If you have exhausted all the things to do in Riding Mountain National Park and have time to spare, consider a trip to the nearby city of Dauphin.
Dauphin is located in the Parkland region of Manitoba and is roughly 68km northwest of Riding Mountain.
Depending on the time of the year when you visit, Dauphin offers a variety of street festivals, fishing, historic sites, water sports, camping, and lots of other outdoor adventures.
Here are some of the best attractions and activities in Dauphin, Manitoba.
1. Rainbow Beach Provincial Park
Located on the south shore of Lake Dauphin, the Rainbow Beach Provincial Park is great for swimming, sunbathing, RV camping, hiking, boating, kayaking, and more.
The beach area is very shallow and is excellent for kids. There are also several playground structures and a concession stand.
At the time of our visit, people traffic was pretty scant, so it was easy to enjoy some quiet. You need to purchase a permit to use park at the beach. A day parking pass cost us roughly $10.
2. Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Ressurection
The Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Resurrection was built between 1936 and 1939. It is a provincial heritage site and a national historic site.
It is located at 1106 – Ist Street SW, Dauphin. For appointments to view the interior, call 204-638-6746.
Related: Best Things to do in Whiteshell Provincial Park
3. Fort Dauphin Museum
Fort Dauphin Museum is a recreation of a trading post used by fur traders and reminiscent of early settlements in the area.
You will find a trapper’s cabin, log house, schoolhouse, church, blacksmith’s shop, and thousands of artifacts at the Parkland Archaeological Laboratory, including fossils.
The museum was closed for the season when we visited. Admission fees are $4 for adults and $3 for youth – younger kids enter free when accompanied by an adult.
You can reach them at 204-638-6630 or visit the website here. It is located at 140 Jackson Street, Dauphin.
4. Amisk The Beaver Monument
This 16 feet tall beaver monument is located just off Highway 5A/10A. It was built by Ross Owen in 1967 as a Canadian Centennial project.
“Amisk” is the Cree word for beaver, an animal that is plentiful in the area.
5. Dauphin Rail Museum
Visit the Dauphin Rail Museum located at the Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) Station. The CNR building was designated as a historic site in 1998.
The museum features the history of rail service in the region with several miniature replicas.
6. Vermillion River Park and Trail
The Vermillion River Park campground is within the city limits and offers basic amenities including picnic areas, firepit rentals, and playgrounds.
You can also venture out on the 2.4km loop Vermillion Park Trail.
7. Watson Arts Centre
The Watson Arts Centre was built in 1905 and is located right across from the Canadian Northern Railway building.
Find out if there are live music or theatre production events in play there.
While in Dauphin, you can also check out the Trembowla Cross of Freedom.
If you are looking for a place to stay, the town has its own Super 8 by Wyndham and Best Western Plus hotels.
