In this edition of the “Sacred Houses Series,” we pay homage to The Park Theatre in Manitoba, Canada, as we continue to honor notable movie theaters worldwide.
The Park Theatre, located in Riding Mountain National Park, was constructed between 1936 and 1937. It is uniquely built from peeled logs and fieldstone, making it the only log-cabin cinema in Canada.
Built during the Great Depression as part of a federal Emergency Relief Fund project, the Park Theatre was designed in the rustic architectural style characteristic of National Parks. It was primarily made from peeled, saddle-notched logs secured with iron bracing.
Construction began in the fall of 1936 and was completed in the spring of 1937 under the supervision of foreman Kaare Bow, who led a crew of eight Scandinavian carpenters. The logs used for the theatre were milled locally.
It is located on Wasagaming Drive amidst the 1930s lakefront amenities that define the character of the resort townsite. Today, it remains a rare survivor and is widely regarded as the only purpose-built log cinema in Canada, with a seating capacity of about 500.
The theatre opened on August 9, 1937, quickly becoming a summertime favorite for cottagers and campers. Period photos display popular late-1930s films on the marquee, such as “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Robin Hood of El Dorado.” The single-screen auditorium features exposed log trusses and decorative wrought ironwork. The annexes on the north and south originally housed a grocery store and a luncheonette, though the latter space has long been home to a restaurant. The overall design embodies the quintessential National Park “log-lodge” style, translated into a cinematic experience.
The theatre has been family-owned and operated for decades. Jim and Bev Gowler took over in 1967 and continue to play a prominent role in its story, with the family also managing the adjacent businesses. The Park Theatre operates seasonally, hosting nightly shows from June to September.
Manitoba has recognized the building’s significance with a provincial heritage designation and a Manitoba Heritage Council plaque, which was erected in 1995.
Like many small cinemas, the Park made the transition from 35mm to digital projection in 2012, investing in new equipment that included 7.1 surround sound.
Time Out has frequently featured the Park on its list of “The 50 Most Beautiful Cinemas in the World,” highlighting its 500-seat log-cabin grandeur and calling it the largest log-cabin theatre in North America. In 2025, it was ranked #19. If in the area, please go visit them, or check them out HERE.
If you know of a theater that deserves recognition in our “Sacred Houses” series, please contact us and provide details about its location, name, and significance to you or your community. We are passionate about supporting local theaters and believe they should be celebrated alongside the more well-known historic venues.
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