outdoor explorer itinerary

Half Day Slap on some SPF 60 and start your morning with a hike Cross Corydon into , one of ’s along the paths of Assiniboine Forest, one of ’s oldest attractions visited by millions of people every year. largest urban nature parks. The looped, one kilometre Dine al fresco on picnic tables amongst the lush green trees paved Sagimay Nature Trail takes you through trees and or step into Star Grill for an eclectic menu of entrees and meadow and past six kilometres of woodchip trails to the desserts. Eve Werier Memorial Pond.

Full Day After lunch, bask in the exotic horticultural collection at Next, pop into the Pavilion Gallery Museum, which the Assiniboine Park Conservatory. Then, head off to features the largest collections of works by three renowned for close encounters with animals artists—the contemporary works of ; the from all over the world. The zoo features more than 400 historical works of ; and the watercolours species in both indoor and outdoor exhibits and specializes and woodcuts of Walter J. Phillips. The rotation gallery in cold climate species from northern latitudes and mountain features exhibitions by Manitoba’s premier and emerging ranges. See the exotic animals featured in the ever-changing artists. animal collection. If you’ve got little ones in your party, take them for fun and And while you’re at the zoo, pose for a photo with the excitement at the Nature and Adventure Playground. bear that made Winnie the Pooh famous. The statue Filled with wonder, kids can explore tree forts, bird nest commemorates Winnie the bear (named after Winnipeg) swings, willow tree tunnels, hedges, mazes, sculptures, a and her owner Captain Harry Coleburn. Grab a bite at the children’s garden resembling the classic board game snakes zoo’s Animal Tracks Café before heading out. and ladders and so much more.

A must-visit spot in the park is the Sculpture For a perfect end to the night, throw down a blanket and Garden. It combines artistic beauty with a natural setting enjoy free entertainment at the outdoor Lyric Theatre. and offers a quiet retreat to view and enjoy the magnificent Throughout the summer, the stage features performances works of master sculptor, Dr. Leo Mol. Enjoy the tranquility for every taste and age, including the Royal Winnipeg of the garden with its spectacular year-round open water Ballet’s, “Ballet in the Park”, as well as the symphony, the feature and vine-covered arbour, as well as the Leo Mol opera and numerous jazz performances. (Check the events Schoolhouse Studio and gift shop. section of this guide for performances dates.) Full Day 2 Experience the great outdoors at FortWhyte Alive or • At Little Mountain Park, enjoy hiking trails, a Interpretive Centre. Spend a half limestone quarry and numerous picnic sites. Offers or full day at each, depending on the length of your stay. guided nature tours by reservation (204.832.0167), as well as a large off-leash dog area. FortWhyte Alive is Winnipeg’s award-winning, 640-acre urban nature oasis showcasing a herd of 30 prairie bison, • Situated on the Red River, St. Vital Park is the perfect 5 lakes, 7 kilometres of trails, Prairie Dog Town, Family place for family get-togethers and recreational sports. Tree House, bird feeding stations, Pioneer Sod House, The duck pond is a favourite spot for patrons. Tipi Encampment, floating boardwalks, Aquarium of the Prairies, Bison Safari Adventure, Nature Gift Shop, Parks within a short drive: and Buffalo Stone Café. Experience outdoor activities all year long including, fishing, canoeing, hiking, wildlife • Birds Hill Provincial Park features hills and ridges watching and other summer specific programming. formed by ancient glaciers. The park boasts a lake, oak and aspen forests, native prairie wildflowers, deer, Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre has been waterfowl and songbirds within its 35 square kilometre voted the world’s “Best Environmental Experience.” area. Facilities include camping, swimming, picnic Under the guidance of friendly interpreters, you can take sites, a riding stable, a restaurant, a beach concession in the splendour of 300 species of birds and wildlife, trek and a convenience store. There are 30 kilometres of the nature trails, take a guided tour of the marsh, go trails for walking and cross-country skiing and 7.2 canoeing, view wildlife, watch a film in the multimedia kilometres of paved bicycle and rollerblading trails. theatre, enjoy a meal in the café and check out the From July 4-8, 2012, the park hosts the famous interactive exhibits. Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Parks to visit within Winnipeg: • Grand Beach Provincial Park rests along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, Canada’s fifth largest lake, • offers some of the oldest and largest and next to the historical La Vérendrye Trail. Enjoy trees in Manitoba. Stroll through a formal garden and the powdery white sand beaches and grass-topped Hansel & Gretel’s “Witch Hut” and stay for a stage dunes that make this one of the top beaches in North performance at Canada’s longest-running outdoor America. Go for a swim or hike one of three excellent theatre, . An Olympic-sized swimming self-guided walks: Spirit Rock Trail, Wild Wings Trail pool and plenty of picnic tables and barbeque pits are or the Ancient Beach Trail. available in the summer for bonding with family and friends. • Winnipeg Beach is located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg and is home to sandy beaches, beautiful • Bordering on the Red River, King’s Park has numerous scenery and plenty of recreational activities. Experience gravel and paved pathways to enjoy, some of which live entertainment on the outdoor bandstand during lead to marshland. In the centre of the park, you will the summer. Boardwalk Days take place at the beach find the beautiful Pagoda Gardens. The park also has July 27-29, 2012. a soccer field, two baseball diamonds and an off-leash dog area.

• Canoe, fish, hike and bike in the summer in La Barriere Park or enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Nature tours available by calling 204.832.0167.

300-259 Portage Avenue P 204.943.1970 Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 2A9 TF 1.855.PEG.CITY