With its picturesque tree-lined streets, the Village of McCreary basks in the shelter of the scenic wooded Riding Mountain National Park. The bustling city life of the Provincial Capital of Winnipeg is left behind only three hours away as visitors to the area take in the rugged beauty of the natural pine and secluded wilderness.
Year-round leisure activities for residents and guests abound in McCreary and the surrounding area. The friendly people of McCreary make any outing a memorable and enjoyable experience.
History
Habitation in the McCreary area dates back almost 10,000 years. Native peoples used the ancient Burrows Trail to access the area. Trappers and fur traders were active in the area by the late 1700's, taking advantage of bountiful animal resources. Pioneers followed suit by the late 1800's by settling in the area. Satterthwaite Log Cabin was built along the trail in 1895, and was restored as an historic site in 1995.
Much of the rolling hills in the McCreary area are seeded as agricultural crop land, but acres of virgin forest and untamed wilderness still surround McCreary. The area is home to many animals such as fox, racoon, moose and elk. Riding Mountain National Park has one of the densest black bear populations in Canada.
Economic Base
Almost half of the residents of McCreary are employed either directly in the agriculture industry or in ag-services and related businesses. McCreary is the principal service centre for the local region, and serves a market area of 3500 people. A strong local presence exists in the livestock industry with many beef, cattle and hog producers in the local area. The many ranches and feedlots in the area supply purebred cattle and hogs raised to fulfill specialized international markets.
McCreary sits just outside the boundaries of Riding Mountain National Park and the location lends itself to an impressive tourism industry. The surrounding area sees thousands of visitors to the park year round.
Major Attractions
The Village of McCreary has much to offer in the way of recreation and cultural activities. The statue of Alpine Archie welcomes travellers to the area and proclaims the community's stature as the best skiing area between Thunder Bay and The Rockies.
Located in Riding Mountain National Park, Mt. Agassiz was the site of the 1979 Canada Winter Games, and offers endless winter sporting activities. The Mt. Agassiz Ski Hill is currently closed, but we hope to see it open for the next ski season.
Other recreation facilities in the immediate area include an artificial ice skating rink, curling club, a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, ball diamonds and fair grounds.
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and boating and snowmobiling are just a few of the sporting activities one can enjoy in and around McCreary. The Village also hosts the Burrow's Trail Art Council, McCreary & District Library, and the Turtle River Festival of the Arts.
Other Information
Whether sunbathing and relaxing under the warm summer sun, or snowmobiling and frolicking in the winter snow, McCreary is a community of year round fun where new friends and new neighbours are always welcome.
