Manitoba's Interlake is a unique region with a variety of landscapes, histories, people, resources and opportunities. The region is located north of the Assiniboine River and the City of Winnipeg. On the east, the region is borded by Lake Winnipeg (the 11^th largest freshwater lake in the world) and on the west by Lakes Manitoba, Winnipegosis and Cedar. The northern boundary of the region extends approximately along 520 10' North Latitude.

The Manitoba Interlake Region extends over a territory of approximately 26,000 square kilometres. The dominant characteristic of the basic land resource of the region is its variation at least by Prairie standards. The region defies generalization. Combined within the natural lake borders are features of the Red River Valley, the Prairie Parklands and the lake and marshlands of the northern fringe. The dominant influence of limestone bedrock throughout the region contributes markedly to the shape and productively of the land. Soil types range wildly from shallow profiles on till to deep lacustrine profiles; textures ranging from gravel and sand to clays, and drainage ranging from poor to very good. The soils generally have a high limestone content.

Manitoba's Interlake is comprised of 14 rural municipalities, one city (the City of Selkirk), five towns (Arborg, Gimli, Stonewall, Teulon and Winnipeg Beach) and two villages, Riverton and Dunnottar. There are also a number of First Nation communities such as Peguis and Fisher River.

The road system in the Interlake is excellent. The region is amply served by six paved provincial highways and a network of paved or graveled solid provincial roads. Four of the paved highways (Provincial Trunk Highways 6, 7, 8, & 9) run north and south from from the City of Winnipeg to the northern sector of the Interlake. The other two paved highways (Provincial Roads 67 and 68) run east and west. In addition to this, the entire region is traversed by a network of well maintained provincial and municipal roads. There are three small airports in the Interlake that are capable of serving small passenger and freight aircrafts. Two railways provide freight services to Seagram and the Manitoba Rolling Mills (MRM).

History The Manitoba Interlake region has a diverse population and a wide variety of cultures. Historic settlement patterns have permitted individual group characteristics and values to persist. Dominant among the racial and ethnic groups are Aboriginals (status, non-status and Metis) Ukrainian, Polish, Icelandic, Anglo-saxon, German and French. There are approximately 76,000 people living in the Interlake region. About 50% of the population is between the ages of 20 and 55 and about 35% are under 20.

Major Attractions in Region The Interlake is a vacation paradise. Its rich and celebrated cultures and heritages provide for year-round celebrations and festive activities. Some of the key festivals of the region include: Islendingadagurinn, The Icelandic Festival of Gimli; The Lundar Agricultural Fair; The Eriksdale Wild West Rodeo; The St. Laurent Metis Days celebration; The Teulon Veselka Ukrainian Dance festival; The Peguis Treaty Days and Pow-wow; The Arborg Summerfest; The Oak Hammock Marsh Waterfowl celebrations; The Selkirk Manitoba Highland Gathering celebrations; The Triple "S" Fair and Rodeo; The Winnipeg Beach Boardwalk Days; The Stonewall Quarry Days celebration; The Lundar All Canadian Goose Shoot; The Riverton Funfest; and The Woodland Prairie Dog rides. Major Historic sites and other Attractions include: The Marsh Wildlife Habitat Oak Hammock; The 100-year old St. Andrews Church (the oldest stone church in western Canada and it is still in use); The 90-year old St. Andrews Lock and Dam; The century old Lower Fort Garry; The Gimli Museum and revitalized Waterfront Park; The Percy Mogy's Cabin and the Narcisse Snake Dens; The Prairie Dog Central and Selkirk Marine Museum. Manitoba Interlake offers kilometres of clean sandy beaches, along the shores of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, excellent cottage sites and camp grounds, world-class bird watching, over two hundred spectacular caves, many challenging golf courses, excellent accommodation facilities plus two first class resort and conference centres. In addition the Interlake has the highest number of wildlife management areas in the Province. For more details on the Interlake's Culture, Heritage, Events and Attraction, please visit the Interlake Tourism Association's web site at http://www.interlaketourism.com