Caribbean Over The Cottage: By Daniella Ponticelli

Lilac Resort brings the island to the prairies.

Straw roofed huts and large waterslides surround the large blue pool with an orca whale water fountain in the middle. Palm trees provide shade while the summer sun tans those lounging poolside. Children run about while parents are treated to chilled drinks. A taste of the Caribbean – in Manitoba.

Lilac Resort, located 10 minutes outside Ste. Anne, boasts the ambiance and features of a Caribbean resort – pools, outdoor nightlife, family friendly, a secured area, guaranteed entertainment – without the hassle or price of airline travel.

Lilac was founded by Irene Dusablon and Denis Manaigre in 1958, and is still run by the same family. For over 53 seasons, the resort has continued its prime service of “creating happy memories,” says owner Dan Manaigre. Many of Lilac’s guests visit annually; growing up in the park and remembering family camping trips and reunions.  “We’d get to spend the day with our friends and have races down the slides,” says Judy Braun, 21. “I only have good memories of Lilac resort – except for my sunburns.”

It is Lilac’s loyalty and dedication to the enrichment of family vacation experiences that continues its trusted reputation; in 2009, it was named one of the Top 25 family vacation spots in Canada by Today’s Parent magazine.

Those visiting Lilac can do so for a day, a week, or the whole summer. With the ever-changing Manitoba weather, getting out on a hot weekend may be a spur of the moment decision. Lilac offers the resort lifestyle, with the hometown benefit of heading out in a RV, camper, or tent.  “I camped there the first time I went, it’s awesome,” says Randi Sinclair, 19. “The speed slides, the lily pads, the people; everyone is friendly and you make new friends like nothing.”

The RV and tent sites range in location and preferences, e.g., privacy, size, group camping, proximity to recreational facilities, etc. All campsites come with fire pits and picnic tables, and free fire grills are available. If resort lodging suits the bill, Lilac also offers motel rentals equipped with amenities. Special rates, that include access to the water park and recreational facilities, are posted for some long weekends and certain seasonal promotions.

Regardless of whether it’s staying in a two person tent or family sized motel rental, Lilac visitors come together with recreational activities and entertainment.  “You get more than a just ‘a lot’ when you visit Lilac Resort,” says owner, Dan Manaigre. “Our guests get a community of extended family.”

Lilac and its dedicated staff make sure that daily activities are on the list for all ages. Children are thrilled with kiddie pools and hot tubs, outdoor movie nights, family game nights, paddle boats, and playgrounds. The “Lilac Funmakers” do activities such as musical chairs, cannon ball contests, and park-wide scavenger hunts, to keep kids on their feet. Adults can enjoy the sports courts – basketball, beach volleyball, baseball, and horseshoes – or indulge with adults-only swim hours and late-night hot-tubbing. Lilac is designed for good times and socializing, with relaxed noise curfews.

The resort makes sure that guests get their fill of late night entertainment, with Manitoba talent playing live every Friday and Saturday evening on one of three outdoor stages that showcase a wide variety of genres: classic rock, country, reggae, blues, Latino, and an interactive DJ.

Summer 2011 marks the 54th season for Lilac, who are introducing a new children’s play structure, camping cabins, and online reservations.

“They’ve got an all-access pass to the world’s greatest backyard party,” says Manaigre. “July and August is an uninterrupted pool party.”

For more information on Lilac Resort please visit their website at www.lilacresort.com