Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/117969
83 About halfway into your drive west, stop at Lake Manitoba Narrows to stretch your legs and look out over the clear blue waters of Lake Manitoba. Strong winds send waves washing against an offshore island, creating the sound, "Manito-bau". In Ojibway legend, this sound is said to be the Great Spirit. Once you arrive in Dauphin, check into one of its many hotels, then head to the Fort Dauphin Museum. Inside the palisade walls you'll find a trapper's cabin, trading post, blacksmith's shop, pioneer log house, a church and schoolhouse. Lake Manitoba Narrows The Watson Arts Centre (formerly the 1905 Dauphin Town Hall) is another must-see attraction, featuring talented Manitoba artists. Try one of Dauphin's many restaurants influenced by the region's Ukrainian heritage before heading back to your hotel for the night. DAY 4 M u lt i - D ay Travel south on Highway 10 through beautiful Riding Mountain National Park. If you enjoy hiking, take a short detour and try one of the trails. If hiking isn't your cup of tea, the town site offers many shops for your perusal. Leave Riding Mountain and continue along Highway 10 to Manitoba's second-largest city, Brandon, and make a point of visiting The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. After the gallery, treat yourself to lunch at the one-of-a-kind Lady of the Lake, Shop, Café and Pub. After lunch, meander through the 7,000 square feet of eclectic home decor, charming gifts, and vintage furnishings. Continue south on Highway 10 until you hit Boissevain located near the Canada-U.S. border, where the decorative murals tell the story of the area. Continuing south about 40 kilometres, experience the incredible International Peace Garden, boasting colourful floral displays, the 120 foot-tall Peace Tower, the seven Peace Poles and a 9/11 memorial. Watson Art Centre Head back to Brandon and stay the night at a Bed and Breakfast or another accommodation option. DAY 5 Before you leave Brandon, stop in at any of the many take-out restaurants and pick up some grub to go. Head east on the Trans Canada Highway toward Winnipeg — turn right at Highway 5 and go about 25 km to Spruce Woods Provincial Park, home to Spirit Sands, Manitoba's desert. Check out the sand dunes that shift on the whim of the wind, unlikely plants like the pincushion cactus, and strange creatures like the hognose snake. After you've finished exploring, head to Highway 2, then go east and back to Winnipeg. The quaint communities along the way are great places to stop for ice cream, snacks or anything else you might be craving. Hit the city just in time for dinner — and if you have time, take in some theatre at the open-air Rainbow Stage, a Goldeyes baseball game or one of the city's many festivals. For complete contact and booking information, visit travelmanitoba.com D e s t i n at i o n P l a n n e r DAY 3 Make sure you're up early for the 300+ kilometre drive — head north on Highway 8 (45 kilometres) then west on Highway 68 toward Dauphin. International Peace Garden – 9/11 Memorial Spirit Sands – Spruce Woods Provincial Park