Narrows West Blog

Lake Manitoba water levels

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:56:00 GMT

After last summer and all the high water, and fighting the flood all summer on Lake Manitoba we are looking forward to this summer. As the winter, and spring have progressed out at Narrows West it has brought good news with each passing day. As time has passed this winter I have been able to observe from week to week just how much things change out at Lake Manitoba, and Narrows West. When I look back to last year and how high the water was still in July of last year, I am amazed at how much it changes from week to week as I go out for visits every week.This is what the hydro berm looked like in September of last year, and even as the winter has passed the situation has gotten better and better. With the water dropping about 6 inches every month with the drainage open at the other end of the lake, Lake Manitoba is looking like it will have a great summer this year. The lake is only a couple of inches away from us putting out docking system back in and getting ready for a great boating season this year. The image in this blog was under 2.5 feet of water last year, and now is completely visible, and people are back fishing of the berm. Lake Manitoba is looking like it will fully recover from one of the worst floods in the history. It will not happen over night obviously with lots of work still ahead of us, but we are certainly moving in the right direction. Being able to get our dock system back to functional this year will be great for the fishing derby's that will be coming up, and we are looking forward to seeing everybody at them again.

Would like to know what everybody caught for fish over the winter, even though there was not a lot of ice fishing to be had due to all the warm weather, and the lake constantly running.

Easter Weekend approaches at Narrows West

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:03:00 GMT

With Easter Weekend rapidly approaching Narrows West is getting ready for their big Sunday Brunch for the Easter crowd.

I look forward to Easter every year, as growing up in a large family, but small community it was always a time of year when the entire family got together and enjoyed great food, great company, and lots of games and entertainment. This year though will be a different Easter for me and my family as we will be celebrating by ourselves, however the food will still be good, but will miss all the great company this year.

Easter weekend at Narrows West will kick off what I think is actually going to be a very busy summer for us, and I am looking forward to spending my first full summer on Lake Manitoba, and with all the great people that surround Narrows West. On my last visit out I noticed that the water has even receded some more and the docks are very close to the surface and will soon be ready for the refurbished docks to be reattached and ready for a great boating season.

We are closed on Good Friday to prepare for the great long weekend and our famous Sunday brunch as the new season approaches. With the construction gang clearing lots, it is also looking like it may be a busy building summer out at Narrows West for lots of people. Road construction, and golf course construction will also be continuing over the course of the summer with the driving range opening for some people to go out and test their skills for the summer.

Looking forward to a great summer of fun, and friends at Narrows West, and enjoying some of the great perks that Lake Manitoba has to offer.

Narrows West Outfitting

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:37:00 GMT

Since I have started working at Narrows West, I have seen the area go through one of the worst floods the they have seen in years and manage to survive. I have witnessed all angles of the business and how they all work together to support each other, and fight to make this business and area of Lake Manitoba a great success. With the recovery from the flood still a work in progress the company has had to pull together to work at achieving all their goals and keep everything moving forward.

The outfitting is a huge part of Narrows West and people travel great distances to come and hunt and fish with Blair. His expertise as a licensed outfitter is known throughout the area and well into the states. People travel hours to come to Narrows West and have the experience of hunting with Blair. Narrows West Outfitting offers many services for the avid bear hunter, deer, fishing and goose. People come to Narrows West Outfitting to experience the total package, and never leave disappointed.

I have spent time talking with Blair, and some of the hunting stories he has to tell are really quite amazing, and I could actually sit and listen to his stories for quite some day. If you ever get a chance to stop in at Narrows West and visit with Blair I would strongly recommend you take advantage of the great opportunity. His experience is one of the best.

Fantastic Weather for Winter

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:59:00 GMT

I am sure some of you are starting to question whether or not you are actually still living in Manitoba or not with all of this beautifully warm weather we have been having. Some days I am not sure either, but I am certainly not going to complain about this weather.

I was amazed when we had a cold snap and it got down to -35 over nights and the wind chill got pretty bad and people were complaining about how cold it was. We certainly got a little soft with this warm weather and at the first sign of cold we started to grumble. All I could think of was two years ago when it was -40 and colder for a 3 week span. In fact some of those days it got down to -52 with the windchill, so I certainly was not worried about the cold weather this year. Manitoba winters are usually known for the vast amount of snow and cold weather that we get, but with this one being so out of character everybody is out enjoying it. With the last cold snap it has finally allowed Lake Manitoba to freeze solid enough in place to allow for some ice fishing. It took a long time to get here, however with the warm weather that is once again upon us we are not sure how long it will last, so be sure to come out to the Narrows, and Lake Manitoba and try your luck with some ice fishing.

Despite high water in the summer fishing this year was fantastic, and it seems to be carrying on through the winter months on Lake Manitoba. The wait has been worth it.

I sit in the Winnipeg office, and as I watch pedestrians dodging the passing vehicles that are splashing water everywhere today, I look forward to my weekend out at the Narrows to enjoy the great views, maybe some fishing, and of course Superbowl Sunday! I personally am cheering for the Giants as I am always a fan of cheering for the underdog, and my team did not make the play-offs this year.

See everybody out there!

Narrows West Lodge

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:41:00 GMT

Well Christmas and New Years have come and gone, and life goes on at Narrows West Lodge in 2012. Although we are still dealing with the lasting issues of the flooding and working very hard to get everything ready for the upcoming summer, things are moving ahead very smoothly out at Narrows West Lodge.

We have temporarily closed the lounge, as well as the restaurant for some renovations and working on giving it a new look for the new year. The store and pumps still remain open, and ready for your business however, so feel free to stop in and see what is happening out at Narrows West Lodge.

After the summer of 2011 with all the flooding we are hard at work giving Narrows West Lodge a fresh look in preparation for what is looking like will be a great summer for everybody. The store is undergoing renovations as well but will still be open for full customer service, and ready to serve the area. If you are looking for beer or spirits the store is still fully stocked and ready to serve your needs.

Narrows West Lodge has taken on a couple of new employees that we would like to send a warm welcome to. Amy and David have joined our family, and are going to be a great asset to the company as it continues to grow and flourish.

We are hoping to open the lounge at Narrows West Lodge as soon as possible, followed closely by the restaurant. The scheduled opening date is for Valentine's Day, and we look forward to seeing everybody, and hearing what they have to say about the new look.

With such a beautiful winter so far our construction crew has been able to continue to work on the golf course, hotel site, as well as roads and ditching. It has been an extremely productive year out at Narrows West Lodge, and we are looking forward to a very bright future.

If anybody has any questions about what is happening at Narrows West Lodge please feel free to get in touch with donna@narrowswest.com.

Ice Fishing Lake Manitoba

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:43:00 GMT

It is December 15 and with the beautiful fall weather that we have had this year Lake Manitoba is just beginning to be frozen enough for ice fishing Lake Manitoba. Ice fishing Lake Manitoba is one of the best lakes for some great ice fishing. With rooms for rent and a great restaurant and lounge available for use it is the perfect place to try you skills and try ice fishing Lake Manitoba.

With Christmas just 10 days away Narrows West Lodge has been a hub of activity with lots of Christmas parties on the calendar, as well as preparations for a renovation taking place in the new year.

Despite the hardships of the summer flood of Lake Manitoba, lake levels seem to be slowly heading back to normal, and I encourage everybody to come try your luck ice fishing Lake Manitoba this winter. There are tons of other winter activities that you can take part in out at Narrows West, like snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and of course ice skating on Lake Manitoba. We are looking forward to a productive year of ice fishing Lake Manitoba, as the summer fishing was fantastic this year.

I have still been making regular trips out to the narrows and have watched it transform from when the water was so high in July, till now in December and how much beach etc you can see now after such a great fall at the Narrows. You can check out a link like this one http://www.lakemanitoba.org/web/links to keep an eye on the water levels of the lake as time goes by, and we look forward to a potentially great spring.

With such great fall weather that we have had it is looking like it will be a shorter winter, so make sure you try your hand and do some ice fishing Lake Manitoba. You just never know what you might catch, and throw in some of the other winter activities while you are out there.

If anybody thinks the have caught the biggest fish while ice fishing Lake Manitoba please post so we can see.

Fall Conditions at Narrows West Lodge

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:33:00 GMT

December is officially here, and Narrows West Lodge is busy getting ready for the upcoming festive season. Narrows West Lodge has been occupied with preparing for pre-booked Christmas parties.

Whatever the season Narrows West Lodge is the place that can help you out. As I make my regular trip up to the Lodge, I see how things change rapidly from week to week. As Christmas rapidly approaches, Narrows West Lodge becomes a hub of activity from decorating the Lodge, to getting ready for the ice fishing season, that is already here.

Lake levels are down at Narrows West Lodge to 814.82 feet as of today. Compared to when I started going out for visits in June, the situation has improved greatly. You can actually see where there used to be a beach, and it is almost all visible. The boat docks have been removed from the water so that they can be refurbished and ready for use next year. With the drainage channels open things are looking very promising for next spring.

At Narrows West Lodge, we are already preparing for a big spring, and working on the roads, and golf course has made lots of progress over the course of the fall. For those who are wishing to keep on eye on the levels of the lake please check out this link to follow the status. http://www.lakemanitoba.org/web/links

Me and my family will be heading to Alberta for Christmas, so we will not be able to enjoy it at Narrows West Lodge, but am certainly looking forward to some winter activities out at the Narrows. Might even take a shot at some ice fishing if we get a nice winter. If there is a winter activity that you would like to see take place at Narrows West Lodge, please post below so that we can try and make it happen.

Lake Manitoba Channel

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:58:00 GMT

Well October is done, and hopefully everybody survived Halloween to the best of their abilities.

Things have been moving at a rapid pace out at Lake Manitoba Narrows since fall has hit. The construction crew was very busy on the golf course up at Lake Manitoba this fall, clearing fairways, and burning brush in an effort to get ready for next summer at Lake Manitoba Narrows.

Just last week a dive team came out to Lake Manitoba Narrows, and helped to dismantle the docks for removal from the water. The will be refurbished over the winter and ready to be put back in the water for next years boating season. We are definitely looking forward to that taking place.

The last 4 weeks at the Lake Manitoba Narrows has been a busy one, and I am glad to say that most of it is certainly good news. The Lake St Martin channel was completed at the end of October, and will certainly help Lake Manitoba to be back to normal depths next year. The channel was officially opened on November first and will help life at Lake Manitoba Narrows help to return to normal by next year with a little luck.

If you keep up with the Free Press, it has been staying on top of the progress on the channels being built to help lower water levels on Lake Manitoba. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Lake-St-Martin-channel-open-133019418.html

The lake is currently about 815 feet above see level and they are saying that the channel will possibly help lower it as much as 5 feet by next year.

Any guesses as to what the depth of Lake Manitoba might be by May of 2012?

October

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:48:00 GMT

October 3, and so far what beautiful weather! With all this warm weather, Narrows West is still a hub of activity.

Right now is the season for all of the hunters to be in the area looking for their prize of bear, deer, goose, or fishing. Many of them may even try all of the above. The fishing is still spectacular so far this year, and with the nice weather still holding, that should last for a little while longer.

Even though summer has officially ended we would still like to invite people to come out to the Narrows and enjoy some quality time with your family. With Halloween just around the corner, I am sure we will be having a Halloween party, but will update everybody on exactly what that might be later in the month.

As a girl who grew up on the farm, I really enjoy my trips out to the Narrows where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit, and just enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature, and the beautiful views of the lake.

My journey with Narrows West continues, as lots of things start to develop. As the golf course is being worked on steadily right now in preparations for spring, and roads, ditches, and canals are also being worked on, I am always surprised at the progress when I go out for a visit every couple of weeks.

Ranch Estates has been pumped out and is looking amazing compared to where it was a couple of months ago, and it is really nice to see how hard everyone is working at making Narrows West the best community possible.

We are hoping to start soon on the development of the Business Park, which everyone can now see on our map on the site.

If there is anything else that people would like to see, please leave a comment.

Summer's End

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:46:00 GMT

Well it is officially the end of Summer Holidays, and anybody with kids are all back in school now. I don’t want to say the end of summer, as the weather is still beautiful, and I think we will still have several weeks of summer to enjoy. With the kids going back to school , we will have to make the best of the remaining weekends, and the warm weather. With all the warm weather the water has started to recede dramatically, and Narrows West is excited at the prospect of starting to get things back on track in the construction area. Resuming work on the Ranch Estates, golf course, and Narrows West developments. We are now ready to get things moving in a forward direction, and back to work on the roads, and canals, and the continuation of the golf course. If everything remains on track we should be out on the driving range next summer doing our best to improve our golf game.

With the last long weekend of the summer behind us, Narrows West once again hosted one of the only all female fishing derby’s in North America, which was once again a great success! Already looking forward to see what next year is going to bring.

Coming up just around the corner on the September 17 is the 10^th annual Walleye Classic fishing derby. With the fishing being better than ever on Lake Manitoba right now we are hoping for a bigger crowd than ever to try their luck on the lake next weekend.

As my journey continues as part of the Narrows West team, I still continue to learn new stuff about the area, and events that are constantly going on up at the Narrows. From the outfitting side of things which Blair is deeply involved in, to fishing derby’s, to boat tours and more. With my own children being back in school, I am certainly going to do my best to take advantage of everything that Narrows West has to offer, as long as the nice weather is sticking around! I suggest everyone else does the same thing with the remaining beautiful weather.

Attached is a picture of an unsuspecting hunter, who set the timer on his camera to take a proud picture of his prize, not realizing he was not alone. Was taken in North Dakota.

If you have any suggestions as to what else you would like to see happening up at Narrows West, please post so that we can see you suggestions, and work on making the Narrows a place that everybody will love to come and spend either their summers, or maybe live their permanently.

Mid Summer

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:43:00 GMT

Well the summer is officially half over already, and my how the time flies. With all the rain and water in the spring most of us never thought that summer was actually going to arrive, but when it did, it arrived with a vengeance. Even with our short summers with the heat that we have been having, I still here people grumbling about the weather, and how hot it is. For goodness sakes let’s just enjoy the summer!! Before you know it there will be snow on the ground again and we will be wondering where the summer went.

My summer has consisted of a lot of baseball, as that is one of my favourite things to be doing in the summer. Along with the baseball, is a weekly visit out to Narrows West to check on the place and get constant updates on the status of the high water.

I have had my first boat tour around a small part of the lake, and I would have to say that things look completely different from a boat, than they do from the shore. What a beautiful place, with lots of great scenery. By far some of the prettiest sunsets that I have seen out at the Narrows as the sun goes down over Lake Manitoba. GORGEOUS!!

The longer I work for the company the more I learn about the place, and I just really enjoy the chance to share it with everybody that I can, so that other people can enjoy this hidden gem.

If you are into the camping, then they have a great little campground available, and one of the only campground available on Lake Manitoba this year. However if you like to camp but don’t like to cook, then there is also a restaurant right there for your convenience. Boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer. Snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. It’s a year round place where you can have fun, and create a great time.

I am looking forward to watching this little area grow into a well known community, and a great place for people to come from around the globe, as more and more people start to get familiar with it and spend more and more time there.

With plenty of lots for sale, and a spectacular golf course that is under way, people just won’t be able to resist the draw of the Narrows. Every hole on the golf course is unique and will be a vision of its own.

Also with the news of the province expanding the canal so that they will be able to drain Lake Manitoba by the spring, we look forward to being able to have our beaches back to normal.

Let’s enjoy the rest of the summer, and make the best of all this warm weather that we have been having. Even though we do not have the beaches this year due to the high water, come on out to the Narrows and enjoy a guided boat tour of Lake Manitoba!

To book your boat tour contact us today!!

Lots for Sale

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:45:00 GMT

I have been a Manitoba resident all my life, and not until recently have started to think about where I would like to move to in order to get out of the city(Winnipeg). Growing up as a country girl, I have resided in the city for 6 years now, and am anxious to get back out to the country air.

Growing up I heard many people talk about the Narrows, and its natural beauty on Lake Manitoba. Until recently though I had never had the chance to check it out for myself and see what it was all about.

After going up to Narrows West for a visit, and talking to the people involved with its success, it has made me want to be part of the community. You can buy a lot for sale at Narrows West, and make it your permanent home, or a weekend getaway. You may just start out like every other resident at Narrows West, and go up for a weekend of camping, which leads to a long term relationship with the area, and the people in it.

With all sorts of different sizes and locations of lots for sale available to everyone, you can pick a spot that will be what you are looking for. Decide where you would like to build your paradise! There are lots for sale available on the new golf course that is currently under production. Or if you prefer something closer to the water, they can meet your needs there as well. With it only being 2 hours from Winnipeg, it is also very convenient if you would like it to be for summer holidays or weekends with your family.

Despite high waters on Lake Manitoba this year, Narrows West is still high and dry and doing well. Although there were some water front properties affected, we are taking measures to prevent against this in the future, as well as already recovering from this year. Also with the water not cresting as high as originally predicted, they are able to move ahead with projects faster than originally expected. Things are moving ahead as planned out at Narrows West, and the community will continue to grow, and prosper. For those looking to get back to feel of a small community that you can be a part of, check out the lots for sale at Narrows West, there may be something there for you and your families future.

We will also be featuring a different lot every two weeks, in a newsletter, as well as on facebook, so keep your eyes peele

d for what lot is the featured lot for sale!

Summer Fun

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:15:00 GMT

With summer holidays upon us, we all try our best to prepare for the summer. What to do with any spare time, or upcoming holiday time?

There are many beautiful things to see and do in our very own province that we sometimes overlook. Sometimes we get so busy planning our long distance summer vacation, that we don’t take the time to look just a couple of hours away.

My name is Donna Northam, and I have recently started working at the Narrows West Winnipeg office, and in doing so have discovered that there is a small paradise just a couple hours outside of Winnipeg. Trust me for a girl that grew up in the country, it is nice to hear that there is a beautiful place so close for people who like to get out of the city, and enjoy the country air, and tranquility. I have also been told by a certain little birdie that the fishing is pretty good out there right now, if you are into some fresh fish on the skillet. After spending the long weekend in the campground, and seeing the steady stream of people catching fish, I would have to say that is an accurate description. I certainly did not see many people coming in empty handed. Whether they were fishing from the shore, or from a boat, the fish were plentiful.

After visiting and also talking to several people, I have discovered that lots of the current people that spend time there during the summer are people who started out as just a weekend camping trip. From there, they fell in love with the area, and it escalated from weekend camping trips, to buying a lot, and to finally building a cabin there that they can call a second home, and to some a home.

Along with the campground being very busy for the first real long weekend of the summer holidays, lots of people came out to enjoy the Blackout City Kids on Saturday and Sunday as well. I would have to say that overall the first long weekend of the summer holidays was a success, despite high water, everybody made the best of the weekend. I look forward to going back in August!

For those avid fishermen, or women, please post the largest fish you have caught so far this year.

Summer is Here

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:11:00 GMT

Despite all the rain, wind, and rising waters, we are all expecting that summer will get here sooner or later. There are less than two weeks before school gets out, and if your still trying to decide what to do with your Summer Holidays, I would love to suggest that you come for a visit to Narrows West.

Although at this time we are still fighting back the high waters that have brought the lake to record high levels that have been unseen by many in their lifetime, Narrows West campground is high ground and ready for campers. Lots of area’s of Narrows West have not been affected by the high water due to a little higher altitude than the lake, and life as we know it is carrying on as normal as possible at this time.

With so much water this year, and lots of campgrounds that have suffered due to this occurrence, we would like to encourage people to make the best of a bad situation, and check out Narrows West for a summer vacation spot with your children. Everything at the Narrows is still open for business, so get prepared for a great summer!

With Canada Day/ July long weekend being the first big weekend of the summer we encourage you to show your patronage all weekend long here at the lodge. The fireworks display has been postponed until a later date, due to the weather, however everything else will going on schedule including The Blackout City Kids play Saturday and Sunday night in the Gibson’s Lounge. Come celebrate Canada with us at the lodge, and enjoy some fun in the sun. If you are into the boating and fishing, the fishing has never been better on Lake Manitoba. So come and enjoy the Reed Island boat derby and the Family Fish Derby on the same weekend.

Every Tuesday, in Gibson’s Lounge is game night, with the x-box on the big screen. Tonight, June 21, is Madden 11 NFL challenge, and next week will be Call of Duty challenge. After this games are still pending so give us your feedback on a game you would like to play. Perhaps it is even your favorite board game, like Monopoly, or Clue. We would love to hear from you!

Also in the month of July as well, on the weekend of July 9^th is the Waters Edge Beer & Sausage Festival, so come down and try different beers from around the world pair them up with wild and different flavored sausage.

So whether you are looking to do some boating, fishing, camping, or just relax on a beach this summer, we would love to see you out at Narrows West. If you have any questions about what Narrows West has to offer you and your family please post below, or fill out the contact form on our website, and we would love to answer your questions, to better help you and your family enjoy a great Manitoba Summer!

Lake Manitoba

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:46:00 GMT

Lake Manitoba is one of the most historic places in the province of Manitoba. For hundreds of years the Assiniboine and Cree have been gathering at Manitou Island which is only a few kilometers from Narrows West.

Manitou Island was an important stopping point in the north-south trading of pelts during the Voyageur era.

The province of Manitoba is named after the area that Narrows West is currently developing.

In Cree this area is known as Manitou-Wapow and in Ojibwa it is known as "manidoobaa."

Both phrases translate into "straits of Manitou, the Great Spirit." The straits of Manitou refers to the area that the bridge currently crosses which you can see while relaxing in our lodge.

People have been gathering in this area because of the abundant fish and wildlife that exist in this area.

People continue to gather here for the same reason today. Lake Manitoba is one of Canada's premier and untouched fresh water lakes. The lake is part of the Agassiz Glacier Basin and is over 200 kilometers long.

The area has an abundance of fish including Walleye, Perch, Sauger and Burbot.

On land the area is famous for being home to the Golden Eagle, Black Bear and White Tailed Deer.