Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/117969
This five-day jaunt covers a lot of ground and will have the family enthralled with the diverse sights and sounds found across Manitoba. From sandy beaches to dense forests to sprawling prairie, you'll never look at Manitoba the same way again. 5-DayFamilyVacation 5-Day Family Vacation M u lt i - D ay D e s t i n at i o n P l a n n e r 86 DAY 1 Starting in Winnipeg, head north on Highway 7 and follow the signs to Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre. Join a guided walk and discover the wonders of the wetlands, including hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife. Pack a lunch — you'll need it later! Continue your trek north on Highway 7, turning left at Highway 17 to make your way to the Narcisse snake dens. Here, you can view the garter snakes either leaving (early May) or returning to (early September) their dens. Enjoy a picnic, then walk it off on a nearby walking trail. Jump back in the car, follow Highway 17 back to Highway 9 and drive around the south edge of Lake Winnipeg, then head north to Grand Beach. Set up a campsite at Grand Beach Provincial Park or, if you'd rather not rough it, stay the night at a resort or cabin. Enjoy what remains of the afternoon by hitting the beach and going for a swim, or just bring your towel and sunbathe the afternoon away. Nearby play structures and volleyball courts provide fun in the sun. DAY 2 For a great morning, take the family and hit the links at one of the area's golf courses. If golfing isn't your thing, explore the lake on a pedal boat, kayak or rowboat. Take the kids for lunch at Lanky's Food Stand and try their great hot dogs, fries and shakes! Spend the afternoon at Thunder Mountain Waterslides where you can experience the 70km/h bullet slide. After dinner, stroll down the beach or check out the wildflowers along the hiking trails. Narcisse Snake Dens Grand Beach Oak Hammock Marsh