Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/368665
manitoba's reGions Prairie dogs and polar bears, wheat fields and mountain views, placid lakes and whitewater rapids — Manitoba is a land of endless variety. Explore urban architecture, arts and culture. Retreat to a country spa and immerse yourself in local history. You'll find a fresh surprise at every turn throughout our friendly regions. m a n i t o b a ' s r e G i o n s 7 Rich in natural wonders, the North is home to polar bears, beluga whales, wolves, walleye and birds of every description. Discover aboriginal culture, revisit the fur-trade era and experience a vast landscape of unspoiled wilderness. Snowshoe to an ice-fishing hole on a pristine lake, hike to majestic waterfalls and marvel at the North's hardy history at museums in Churchill, The Pas and Thompson. We'll leave the northern lights on for you. www.visitnorthernmanitoba.ca This aptly named region is a natural paradise of scenic woodlands, picturesque lakes, rushing rivers and dramatic escarpments — along with eclectic shopping emporiums, art galleries and historic sites. Climb Manitoba's highest mountain, bike, ski and snowshoe along winding trails, discover the joys of ice-fishing and keep your camera handy for encounters with photogenic wildlife. www.parklandtourism.com Stretching to the horizon, the shorelines of two inland oceans, Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, are magnets for naturalists, history buffs and artists — not to mention Vikings. Fall migration season finds marshes teeming with Canada geese, and winter is fine for ice- fishing and cross-country skiing. Hole up at lakeside resort, trip back in time at Gimli's New Iceland Heritage Museum and scan the waters of Lake Manitoba for Manipogo — St. Laurent's version of the Loch Ness Monster. www.interlaketourism.com From the desert of Spirit Sands to the woodland trails of Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, western Manitoba is a dreamscape for footloose explorers. Rolling hills, lush forests and Prairie vistas hold endless opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure in all seasons, and there's no shortage of urban delights. www.tourismwestman.ca This fertile greenbelt is a land of legends, history and diversity — and of course, sea monsters. Find ancient fossils of prehistoric marine reptiles and follow the flightpaths of migrating waterfowl and raptors. Roam from Delta Marsh and the shore of Lake Manitoba in the north to the cliffs of the Manitoba Escarpment in the south along a patchwork of scenic trails and highways. Share in the bounty of Manitoba's breadbasket at fall suppers along the way. www.centralplainspembinavalley.com Lakeshores and boreal forest bump up against the rugged Precambrian Shield in this all- season playground. Ski in to a resort cabin, explore unique historic sites in Manitoba's largest French settlements and enjoy local hospitality at every turn. www.eastmantourism.ca Modern art galleries and rustic historic sites, chic shops and farmers' markets, nightlife and wildlife — Winnipeg is a city of diverse charms. Catch a ballet, meet a bison on his home turf, take in a sporting event or theatre festival and join the fun at one of the city's vibrant cultural celebrations and festivals. www.tourismwinnipeg.com interlake western eastern central plains pembina valley winnipeg parkland scan the blippars for bonus Content When you see a Blippar icon on any page in the Travel Manitoba Vacation Guide, use your smartphone or tablet to unlock bonus digital content. Blippar's Augmented Reality technology opens a world of new options: Scan the page to access audio or video files, photo galleries, contest links and more. Go to Apple's App store or Google Play and download the free app from Blippar, or follow the app link on the Blippar website at www.blippar.com. Once you have the app loaded, simply hold your smartphone or tablet over any page that displays the icon. After just a few seconds of scanning, you'll be able to connect to an enhanced view of digital content, with Facebook, Twitter and email links that let you share the experience with your friends. WFP SCAN PAGE TO GET mOrE INFOrmATION north of 53°