St. Adolphe is a quaint community along the Red River. Its francophone roots are still evident, having been originally settled by the Metis in the mid-nineteenth century. At the heart of the community, the spire of a century-old Roman Catholic church reaches proudly to the sky, a shining example of that period’s beautiful architecture.
In addition to its francophone roots, St. Adolphe welcomes a wide cross-section of cultures due to its close proximity to Winnipeg. Just fifteen minutes from the south perimeter, the community has been expanding to the north and south in recent years.
One St. Adolphe native cites the great people, the relaxed lifestyle, and the ability to stargaze at night. “Our differences are our strength. We volunteer alongside our neighbours and cultivate relationships regardless of religion, culture, or political beliefs. When the people who share your neighbourhood are investing in your community, your school, your kids, that’s when the saying ‘It takes a village’ really takes shape.”
St. Adolphe acts as a hub for the Ritchot municipality. The municipal office and local government seat is here. The town also includes a busy recreation committee, an economic development officer, and a vibrant council that actively works towards making their communities great places to live, work, and play.
Live. The community offers a wide variety of housing options for families, retirees, and singles, including new condos. Multifamily units, townhouses, and detached homes can be found in two new developments. Plenty of spacious lots are available for custom builds at pricing that beats any city lot by a country mile. These newer developments become mini-communities in themselves, places where families build long-term friendships, children play freely, and parents look out for the well-being of everyone’s kids. Parks, ponds, and skating rinks are scattered throughout.
St. Adolphe is home to a combined French immersion and English elementary and middle school. Students are bussed to nearby St. Norbert to continue their high school French immersion or English educations.
Basic amenities include a credit union, two churches, a pharmacy, an autobody, a gas station, and a convenience store. A couple of restaurants provide fast or dine-in options, or you can order in from one neighbouring community restaurants that deliver right to your door.
Work. The business sector continues to grow. One of the newest developments has dedicated a strip of lots for commercial use. As businesses move in, so will jobs. For the most part, though, the daily commute to Winnipeg is no ordeal. On the contrary! It’s a lovely trek up the scenic St. Mary’s road, winding along the well-wooded riverbank. Commuters can also easily access Highway 75.
Play. This community is brimming with options for play and fitness. After a long day’s work, there’s no need to head back to the city for recreation or sport. St. Adolphe has been built to make full use of its amazing surroundings, whether it’s fishing, tobogganing down the steep banks of the town’s protective dike, or bird-watching along the river’s edge.
The indoor arena offers recreational and competitive hockey and ringette for all ages, and the curling rink is known as one of the best in the region. Cross-country ski trails run through and around the community, and snowshoe rentals are available from the town. If you love snowmobiling, St. Adolphe is a Mecca for on- or off-trail fun, accessible right outside your back door. The annual winter carnival is a great way to meet your neighbours and make lifelong friends.
In summer, you can hike or cycle the Crow Wing Trail, visit the Chimney Swift nesting grounds, or plant some fresh greens in the community gardens. Get the kids involved in baseball or soccer, or take them to the nearby Red River Speedway or local corn maze and ziplines for something a little different.
Year-round activities include gymnastics, karate, kickboxing, badminton, and pickleball. Brownies, Guides, and Sparks have an active chapter here. There’s also a community library to keep the family reading. Garden Ridge Park provides a multisport court in summer and a skating rink in winter.
Like many small communities, residents of St. Adolphe are big on heart. Fall suppers and old-time dances at the local hall draw crowds from around the region and demonstrate the best this tight-knit community has to offer.
