Communities in the area have ready access to the surrounding provincial parks and forests as well as many other tourist attractions. The valley is surrounded by a series of lakes which offer great swimming, hiking and camping opportunities. Recreational activities for hunters and fisherman are abundant. Wildlife is plentiful and provides game for seasonal hunting and fishing and superb year-round photography. The Swan Valley incorporates several small villages with seven main trading centres; Swan River, Benito, Minitonas, Bowsman, Birch River, Mafeking and Cowan. The economy of the valley is based mainly in agriculture, forestry products and tourism. It has a trading population of approximately 30,000. The people are friendly, outgoing and accommodating.