Manitoba Outdoors Show takes over Red River Exhibition Place in Winnipeg
Outdoorsy Manitobans had a chance on Saturday to learn about the newest gear and adventures on the market.
Hundreds of people descended on Red River Exhibition Place for the Manitoba Outdoors Show and the Manitoba Man Show.
The Manitoba Man Show was designed to offer "a showcase of 100 per cent authentic guy stuff," according to Travel Manitoba's website, including a beer pong tournament, displays of fast cars and beer tasting sessions.
Camping and other outdoor activities are on display at the show all weekend long, with outfitters and guides on hand to give avid anglers and hunters an idea of lodges and packages available in and around the province.
Kayla Belluz with Maynard Lake Lodge was at the event. The fly-in fishing lodge is located about 80 kilometres northeast of Kenora, Ont.
Despite the sorry state of Canada's dollar, business has been good at the lodge, according to Belluz. The lodge primarily does deals in American money because most of its clients are from the U.S.
"Less than 10 per cent of our clients are Canadian, so it hasn't really affected us," she said, referring to the low loonie.
While the lodge has been particularly reliant on Americans in the past, it's now trying to garner more interest from Canadian anglers, Belluz said, adding the outdoors show provided a great platform to do just that.
"We're trying to hit the Canadian market a little more," Belluz said. The lodge is currently offering to price-match its fishing trip packages in Canadian dollars to entice more Canucks into making the trip, she said.
Buffy Cowtan, marketing director at Wilderness Supply, said she hopes those on a budget realize they don't have to venture far to enjoy scenic landscapes and embark on adventures.
"This is one of the best places in Canada in terms of access to rivers and lakes and hiking trails, all these amazing projects," she said.
"People who are doing the 'stay-cation' thing ... it's a great opportunity to figure out all the things you might have missed in your own province."
Sunday is the final day of the show, which runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
