First Nation's resort an ambitious effort, a great success

Manitoba

Guide to Indian Country Page 24

The Buffalo Point International Resort is an ambitious recreation

initiative of the Buffalo Point First Nation. Over 20 years in the

making, the multi-faceted complex has been developed into a wilderness

holiday playground catering to an international clientele.

The ultimate goal, say the owners is to develop the resort into the

province's largest and most popular tourist attraction that is

universally recognized as a world class facility.

Buffalo Point First Nation is located on a 1,600 hectare peninsula

thrusting into Lake of the Woods in the southeastern corner of Manitoba

on the Canada-U.S. border. The natural beauty of the location and

abundance of wildlife, combined with an accessible location, makes it an

ideal spot for a tourism resort.

The resort is geared to families wishing to enjoy the wilderness

experience in comfort. Waterfront cabins are available for rent,

offering comfortable homestyle accommodations. Guests have a choice of

luxury and deluxe units featuring full bathrooms, equipped kitchens,

satellite TV-VCR, propane barbecues, and fire pits. The luxury model

also includes a two-person jacuzzi and fireplace.

For those who wish to "rough it" the resort has a 175-site RV

campground with a variety of hookups.

Other facilities include a marina that resort owners boast is the most

successful of its kind in the province. It offers 320 docking slips

with additional overflow capacity. Expansion plans are already on the

board to increase its capacity to 400.

The resort offers an impressive variety of activities that are sure to

appeal to the interests of all its guests.

Avid anglers will be attracted to Buffalo Bay, which is considered by

many as the best walleye fishing spot on the lake of the Woods. A

fully-equipped marina has gas for both boats and vehicles as well as

groceries, bait, tackle, licences and souvenirs. Guided fishing

excursions can be booked through the marina. Other amenities include

propane, mountain bikes, paddle boats, canoe rentals and a laundromat.

The public beach, with its fine "hourglass" sand is perfect for

families with young children. Changing rooms and washrooms are located

along the boardwalk, which runs parallel to the shoreline.

Nature lovers will appreciate Buffalo Point's extensive bike and

hiking trails that lead you in the most beautiful wilderness settings

imaginable. The peninsula abounds with wildlife, that is protected by

the First Nation.

Many species of birds make their homes here. One might see great grey

owls, bald eagles, and woodpeckers. In the spring and early summer

months, ducks with their ducklings are seen swimming close to shore.

White tail deer are so tame they will literally eat of people's hands.

In the next few years they resort will undergo major changes with plans

to build a hotel-casino complex and an 18-hole golf course. Work on the

course is well underway and the back nine holes are tentatively

scheduled to be open for business in the summer of 1997. The

hotel-casino is now in the planning stages.

Other attractions under consideration include a cruise ship, wildlife

game farm and horseback riding.