Selkirk: A Destination for Good Eats, Inspired Art and Great Shopping

Posted January 31, 2024 | Author Shel Zolkewich

It’s home to Chuck the Channel Catfish, the Marine Museum of Manitoba and a championship hockey team named The Steelers, and if you dig a little deeper, Selkirk has plenty more to offer. Spend a little time in the city on the banks of the Red River that boasts plenty of small town charm.

Good Eats!

For the heartiest of lunches, head to Roxi’s by the Red Uptown Cafe where the massive menu includes big salads like the California cobb or the Thai chicken crunch. Burger lovers won’t be disappointed with the maple habanero or the hickory barbecue, especially when those hand-cut thick fries and a side of gravy arrive at the table. It’s a tall order, but always leave room for dessert, all of which are showcased in the display when you arrive. Will it be a salted caramel cheesecake or lemon slice piled high with whipped cream?

Get your afternoon pick-me-up at N-Joy Café where the caramel macchiato will hit the spot, especially when you add a light macaron from the treat case. Or pop over to Three6Tea for their daily special that could be a chai matcha latte or bourbon vanilla black tea. The shop has an impressive selection of loose teas and perfect gifts for the tea lover in your life.

Get to the Upper Crust Bakery nice and early to inhale all the goodness of their signature cinnamon buns, baked in huge trays and just waiting for your order. Grab a six pack, and for extra sweetness, pick up a tub of frosting. The bakery also offers a huge selection of breads, buns, dainties and pies. The apple jacks compete with the cinnamon buns for top honours.

Inspired Art!

Gwen Fox Gallery

A stroll down Manitoba Avenue gives visitors a peek into the artistic vibe in the city. Flashy footwear and doggie paws grab attention on the mural called Don’t Judge Me, just one of more than 30 spearheaded by the Interlake Art Board. The diving peregrine falcon will catch your eye on the mural depicting other threatened species including the whooping crane, lake sturgeon and white lady slipper. Find the Selkirk Murals here.

The Selkirk Community Arts Centre has its home in what was once the picturesque post office at the corner of Main and Manitoba in the city, where workshops and events invite visitors to explore their artistic sides. It’s also home to the Gwen Fox Gallery that showcases the works of artists like Marika Onufrijchuk Sokulski and her Ukraine-inspired images, Kathy Freeman’s intricate sculptures and Bev Galbraith’s hyper real animal acrylics. Find a keepsake for yourself or a great gift at the gallery gift shop that includes jewelry, books and original art pieces.

PLUS: The Gaynor Family Regional Library is a 10-year-old architectural gem with bright nooks for perusing your next read.

Shop ‘Til You’re Happy!

Some old, something new, and always something fabulous—that’s what you’ll find inside The Gypsy Traders with its expertly curated collection of antiques, farmhouse treasures and upcycled creations. Locally made moccasins are always in stock along with Coal & Canary Candles and the most adorable needle-felted creations. Watch for their Feature Fridays on their social media channels for a showcase of what’s new.

The perpetually funky TwoZeroFour Skateshop has all the hip brands for snow, skate and general coolness no matter what you do. Vans, Etnies and DVS round out the footwear collection while everything Yeti is here along with Dixxon flannels. Pop on a TwoZeroFour toboggan toque to round out your winter wardrobe.

The posh Wishme is a gorgeous gift shop. It’s also a social enterprise operated by Inclusion Selkirk that provides work experience for people with intellectual disabilities. There are candles and chocolate, tea and toys and purses and photo frames, all housed inside the bright space on Eveline Street. Among the best sellers is the collection of puzzles and mugs featuring Indigenous art.

PLUS: Big Dollar is Interlake famous for its vast selection of well, pretty much everything.

Wishme

Y’all Come Back!

Plan to make a return trip in summer when Selkirk Park is in full swing with its pool and splash pad, skate park and walking trails. The boat launch is busy at sunrise as anglers go in search of feisty channel catfish. And the Triple S Fair & Rodeo comes to town every June.

About The Author

A journalist by trade and an adventurer at heart, my career has included stints as a reporter, magazine writer, editor, food stylist, television cook and digital marketer. I am always collecting stories about Manitoba, whether I’m on assignment or not.

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