The Birdtail Valley cuts deeply into the prairie landscape and is a beautiful backdrop for all outdoor activities in all seasons.   Recreational amenities in the area are diverse and well developed.

    The facilities for summer sports include the golf course, tennis courts, swimming area and beach, fair ground with race track and ball diamonds, play grounds for children, soccer field, park and campground. Birtle Collegiate has developed a great Basketball Court for the enjoyment of our local youth.
 

Baseball:

     Birtle is home to the Birtle Blue Jays men's senior baseball team; The Blue Jays joined the MSBL in 1998 and won the league title in two for their first three years (1998 and 2000). They also won pennants in 1998 and 2000 and in 1999 lost a seven-game final to the Brandon Marlins. In 2001, the Blue Jays represented Manitoba at the Canadian Senior Baseball Championship in Kentville, N.S., in late August. Birtle also won the 2001 President's Cup, which is the consolation round of the MSBL playoffs. In 2002 they once again took home the MSBL Championship and represented Manitoba in the Canadian Championships in Windsor. In 2004 the Blue Jays were also the league champions and as a result will be representing Manitoba at the Senior Nationals in Kamloops in late August.  The Blue Jays look to field a competitive team in 2005 so come on out and support the Jays and the Manitoba Senior Baseball League.

For more information on the Birtle Blue Jays Baseball Club go online: www.geocities.com/birtlebluejays

 

Court Sports:

     The tennis courts are adjacent to the golf course. They are constructed of asphalt, have a plexipave finish and are enclosed by a 12-foot chain link fence. The annual membership fees for this top-notch court are $15 for juniors (17 and under), $35 for adults and a family rate of $60. Juniors $2 per hour, adults $4 per hour. Tournaments and clinics are offered throughout the season.

Racquets available at the Golf Clubhouse

     Birtle Collegiate has developed a great Basketball Court for the enjoyment of our local youth.

 

Snow Sports:

     Cross country ski trails, located on the side of the valley 2 1/2 minutes
 west of town, double as hiking trails, or a challenging ride for mountain bikers.
 They also entice horseback riders into the seclusion of these beautiful valley trails.

     Snowmobile enthusiasts can enjoy a pleasant cruise through its winding
 course or leave the river for a more adventurous ride.
     Snowtraxx Snowmobile Club Inc, a non-profit organization, has developed approximately 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, servicing the Communities of Russell, Binscarth, Foxwarren, Birtle, St. Lazare, Rossburn, Waywayseecappo, and Angusville. The Snowtraxx Trails provide safe, enjoyable passage for snowmobile enthusiasts.
 

Nature Pursuits:

    Hunters will enjoy the many opportunities to practice their sport. There is a large deer population as well as ducks, geese, pheasant and wild turkey in this area. Moose and elk can be found further north towards Riding Mountain National Park.
   The Snake Creek Wildlife Association is involved with the conservation of wildlife habitat and works closely with the Gun Club and Ducks Unlimited. Hunter Safety courses are offered yearly.

The meandering Birdtail River is the setting for many activities in all seasons.
     Keen fishermen land pickerel, jackfish and catfish.
     If you prefer to observe nature, canoeing allows you to witness nature uninterrupted. A quiet paddle on the Birdtail reveals beavers at work, muskrat at play, turtles sunning themselves, deer drinking and an assortment of other birds and animals drawn to the water for their sustenance.
    The Snake Creek Wildlife Association sponsors a Youth Fishing Derby annually on July 1st.

     The Cross country ski trails also double as excellent hiking or biking trails in the summer.
 

Clubs:

    T.W. Rice School of Dance offers instruction in ballet, tap and jazz dance. Two well qualified teachers direct the dancers through all dance levels and choreograph routines for a final concert. Square dancing and clogging groups are also active in Birtle and the surrounding area.

    Drama classes are offered by Xanadu Theatre Company for children of all ages. Classes provide children with a safe place to explore and enjoy their creativity and their imagination through the use of mime, movement, and drama with props, stories, and songs. Fees range from $40 to $50 depending on the age of the child.

    Karate club meets in Birtle every Friday evening. For an annual fee as follows: $9 for children 9 and under, $12 for children 10 - 12 years, $15 for children 13 and over and full time students, $20 for children 16 and over and non-students. Family discounts are available.

    4-H clubs are active in Birtle and display their work at an annual 4-H rally.

    Music lessons such as Piano and Voice are available by a qualified teacher who can prepare students for formal piano examinations with the Toronto Conservatory of Music as well as local music festivals. Violin and guitar lessons are available 30 to 40 minutes away.