Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/55101
FRANK SKINNER ARBORETUM TRAIL Dr. Skinner is well known for his developments of lilies, roses, lilacs and prairie hardy trees. Visit the historical green house selection area, the modern nursery, the Wild Willow Trail, heritage Rose Garden, perennial Shade Garden and Sunny Garden. Open during daylight hours, spring to fall. Group tours available. Donations accepted and admission charged for groups. location: on Hwy. 83, 23 km/14 mi south of Roblin toll free: 1-866-552-5496 e: arboretum@canoemail.com w: www.skinnerarboretum.com NATIONAL PARK OF CANADA RIDING MOUNTAIN Frank Skinner Arboretum Trail Garden Riding Mountain National Park is a place to reconnect with what truly matters to you, where you will journey to relaxation, laughter, learning and play. Situated at the meeting place of three protected ecosystems – the boreal forest, aspen parkland and fescue prairie - in the middle of a United Nations Biosphere Reserve, you will discover pristine wilderness as it exists nowhere else on earth. Feel like you are looking over the rim of the world when you explore the Escarpment trail system where the Manitoba plateau abruptly falls away 300m to the prairies below. Offering more than 400 km of trails set in 2900 km2 of entrancing wilderness set amid the agricultural landscape of western Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park will enchant and inspire you. You will want to come back year after year as the Trail Redevelopment Project means that old favourites are being refurbished and new experiences are being added all the time. p: 204-848-7275 e: rmnp.info@pc.gc.ca w: www.pc.gc.ca/riding The Lake Audy Bison Herd is a beloved attraction that has been fascinating visitors for 80 years. This captive herd of 40 Plains Bison offer a glimpse of what the prairies once looked like when these great animals roamed freely. Round out your bison experience at the Keesee Sharing Lodge in Wasagaming where you will learn more about the profound connection between the plains' First Peoples, their prey, and the prairie that nurtured them both. Clear Lake is one of the most recognizable and beloved features of Riding Mountain National Park. Its jewel toned crystal clear waters are perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. The sandy beaches invite you to luxuriate in the Manitoba sunshine and the Lakeshore Trail will provide you with hours of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking and camping. When Riding Mountain National Park was designated in 1930, a man known as Grey Owl gave talks and shows with his pet beavers, Rawhide and Jellyroll. Although people assumed he was Aboriginal, Grey Owl was really an Englishman named Archibald Bellaney who had assumed an Aboriginal persona. His cabin can be visited in the park by hiking or biking an 8.7 km (one-way) trail. Be sure to stop at the Visitor Centre, a remarkable 1930's federal heritage building. Here you will find a wealth of information to make your stay in Riding Mountain truly memorable including the latest trail and weather conditions. Or tour the exquisite organically maintained English Gardens. Sign up for a guided hike or an interpretive adventure. Or become one of a growing number of "citizen scientists" taking part in research and restoration projects in Riding Mountain National Park. b The Marina on Clear Lake offers cruises on The Martese, a 62 ft 98-passenger tour boat. Lunch cruise, mid-day cruise, dinner cruise and an evening dessert cruise allow visitors to enjoy the sights of Clear Lake. Open May long weekend to Thanksgiving. p: 204-867-7299, 204-848-1770 WASAGAMING TOWNSITE (PHS) Wasagaming Townsite, on the south shore of Clear Lake, provides a variety of recreational activities including a fine 18- hole golf course, surfaced tennis courts, lawn bowling and canoeing. Motels, resorts, shops, restaurants, a cinema, campsites, a boat rental facility and a big dance hall are also found in the townsite. Two 1930s log buildings, the Park Theatre and the Wigwam Restaurant are designated as provincial heritage sites. Wasagaming Weekend is a true family affair. 103 Credit: Marlene Shearer P ARKLAND