Things To Do
in St. Clements
St. Clements is a largely rural municipality in southern Manitoba located along the Red River and near the southern shore of Lake Winnipeg, offering a mix of agricultural land, small communities and scenic waterfront. The area combines quiet country living with easy access to outdoor recreation — boating, fishing and birdwatching are local pastimes. Its proximity to Winnipeg (roughly a 30–45 minute drive depending on your exact starting point) makes it a convenient base for day trips into the city while retaining a peaceful, small‑town atmosphere.
Seasonal festivals, local farms and nearby provincial parks add cultural flavor and outdoor options year‑round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your trip with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Afterward, take a stroll through the scenic trails of the nearby wetlands, where you can catch glimpses of local wildlife. The crisp morning air and the sounds of nature will set a refreshing tone for your travels.
In the afternoon, visit the St. Clements Historical Museum to learn about the rich history of the area and its early settlers. The museum’s thoughtful exhibits offer a deep insight into the cultural heritage of the region. Afterward, grab lunch at a family-owned diner known for its hearty, comfort food.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the cozy restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients. Under the stars, take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, savoring the peaceful ambiance of St. Clements. Wind down your day with a hot drink at a café, reflecting on the experiences of your first day.
Begin your day with a guided kayaking tour on the beautiful rivers surrounding St. Clements; the morning light will make the scenery truly picturesque. Listen to your guide as they share stories of the natural landscape, educating you about the flora and fauna native to the region. This immersive experience will allow you to connect deeply with the environment.
After the excursion, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic park, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Spend some time exploring walking trails or playing frisbee with friends. The afternoon will be filled with laughter and relaxation as you bask in the sun.
As evening falls, attend a local farmers' market where you can sample artisanal products and homegrown produce. Engage with local vendors, learning about their crafts and cuisines, and perhaps picking up ingredients for dinner. Finish the evening with a small bonfire at your accommodation, sharing stories under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer (domestic, bar) | $6-8 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per liter) | $1.30-1.80 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic river and lakeside landscapes with strong outdoor recreation opportunities
- Close enough to Winnipeg for city amenities while retaining peaceful rural character
- Good seasonal wildlife viewing and fishing
- Friendly small‑town communities and local food producers
- Limited services, dining and nightlife within the municipality itself
- Seasonal insect issues in summer and harsh winter weather
- Public transport options are limited — a car is strongly recommended
- Some attractions and businesses are seasonal and may be closed in off‑season
Places to Visit in St. Clements
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside views, river locks and seasonal ice patterns are excellent subjects for sunrise and sunset photography.
Long sandy beaches and wide horizons capture dramatic sunrises, especially at Grand Beach and Beaudry Provincial Park.
Historic lock structures, spillways and nearby old bridges offer textured industrial and historic shots.
Prime birdwatching and wildlife photography — boardwalks and hides give access to marsh species and migratory birds.
Expansive prairie fields, grain elevators, barns and seasonal crops provide classic Manitoba rural imagery.
Food in St. Clements
St. Clements Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater walleye prepared pan‑fried, grilled or as fish and chips — commonly available at local diners, marinas and seasonal fish fries.
Must-Try!
Comforting Eastern European and Mennonite staples; find them at community halls, markets and family restaurants in the region.
Classic Canadian poutine with local twists and hearty beef dishes from area farms served at neighborhood pubs and family restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal roadside stands and occasional farmers’ markets (check Selkirk and nearby towns) for fresh produce, preserves, baking and local charcuterie.
In summer look for marina stalls or community events offering fresh smoked fish, walleye dinners and outdoor BBQs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Manitobans value politeness and orderly queues; greetings, please/thank you and holding doors are appreciated.
Respect farm and private lands: don’t trespass, close gates and ask permission before photographing on private property.
Acknowledge that you are in treaty and traditional Indigenous territories; be respectful when visiting cultural sites and seek permission for photography when in consultation with Indigenous communities.
Pack out trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow posted rules in parks and wetlands to preserve local ecosystems.
Safety
Tipping in St. Clements
Ensure a smooth experience
In Canada, it’s customary to tip 15–20% at full‑service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or more for table service, and $2–5 for taxi drivers depending on distance. Tip baggage handlers and hotel staff a couple of dollars for basic services.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) are widely accepted; many places support tap/contactless payments and mobile wallets. Cash is accepted but less common — keep some on hand for small farm stands and remote purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring can be wet and muddy with thawing fields; good time for migratory birds and early blooms but expect variable weather and potholes on backroads.
Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours — ideal for boating, fishing and beach time; expect mosquitoes in wetlands and busy weekends at popular beaches.
Cooler temperatures and crisp air with fall color in lowland trees; good for fishing, hunting seasons and quieter trails — pack layers as temperatures vary.
Cold, snowy and icy conditions with temperatures often well below freezing; excellent for ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross‑country skiing but dress warmly and prepare for winter driving.
St. Clements at Night
Hiking in St. Clements
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails and lakeside paths along Lake Winnipeg offering quiet waterside walks and birdwatching.
Sandy beaches and dunes with walking paths and lookout points — popular in summer for beach walks and sunrise photography.
Boardwalks and viewing towers for excellent birdwatching and easy, accessible trails through marsh habitats.
Local dyke roads and country lanes provide easy flat walking and cycling routes with expansive prairie and river views.
Larger trail network and mixed-wood forest terrain for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife spotting — a popular provincial recreation area a short drive away.
Airports
How to reach St. Clements by plane.
Main regional and international airport located ~35–50 km southwest (driving time ~30–50 minutes depending on location); offers domestic and international flights and car rental services.
Smaller regional/specialty airport on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg (Gimli) used for private, charter and some industrial aviation — useful for private flights and seasonal charters.
Small local airstrip serving private planes and emergency operations; located close to Selkirk for local aviation needs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding agricultural families and farms form a significant portion of the local population.
Communities with Mennonite, Ukrainian and other Eastern European heritage contribute to local culture, cuisine and festivals.
Indigenous and Métis communities have historical and ongoing presence in the region; local history and place names reflect this heritage.
Residents who commute to Winnipeg for work as well as seasonal cottage owners on Lake Winnipeg add to demographic diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant winter sport in the region with community rinks, youth leagues and adult recreational teams.
A popular winter pastime with local clubs and bonspiels in nearby towns.
Seasonal fishing (walleye, pike) and recreational boating on Lake Winnipeg and the Red River are major draws.
A widespread winter activity using groomed trails and rural landscapes for extensive riding.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting St. Clements.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are somewhat limited in small rural pubs; cafés and farmers’ markets offer salads, baked goods and seasonal vegetable dishes. Call ahead to confirm options at smaller restaurants.
Vegan choices may be limited in village eateries; larger grocery stores and Winnipeg restaurants provide better selections. Bring snacks or plan meals when exploring remote areas.
Some bakeries and cafés can accommodate gluten‑free needs, but cross‑contamination is possible; larger stores in Selkirk or Winnipeg have more packaged gluten‑free choices.