This year, my Manitoba summer agenda includes

To kick off CBC Manitoba's Summer Photo Contest, we asked Future 40 finalist Den Sinclair, who works as manager of global travel trade for Travel Manitoba, to tell us how she plans to make the most of her Manitoba summer.

Interested in winning tickets to Manitoba summerconcerts, festival and events? Take photos of you enjoying your Manitoba summerand post them to Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #CBCMBSummer. You can also go to Facebook or CBC Manitoba's website to complete anentry form and submit your photo.A grand prize that includes a weekend stay at Hecla Island plus the gas to get there will be drawn Aug. 4, 2016.

By Den Sinclair

Late last summer my office moved to The Forks and we were able to enjoy an amazing fall and winter soaking up the many awesome aspects of working in the heart of Winnipeg.From morning walks to work along the river, to gorgeous views of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights from our desksand lunchtime skates on the Red River Mutual Trail, they all add up to feeling quite privileged to work in this important and special location.

As we welcome the seasons' changes together, I hope it is not just me who feels like I never get to do everything I want to in a summer.Each year, I start out excited to hear the music festival lineups, promise to connect with friends and family and finally, visit that cool new place I've heard about.But it never fails autumn arrives before I've checked everything off my list.

This year, I have a new strategy, a plan that cannot fail.I will divide my 'Manitoba to Do List' into three categories, and I am determined to get at least one of each. Here is how I plan to tackle my Manitoba summer:

1. Do something new

Lately, I feel like, popping up at every turn, there are more new things to do in Manitoba.A number of new places have just opened, or are just about to. Here are a few I suggest:

Farmery Estate Brewery, Neepawa: Brothers Chris and Lawrence Warwaruk have worked hard for years to realize their vision for North America's first estate brewery on their family farm.This June, they finally get the chance to combine their farming, brewing and service industry experience and open a brewery to the public.Visitors can see on-site brewing of Farmery beer, as well as visit the hop yards and barley field just outside of Neepawa, Man.

New eats: So many new tasty places have opened up in the past few months that I'm going to include on my list for this summer.In Winnipeg there's Feast Caf Bistro (587 Ellice Ave.), Peg Beer Co (125 Pacific Ave.)and Clementine (123 Princess St.).While in Brandon, I definitely have to check out Prairie Firehouse (637 Princess Ave).

Visit York Factory by jetboat:Two summers ago I was lucky enough to visit York Factory National Historic Site with Clint Sawchuk out of Gillam, Man. Since then, Clint has established his company, Nelson River Adventures, which offers historical and wildlife viewing trips to the historic fur trade post by jet boat. Now doesn't that sound adventurous?

2. Why haven't I tried this yet?

Although I get to spend a lot of time enjoying the beauty of outdoors Manitoba, there are a number of things I feel like I am the only one left to try.Will this be the summer?

Pisew Falls-Kwasitchewan Falls hike: I have worked at Travel Manitoba for more than 10 years and for 10 years I have been told about this beautiful hiking trail south of Thompson, Man. Although I have visited Pisew Falls, I have yet to make the 22 kilometre overnight hike to Manitoba's highest waterfall.

A Family Cottage Rental: Although this may not be new to many of you, it is a first for our family.We are planning a three-generation cottage rental in the latter part of summer, which I envision will involve a literal singing of songs around the campfire.But our cottage getaway may end up reminding us all just why we live on opposite sides of the city (just kidding).

Amazing festivals: The amazing things I hear about Harvest Sun Music Fest, Rainbow Trout Music Festival and Medieval Festival make me feel like I am seriously missing out.

Camp at Lake Audy in Riding Mountain National Park: I see these beautiful campsites along the shore of Lake Audy every time I visit the majestic bison of Riding Mountain National Park, and I yearn to wake up to the peacefulness that is a tent beside the lake.

3. A guaranteed good time

I could hit up these spots every summer and be perfectly happy with everything!

Paddling in rivers and lakes: The Manitoba Canoe Kayak Centre on Churchill Drive in Winnipeg offers evening rentals in the city. Iconic Manitoba day trips through the Caddy Lake tunnels or even multi-day excursions with Northern Soul Adventures are always a good idea!

Camping in Spruce Woods Provincial Park: If you prefer a yurt with your family, or a group camp site for you and friends, then Spruce Woods has it in aces.The camping site offers a small beach for swimming, great hiking in the Spirit Sands and awesome trails for biking.

Festival Favourites: I can never get enough between Manito Ahbee, Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Winnipeg Fringe Festival and Aboriginal Music Week.My summer is chockfull of great music, beautiful people and one awesome city after another!

No matter how you plan your summer, I hope you get out and enjoy something new, something new to you and whatever it is that makes you love Manitoba that little bit more.

Den Sinclair is a CBC Future40 Finalist for 2016. She spends her days working as the manager of global travel trade for Travel Manitobaand most evenings paddling on the rivers of Winnipeg. Den is originally from Selkirk, Man., and a proud Anishinaabekwe living on Treaty 1 Territory. Follow her adventures all summer on twitter at @denezy.