Virden, located in southwestern Manitoba, offers you a historical interest and recreational opportunities. The town is approximately three hours west of Winnipeg on the Trans-Canada Highway. Virden is an accessible retreat if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

What Virden is Famous For

Known as the “Oil Capital of Manitoba,” Virden’s modern identity was shaped by the discovery of oil in 1951. This event transformed the town from an agricultural community to a center of petroleum activity. This discovery earned Virden its nickname as the “Oil Capital of Manitoba.” It has shaped much of the town’s modern history and economy.

Top Things to Do in Virden

1. Victoria Park

Victoria Park is located on 7th Avenue South in the town center. It occupies an entire town block and serves as a community gathering space. The park includes two swing sets with options for younger and older children. It also features exercise equipment and a pavilion for summer entertainment. You will find male and female washrooms available on-site. The park also houses a war memorial and public tennis courts. It offers plenty of shaded areas with benches and picnic tables for relaxation. A paved walking path crosses the park, and large grassed areas allow for activities like frisbee or football. The park’s natural beauty is clear. It has many trees and well-maintained grounds. It is suitable for picnics, family outings, and outdoor events throughout the year. Victoria Park offers a peaceful environment for locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation in the heart of Virden.

2. Souris Swinging Bridge

Located in Souris, approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Virden, the Souris Swinging Bridge is a notable attraction. Spanning the Souris River, this pedestrian bridge offers you a unique experience. The bridge was originally built in the early 20th century. It was reconstructed in 2013 after flood damage. The bridge retains a gentle sway that adds to its appeal. You can enjoy views of the river and spot local wildlife, including deer and the town’s famous free-roaming peacocks. A segment of the original bridge is preserved nearby, providing historical context. The area around the bridge includes clean public restrooms and is part of a picturesque park setting. Many find the bridge easy to cross. Even those with a mild fear of heights find it manageable. Children enjoy the experience of walking over the water. The town of Souris itself is as charming. There are more attractions like a local museum on a nearby hill. The Souris Swinging Bridge serves as a functional pedestrian crossing. It is also a popular tourist attraction. It draws you from the highway for a memorable stop.

3. Rivers Provincial Park

Located in the hills of southwestern Manitoba, Rivers Provincial Park offers a diverse natural experience within driving distance of Virden. The park encompasses 38 hectares of mixed-grass prairie. It is centered around Lake Wahtopanah. Lake Wahtopanah is a reservoir created by damming the Little Saskatchewan River. The name Wahtopanah, derived from a native word meaning “canoe people,” reflects the area’s rich history. The park is named after Sir Charles Rivers Wilson. He was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The park includes a beach and boat launch. There are hiking trails. You can choose from various camping options like electric sites, unserviced sites, and group camping areas. The park also features a dumping station, offers full wheelchair access, and requires entry fees. You will enjoy watercraft recreation on the lake and engage in wildlife and nature viewing throughout the park. Rivers Provincial Park serves as an excellent destination if you are seeking outdoor recreational activities in a pristine prairie setting.

4. Pioneer Home Museum

The Virden Pioneer Home Museum is located at 390 King Street. It offers you a glimpse into the life of an established Victorian family. This museum showcases life in the Canadian West. The house was built in 1888 by James Frame for his wife Abbie. It sits in what was once known as “Quality Hill,” one of Virden’s wealthiest districts. The museum, established in 1970 during Manitoba’s Centennial, achieved official recognition as a Municipal Heritage Site in 1990. It houses over 11,000 artifacts spread across various rooms. These rooms include the parlor, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and servant quarters. All are furnished with period items to create an authentic, lived-in atmosphere. The museum is open daily from June 1st to August 31st, with tours conducted by youth dressed in period attire. Visitors praise the knowledgeable tour guides and the museum’s wealth of information about local history. The staff helps assist with family history research. The museum offers a family-friendly experience with guided tours and washrooms. Still, visitors with mobility issues should note that there are stairs to the second floor. Free parking is available on 9th Avenue. The Pioneer Home Museum provides a rich, immersive experience of Virden’s Victorian-era history. It is a valuable stop for history enthusiasts. Curious visitors also find it interesting.

5. Oak Island Golf Resort

Oak Island Golf Resort was designed by Les Furber. He is one of Canada’s most prolific golf course architects. Some consider it to be among the top three golf courses in Manitoba. The 6,626-yard course features A-4 bentgrass greens, providing one of the best-putting surfaces. Surrounded by beautiful prairie wetlands, the course offers two distinct experiences. The front nine carves through one of the province’s oldest stands of oak trees, creating a tighter, parkland-type golf experience. The back nine presents a links-like experience with bunkers and mounding complexes. With four tee decks on each hole, the course caters to players from beginners to professionals. Visitors consistently praise the course’s excellent condition, particularly noting the well-maintained fairways, level tee boxes, and challenging greens. The resort also offers a driving range and is noted for its friendly, accommodating staff and good food. While some find it expensive, many feel the quality justifies the cost. The resort is located about 3 hours from Winnipeg. The resort is “off the beaten path” but worth the drive. Look for the turn south off Highway 1 onto Highway 254. Signage is limited. This is especially true when approaching from the east.

6. Virden Canadian Pacific Railway Station

The Virden Canadian Pacific Railway Station, located at 425 6th Avenue South, is a distinctive fieldstone structure built in 1900. Designed by eminent railway architect R.B. Pratt, it is the only modestly sized station residence of fieldstone construction remaining in Manitoba. The station features a complex roof form with steeply pitched hip sections and large canopied dormers. It has coursed and roughly dressed fieldstone walls. There are decorative shingles on the second storey. Its design is unique among the five CPR sites that shared this plan in southern Manitoba. It conveyed an image of corporate solidity during the railway’s financial recovery. The two-storey central block is flanked by single-storey wings. There are multiple entrances and various window styles. The windows include a distinctive telegrapher’s bay facing the tracks. Inside, the station retains many original features such as fireplaces, hardwood floors, and period furnishings. Restored in 1994 and designated a Provincial Heritage Site, the building now serves as a community arts centre. It hosts local art exhibitions, community organization offices, and a boardroom. The grounds feature a well-maintained garden with rocks and water features, making it a popular location for photography.

7. Tundra Oil & Gas Place

Tundra Oil & Gas Place is a multi-purpose recreation complex in Virden, Manitoba. It acquired its naming rights from Tundra Oil & Gas Partnership in August 2012. The facility features a 1,200-seat ice hockey arena, a community hall, and recreational facilities. It is one of the best arenas in Manitoba with good lighting, ample seating, and spacious dressing rooms. The venue is known for hosting hockey events. The local team, the Oil Caps, enjoys a loyal and passionate fanbase. It creates a fun atmosphere during games. Beyond sports, Tundra Oil & Gas Place serves as a venue for social events. People describe it as a “great place for a social.” While the food offerings are good, some people find them expensive. The complex is a central hub for community activities with the best events happening here.

8. Virden Lions Park Campground

Virden Lions Park Campground is a well-maintained and popular camping spot, for its cleanliness, lush green grass, and peaceful atmosphere. The campground offers sites with hydro and water hookups, as well as no-service sites for $25. Facilities include clean bathrooms and shower facilities, though the showers are warmer. The campground features a playground for children and a pavilion for shelter during rain. Many people appreciate the friendly and helpful management. The site is dog-friendly, with a popular walking area near the water. Its location is close to amenities like a liquor shop and grocery store, convenient for campers. You hear trains at night due to its proximity to the railway. This is common for campgrounds along Highway 1. The campground is popular with touring cyclists, who appreciate the warm showers and friendly staff. The campground is beautiful, well-kept, and affordable, with an alluring yearning to return. Its location along the Trans-Canada Highway makes it a convenient stop for travelers, including those on long-distance trips. Virden Lions Park Campground is highly recommended for overnight stays and longer visits that appeal to campers.

9. Centennial Park

Centennial Park, located on Nelson Street West in Virden, offers you a diverse range of recreational opportunities. The park runs alongside Scallion Creek, providing beautiful scenery and a picturesque creekside setting. The park features a walking trail. Paved paths suitable for biking and rollerblading complement this trail. The park’s layout includes areas with few trees, creating open spaces ideal for picnics and various outdoor activities. During summer, you can enjoy a very nice pool. The park also features covered shelters available for free booking, enhancing its appeal for picnics and gatherings. Next to the main park area is a Nature Park, which includes walking paths and a large pond for fishing. For those looking to stay longer, the park offers a 30-site campground with electricity and water hookups. Centennial Park is notably dog-friendly. Centennial Park has recreational facilities and camping options. The park serves as an outdoor destination in Virden. Suitable for both day visits and extended stays.

10. Virden Wellview Golf Club

Virden Wellview Golf Club is a public golf course in Manitoba, Canada, offering a range of experiences for golfers. Opinions on the course quality vary among visitors. Some describe it as a great course that is well-maintained and “nice and green,” suitable for any level of golfer. The food there are food, excellent group dinners, and great staff. Some people have challenges during dry weather conditions. These include issues with bridges having loose boards, greens recovering from winter kill, and sand bunkers needing maintenance. You also notice that regular players don’t repair divots on greens or replace sand on tee boxes after use. The club allows groups larger than four. Some see this as a positive for regular players. Others view it as a potential issue for the pace of play. Accessibility for blue-collar workers can be limited due to tournaments on weekends and nights for ladies and men. Despite these, the course is convenient and enjoyable to play. The clubhouse food service and staff are good.

Wrapping Up

Virden offers a diverse range of activities to make your visit memorable. It also has small-town charm and beautiful prairie landscapes. So why not take that road trip and discover all that Virden has to offer? You will find yourself planning your next visit before you leave!

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