Watrous: Local History, Art and Active Days

Watrous brings together a tangible connection to local history, local art, sports and recurring events. You may be interested in history and exhibitions, want to plan an art program, or make seasonal sports the focus of your trip. When looking for a vacation rental in Watrous, it helps to first consider which of these aspects of the town you want to shape your trip.

Local History at the Heritage Centre

The Watrous-Manitou Beach Heritage Centre explores the history of Watrous and Manitou Beach. Information panels, photographs and artifacts convey the local context; the Centre also includes exhibits and historical information about First Nations. It is located in Watrous at 403 Main Street, next to the post office. The range of materials offers several ways to explore the history of the two communities during your visit. Check visitor information before you arrive.

Local Art and Programs

The Gallery on 3rd is a public art gallery in Watrous that displays works by local artists. It also offers workshops and programs for adults and children. You can choose between a gallery visit focused on art from the region and one of the available programs. If several generations are planning together, the programs’ focus on adults and children provides a useful point of reference.

Swimming and Sports Facilities

The Watrous Outdoor Swimming Pool has ground-level access, two diving boards and a spray pool with a sun umbrella. As these are seasonal facility details, check them before your visit. Watrous Sports Grounds also includes a state-of-the-art curling rink, track and field facilities, a football/soccer field, an indoor tennis court available in summer, an outdoor swimming pool and four shale playing fields. Ball games and swimming competitions, as well as tournaments, are held there. These details point to a range of activities, from swimming and track and field to team sports and tournaments.

Ice Time and Winter Activities

Watrous Centennial Arena has an artificial ice surface, seating for up to 400 people and standing room around the ice. Activities based there include junior hockey teams for all age groups, a recreational hockey league, Learn to Skate and figure skating programs, and the Senior Winterhawks. Programs and schedules may change, so check the latest information if you are planning your stay around them.

The Watrous Curling Club is also a seasonal attraction: it is active every winter from November to March. Offerings include men’s, women’s, mixed, junior and high school leagues, as well as bonspiels and local, regional and provincial tournaments. The season and range of leagues offer a useful guide if you would like to visit Watrous in winter; tournament and program offerings may change.

Events Throughout the Year

The annual Watrous Fun Run and Car Show features classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, hot rods, custom vehicles and antique tractors. The program includes a full day of family-oriented events. Dates and programming may change, so check the event details before planning your visit around them.

The Arts Council in Watrous hosts four to five “Night out in Town” concerts each year. The number may vary by season. The art gallery, concerts, vehicle show and sports offerings represent a range of interests and types of events. If a particular event is the main reason for your trip, plan around its dates rather than relying solely on its annual or seasonal schedule.

Watrous as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

Watrous is located between the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16). The Watrous municipal office provides visitor information to help you explore Watrous and Manitou Beach. When looking for a vacation rental in Watrous, you can start with the activities you want to do each day: explore local history and art, enjoy seasonal sports or attend an event. This lets you tailor your destination to your interests without having to center your stay on a single activity.

Explore more destinations: Lanigan, Martensville, Langham, Outlook, Bradwell, Simpson, Warman, Manitou Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 11.