3 days

3-Day to Flin Flon, Creighton, and Denare Beach

What you'll do

This 3-day itinerary to the Flin Flon, Creighton, and Denare Beach region offers incredible Northern Lights displays (season permitting), stunning Canadian Shield landscapes, natural wonders like limestone crevices, and beautiful beaches. Located on the border of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Flin Flon allows you to experience the best of both provinces' northern beauty!

Day 1

1

Sightseeing

Winnipeg

Capital city of Manitoba

Winnipeg, the capital and largest city of Manitoba, is a vibrant and diverse city located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. It's known for its extreme seasonal weather, multicultural festivals, and sports teams like the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers.

Since we're based in Winnipeg, our road trip will start and end here. If you're not based in Winnipeg, don’t worry! Simply use Google Maps to adjust your itinerary, setting your location as both the starting and ending points. From there, you can create your own personalized route!

2

activity

Bakers Narrows Scenic Tower

Scenic Tower near Flin Flon

The Bakers Narrows Scenic Tower is located within Bakers Narrows Provincial Park. To reach the tower, you’ll need to climb a set of stairs. The 0.2-km out-and-back trail typically takes about 5 minutes to complete, leading you to the top of the tower. Once there, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Athapapuskow. We recommend visiting the tower a few minutes before sunset for the best experience.

All trails is linked here

3

Sightseeing

Flin Flon

A unique city in Manitoba like no other

Flin Flon is a unique mining city set along the border of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Known for its rugged landscapes, rich history, and outdoor adventures, this city is a must-visit on your road trip!

Best Things to Do in Flin Flon


The highlight of Flin Flon is its striking landscape, with scenic drives that could almost make you feel like you're in the Southwestern USA. And, of course, the Northern Lights are visible from late August to early March—an incredible experience. Here are some of the activities we loved in Flin Flon:

  1. Visit the Flintabbatey Flonatin Statue
    The town’s name comes from a fictional explorer, and you can visit his quirky statue in downtown Flin Flon. It’s a fun photo-op and a unique piece of local history.

  2. Explore the Flin Flon Station Museum
    This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s mining history and Indigenous culture. You’ll find old mining equipment, artifacts, and a historic train station.

  3. Hike the Flinty’s Boardwalk Trail (one of our favorites!)
    This 5.1 km loop trail is easy, taking about 2 hours to complete. It’s open year-round, so it’s a great spot to visit no matter the season. You’ll circle Ross Lake on a boardwalk, then continue on a wide gravel trail (that trail in the summer remind us of the volcanic landscape found in Lanzarote, Canary Islands). One highlight is the well-constructed wooden stairs that lead you to a stunning rock outcrop with views of the lake and surrounding mine sites. It’s perfect for a morning or sunset walk.

  4. Hike the Little Cliff Lake Trail
    This easy-to-moderate 2.3 km trail (with a 67m elevation gain) takes about an hour to complete, including time for photos. The trailhead is a bit tricky to find, though—look for the rough gravel road off Highway 10. We had to park along Balsam Ave. and walk across the highway to reach it. The hike rewards you with breathtaking views of Little Cliff Lake and the surrounding landscape. Just be cautious of the uneven terrain, and pack a face mask if you're hiking during wildfire season, as we unfortunately encountered some smoke haze during our visit.

  5. Go Fishing or Boating on Lake Athapapuskow
    This crystal-clear lake is known for trophy-sized fish. Boat rentals are available at Bakers Narrows Lodge for a great day on the water.

  6. Swim at Channing Beach
    Channing Beach is a popular spot with a sandy beach, picnic area, and volleyball court, perfect for a relaxing day by the lake.

  7. See the Northern Lights
    Flin Flon is one of the best places in Manitoba to catch the aurora borealis due to its minimal light pollution. The Northern Lights are visible from late August through early March.

There is so much more to do in Flin Flon, check out our Free 3-Day Itinerary to Flin Flon to find out!

 Where to Stay in Flin Flon

 

  • Ravens Hollow: A luxury dome that’s clean, cozy, and the perfect spot to see the Northern Lights right from your accommodation. We rated it 5/5—it's a must-see! They also provide fun activities on-site like goat walks and kayaking on White Lake.

  • Victoria Inn: Comfortable rooms and a restaurant on-site. We rated it 2.8/5 due to some issues with the bathtub during our stay.

  • Bakers Narrows Lodge: Cozy lakefront cabins just 20 minutes drive from Flin Flon.

  • Bakers Narrows Provincial Park: Open during the camping season (late May to early September), just 20 minutes drive away from Flin Flon.

Where to Eat in Flin Flon

 

  • Orange Toad: Great selection of coffee, lattes, and teas.

  • Mike’s Ice N’ Burger Hut: Famous for big, juicy burgers and milkshakes. One of our favorites!

  • Inferno Shawarma and Donair: For tasty Middle Eastern food.

  • Aurora Pine & Bistro: A great option for a fine dining experience.

There are also grocery stores like Walmart if you'd rather cook your own meals.

4

Sightseeing

Flintabbatey Flonatin

Quirky statue in Flin Flon

The city of Flin Flon's name comes from a fictional explorer, and you can visit his quirky statue in downtown Flin Flon. It’s a fun photo-op and a unique piece of local history.

5

museum

Flin Flon Station Museum

Museum in Flin Flon

The Flin Flon Station Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s mining history and Indigenous culture. You’ll find old mining equipment, artifacts, and a historic train station. This is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in the city's heritage.

6

restaurant

Mike's Ice N Burger Hut

Great spot for burgers and ice cream in Flin Flon

Mike's Ice N Burger Hut is a laid-back spot in Flin Flon where you can enjoy delicious burgers and cool off with a refreshing ice cream treat. The menu features a range of burger options, from classic cheeseburgers to unique specialty creations. And don’t miss out on dessert—their ice cream selection is exceptional. We truly enjoyed what they offer and is a must-visit when in Flin Flon!

7

Sightseeing

The Hundred Stairs

Wooden stairs in the city of Flin Flon

The "Hundred Stairs" in Flin Flon is a notable landmark and an interesting feature of the city. The staircase is located near the top of the hill that overlooks Flin Flon, providing stunning views of the surrounding area. The stairs, which are actually a little fewer than 100, have become a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering a unique way to climb to the top and take in the scenery of the area. Climbing the Hundred Stairs is a must-do experience when visiting Flin Flon!

8

Hike

Flinty's Trail and Boardwalk

Scenic nature trail with boardwalk in Flin Flon

Flinty's Trail and Boardwalk is a scenic hiking path circling Ross Lake. The trail winds through lush forests and wide gravel trail. The boardwalk section provides an elevated view of the wetlands, making it a great spot for birdwatching or simply taking in the natural beauty.

This 5.1 km loop trail is easy, taking about 2 hours to complete. It’s open year-round, so it’s a great spot to visit no matter the season. You’ll circle Ross Lake on a boardwalk, then continue on a wide gravel trail (that trail in the summer remind us of the volcanic landscape found in Lanzarote, Canary Islands). One highlight is the well-constructed wooden stairs that lead you to a stunning rock outcrop with views of Ross lake and surrounding mine sites. It’s perfect for a morning or sunset walk.

9

Sightseeing

Big Island Drive-In Theatre

Outdoor movies under the stars near Flin Flon

The Big Island Drive-In, located on Big Island near Flin Flon, offers a nostalgic and fun outdoor movie experience—perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a classic drive-in movie night under the stars. Just outside the city, this drive-in allows you to watch movies from the comfort of your car, a true throwback to the golden age of drive-in theaters. There’s also an on-site concession stand where you can grab popcorn and snacks. The Big Island Drive-In operates seasonally from late spring to early fall and is a must-visit if you're in Flin Flon during the warmer months!

10

hotel

Ravens Hollow Eco Dome Resort

Luxury eco dome retreat in Flin Flon

Ravens Hollow Eco Dome Resort, located in Flin Flon, Manitoba, offers a unique nature retreat for adults and families with children seeking tranquility and luxury in the northern wilderness. Guests can stay in private geodesic domes with modern amenities like king-size beds and heated floors, surrounded by scenic views of the Canadian Shield. Ravens Hollow provides the perfect spot to enjoy nature and explore the beauty of the surrounding area. We loved staying here while visiting Flin Flon, 10/10!

This is a perfect home base to explore Flin Flon and Bakers Narrows Provincial Park is you love both luxury and nature!

Day 2

1

cafe

Orange Toad

Coffee shop in Flin Flon

Orange Toad is a cozy local coffee shop on Flin Flon's main street, offering a great selection of coffee, lattes, and teas. Highly recommend stopping here to grab coffee. They also sell branded apparel and provide free Wi-Fi for customers.

2

Sightseeing

T&D Amisk Camp

Wilderness retreat near Flin Flon

T&D Amisk Camp is nestled on the shores of Amisk Lake in northern Saskatchewan, just 1 hour drive from Flin Flon. It’s a cozy, welcoming wilderness retreat perfect for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers. During our last visit to Flin Flon, we made a few worthwhile stops in Saskatchewan, including T&D Amisk Camp, as Flin Flon sits right on the border of both Manitoba and Saskatchewan!

Amisk Lake is located 30 km south of Denare Beach, Saskatchewan (another spot worth checking out while you're visiting Flin Flon). T&D Amisk Camp is a year-round, drive-to fishing destination. The camp features a shallow, sandy beach and they offer canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for guests to enjoy during their stay.

While at TD Amisk Camp, don’t miss the Beaver City Tour, a guided boat tour led by historian Les Oystryk. This excursion takes you across Amisk Lake to the abandoned gold rush town of Beaver City, Saskatchewan’s first gold rush community dating back to 1913. You will explore the remnants of this once-thriving hub for gold seekers.

Fun Fact: Amisk Lake was once called Beaver Lake!

3

restaurant

Alpine Convenience

Convenient store near Flin Flon

Alpine Convenience is a convenience store in Denare Beach, just a 21-minute drive from Flin Flon. It's a great place to grab a quick bite (try their fresh burgers) or to pick up anything you need for your shopping list.

4

Sightseeing

Denare Beach

Charming town near Flin Flon

Denare Beach is a small, charming community located on the shores of Amisk Lake in northern Saskatchewan, just about 20 minutes drive from Flin Flon. It’s best known for its beautiful sandy beach where you’ll even find some unique purple sand. The beach offers excellent opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing during the warmer months. It’s also ideal for water activities like boating and kayaking. We truly enjoyed our time on the beach there!

5

activity

Limestone Crevices

Limestone Crevices at Denare Beach

These limestone crevices are located in Denare Beach, just a 22-minute drive from Flin Flon. They are remnants of an ancient warm sea, similar to today’s Caribbean, that once covered this area. Along the short 0.5 km trail, you’ll encounter stunning rock formations and caves worth exploring. Be sure to watch your step, as some of the crevices are quite deep!

All Trails linked here

6

museum

Northern Gateway Museum

Fun Museum near Flin Flon

The Northern Gateway Museum is located in Denare Beach just a 25-minute drive from Flin Flon, and features a fascinating collection of Indigenous, fur trading, and mining artifacts, as well as crafts and furnishings from early settlers. It's a great museum to visit while exploring both Flin Flon and Denare Beach.

7

restaurant

Creighton's Pizza

Pizzeria with delicious menu near Flin Flon

Creighton's Pizza is a cozy little spot in Creighton, Saskatchewan, just a 5-minute drive from Flin Flon. They serve up tasty pizza and more, with a great menu that's perfect for a quick bite while you're exploring the area around Flin Flon.

8

Sightseeing

Creighton Tourism Office

Creighton tourism Center near Flin Flon

The Creighton Recreation, Culture, and Tourism Office is located in Creighton, just a 10-minute drive from Flin Flon. It's the perfect spot to stop for information on local attractions in the charming community of Creighton. You can pick up free travel brochures and browse souvenirs in their gift shop. Be sure to check out the Royal Northwest Mounted Police Museum, located right next door to the Tourism Center!

9

Sightseeing

Flinty's Submarine

Whimsical submarine statue in Flin Flon

Flinty's Submarine is a cool statue in Flin Flon of a made-up character named Flintabaty Flonaton, who explores a bottomless lake in a submarine in the book The Sunless City. You can find this quirky statue along Ross Lake, near Flinty's Boardwalk and Channing Drive. It's a fun spot to check out if you're into unique roadside attractions!

10

Hike

Little Cliff Lake hiking trail

Little Cliff Lake hiking trail

This is another one of our favorite easy-to-moderate trails in Flin Flon, taking about an hour to complete, including quick photo stops. The trail is 2.3 km long with a 67m elevation gain.

The biggest challenge? Finding the trailhead. It’s located off Perimeter Highway 10, but you’ll need to continue onto a rough gravel road. Since our small car couldn’t handle the numerous potholes, we safely parked along Balsam Ave., crossed Highway 10 on foot, and hiked to the trailhead.

Once on the trail, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Little Cliff Lake and the surrounding rocky landscape. Be cautious, as the uneven terrain can be tricky. Also, consider bringing face masks—when we hiked, we unexpectedly encountered poor air quality and heavy haze from wildfire smoke.

We've included the AllTrails hiking directions here

11

restaurant

Aurora + Pine Bistro

Cozy bistro with modern cuisine in Flin Flon

Aurora + Pine Bistro is a charming spot on Main Street in Flin Flon, Manitoba, offering a delightful blend of modern and comforting dishes. It's the perfect place for a cozy and memorable dining experience in Flin Flon!

Day 3

1

cafe

McDonald's

MacDo in Flin Flon

If you're looking for fast food options in Flin Flon, this spot is worth checking out.

Fun story: we once saw a huge black bear at the drive-thru of this McDonald's! He was after the trash left unsecured in the garbage bin by the back door of McDonald's—so stay alert while you're there!

2

shop

Uptown Emporium Flin Flon

Local market in Flin Flon supporting local artists

Uptown Emporium in Flin Flon is a local market that supports artists from various communities in northern Manitoba. They offer a wide range of products, including fine art, home decor, clothing, beauty products, and more. Whether you're looking for unique gifts or want to support local talent, Uptown Emporium is the place to shop in Flin Flon.

3

shop

Northern Rainbow's End Gifts & Flowers

Charming shop with unique gifts in Flin Flon

Northern Rainbow's End Gifts & Flowers is a charming little shop in the heart of Flin Flon that offers a wide variety of unique gifts and beautiful floral arrangements. If you're looking for a special gift or just want to treat yourself, this is a great shop to visit in Flin Flon!

4

Sightseeing

Norva Centre

Art centre in Flin Flon

Norva Centre is a non-profit organization located in Flin Flon, Manitoba, dedicated to fostering and supporting the arts within the community. The Centre offers a wide range of programs and workshops for individuals of all ages to explore their creative potential, including painting, pottery, music, and dance. Norva Centre has a welcoming environment and provides a space for people to connect and express their creativity. If you're an art enthusiast, it's a must-visit spot to experience diverse works of art while exploring the charm of Flin Flon.

5

restaurant

Inferno Shawarma and Donair

Tasty donair pizza and shawarma in Flin Flon

Inferno Shawarma and Donair in Flin Flon is a popular spot renowned for its delicious donair pizza and flavorful shawarma. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy a meal. We’d classify it as a top choice for Middle Eastern cuisine in the area.

6

Sightseeing

Winnipeg

Capital city of Manitoba

Winnipeg, the capital and largest city of Manitoba, is a vibrant and diverse city located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. It's known for its extreme seasonal weather, multicultural festivals, and sports teams like the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers.

Since we're based in Winnipeg, our road trip will start and end here. If you're not based in Winnipeg, don’t worry! Simply use Google Maps to adjust your itinerary, setting your location as both the starting and ending points. From there, you can create your own personalized route!