Souris, Manitoba, is a hidden gem in the heart of the Canadian prairies. With its rich history and charming attractions, it’s a perfect destination for a day trip or a leisurely afternoon. Nestled in the quaint town of Souris, the Whistling Donkey (94 First St S) is a cozy restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. As soon as you walk in, you will be greeted by the friendly staff and the warm, rustic decor that made you feel right at home. The restaurant is always buzzing with the chatter of locals and visitors alike, creating a lively yet relaxed environment. The menu offers a variety of mouth-watering options, from a classic BLT sandwich to their massive philly steak sandwich (pictured below). Those with a slightly larger appetite will want to check out their sirloin steak sandwich, served on garlic bread and topped with mushrooms and an onion ring.     The staff go out of their way to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience. It is clear that this restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is a community gathering spot where people came to connect, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.   Once lunch is done, be sure to check one of the town’s most famous landmarks: the Swinging Bridge. Spanning the Souris River, this historic pedestrian bridge is the longest of its kind in Canada and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Swinging Bridge isn’t just a beautiful spot; it’s also a piece of history. The bridge has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 2013, after being damaged by floods. Despite these challenges, it has remained a symbol of resilience and community spirit in Souris.

In the heart of Deloraine, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, lies a gem that promises a day of relaxation and fun—a quaint community pool. As you walk towards it, the sounds of laughter and splashing water greet you, a cheerful symphony that sets the tone for the day. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the bright summer sky. Families lounge on colorful beach towels, children playfully chase each other, and the lifeguard, with a watchful eye, ensures everyone's safety. Upon finding a cozy spot to settle, you take a moment to appreciate the simplicity of it all. The pool, though modest in size, offers everything you need: a four lane junior Olympic lap section, leisure pool with beach entry and water umbrella, diving board and a twister waterslide. After hours of swimming, playing, and lounging, your stomach begins to rumble, signaling that it's time for lunch. You pack up your belongings, bid farewell to the new friends you've made, and head towards the nearby restaurant that locals have been raving about, The Rendezvous Restaurant. Just a short drive from the pool, the restaurant stands as a beloved fixture of the town. Its exterior is inviting and once you step inside, you are greeted by the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals and the friendly smile of the host. The menu is a delightful mix of classic comfort foods and unique local specialties. When visiting, one must try the iconic "Fat Boy" burger. This towering behemoth of a sandwich is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Packed with layers of flavor and texture, the Fat Boy burger is a testament to indulgence and culinary creativity. Each layer is carefully placed to ensure every bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The toasted bun forms the base, followed by a generous amount of in-house chili, cheddar cheese, red & green lettuce, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard and the star of the show the charbroiled patty. Available in either a single or double patty. Or you may want to try one of signature sandwiches like the Philly Steak Sandwich. This sandwich features thinly sliced prime rib cooked to perfection, melted mozza cheese, sautéed peppers, and a gourmet onion ring piled into a long, soft ciabatta roll. The result is a savory, melty, and satisfying sandwich that's a slight twist on the traditional  Philadelphia cheesesteak. As you sip your coffee, you reflect on the day's simple pleasures. The laughter and camaraderie at the pool, the delicious meal enjoyed in good company, and the overall sense of community that permeates this small town. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable experiences are found in the simplest of activities—a day spent enjoying the sun, the water, and the flavors of a great meal.

A Taste of Brandon, a summer festival held in Brandon, Manitoba, took place yesterday in Brandon at the Brandon Riverbank. The event featured a variety of activities, including: a range of cuisines and food trucks, live musical performances, cultural exhibits, children's activities and entertainment, and craft vendors. The festival celebrated the city's diversity and community spirit, showcasing local talent, food, and culture. All photos by Scramble Studio.

The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Department announced the seasonal opening of the Kinsmen Pool, an outdoor community swimming facility beloved by local residents. The pool is set to open its gates on June 22, welcoming swimmers of all ages to enjoy its refreshing waters throughout the summer months. The city's spray parks & paddle pools opened June 6th for the season. The Kinsmen Pool has long been a cornerstone of summer activities in Brandon. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, the pool offers a wide range of aquatic programs and recreational opportunities. For more details on Kinsmen Pool’s schedule and programs, residents can visit the City of Brandon Parks and Recreation web page here.

A number of provincial parks in southern Manitoba will welcome campers this weekend, officially kicking off the 2024 season, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “I know many Manitobans, like me and my family, are eager to head out to the great outdoors to camp at one of our province’s beautiful provincial parks,” said Schmidt. “We encourage all Manitobans to take the opportunity this spring and summer to explore our provincial parks and make lasting memories.” Campers will notice improvements in several provincial campgrounds this season including: redevelopment of the Nutimik Lake Museum in Whiteshell Provincial Park; new playgrounds at Kiche Manitou in Spruce Woods, Winnipeg Beach, White Lake in Whiteshell and Whitefish Lake; completed work on water and wastewater treatment system upgrades at Asessippi, Birds Hill and Paint Lake provincial parks; and new washroom and shower facility at Bakers Narrows Provincial Park. All other provincial park campgrounds will open for the May long weekend. Manitobans can make a reservation for campsites, cabins, yurts and group-use areas through the Parks Reservation Service, online at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling (toll-free) 1-888-482-2267. Reminders for visitors and campers at Manitoba provincial parks include: check the Manitoba Parks website at www.manitobaparks.com for advisories before travelling; buy and print provincial park vehicle permits online before leaving home at www.manitobaelicensing.ca; all campers must check in at campground offices upon arrival to receive camping permits; have reservation confirmation and personal identification ready for check-in; be ‘Wildlife Smart’ by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and pack out trash and recyclables before leaving; keep all pets on leash; and keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restriction. Do not transport firewood from Winnipeg to areas outside the city to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer, an invasive species of beetle. To avoid charges and fines, purchase firewood from local retailers at or near most campgrounds. For more information on provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com and follow Manitoba Parks on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).