Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
102 Spectacular Parks and Outdoor Places Get back in touch with nature with a stroll along the Canupawakpa Nature Trail near Reston. On the one-kilometer hike through forest and bush including towering elm, maple and ash trees, see the rapids and beaver dams, read panels of historical information, and cross the wooden bridge over Oxbow Lake. Open from April to November. location: 2.3 km northeast of Reston p: 204-877-3020 w: www.wsrcd.com b The Malaher Trail is another one- kilometer nature trail, located near Melita, and just waiting to be explored. Like the Canupawakpa Nature Trail, this one also brings you back to nature on a hike through the forest and bush. Take note of the trees, the rapids and beaver dam, and cross the wooden bridge over Oxbow Lake. Open from April to November. location: 2.5 km west of Melita on PR 455 p: 204-877-3020 w: www.wsrcd.com b Stop and enjoy the flowers at the Eleanor Kidd Gardens in Brandon. While you are here, take in a performance on the stage of the Performance Plaza. Admire the life-sized bronze sculpture by artist Peter Sawatsky as well as the beautiful trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. location: adjacent to Eleanor Kidd Park, 18th St. N, Brandon p: 204-729-2141 toll free: 1-888-799-1111 w: www.riverbank.mb.ca b Spruce Woods Provincial Park Along the Manitoba-North Dakota border south of Boissevain is a space dedicated to peace – the International Peace Garden. During the spring and summer, take a peaceful walk among the flowers in the beautiful floral gardens, hike, and enjoy a picnic and entertainment including a number of scheduled events. Visit the interpretive centre and stay at the campground. Among the highlights: a 3,000-flower clock operating by GPS, the Peace Chapel's three limestone walls with peace-related quotes, the Carillon Bell Tower, a unique Masonic Auditorium, the North American Game Warden Museum, and the Sunken Garden. Many arts, music and sporting-related events are held here. On Sept. 11, attend the memorial service. Admission charged p: 204-534-2510 toll free: 1-888-432-6733 w: www.peacegarden.com b Learn about nature and enjoy the great outdoors at the Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Education Centre near Deloraine. It's an outdoor classroom perfect for group learning. Have lunch at the picnic area. Enjoy the convenience of washrooms and a parking lot. Go up in the observation tower for the view, and stroll the dock along the marsh to experience pond life. Walk the interpretive trail and learn about the Turtle Mountain landscape year-round. location: south on PR 450 at Lake Metigoshe near Deloraine p: 204-747-2530 w: www.tmcd.ca b Visit the Lorna Smith Nature Centre near Boissevain. Heed the call of the wild and step back into a natural environment at this natural protected habitat. See the variety of prairie plants and the wildlife that makes its home here. location: near Boissevain p: 204-747-2530 w: www.tmcd.ca Lake Metigoshe WESTERN PHOTO: TURTLE MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION DISTRICT