By Ron Cantiveros
Thanksgiving long weekend felt like the perfect time for a little break from the city. The weather forecast called for cool temperatures, a bit of sun, and a few scattered showers, just right for a cozy fall escape. After a busy Saturday morning of Timbits hockey, we grabbed lunch in Winnipeg, packed up the car, and headed east toward Whiteshell Provincial Park for a two-night stay at Pinewood Lodge.
Saturday: From the Rink to the Lake
The drive was beautiful. The drive is always beautiful, even more so in the fall. The trees were showing off their fall colours: bright yellows, deep reds, and flashes of orange mixed with the greens of the evergreens. The sky was partly cloudy but full of light, the kind that makes every colour pop.
We arrived at Pinewood Lodge by late afternoon, just in time to check in before the sun started to dip. The timing couldn’t have been better. It was still daylight, and the air was crisp but calm, perfect for exploring before settling in.
Our room was poolside and cozy, with easy access to both the saltwater pool and a view of Dorothy Lake through the trees. After unpacking, we decided to stretch our legs and walk down to the private beach and dock reserved for lodge guests. The light was golden, the lake was calm, and the trees reflected perfectly in the water.
We brought along our Bluetooth camera remote and had a mini family photo session right there on the dock. The boys played on the sandy beach, skipping stones and chasing each other near the shoreline. It was far too cold for swimming, but just being there, with the sound of the water and the cool autumn breeze, made it the perfect fall moment.
Back at the lodge, we ordered room service, enjoyed a relaxed dinner, and watched the last bit of daylight fade. Afterward, the boys were quick to change into their swimsuits and hit the pool for a splash before bedtime. It was a simple, quiet evening, exactly what we needed after a long day.
Family weekend getaway at Pinewood Lodge, Dorothy Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba.
Sunday: Exploring Whiteshell
Sunday morning started off cool and partly cloudy, with light showers drifting in and out. We brewed coffee in the room and enjoyed continental breakfast served poolside between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. It was the kind of slow Sunday morning you rarely get at home: no rush, no schedules, just the sound of rain tapping gently on the windows.
By late morning, the drizzle had eased up, so we took a drive through the park. The roads were lined with colourful trees, and every turn opened up a new postcard view. We passed a few cottages where people were closing up for the season and campers at Lake Nutimik packing up after one last weekend outdoors.
Our main stop was Rainbow Falls, which was flowing strong from the recent rain. The short trail to the viewing area was covered in fallen leaves, and the air smelled clean and earthy. The kids climbed rocks near the falls while we took photos and just soaked in the beauty around us. Even with clouds overhead, the colours of fall still managed to shine through.
Afterward, we stopped for lunch at Brereton Lake Resort, one of our favourite Whiteshell spots. The restaurant was warm and inviting, with big windows that looked out over the lake. Comfort food never tasted so good on a cool day: burgers, quesadillas, calamari, and plenty of fries to share.
Cozy lunch vibe at Brerton Lake Lodge
Sunday Afternoon: Games and Pizza Night
We drove back to Pinewood in the early afternoon, just as the clouds thickened again. The boys wasted no time jumping back into the pool, while we took the opportunity for a much-needed nap. There’s something special about a rainy afternoon nap in the middle of cottage country, the sound of the rain and the stillness all around.
Later that evening, we ordered pizza from the lodge and headed to the games room, which overlooks the pool. It’s one of those charming lodge spaces that make you feel instantly at home. There were puzzles, memory games, and a few nostalgic board games, including Trivial Pursuit, a real throwback that made us laugh. The boys took turns at the table games while we sipped on warm drinks and enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere.
It turned out to be one of our favourite parts of the trip, just hanging out together, no screens, no rush, and no plans.
Puzzle complete! One of the many puzzles in the Games Room at Pinewood Lodge.
Monday: Wind, Coffee, and One Last Swim
Monday morning arrived with stronger winds and light rain blowing across the lake. We could see whitecaps forming on Dorothy Lake from our window. The boys, of course, insisted on one last swim before we checked out. While they enjoyed the pool, I finally had a quiet moment to sit back, sip my coffee, and actually read the Winnipeg Free Press cover to cover, something I never seem to have time for at home.
Breakfast was light and easy again, and as we packed up, we took one last walk down to the dock. The beach looked different under the grey sky, but just as peaceful. It was the perfect way to end a weekend that felt both restful and refreshing.
Poolside with the boys at Pinewood Lodge
A Cozy Thanksgiving Escape
Our Thanksgiving weekend at Pinewood Lodge turned out just right. We didn’t try to do too much, and that made all the difference. The mix of sunshine, cool air, and light rain gave us time to enjoy both the outdoors and the comfort of staying in.
We also learned that Pinewood Lodge hosts events and retreats throughout the year (except in the summer), from weddings and conferences to community workshops. It’s easy to imagine a future Filipino cultural event or family retreat here, surrounded by lakes, trees, and all the comforts of home.
As we drove back to Winnipeg that afternoon, the clouds finally began to clear. The roads were lined with trees showing off their last flashes of colour before winter. The kids fell asleep in the back seat, still talking about the pool, the games, and the photos on the dock.
It wasn’t a big, busy trip, but it was a memorable one. A perfect Manitoba Thanksgiving weekend filled with family, fall colours, and plenty of time to just relax.
