Manitoba

A Taste of Eastern Manitoba

DIY food tour​

Smoked Arctic Char from Timothy’s Country Butcher Shop

photo credit @timothyscountrybutchershop

What to expect

This tour will take you through scenic eastern Manitoba. It is designed not only for you to sample dishes at restaurants, but to stop and pick up other samples/foods along the way.  Stops include, eastern Winnipeg, Selkirk, Beausejour, Lac du Bonnet, Seven Sisters Falls, and Dugald.

Seasonal corn maze from @deermeadowfarms

photo credit @travelmanitoba

details

Number of stops: 9
Number of tastings: 11
Distance: 235 kms
Driving time:  2 hours 45 minutes
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Tastings: Traditional Ecuadorian Hornado (roast pig), Iced Strawberry Matcha, In house Smoked Side Pepper Bacon (sliced to your desired thickness), Coconut Curry – Green Fudge, Beet chips (served with whipped feta), Coffee Rub, Cinnamon buns, Weiner schnitzel, Goulash, and Kangaroo Kabob, Smoked Arctic Char

*does not include driving time to first tasting from Winnipeg and to Winnipeg from last tasting

photo credit @diyfoodtours

Notable Nearby - Bannock Point Petroforms (Betula Lake)​

“Bannock Point features petroforms: stones laid out on the bedrock in the shapes of turtles, snakes, geometric designs and a Thunderbird. They are believed to have been made centuries ago by First Nations people for their value in teaching and healing ceremonies” (www.travelmanitoba.com/directory/bannock-point/)

Check out the Bannock Point Petroforms, only a 30-minute drive east, from Jennifer’s Picnic.

Located at 50°06’45.6″N 95°37’02.6″W

diy food tour

travel

Charito Bakery & Pastry (Winnipeg) to The Mighty Kiwi Juice Bar & Eatery (Selkirk)

Charito Bakery & Pastry – 55 Sage Creek Blvd #519, Winnipeg, MB R3X 0N3

The Mighty Kiwi Juice Bar & Eatery​ – 201 Manitoba Ave, Selkirk, MB R1A 0Y4

Travel time: 37 min (44.4 km)
via Provincial Trunk Hwy 59 N

  • Follow Burning Glass Rd and Sage Creek Blvd to Provincial Trunk Hwy 59 N/Rte 20 N, 1 min (400 m)
  • Continue on Provincial Trunk Hwy 59 N to Selkirk, 36 min (43.7 km)
  • Continue on Eveline St. Drive to Manitoba Ave, 33 sec (210 m)

The Mighty Kiwi Juice Bar & Eatery (Selkirk) to Selkirk Butcher Shop (Selkirk)

The Mighty Kiwi Juice Bar & Eatery –
201 Manitoba Ave, Selkirk, MB R1A 0Y4

Selkirk Butcher Shop – 496 Main St, Selkirk, MB R1A 1W3,

Travel time: 2 min (800 m) via Manitoba Ave and Main St/MB-320 N

  • Head northwest on Manitoba Ave toward Main St/MB-9A N 240 m
  • Turn right onto Main St/MB-320 N 98 m
  • Continue straight to stay on Main St/MB-320 N
  • Destination will be on the right

Selkirk Butcher Shop (Selkirk) TO Le Beau Café & Fudgerie (Beausejour)

Selkirk Butcher Shop – 496 Main St, Selkirk, MB R1A 1W3         

Le Beau Café & Fudgerie – 30 Third St S, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0

Tavel time: 28 min (38.4 km) via Provincial Trunk Hwy 44 E

  • Take Eveline St to Eaton Ave/River Rd/MB-204 S, 4 min (1.3 km)
  • Take Provincial Trunk Hwy 44 E to Rd 41E/First St N in Brokenhead, 22 min (34.9 km)
  • Continue on Rd 41E/First St N. Drive to Third St S in Beausejour, 3 min (2.2 km)

Le Beau Café & Fudgerie (Beausejour) to Colins' House (Beausejour)

Le Beau Café & Fudgerie 30 Third St S, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0

Colins’ House – 705 Park Ave, Beausejour, MB

Travel time: 1 min (350 m) via Park Ave/MB-215 E

  • Head north on Third St S toward Park Ave/MB-215 E 77 m
  • Turn right onto Park Ave/MB-215 E
  • Destination will be on the left 250 m

Colins' House (Beausejour) to J & A Farms via Lac du Bonnet Farmers Market (Lac Du Bonnet)

Colins’ House – 705 Park Ave, Beausejour, MB

J & A Farms via Lac du Bonnet Farmers Market – 25 McArthur Ave, Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0

Travel time: 31 min (47.0 km) via Provincial Trunk Hwy 44 E and Milner Ridge Rd/MB-214

  • Head east on Park Ave/MB-215 E toward Fifth St N 1.0 km
  • Continue onto Provincial Trunk Hwy 44 E/MB-44 E (signs for Whitemouth) 14.7 km
  • Turn left onto Milner Ridge Rd/MB-214 (signs for Lac Du Bonnet) 25.7 km
  • Turn left onto MB-11 N 5.0 km
  • Turn right onto Smith Rd 500 m
  • Sharp right 37 m
  • Turn left
  • Destination will be on the right

J & A Farms via Lac du Bonnet Farmers Market (Lac Du Bonnet) to Gran's Bake Shop (Lac Du Bonnet)

J & A Farms via Lac du Bonnet Farmers Market – 25 McArthur Ave, Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0

Gran’s Bake Shop – 100 First St, Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0

Travel time: 1 min (190 m) via MB-502

  • Head north toward McArthur Ave/MB-502, 18 m
  • Turn right toward McArthur Ave/MB-502
    50 m
  • Turn left onto McArthur Ave/MB-502
    95 m
  • Turn right onto First St/MB-502
  • Destination will be on the right

Gran's Bake Shop (Lac Du Bonnet) to Jennifer's Restaurant-Picnic (Seven sisters falls)

Gran’s Bake Shop – 100 First St, Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0

Jennifer’s Restaurant-Picnic – 63026 MB-307, Seven Sisters Falls, MB R0E 1Y0

Travel time: 15 min (21.2 km) via MB-11 S

  • Head west on First St/MB-502 toward McArthur Ave/MB-317 W, 22 m
  • Continue straight onto Smith Rd 500 m
  • Turn left onto MB-11 S 17.8 km
  • Turn left onto MB-307 E (signs for Seven Sisters Falls)
  • Destination will be on the right

Jennifer's Restaurant-Picnic (Seven sisters falls) to Timothy's Country Butcher Shop (Dugald)

Jennifer’s Restaurant-Picnic – 63026 MB-307, Seven Sisters Falls, MB R0E 1Y0

Timothy’s Country Butcher Shop 712 Dugald Rd #27035, Dugald, MB R0E 0K0

Travel time: 50 min (82.6 km) via Provincial Trunk Hwy 44 W and Dugald Rd/MB-15 W

  • Head west on MB-307 W toward Irene Ave 2.9 km
  • Turn left onto MB-11 S (signs for Winnipeg) 5.0 km
  • Turn right onto Provincial Trunk Hwy 44 W/MB-44 W (signs for Winnipeg) 30.4 km
  • Turn left onto MB-302 S (signs for MB-215) 19.9 km
  • Turn right onto Dugald Rd/MB-15 W (signs for Elma)
  • Destination will be on the right

Tasting types

There are 6 different tasting types. The first is a Must Try tasting, which means the dish provides a sense of pleasure, leaves an everlasting impression, evokes something exceptional, and will be remembered. The second is a Tasting Hack, that is for example, a tasting that is combined with another tasting on the tour, that together, create a better tasting experience. A Seasonal tasting is only available during certain times of the year. A Vegetarian tasting does not contain meat (only verified vegetarian tasting are identified). A Best-In-Class tasting is an identification of a top tasting destination. A Cook At Home tasting is where you purchase in store, but cook at home.

Must try

Must try food tasting

Tasting Hack

Special manipulated tasting

Seasonal

Seasonal tasting

Vegetarian

Vegetarian tasting

Best-in-class

Top tasting destination

Cook At Home

Tasting you purchase in store, but cook at home

Tasting Menu

Hornado (roast pig) from Charito Bakery & Pastry

photo credit @charito_bakery_ca

Charito Bakery & Pastry (Winnipeg)

Bakery

Must try: Traditional Ecuadorian Hornado

* WEEKENDS ONLY *

“Hornado is roast pig, cooked whole, in Ecuadorian cuisine. It is often served in highland markets. Hornado is generally accompanied by llapingacho, mote (hominy), and vegetables. ” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornado).

“Charito Bakery, an Ecuadorian bakery franchise established in 1978 by Rosario Plasencia (Charito) and Raul Sanchez in a small and beautiful town called Sigsig. Since expanding from a small family business, we’ve grown to over 10 bakeries in Ecuador, 2 bakeries across USA, and 1 in Canada” (https://charitobakery.ca/about/)

How to portion: One order can provide up to 3 tastings
Address: 55 Sage Creek Blvd #519, Winnipeg, MB R3X 0N3, Canada
Hours: Saturday 8 AM–7 PM
Sunday 8 AM–7 PM
Monday 8 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–7 PM
Thursday 8 AM–7 PM
Friday 8 AM–7 PM
Website: www.charitobakery.ca
Instagram: @charito_bakery_ca

Iced Strawberry Matcha

photo credit @themightykiwimb

The Mighty Kiwi Juice Bar & Eatery (Selkirk)

Restaurant

Must try: Iced Strawberry Matcha

“Matcha[a] is finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, traditionally consumed in East Asia. The green tea plants used for matcha are shade-grown for three to four weeks before harvest; the stems and veins are removed during processing. During shaded growth, the plant Camellia sinensis produces more theanine and caffeine. The powdered form of matcha is consumed differently from tea leaves or tea bags, as it is suspended in a liquid, typically water or milk… Theanine, succinic acid, gallic acid, and theogallin are chemical factors contributing to the umami-enhancing flavor of matcha. Compared to traditional green tea, the production of matcha requires the tea leaves to be protected from sunlight. Shading results in an increase in caffeine, and total free amino acids, including theanine, but also reduces the accumulation of catechins in leaves” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha)

How to portion: One order can provide one tasting
Address: 201 Manitoba Ave, Selkirk, MB R1A 0Y4, Canada
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
Monday 8 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–6 PM
Thursday 8 AM–6 PM
Friday 8 AM–6 PM
Website: https://themightykiwi.ca/
Instagram: @themightykiwimb

 

In house smoke side bacon (not pepper)

photo credit @selkirkbutchershop

Selkirk Butcher Shop (Selkirk)

Butcher shop

Must try: In house Smoked Side Pepper Bacon (will slice to your desired thickness)

“Bacon is cured through either a process of injecting it with or soaking it in brine, known as wet curing, or rubbed with salt, known as dry curing. Bacon brine has added curing ingredients, most notably nitrites or nitrates, which speed the curing and stabilize colour. Cured bacon may then be dried for weeks or months in cold air, or it may be smoked or boiled. Fresh and dried bacon are typically cooked before eating, often by pan frying. Boiled bacon is ready to eat, as is some smoked bacon, but they may be cooked further before eating. Differing flavours can be achieved by using various types of wood, or less common fuels such as corn cobs or peat” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacon)

How to portion: One strip can provide one tasting
Address: 496 Main St, Selkirk, MB R1A 1W3, Canada
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–5 PM
Thursday 10 AM–5 PM
Friday 10 AM–5 PM
Website: NA
Instagram: @selkirkbutchershop

 

Fudge from Le Beau Café & Fudgerie

photo credit @lebeaucafe.fudgerie

Le Beau Café & Fudgerie (Beausejour)

Cafe

Must try: Coconut Curry – Green Fudge

“Fudge is a type of confection that is made by mixing sugar, butter and milk. It has its origins in 19th century USA and was popular in the women’s colleges of the time. Fudge can come in a variety of flavorings depending on the region or country it was made; popular flavors include fruit, nut, chocolate and caramel. Fudge is often bought as a gift from a gift shop in tourist areas and attractions” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fudge)

How to portion: One order can provide up to 5 tastings
Address: 30 Third St S, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0, Canada
Hours: Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 11 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–5 PM
Thursday 11 AM–5 PM
Friday 11 AM–5 PM
Website: http://www.lebeaucafe.ca/
Instagram: @lebeaucafe.fudgerie

 

Beer battered “Catch of the Day” (photo credit @colins_house’s)

Colins' House (beausejour)

Restaurant

Must try: Beet chips (served with whipped feta)

“Vegetable chips (also referred to as veggie chips) are chips (crisps) that are prepared using vegetables other than potatoes. Vegetable chips may be fried, deep-fried, dehydrated, dried or baked. Many different root vegetables or leaf vegetables may be used. Vegetable chips may be eaten as a snack food, and may accompany other foods such as dips, or be used as a topping on dishes. In the United States, vegetable chips are often mass-produced, with many brands marketed to consumers” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetable_chip).

How to portion: An order can provide 2to 4 tastings
Address: 705 Park Ave, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0
Hours:
Saturday 11:30a.m.–7p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday 11:30a.m.–7p.m.
Tuesday 11:30a.m.–7p.m.
Wednesday 11:30a.m.–7p.m.
Thursday 11:30a.m.–7p.m.
Friday 11:30a.m.–7p.m.
Website: www.colinshouse.com
Instagram: @colins_house’s

Barnwood Coffee Rub from J & A Farms

photo credit @joe.alifarms

J & A Farms (VIA Lac Du Bonnet Farmers market)

Farm

Must try: Coffee Rub

* Starting in May available SATURDAYS at the Lac du Bonnet Farmers Market *

“Though coffee is now a global commodity, it has a long history tied closely to food traditions around the Red Sea. The earliest credible evidence of coffee drinking in the form of the modern beverage appears in modern-day Yemen from the mid-15th century in Sufi shrines, where coffee seeds were first roasted and brewed in a manner similar to current methods. The Yemenis procured the coffee beans from the Ethiopian Highlands via coastal Somali intermediaries and began cultivation. By the 16th century, the drink had reached the rest of the Middle East and North Africa, later spreading to Europe. In the 20th century, coffee became a global commodity, creating different coffee cultures around the world” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee)

How to portion:
Address: Farmers Market 25 McArthur Ave, Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0, Canada (farm located in Beausejour)
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–1 PM
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Website: https://www.joeandalifarms.com/
Instagram: @joe.alifarms

 
 

Cinnamon buns from Gran’s Bake Shop

photo credit @gransbakeshop

Gran's Bake Shop (Lac du Bonnet)

Cafe

Must try: Cinnamon buns

“Cinnamon bark is used as a spice. It is principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material. It is used in the preparation of chocolate, especially in Mexico. Cinnamon is often used in savoury dishes of chicken and lamb. In the United States and Europe, cinnamon and sugar are often used to flavour cereals, bread-based dishes such as toast, and fruits, especially apples; a cinnamon and sugar mixture (cinnamon sugar) is sold separately for such purposes. It is also used in Portuguese and Turkish cuisine for both sweet and savoury dishes. Cinnamon can also be used in pickling, and in Christmas drinks such as eggnog. Cinnamon powder has long been an important spice in enhancing the flavour of Persian cuisine, used in a variety of thick soups, drinks and sweets” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon)

How to portion: One bun can provide up to 4 tastings
Address: 100 First St, Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0, Canada
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday 10 AM–4:30 PM
Friday 10 AM–4:30 PM
Website: NA
Instagram: @gransbakeshop

Above: Lemon pepper chicken and goulash. Bottom: Camel kabob and escargot

photo credit @diyfoodtours

Jennifer's Restaurant-Picnic (Seven sisters falls)

Modern European Restaurant

*CLOSED FOR THE 2023 SEASON*

Must try: Weiner schnitzel and Goulash

“Wiener schnitzel, sometimes spelled Wienerschnitzel, as in Switzerland, is a type of schnitzel made of a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet. It is one of the best known specialities of Viennese cuisine, and one of the national dishes of Austria” (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiener_schnitzel)

“Goulash, is a soup or stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices. Originating in Hungary, goulash is a common meal predominantly eaten in Central Europe but also in other parts of Europe. It is one of the national dishes of Hungary and a symbol of the country. Its origin traces back to the 9th century to stews eaten by Hungarian shepherds” (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goulash)

How to portion: The 2 piece wiener schnitzel can provide 4 to 5 tastings, the small size goulash is good for 2 to 3 tastings.
Address: 63026 MB-307, Seven Sisters Falls, MB R0E 1Y0, Canada
Hours: Wednesday 11 AM–7:13 PM
Thursday 11 AM–7:13 PM
Friday 11 AM–7:13 PM
Saturday 11 AM–7:13 PM
Sunday 11 AM–7:13 PM
Monday 11 AM–7:13 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–7:13 PM
Website: NA
Instagram: NA

Smoked Arctic Char from Timothy’s Country Butcher Shop

photo credit @timothyscountrybutchershop

Timothy's Country Butcher Shop (Dugald)

Butcher shop

Must try: Smoked Arctic Char

“The Arctic char is closely related to both salmon and lake trout, and has many characteristics of both. The fish is highly variable in colour, depending on the time of year and the environmental conditions of the lake where it lives. The appearance of Arctic char differs between populations. The dorsal side of the Arctic char is dark in its colour while the ventral varies from red, yellow, and white… Commercial Arctic char typically weigh between 1–2.5 kg (2.2–5.5 lb). The flesh is fine-flaked and medium firm. The colour is between light pink and deep red, and the taste is like something between trout and salmon” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_char)

How to portion: One order can provide up to 8 tastings
Address: 712 Dugald Rd #27035, Dugald, MB R0E 0K0, Canada
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 10 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday 10 AM–8 PM
Friday 10 AM–8 PM
Website: http://www.timothyscountrybutchershop.com/
Instagram: @timothyscountrybutchershop

 

Notable nearby

photo credit https://www.facebook.com/photo/sophies

Sophie's Restaurant & Deli (Hadashville)

Pick up to go items such as, but not limited to, Kasha (Buckwheat, Celery, Onions, Bacon, and Dill), Gourmet Fried Sauerkraut (Cabbage, Onions, Carrots, Bacon), Beet Borscht (Beef Broth, Beets, Pork, Potatoes, Beans, Onions, Cabbage, Greens Peans, Carrots), Rice & Buckwheat Cabbage Rolls (Pork, Bacon, Rice, Carrots, Tomato Sauce) and Golden Potato Pancakes (Potato, Eggs, Spices)

Address: 44098 MB-11, Hadashville, MB R0E 0X0, Canada
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
Monday 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday 10 AM–6 PM
Friday 10 AM–6 PM

 

Zig Zag Bison burger (for Burger Week only), bison and pork patty, whipped garlic & feta cream cheese, tomato pepper jam, @wildsongacres greens, and onions on a house made ciabatta bun from Spicy Radish Cafe

 photo credit @spicyradish

Spicy Radish Cafe (Whitemouth)

“Small town diner with a fresh home style twist. We are building our community by creating a warm, welcome meeting place with great food and friendly service” (https://spicyradish.com/)

Address: 141 Railway Ave, Whitemouth, MB R0E 2G0
Hours: Wednesday 8 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday 8 AM–4:30 PM
Friday 8 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday 8 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday 8 AM–4:30 PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed

Big Kahuna, ​house patty, monterey jack, pineapple, teriyaki, house made sweet chili aioli, red onion, lettuce + tomato

photo credit @nitehawkcafe

Nite Hawk Cafe (West Hawk Lake)

“THE FAMILY TRADITION CONTINUES, Celebrating Over 50 Years + 3 Generations est. 1970.  Homemade burgers, fries, milkshakes” (http://www.nitehawkcafe.com/)

Address: Provincial Trunk Hwy 44, West Hawk Lake, MB R0E 2H0
Hours: TBD (Opens May 4th, 2023)

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/UPDATES

Email: Matt@diyfoodtours.com