The landscape around Carberry has some interesting features unique to the province and much of Canada. Thousands of years ago, the Carberry area and the Manitoba Escarpment formed the shore of Lake Agassiz. As the lake dried, the Carberry Sandhills were left behind where the lake shore once was. Today, The Spirit Sands Desert just outside of Carberry is five square kilometres of blowing sand dunes that rise above the prairie landscape. The land is an array of rolling hills and valleys that are covered in fertile sandy soils.
History
The Town of Carberry is one of Manitoba's best kept secrets. Nestled in the Carberry Sandhills and only minutes from Spruce Woods Provincial Park, the town exemplifies country living. Mother Nature and the Town of Carberry share a wonderful relationship, that enables residents and visitors to enjoy themselves in one of the most beautiful settings in the province. Located in the Westman Region of the province, Carberry is situated just moments off the Trans Canada Highway. Carberry is 30 minutes from Brandon and 90 minutes from Winnipeg, the provincial capital.
Economic Base
The Carberry Plains area is characterised by fertile soils that produce a very diverse agriculture industry. This industry and related processing industries form the backbone of the local economy. Cereal and oilseed crops are grown along side forages for livestock feed and vegetables that supply local market gardens.
Carberry is known as "King Spud Country" after the high quality potatoes grown in the area. Numerous businesses in the community offer many services and supplies to support the agriculture industry. Food processing makes use of locally produced crops and has become a major employer in Carberry. A local plant makes various potato products to supply world markets, and is one of the most highly advanced plants in North America. The close proximity to Sprucewoods Park and the many other unique recreational activities in the area Make Carberry a popular tourist destination. Many businesses and services cater to visitors on a seasonal and year round basis.
Major Attractions
No matter what the season is, Carberry offers a wealth of recreational activities.
In the summer months, many Manitobans have discovered one of the province's finest golf courses, the Sandhill Golf & Country Club. Nearby, the world class Assiniboine River canoe route winds its way through Sprucewoods Park, along with many fine hiking trails. Anglers also have their choice of many fine fishing holes in the are. Carberry is also a stop for the summer chuckwagon races.
Carberry hosts many summer sporting tournaments that range from base ball to horseshoes to golf. Annual fairs like the Carberry Agricultural Fair, the Harvest of Hobbies and Pine Fort Days also contribute to an active summer schedule. The winter season is every bit as hectic in the Carberry area. Organised sports leagues for children and adults mean there is always a hockey or ringette game, or a curling match in play. Numerous groomed cross-country ski and snowmobile trails wind their way through the area. Skating ice fishing and tobogganing are also available nearby.
Carberry's public library houses over 7000 books, as well as the public archives. The Carberry Plains Museum portrays daily life from the settlement days to the present in its various displays. The Seton Centre displays artwork, books and memorabilia by the famed artist, writer and naturalist Earnest Thompson Seton. The Carberry Plains Arts Council allows residents to take part in a variety of arts and crafts while enjoying touring displays of visual arts.
Another unique and enjoyable opportunity in Carberry is the thespian dinner theatre offered by the local troupe Exit Stage Left.
