STEINBACH
The area around what is now known as Steinbach is home to the Assiniboine and Cree First Nations, and the Ojibway-speaking Anishinaabe people and is located on Treaty 1 Territory. In 1874, Steinbach was founded by German-speaking Russian Mennonite immigrants, and it became a city in 1997. With a population of 18,000, it is now the third-largest city in Manitoba and is known for its Mennonite Heritage Village—and large windmill replica—bustling manufacturing industry, and growing number of newcomer residents.
Located just 50 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg, Steinbach is the perfect destination for a summer day trip to experience some of the city’s wonderful women-led businesses. To help you make the most of your exploration, we’ve compiled a handy guide for you. Let’s go!
Old Church Bakery | 145 Main St #4, Steinbach, MB
Make up for the Tim Horton’s car breakfast you had on your drive down (hey, it’s a Canadian tradition!) with a delicious pastry from Old Church Bakery! Old Church Bakery is a beautiful artisan bakery in downtown Steinbach that specializes in sourdough bread. If you haven’t already been enlightened by the benefits of sourdough, this is the perfect place to try it out, and if you’re already a yeast connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the artfully crafted carbs. Grab a loaf to bring home (or eat on the drive home) and take a leisurely stroll down sunny Main Street!
Prairie Oils & Vinegars | 145 Main St #3, Steinbach, MB
Next, hop right next door to Prairie Oils & Vinegars to peruse their incredible selection of gourmet – you guessed it—oils and vinegars! Prairie Oils & Vinegars follows the seasonal olive crush in the northern and southern hemispheres, bringing in a fresh shipment into their store with each one. In addition to top tier Extra Virgin Olive Oils, they also carry a selection of Balsamic Comdimento (vinegar made in the traditional Italian style) that are lovely and decadent. Prairie Oils & Vinegar offered Manitoba’s first oil and vinegar tasting room, so don’t forget to try before you buy!
Olive Grace Co. | 178 Provincial Trunk Hwy 12, Steinbach, MB (Clearspring Centre)
Now that you’ve stocked up on some of the best food products Steinbach has to offer, it’s time for a little retail therapy! Head up to Clearspring Centre where you’ll find Olive Grace Co. With everyday wear thoughtfully curated from British Columbia and California in inclusive sizing, Olive Grace Co. aims to provide an authentic and inviting space that will bring you joy. Go on and have yourself a romcom movie montage moment in the fitting room and be sure to scoop up a few new pieces for your summer wardrobe!
Stone City Coffee Roasters | 178 Provincial Trunk Hwy 12, Steinbach, MB (Clearspring Centre)
Since you’re already in the refreshing air conditioning of Clearspring Centre, pop over to the Sobeys for a mid-afternoon caffeine hit at the Stone City Coffee Roasters Coffee Bar! Stone City Coffee Roasters is a specialty grade coffee roastery that takes a hand-crafted, small-bath approach, ensuring their beans are roasted immaculately every time. Grab an iced caramel macchiato and a bag of beans to go before you head to your final destination!
The Public Brewhouse and Gallery | 301 Main Street, Steinbach, MB
Head back to the Main Street hub to take in some art and afternoon beers! The Public Brewhouse and Gallery is Steinbach’s first microbrewery, designing and brewing craft beer on-site with local ingredients. It is also southeastern Manitoba’s only contemporary art gallery! The taproom hosts rotating exhibits with works from rural artists. Build a flight and sip on a variety of beers while enjoying the stunning local artwork. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, if you ask us!
Bonus stop: Bloom Bakery & Mill | | Location address pending
Julie Ellis along with her partner and husband, Isaac Loewen, recently launched Bloom Bakery & Mill, an ethically grown, locally sourced stone mill and bakery located between Steinbach and Blumenort. Living on a fifth-generation family farm, their new mill operation is set up next to one of their grain fields. While the storefront is not yet open to the public, you can find them popped up at a farmers’ market near you this summer!
Happy travels and stay tuned for our next summer road trip region guide!