10 things you could do this October in Portage la Prairie

Summer is over and fall is certainly here. And while some things have moved indoors, there are still plenty of outdoor activities that you can still take part in while the weather is relatively nice. Here are 10 ideas of things you could do this month in our community.....

1. Try Pickleball, Tennis, or Disc Golf at Island Park.
While you do need some special equipment to try these sports, if you have it, or the means to borrow it, time is running out for these outdoor activities. The new Pickleball courts (6) are right beside the two well-maintained Tennis courts and people are often trying them out, from beginners to experts. While you may need to search for your discs in the leaves, the Disc Golf course is a real challenge with all the trees and obstacles. If you don't have the actual discs, a frisbee will work fine if you just want to give it a shot.  

these courts are waiting for you to give things a try

 

2. Check out the beautiful fall scenery in the area
Island Park is a great place for this. There are multiple benches and picnic tables, play structures for the kids and the duck pond restoration project has made that area quite appealing. Make sure to bring some seeds or corn for the squirrels! There are walking paths not only around the park but around Crescent Lake as well, as long as you don't mind sharing them with the hundreds of geese and waterfowl that use the lake and its banks. The new bridge over the lake also features benches and picnic tables and is perfect for sunset photos. Plus it looks amazing when lit up at night. While the sun does go down much earlier, the canoe/kayak launches are still up as well. If your looking to get out of the city, the water may be cool, but Delta Beach (20 minutes North of the city) is an awesome place to explore in the fall and you can stop for a treat at the new convenience store "The Pelican" when you are done at the end of your day.

fall colors are quite vibrant in the park

 

the view from the new causeway is quite spectacular from the walking/biking path

3. One last round of golf
Most courses close by mid-month but with the weather the way it has been, it's not too late to get in a last-minute round. Many are offering fall specials and people are still hitting the links at places like the Portage course, Southport (closes Sunday), MacGregor, Gladstone and Neepawa.

4. Take your swimming indoors
Splash Island has long been closed for the season but things are rolling along nicely indoors at the Shindleman Aquatic Centre. There are toonie swims three times each week (Mon/Wed/Fri), regular public and family swims along with many special programs. A soak in the hot tub, a float down the lazy river, a rip down the waterslide, and riding the waves of Manitoba's largest wave pool are hi-lites for the whole family!

5. Live shows are back at the Glesby Centre
You can relive the music with the 50’S & 60’S rock opera musical concert on October 13th, see a Celtic-themed show with the Men In Kilts on the 14th, catch legendary children's performer Fred Penner on the 22nd or see a Made in Manitoba Country show on the 30th with Petric, Jason Kirkness and Jerry Sereda. Plus it looks like they are just warming up. Numerous events are planned in November as well.

6. Take in a live sports event
The Portage Terriers are one of the most successful junior hockey teams in the country and will be the host team of the National Championships next May. It's no surprise they are off to a quick start again this year. They've won 4 of the last 6 league titles and are hoping to make it 5 out of 7 this season. There are home games this month on the 8th, 19th, 21st and 28th. Sign your kid up for the Kids Club here! If football is your thing, the PCI Trojans have a home game on the 21st and the Varsity Volleyball teams are on the court once again. Stride Place and the BDO Centre for the Community are also busy with things like hockey, ringette, and figure skating. If you'd like to skate yourself, public skating and other events similar to this are offered several times a week.

7. Go for a fall hike
With the weather as nice as it's been, hiking is still a great option. The junkyard dogs maintain several trails just south of the city for hiking and biking and the fall colors are amazing! If you're looking for some of the best hikes in the province but want to stay within an hour of home, Spruce Woods offers numerous trails that are well suited for all abilities.

trail locations just south of Portage

8. Curl up with a good book and enjoy a specialty coffee
The Portage la Prairie regional library is a reader's delight and if you don't have a card you can easily get one for free! Right beside the library, you will find the Little Spruce Cafe where you can pick up all kinds of coffees and lattes that you can't find in many other spots.

9. Learn about the candidates running in the municipal election
The election is on October 26th and if you want to know more about the 4 people running for mayor and the 14 running for council, there are several opportunities to get that information. The P.C.R.C. is running a meet and greet called "Donut" know who to vote for? at the Herman Prior Centre from 6 pm to 8 pm on October 5th. On October 19th, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a question and answer All Candidate Forum at Yellowquill School and anyone can attend. Plus, the CBYF presents a Speed Date Your Candidate event on October 20th from 6:30-7:30 at the LVS gym. The purpose of this event is to provide the candidates running for mayor, council and school board with questions that people can ask in a  face-to-face situation. This event is youth focused with many of the questions being youth based.

 

10. Halloween!
While there are several corn mazes and Halloween fright events in the general vicinity that are very popular, the one closest to home is at the Fort la Reine Museum. Fright at the Museum is back this year on October 21st and 22nd. The popular annual event will feature Wonderland-themed rooms, activities, games, candy giveaways, a bonfire, scary stories, hot chocolate, a fright zone and more!

A few other ideas:

The annual quilt show featuring member's quilts and more is on October 15th at the MNP Exhibition Building. The featured quilter is Sandra Wallace and provincial winners from the MAAS competition will be announced.

Fall suppers like this one are also happening all around the area. Great food combined with a beautiful fall drive.