Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
P ARKLAND 119 Duck Mountain Provincial Park ENJOY THE BEST OF TOWN AND COUNTRY The name says it all. Parkland is nature lover's paradise and boasts more than 10,000 square kilometres of provincial and federal parks and forest reserves. Situated east of Lake Winnipegosis and Lake Manitoba, the Parkland region extends west to the Saskatchewan border, north to the 53rd parallel and south to Riding Mountain Provincial Park. Geographically and culturally diverse, it contains fertile wheat fields, saskatoon and strawberry farms, lush forests and Manitoba's highest peak, Mount Baldy, which rises 831 metres above sea level in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Visit an art gallery, take a shopping excursion or explore the great outdoors — the choice is yours. Home to black bears, bison and moose, it's a popular destination for hikers and Asessippi Provincial Park, at the south end of the man-made Lake of the Prairies, is ideal for mountain biking, canoeing and birdwatching. Along with songbirds, ducks and geese, watch for white pelicans, blue herons and cranes. Anglers fall hook, line and sinker for area fishing spots, and the region's famous festivals attract international crowds. Dauphin's Countryfest, set for June 28 - July 1 this year, draws country's hottest stars and biggest fans. Dauphin also hosts the National Ukrainian Festival, which celebrates Ukrainian culture and settlers, some of whom built houses in the Carpathian style of their homeland. Examples can still be seen near Gilbert Plains. Manitoba's pioneer heritage is evident in towns and villages throughout the scenic region. The Keystone Pioneer Museum in Roblin has a restored clay house with a thatched roof, among other attractions. Rossburn maintains an entire replica pioneer village. And Inglis has restored five grain elevators of the type that dotted the Prairies in the 1930s. Inglis Elevators Aboriginal elders and artists preserve First Nations culture and operate a museum at the Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation Sharing Lodge in Riding Mountain National Park. If you love camping, rustic Riding Mountain is the place to be, and if luxury is more your style, you don't have to go far to indulge in a little pampering. Elkhorn Resort and Spa is close at hand, near the south entrance of the park.