This summer, we're featuring an amazing collection of road trips that will help you explore every corner of Manitoba. The Perfectly Parkland road trip covers the western side of Manitoba's Parkland region.

Part one

Town of Russell

There's more to this small town than Arthur, the 8 foot tall bull statue (although he does make for a fun photo).

Walk beneath the arches that line the street of Russell and head to Bin 22 Coffee Company, the town's beloved coffee shop that serves all the usual suspects along with some unique signature blended drinks. If you prefer to shop while sipping a warm beverage, try TinHouse Designs & Coffee Co. With a cup o' java in tow, browse local shop Prairie Collective Co. for antiques and home decor.

For ice cream and burgers, Connie's Drive In is the seasonal summer spot for all your classic on-the-go food.

You can also get to know the history of the town through a self-guided walking tour. Stops include the Smellie Block, the Red House and the Old Anglican Rectory.

Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site

Drive 20 minutes north of Russell to find the Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site. These five prairie giants are the last remaining row of standard country grain elevators still standing. Choose from a guided or self-guided tour to explore the site and its exhibits and enjoy the prairie views while enjoying a picnic lunch.

Asessippi Village Self-Guided Trail

On your way out of Inglis, travel along highway 83 to find the old Asessippi Village. Follow the self-guided trail to find interpretative signage and remnants of an abandoned town.

PART TWO

Hiking and camping in Duck Mountain Provincial Park

For nature lovers, Duck Mountain Provincial Park is paradise on earth. The forested regions of this provincial park are populated with birch, spruce and other varieties that are home to birds, waterfowl and other wildlife.

Set your home base at one of Duck Mountain's campgrounds and then spend the day hiking, swimming and enjoying the great outdoors.

Like much of the Parkland region, lakes are plentiful in the Ducks. One of the park’s most impressive lakes is East Blue Lake, a spring-fed lake with lovely and unexpected turquoise water. The lake is 60 metres deep and is one of Manitoba’s clearest lakes.

There are many hiking trails to choose from in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. To name a few, the Copernicus Hill Hiking Trail features a viewing tower and a picnic area, while the Shining Stone Self-Guiding Trail follows along West Blue Lake and showcases the park’s many tree species.

Part three

Swan River Valley sights

Welcome to the next leg of the Perfectly Parkland road trip!

Venturing into the past is a good place to start in this small town. The Swan Valley Historical Museum and Heritage Village provides an excellent overview of how life once was in the valley. Behind the museum’s grounds is the Rex Leach Museum Trail that is as peaceful as it is green with varieties of ferns that hug either side.

Golfers must play a round at the Swan River Golf and Country Club - not only for the fun of it, but also to tick off an important bucket list item: golfing at Manitoba's northernmost 18-hole course.

More outdoor explorations

Want to keep the fun going just a little longer? There are endless lakes, forests and parks to explore for the true outdoorsperson. Fishing is a big draw, with species like rainbow trout, brook trout, bass, perch and pike biting to be reeled in. If you’re an avid angler, Swan Valley is a great area to spend a few additional days on this road trip. Ask any of the residents where the best fishing in the area is and Whitefish Lake is one of the first name drops.