Summer in Manitoba is magical with its lush trees, long days, sparkling lakes, and the return of seasonal drive-in burger shops and ice cream parlours. It’s the perfect time to get out and explore all the amazing women-owned and partnered businesses we are lucky to have in every corner of our province! From the Pembina Valley to Parkland and beyond, join us as we explore some of Manitoba’s most charming cities, towns, and communities, and the businesses—and people—that call them home.

Flin Flon Manitoba is a mining hub turned vacation destination in beautiful northern Manitoba that sits right on the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border. The town was built on an old volcanic belt, resulting in a stunning rocky landscape unlike anywhere else in our province. The area around Flin Flon is filled with breathtaking parks, pristine lakes, and other natural wonders, making it an excellent destination for camping, fishing, hiking, and all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy summer in Manitoba! 

Flin Flon is located on Treaty 5 territory and is home to just over 5,000 people. This historic town with a thriving arts and culture scene is the perfect weekend getaway destination located 762 km – or an 8-hour drive – from Winnipeg. Whether you stay at a cabin in nearby cottage country, or opt for a cozy hotel in the heart of town, Flin Flon and its surrounding area will delight and surprise you. Let’s explore!

 

1. The Orange Toad Cafe and Bakery | 79 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB

A woman smiles as she makes a cup of coffee behind the bar at The Orange Toad Cafe.

Stop by The Orange Toad, a community gathering spot, for your morning caffeine hit and some satisfying baked goods. With daily specials and a vast menu including flavoured coffee, seasonal lattes, and experimental pastries, you can try something new every day. Enjoy the welcoming, homey atmosphere, or take your goods to go and make your way to the next stop.  

2. Uptown Emporium | 83 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB 

A white wall filled with all kinds of wood carvings and pieces of artwork at Uptown Emporium.

Right next door to The Orange Toad is Uptown Emporium, a non-profit, sub-organization of the Flin Flon Arts Council that sells hand-crafted products from northern artisans. Home decor, holiday decorations, food products, and fine art collectibles line the shelves and make perfect gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your northern adventures!   

3.  Auora + Pine Bistro | 114 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB 

A stunning plate of mussels and other seafood with vegetables topped with a tuille.

Shopping can really work up an appetite! Head over to Aurora + Pine Bistro, a women and gender-diverse-owned and operated seasonally inspired bistro for lunch or dinner. With a modern menu that focuses on classics and comfort food with a sophisticated twist, Aurora + Pine takes pride in their hand-made menu. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that’s rooted in diversity and inclusivity, and take your time to enjoy the ritual of food.  

4. Candy Bar Ice Cream Shop | 39 3rd Avenue, Flin Flon, MB 

Four soft-serve ice cream comes in a stand from Candy Bar Ice Cream Shop

If you were able to resist the dessert temptations at Aurora + Pine, get your sweet treat fix at Candy Bar Ice Cream Shop! Candy Bar has delicious soft serve and 16 flavours of hard ice cream. Nothing says summer more than a small town ice cream cone! They also offer frozen treats, cookies, cakes, and more, so don’t forget to stock up for the drive home. 

5. Big Island Drive-In | MB-10 Big Island Lake, Manitoba 

A projector screen outside that displays the message, "Good evening folks, and a hearty welcome to our drive-in theatre." A variety of different cars are parked in front of it waiting for the movie to start at Big Island Drive-In.

You’ll have to venture just out of town for the final stop but it’s well worth it. Big Island Drive-In is one of only three operating drive in movie theatres in Manitoba and has been showing movies under the stars since 1957! Pull up, kill your headlights, tune in your radio, and order some popcorn from the concession for delivery straight to your car window. 

Happy exploring and stay tuned for our next Summer in Manitoba Road Trip Region Guide!