Narrows West Blog

Mid Summer

Donna Northam - Monday, August 08, 2011

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

Donna Northam - Wednesday, July 20, 2011

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

Donna Northam - Friday, July 08, 2011

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

Donna Northam - Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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 9th 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

Steve Langston - Friday, January 14, 2011
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.

Lake Manitoba is your place to find Burbot

Steve Langston - Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Burbot Lake Manitoba MariahLake Manitoba is home to dozens of species of fish including Walleye, Northern pike, White Fish and the often overlooked species of Burbot.

Burbot, also known as Mariah are most likely to be caught during winter months as they move into shallow water to spawn from January to March.

Burbot like things simple. They are usually found about 100 meters off shore and most anglers here have the best luck when they are using a long shanked number one or two hook.


When Burbot spawn they move across the lake bottom in an intertwining circular mass of ten to twelve with the females as the center of attention.

Burbot are the only freshwater member of the cod family. The Burbot is a strange looking animal that looks like a combination of fish and eel.

Despite their odd looks they have lean flaky white flesh and are great for eating.  

We hope to see you soon at Narrows West

Shore Lunch Recipe from Narrows West

Steve Langston - Sunday, December 19, 2010
I spent last Friday with Lee from Narrows West. We were shooting some video about ice fishing, snowmobiling and showing off the area in the winter.

We took snowmobiles out on the ice, dug some holes and did some fishing. Lee was sporting a Rapala jacket which in my eyes gives him instant credibility.

We were out for a few hours and he caught a fish that we fried up in the cook shack.

Shore Lunch Recipe Narrows West

Since neither one of us are chef's we headed into the Narrows West Lodge and were given the recipe for Shore Lunch which has been passed on through the generations which we'll share with you here.

Get 2 ziploc bags

In the first one combine:
    • 1 egg
    • 1/4 cup milk
  • In the second bag combine
    • 1 1/2 cups flour
    • 1/2 cup corn flake crumbs
    • 1/4 cup cornmeal
    • Salt and pepper


  • Place boneless fish fillet in egg mixture bag and shake, then place in flour bag and shake.
  • Add a liberal amount of butter, margarine or oil to a pan over top of a fire or stove until it sizzles when you add a drop of water to it.
  • When your pan is sizzling hot place the breaded fillet into the pan.
  • If your fish was two pounds, it should take about two minutes on each side.
Shore Lunch Recipe
This recipe was brought to you by Narrowswest

Here are the top 10 reasons why you should be fishing in Manitoba:

Dipesh Patel - Tuesday, June 15, 2010



• Manitoba is home to more than 90 species of fishes, which makes it the province with one of the most diverse fish population in Canada.

• The world’s best quality of walleye (aka pickerel) fish are found in Lake Manitoba. People flock to Manitoba mainly for walleye fishing.

• Manitoba has numerous lakes, rivers, watersheds and tributaries to provide habitat for a diversity of fishes.

• Manitoba is also a great place to fish for freshwater drum and freshwater perch.

• A lake trout measuring 37 inches! And a northern pike 40-50 inches long. Can you believe that? That is a new definition of a prized catch. That is fishing in Manitoba.

• There are great fishing lodges with great accommodation and amenities in Manitoba. Some are ideally located nearby Lake Manitoba. I recommend Narrows West Lodge.

• Manitoba’s lakes and river is also great for ice fishing in the winter.

• Its lakes and rivers also overflow with sauger, silver bass, crappie and burbot.

• Come winter or summer the weather is ideal for fishing in Manitoba.

• Manitoba has some of the world’s best fishing guides, equipment and tools in the world.

So the next time someone asks you why people come to Manitoba for fishing, you’ll know why! Enjoy a great fishing weekend.

Enjoy Vacations on Lake Manitoba

Dipesh Patel - Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Vacations are all about enjoying and relaxing as much as possible. Lakeside resorts at Lake Manitoba are really wonderful. There are many places where you can enjoy a game of golf, fishing, boating, and hunting. There is always a splurge of excitement at near by attractions and benefits of activities at the hotel resort. After a tiring day of adventure hunting, fishing and discovering you would need a place to have rest at clean, comfortable and cozy place – Narrowswest is your destination!

You can get a comfortable and relaxing stay at Narrowswest Lodge at Lake Manitoba and take benefit of all the services and amenities that they present. Aside from just rooms, many fishing lodges present their guests with their very own small private cabins. These are ideal for guests who want to maintain privacy, and above that it is well furnished accommodated with all the facilities required by guest.

The tradition of Cottaging, which is a valued activity in Manitoba, contributes to the overall high quality of life for the citizens of the province. This cottage development can provide your family the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful landscapes that exist at Lake Manitoba Narrows. The breathtaking spectacle of a Manitoba sunset and the unparalleled serenity that defines Manitoba lake country, may be yours to experience from your own cottage lot.

During the winter month’s Narrowswest Lodge is quarters to many snowmobiler’s. We are located off of what is known as the Snow Man Trails these series of trails are groomed paths into the back country and they stretch all across the province. Furthermore they are safe and enable riders to view beautiful untouched landscapes and wildlife.

When the snow melts and when the summer there is and abundance of water activities on Lake Manitoba. It can vary from fishing boats to a sea doo, peddle-boating or tubing as well as the most popular activity of fishing. Due to the depth and clean water, water-skiing or wake-boarding are also extremely popular there isn’t a weekend that goes by without seeing these activities going on.

With the amenities equal to the world class inns, your stay at Narrowswest Lodge would surely be wonderful and enjoyable. After a great day of fishing, boating and hunting it is great to know that you can return to a place that is cozy and comfortable.

Walleye fishing is one of the best activities/sports at Narrowswest Lodge the walleye stories that circulate the lodge are legendary. If it’s that adrenaline filled angling fight you’re seeking the enormous Fresh Water Drum will more than satisfy any fisherman. Visit Narrowswest for details of boating, fishing and hunting as well as a great place to stay.

10 Great idea's for fishing on Lake Manitoba

Chad Olafson - Sunday, March 28, 2010

We are currently looking to hear back from our fishing fans on ten great fishing ideas. Each idea you post on this blog will get a free night at Narrows West when you book for a long weekend.

Fishing in Manitoba is one place you must explore as fishing on Lake Manitoba is a great experience.



Post your ideas in the comment box below.

Thanks

Narrows West Team