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Don’t Make This Mistake in Flin Flon [15 Things You MUST Do + Tips]

Don’t Make This Mistake in Flin Flon [15 Things You MUST Do + Tips]

Clever Canadian Written By: April 2024

Before you embark on your Flin Flon adventure, let me share a cautionary tale: I once mistook a moose for a massive boulder during a hike there! Luckily, I’ve learned from that “big rock vs. living creature” mishap so you don’t have to make the same mistake!

For this listicle, I’m giving you a rundown of the things you MUST do (minus the moose-y spots) while you’re in Flin Flop for a smooth-sailing and unregretfully memorable time. Let’s get started! 

Visit the Flin Flon Station Museum

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Website: https://www.cityofflinflon.ca/t/tourism/flin-flon-station-museum 

Address: MB-10 Alt, Flin Flon, MB, Canada

Contact Details: (204) 681-7511, [email protected] 

Operating Hours: 

June – August 31st

  • Monday – Friday – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Admission:

  • Adult: $4
  • Family: $10
  • Students (8 – 18 years): $2
  • Seniors (55+ years): $2
  • Children (7 and under): Free

A do-not-miss place is the Flin Flon Station Museum, which will give you insights into the town’s history. Here, you’ll get to learn how Flin Flon has survived over the years.

You’ll find interesting artifacts from the 1920s, including a section about the city’s mining history. It’s a must if you’re visiting this town.

The collection of old furniture and home necessities is pretty interesting to see, including vintage cameras, record players, and an old-fashioned washing machine you have to operate by hand!

Pro Tip:

Don’t make the mistake of going here on a random day! Flin Flon Station Museum only opens during the first weekend of June.

Meet Flintabbatey Flonatin

Media credit: from.my.northern.home

Website: https://www.cityofflinflon.ca/p/-statue-of-josiah-flintabattey-flonatin 

Address: Flintabbatey Flonatin, Flin Flon, MB, Canada

Admission: Free

Right next to Flin Flon Station Museum is the statue of Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin, affectionately called “Flinty.” This is a place you absolutely have to visit because this 24 ft statue is actually who the city was named after.

Yup, Flin Flon got its name after the lead character of The Sunless City by J. E. Preston Muddock, and the statue was designed by American cartoonist Al Capp. That alone is a reason to visit Flinty!

Pro Tip:

This is actually right at the entrance of the city. If you’re driving, you can park next to Flin Flon Station Museum and get two visits in one!

Camp at Bakers Narrows Provincial Park

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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/park-maps-and-locations/ 

Address: Bakers Narrows Provincial Park, Manitoba R0B 0C0, Canada

Contact Details: 1 (800) 214-6497, 1 (888) 482-2267 (For campsite reservations)

Operating Season: May – September

Admission:

Park vehicle permit

  • Annual: $44.50 
  • Casual: $16.50 (validity is for three consecutive days)
  • Daily:  $9.50 (validity until midnight on the date of purchase)

Camping fees*

  • Basic Services: $11.55 – $23.10
  • Electrical Services: $15.75 – $27.30
  • Electrical/Water Services: $18.90 – $24.15
  • Full Service: $21.00 – $25.20

*subject to change

One place you cannot miss is the Bakers Narrows Provincial Park, where you can camp for the night! This place boasts 145 hectares of Precambrian boreal forest, where you can admire beautiful wildlife.

There are private campsites here, which conveniently have shower areas and washrooms. It’s also a family-friendly spot, with playgrounds for the kids and beaches you can swim in—some campgrounds are so close to the beach.

Pro Tips:

Before choosing a campsite, it’s best to call the visitor centre because some areas are only open seasonally.

Remember not to leave your food lying around. There are black bears in the area, so it’s best to avoid attracting them.

Rock out at the Blueberry Jam Music Gathering

Media from blueberryjam.ff

Website: https://flinflonblueberryjam.ca/ 

Address: Flin Flon Tourist Bureau & Campground, MB-10 Alt, Flin Flon, MB R8A 0T7, Canada

Contact Details: (204) 687-5974, [email protected]

Operating Season: Annually around August

Admission: Free

If you’re a music lover, you have to schedule your annual visit to Flin Flon for the Blueberry Jam Music Gathering. It’s a three-day event where musicians and music enthusiasts unite to meet new people and just enjoy music—it’s basically chill and fun.

Even if you’re just starting out in your music career or if it’s a hobby, you can still sign up to perform on stage—and it doesn’t matter if you aren’t a local. There are two stages (indoor and outdoor) for performers, so there’s a continuous flow of good music.

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget to RSVP if you plan on performing to make sure you get a spot on stage. Thousands attend this event, and it’s your chance to introduce your music to a new audience.

Swim at Denare Beach

Media from villageofdenarebeach

Website: https://www.denarebeach.net/ 

Address: 512 7th Ave, Denare Beach, SK S0P 0B0, Canada (Denare Beach Recreation Office)

Contact Details: (306) 362-2054, [email protected]

Operating Hours: Village Office – 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Admission: Free

While you’re in Flin Flon, you can drive just 20 minutes to Amisk Lake, Saskatchewan and visit Denare Beach. This isn’t a crowded place, but it is a nice, quiet area where you can swim, ride your canoe, and go fishing.

There are also two provincial campgrounds here (Sawmill Bay and Sand Beach) and one private (Bayside Resort), so you can bring your RV if you want to stay a few days in town for a peaceful vacation.

Pro Tip:

Bears live in the area, so remember to put away trash in the proper place to keep the place safe.

Check out the shops on Main Street

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Address: Main Street, Flin Flon, MB, Canada

Flin Flon’s Main Street has a small-town feel, which is a nice change if you’re coming from a big city. Even some of the signage is old-fashioned, which kind of feels like you travelled back in time.

Here, you can find local shops selling clothing, flood, and some unique stuff. The Orange Toad on Main Street is a nice local cafe you have to try, and Friendship Centre Restaurant on Church Street is a no-frills breakfast place.

Pro Tip:

If you plan on walking the main street, try to avoid going on a Sunday because many local shops will be closed. That’ll be a bummer if you want to check out a specific shop.

Feed the animals at Joe Brain Children’s Petting Zoo

Media from thecityofflinflon

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flinflonpettingzoo/ 

Address: 320 – 344 Green St, Flin Flon, MB R8A 0A1, Canada

Contact Details: (204) 687-6910

Operating Hours: June to August, Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Admission: $2 per person

One of the must-see places in Flin Flon if you’re coming with kids is the Joe Brain Children’s Petting Zoo. Besides seeing animals up close, you can have some snacks at the picnic area or bring your little ones to the playground to burn some energy.

This petting zoo is not huge, so you and your kids won’t get too tired after the visit. But it still has plenty of cute animals that will make you smile, such as donkeys, goats, sheep, and chicks.

Pro Tips:

Z hours are weather permitting, so before coming here, check the weather app or their Facebook page if they’re open for the day.

Wear comfortable shoes, preferably closed-toe ones, because light rain can make the ground muddy.

Walk up The Hundred Stairs

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Address: 5 3 Ave E, Flin Flon, MB R8A 1H8, Canada

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Admission: Free

You’ll need a lot of energy here if you want to walk The Hundred Stairs. It was actually built in 1935 so people can get to the downtown area quickly from Third Avenue—it acts as a shortcut.

But it was still quite a walk, so in 1947, a 140-meter tunnel was supposed to be an alternative to getting from downtown to Third Avenue. But it didn’t pan out and instead became a sewer outlet—hence, the stairs are here to stay.

Pro Tip:

At the top is the memorial for the people who served and fought for the town. If you want to visit and don’t want to walk the Hundred Stairs, you can access the war memorial from Hill Street.

Get your steps in at Flinty’s Boardwalk

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Address: Flinty Boardwalk, Flin Flon, MB R8A 0T3, Canada

Contact Details: (204) 681-7511 (City Hall)

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Admission: Free

Flinty’s Boardwalk is the spot to get some exercise or if you want some peace and quiet. This is a 5 km loop trail along Ross Lake, which takes just a little over an hour to finish.

There are stairs and a boardwalk at the beginning of the trail, which leads to a gravel road (so wear comfortable shoes). You’ll come across the viewing platform next to a large rock since it’s right on the trail, which offers gorgeous views of the lake.

Pro Tip:

You can take your dog here, but keep them on a leash at all times. You can also bring a stroller if you’re travelling with your little ones, but it won’t be passable around the 2 km mark.

Watch a movie at the Big Island Drive-In

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Website: https://www.bigislanddrivein.com/ 

Address: MB-10, Big Island Lake, MB R0B 0C0, Canada

Contact Details: (204) 687-3000

Operating Hours: May – October, around dusk

Admission:

  • General Admission (12+): $12
  • Youth (5 – 11): $5
  • Night Owls (60+): $10
  • Child (4 and under): Free

Watching drive-in movies is fun but isn’t common anymore. But just ten or so minutes from Flin Flon Main Street is the Big Island Drive-In Theatre, which is more unique than walking in a movie theatre.

This old-fashioned activity adds an incredible feature because you can watch movies under the Northern Lights. There’s a concession stand, too, with popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, and drinks to complete your movie experience. 

Pro Tip:

The Big Island Drive-In Theatre’s schedule changes weekly. It opens at dusk, but the exact time will change every week throughout the season, so check their socials for the schedule.

Embrace the slope at Flin Flon Ski Club

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Website: https://www.flinflonskiclub.com/ 

Address: 0Z8, Saskatchewan Ave, Flin Flon, SK R8A 0Y9, Canada

Contact Details: Via the contact form on the website

Operating Season: Winter – complete list of trail opening seasons

Admission:

2023 – 2024 Membership Fees

  • Single Adult: $100
  • Family: $180
  • Student (13 – 18): $60
  • Student (12 & under): $45

Non-members

  • Adult: $10
  • Student: $5

Flin Flon Ski Club maintains 28 km of groomed trails, including a 2.2 km lighted loop for after-work ski adventures. If you plan on bringing your furry companion, there’s also a dog-friendly trail (Carlisle Loop) you can go to.

No worries if you’re just passing by Flin Flon and don’t have ski equipment with you because you can rent on-site for only $15 for an adult and $10 for a child. And if you’re visiting the town in summer, you can hike the trails instead.

Pro Tip:

There’s a hill that’s not part of the ski club, which you may accidentally ski on. Download the Trailforks mobile app so you have a guide when navigating the maintained trails on the Flin Flon Ski Club property.

Watch a hockey game

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Address: 2 Hart Ave, Flin Flon, MB R8A 1K7, Canada (Whitney Forum)

We’re Canadians, and that means we love hockey—it’s no secret the sport gets our blood pumping. In Whitney Forum, you can mingle with the locals and watch and support the Flin Flon Junior Bombers, the city’s junior ice hockey team.

Pro Tip:

If you happen to visit during the off-season, you can ice skate in Whitney Forum when it’s open to the public. There are specific times when it’s available, so better check the schedule.

Shop local at Wild Things Market

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Website: https://culturedays.ca/en/events/34dd2f22-4c4a-4c9e-bfd8-23d4e4f47d96 

Address: Creekside Dr, Flin Flon, MB R8A 0M2, Canada

Contact Details: (204) 687-5974, [email protected] (Flin Flon Arts Council)

Operating Season: Annually, starts around September

Admission: Free

During Culture Days in Flin Flon, a must-visit is the Wild Things Market. This is where local artisans can showcase and sell their crafts.

You can find a bunch of handcrafted goods, such as mugs, jewelry, home essentials, and baked goods. In 2023, it was held at Creekside Park, which is also a good place for walking and jogging—so you get multiple things done in a single location!

Pro Tip:

Check their website for the exact date when the market opens. It will change every year.

Appreciate artworks in NorVA Centre

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Website: https://www.norvacentre.com/ 

Address: 177 Green St, Flin Flon, MB R8A 0G5, Canada

Contact Details: (204)687-4237, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Saturday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Admission:

  • Exhibition: Free
  • Workshops and events: Prices will vary

To get a glimpse of artworks made by local artists in Flin Flon, drop by NorVa Centre. You can find paintings, pottery, and sculptures here, complete with monthly exhibitions, so there are fresh displays with every visit.

If an artwork catches your eye, you can purchase or bid on it to take it home! You can also join fun events here, like paint nights and music performances. 

Pro Tip:

NorVa Centre doesn’t have a big sign, so you can miss it if you aren’t careful. It’s smack right in the middle of Domino’s and Johnny’s Social Club.

Catch the biggest fish with Bakers Narrow Lodge

Media from bakersnarrowslodge

Website: https://www.bakersnarrowslodge.com/ice-fishing/ 

Address: #1 Hwy 10, Bakers Narrows, Flin Flon, MB R8A 1N1, Canada

Contact Details: 1 (866) 603-6390, [email protected]

Rates: $449 – $2,195 (package dependent)

Go ice fishing at Lake Athapapuskow and wow yourself with the massive fish you can catch! Fishing is also available at remote lakes, which means you can’t be sure of the size and species of fish you can catch—quite a challenge!

Ice Fishing at Bakers Narrow Lodge comes in different packages, which include a fishing guide, accommodation, and breakfast every morning. You can get pretty much anything here, so you don’t need to purchase new gear should you forget anything.

If you don’t have your own gear, they have rental equipment on-site. They even have ice hut rentals to keep you safe and warm.

Pro Tip:

Make sure you have a Manitoba Fishing License before booking the stay and activity. 

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