province vibrant poinsettias during the Christmas season. But make no mistake, it produces equally as gorgeous blooms in the spring and summertime too, and is certainly worth a stop on your day trip.

Bonus: Make it an overnight at a cute B&B

bell aura
Bell Aura Bed, Breakfast and Bistro

You'll be more than tempted to stay the night in Carman after catching a glimpse of Bell Aura Bed, Breakfast and Bistro. This darling B&B is located inside a renovated 1898 church, furnished head to toe with antiques and art!

How to get there

Carman is located 1 hour 10 minutes from Winnipeg, 2 hours from Brandon.

About The Author

Hey! I'm Breanne, Editorial Content Specialist for Travel Manitoba. First to jump in the lake and last to make it down the River Trail. Lover of croissants, cats, and croissant-shaped cats. Got a story idea? Email me at bsewards@travelmanitoba.com.

Editorial Content Specialist