Cross Country Ski Equipment, Snowshoes, & Skates
2020-12-14
“A little bit of everything!”, maybe that should be our moto at Little Manitou Art Gallery? It isn’t every art gallery that also offers sports equipment rentals… but we do!
Little Manitou Art Gallery collaborates with the Manitou Beach Recreation Board to offer equipment rental for winter activities. The Rec Board owns the equipment and approached Little Manitou Art Gallery to provide the store front for rentals.
In 2019, the Rec Board bought new ski equipment – skis, boots, and poles to fit a variety of adult sizes. There are also strap-on snowshoes, including a few small enough for youth & the Rec Board sharpened a small selection of donated used skates.
There are two Cross Country Ski Trails maintained by Manitou Beach Rec Board volunteers. The route around the perimeter of the Manitou Beach Golf Course is approximately 2.5KM. This scenic trail explores gorgeous open areas and treed bluffs. Access the Golf Course Trail on the west side of the Golf Club House. The trail through the Manitou Beach Regional Campground meanders through the mature trees and offers a sheltered experience for windy days.
A third trail is available in mid-winter, when it is cold enough for thick ice to form on the lake. Our Rec Board volunteers run the skidoo with the trail-packer sled in a large loop from the Main Beach. This trail is less manicured as the open lake blows in easily but is a favorite for skiers who take their dogs along. The dogs have wide open space to run without tromping down the ski tracks for other skiers.
Snowshoeing is popular in a variety of locations. Wellington Park is often a favorite to explore, as well as the off-path areas behind the Regional Campground. The open lake is also popular for exploring. Note that Wellington Park also has a well-traveled path that you can manage easily on foot, without snowshoes. It isn’t cleared, but is naturally packed by visitors.
While you’re considering all the outdoor experiences available at Manitou Beach, be sure to check out the Pond. Located “at the top of Jean St” this pond is regularly cleared by Rec Board volunteers and features a large skating area, smaller tots skating, crokicurl rink, bonfire pit, and a shelter for changing your skates. As well as the used skates, Little Manitou Art Gallery also has firewood bundles available for sale. Crokicurl equipment is available to use free-of-charge at the pond.
During this Christmas and New Year winter season getting outside is even more popular than ever before. Manitou Springs Resort is offering a Winter Package that includes a two night stay in a premium room with ski rentals from Little Manitou Art Gallery, and of course even a day trip can include the restaurant and soak in the spa!
Little Manitou Art Gallery is open year-round. Stop in for a unique experience! This time of year we still have three open-door little galleries and the studio with our Check-out counter. The open-door galleries are not heated so I always recommend you discover the amazing variety of artwork include in these venues and then come into the Studio Check-Out with your purchase … and to warm up!
So, whether it’s unique creative work, or rentals for outdoor activities in Manitou Beach, at Little Manitou Art Gallery, we have more than just a little bit to offer!
Inspiring Art. At Little Manitou Art Gallery it means two things: we sell the art you love and we encourage you to create.
Located in Treaty 4 Territory, on the South shore of Little Manitou Lake, in the Resort Village of Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan – Little Manitou Art Gallery is a welcoming, creative hub. When you arrive, be ready for a little adventure! Have fun exploring this unique property, fall in love with original artwork, enjoy live music performances, join hands-on ARTivity Socials and sit down for a Saskatchewan brewed beer or glass of wine.
