RM of Alexander Weekend Getaway
Escape to a part of the Winnipeg River where rich history, beautiful scenery, and days on the water come together for an incredible weekend getaway. Just over an hour from Winnipeg, the RM of Alexander is home to communities with fascinating heritage and opportunities to explore the river.
Spend the weekend discovering the stories of the Winnipeg River, cruise between historic hydroelectric generating stations, cool off at the beach, and enjoy boating, paddling, and fishing.
Friday in RM of Alexander
After the drive, settle into your accommodations. However you're staying, you're in for a relaxing home base with ample comfort and close to all your weekend adventures.
Looking for the perfect place to stay? Browse WRTC's listings to discover your accommodation!
Once you've unpacked, enjoy a scenic river walk.
Beginning at the St. Georges Boat Launch, this easy riverside walk follows the Winnipeg River toward the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum. Along the way, you'll find gorgeous river views, a pioneer plaque, and one of the iconic red Adirondack chairs (found in Manitoba's bilingual communities) at the Launch, perfect for a group photo.
The trail is approximately 0.6 km (there and back), flat, gravel, suitable for all ages, and is an excellent way to stretch your legs after the drive while getting your first glimpse of the river that connects every community throughout the corridor.
Wrap up the evening with dinner before getting some rest. Tomorrow is all about getting out and exploring the area.
Saturday in RM of Alexander
Today is all about experiencing the Winnipeg River.
Launch Your Next Adventure
Start your morning at the St. Georges Boat Launch, one of the community's best gateways to the Winnipeg River.
Featuring two concrete launch ramps, a dock, picnic shelter, ample parking, portable washrooms, and a giant, red Adirondack chair, it's much more than simply a place to launch your boat.
Heading south on the water brings you toward the scenic rapids and Great Falls area, while travelling north opens up calmer stretches of river near the Maskwa River confluence that are popular for boating, swimming, tubing, wakeboarding, and simply enjoying a day on the water.
Don't have your own boat? It's still a wonderful place to enjoy the scenery, watch boats come and go, or enjoy a picnic along the shoreline.
Discover Great Falls Generating Station
Drive to Manitoba's second-oldest generating station still in use.
Construction on Great Falls Generating Station first began in 1914 before being delayed by the First World War. Its first generator entered service in 1923.
Standing above the river, you'll appreciate the size of the powerhouse, watch water surge through the spillway, and gain a better understanding of how the Winnipeg River has helped power Manitoba for more than a century.
Interested in learning more? Check out our That Dam Winnipeg River Tour for more information on the Great Falls Generating Station and other vital dams along the Winnipeg River.
Visit McArthur Falls Generating Station
Just a short drive away is McArthur Falls Generating Station.
Completed in 1955, it's the newest and smallest of the hydroelectric generating stations operating along the Winnipeg River. Built with eight turbine generators, it's another fascinating destination that highlights the important role hydroelectricity continues to play throughout the region.
This stop is more than just about the dam, though. McArthur Falls is a popular destination for fishing, photography, and nature viewing. If you're looking for a place that intertwines the region's natural beauty and industrial history, McArthur Falls won't disappoint.
Cool Off at St. Georges Beach
After a morning of driving and sightseeing, spend the afternoon relaxing by the water doing as much or as little as you want at St. Georges Beach.
Enjoy soft sand between your toes, find a shady spot and enjoy the breeze, splash around with the little ones in the shallow swim area, or enjoy a beach-side lunch. It's the perfect location to end the day before heading back to your home away from home.
Another cool feature is the beach's Borrow/Return Lifejacket program. On the beach, you'll find various-sized lifejackets that are free to borrow. Find your size, have some beach fun, then return the jacket when you're done.
Browse WRTC's boat launch listings to find convenient access points along the Winnipeg River.
Sunday in RM of Alexander
Before heading home, take some time to discover the stories that make this community so unique.
Visit the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum
Before you leave, visit the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum, where the story of the river and the people who lived and travelled it come to life.
Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and stories, the museum explores years of history, from Indigenous and Métis peoples to the fur trade, forestry, hydro development, and everyday life along the Winnipeg River.
It's a fascinating stop for all ages that adds new appreciation to everything you've explored throughout the weekend.
Admission:
Adults: $10.00
Student (18+): $8.00
Youth (13-17): $6.00
Children (6-12): $4.00
Children (3-5): $3.00
Spot Some Butterflies at Jardin Papilio Garden
After exploring the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum, take a little time to enjoy another side of St-Georges at Jardin Papilio Garden. Created by Simone Hébert Allard, this 10-acre garden is filled with flowers chosen to attract and support butterflies throughout their lifecycle.
Take a stroll through the garden, look among the blooms for butterflies, and enjoy the colourful surroundings. It's a beautiful spot to slow down, stretch your legs and capture a few photos of the flowers and butterflies along the way before your return home.
Browse WRTC's listings to discover restaurants and other tasty stops around the RM of Alexander.
Plan Your Visit
Want to learn more before your stay? Visit the RM of Alexander and Village of St. Georges websites to explore local attractions, community information, and upcoming events.
And follow Winnipeg River Tourism Corridor on Facebook and Instagram for more places to explore, seasonal inspiration, and events happening throughout the corridor.