Outdoor Explorer Itinerary
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SPRING | SUMMER 2012 OUTDOOR EXPLORER ITINERARY HALF DAY Start off your afternoon admiring the beauty of some of Witch’s Hut, which brings the fairytale Hansel & Gretel Manitoba’s oldest and largest trees inside Kildonan Park. to life. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, head to Blondies Stroll through a formal garden, hike trails and check out just outside the park on Main Street for juicy burgers the duck pond while there. An Olympic-sized swimming with patties that can be made up to a jaw-dropping nine pool and plenty of picnic tables and barbeque pits are pounds. In summer, stay for the evening and enjoy smash available in summer for bonding with family and friends. hit musicals performed at Canada’s longest-running Little ones will delight in a visit to the “gingerbread” outdoor theatre, Rainbow Stage. FULL DAY Pack a camera and head out for some more fresh air with Next, make a stop at the Pavilion Gallery Museum, a visit to Assiniboine Park. This gorgeous green space which displays the largest collections of works by three is one of Winnipeg’s oldest attractions and visited by renowned Manitoba artists—the contemporary works of millions of people every year. Begin with a stroll through Ivan Eyre; the historical works of Clarence Tillenius; and the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, which houses an the watercolours and woodcuts of Walter J. Phillips. The ever-changing display of exotic horticulture. Then, head rotation gallery features exhibitions by established and to the Assiniboine Park Zoo for close encounters with emerging Manitoba artists. While here, curb any hunger animals from all over the world housed in indoor and cravings with a bite to eat at Terrace Fifty-Five, which outdoor exhibits. The zoo features more than 400 species serves fine Canadian fare such as a tempura-battered and specializes in cold climate species from northern pickerel sandwich and sous vide lamb shank with Spanish- latitudes and mountain ranges. Be sure to visit the newly style roasted pepper coulis. opened International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC) as part of the new 10-acre Journey to Churchill A short walk from the pavilion, the Leo Mol Sculpture exhibit currently under construction. Experience the Garden is a mustvisit attraction in the park. It combines centre firsthand in the multimedia-rich Visitor’s Centre, the artistic beauty of master sculptor Dr. Leo Mol’s where you’ll learn about polar bears, the fragile Arctic magnificent statues within a natural setting, offering a ecosystem and polar bear conservation. quiet retreat. Enjoy the tranquility of the garden with its spectacular year-round water feature and vine-covered While you’re at the zoo, pose for a photo with the bear that arbour, along with the Leo Mol Schoolhouse Studio made Winnie the Pooh famous. The statue commemorates and gift shop. To admire more blooms, stroll along the Winnie the bear (named after Winnipeg) and her owner winding paths of the English Gardens planted full of Captain Harry Coleburn. annual flowers. If you’ve got kids in tow, bring them to the Nature Whether hiking, cycling or blading, there are plenty of trails Playground to run, jump, climb, explore and play. Filled to enjoy within the park. Walk across the pedestrian bridge with wonder and excitement, kids can explore tree forts, and grab a chilled beverage and sandwich at Joe Black bird nest swings, willow tree tunnels, hedges, mazes, Coffee Bar, where you can watch the world go by on the sculptures, a magical children’s garden inspired by the charming patio. classic board game “Snakes & Ladders” and so much more. End the day with some free entertainment at the outdoor Lyric Theatre. Throughout summer, the stage features Nearby, check out the duck pond and brand new Qualico performances for all tastes and ages, including Ballet in the Family Centre, offering spellbinding views of nature while Park performed by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, as nestled amongst the trees. well as the symphony, opera, numerous jazz performances and even movie screenings. FULL DAY 2 Experience the great outdoors at FortWhyte Alive, deer and waterfowl in their natural habitat. Wrap up Winnipeg’s awardwinning, 640-acre urban nature oasis the experience with a visit to the Nature Gift Shop and featuring five lakes and seven kilometres of trails. Head Buffalo Stone Café. to the viewing mound to look at a herd of prairie bison or book a bison safari adventure for an up-close experience. In the afternoon, hop in the car and drive to Oak Take time to explore the 10,000 sq. ft. Interpretive Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, voted the world’s Centre that features fascinating exhibits, including “Best Environmental Experience.” With the help of Manitoba’s largest indoor aquarium— Aquarium of the knowledgeable interpreters, you can take in the splendour Prairies, Prairie Dog Town, dioramas and more. There’s of 300 species of birds and wildlife. Nature lovers can also a family tree house, bird-feeding stations, Pioneer trek nature trails, take a guided tour of the marsh, canoe, Sod House, Tipi Encampment and floating marsh watch a film in the multimedia theatre, enjoy a meal in boardwalks to discover. Keep an eye out for songbirds, the café and check out interactive exhibits. 300-259 Portage Avenue P 204.943.1970 Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 2A9 TF 1.855.PEG.CITY.