Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
VISITOR INFORMATION GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION LEGAL AGE The legal minimum age for the purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages in Manitoba is 18. A valid identification card issued by Manitoba Public Insurance or two valid pieces of government issued identification, with at least one piece of identification containing a photograph of the presenter is required as proof of age. LIQUOR SALE Sales of spirits, wine and beer are handled by the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). Liquor marts are operated by the MLCC, and a liquor vendor is a privately-owned business that has been given the authority to sell liquor by the MLCC. Private specialty wine stores offer a full selection of wine products for sale, and beer can be purchased at hotel beer vendors. LIQUOR TRANSPORTATION Open liquor must not be transported in a vehicle unless it is stored in the trunk or space designed for baggage. DRINKING AND DRIVING Manitoba's impaired and suspended driving legislation is one of the toughest in Canada. Visitors from outside Manitoba, whether they are from another province, the United States, or a foreign country, are not exempted from these safe-driving countermeasures. If you operate a motor vehicle, an off-road vehicle, or a special mobile machine when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over .05, you will be suspended immediately from driving for 24 hours. If your BAC is over .08, or if you refuse to provide a breath or blood sample, the police will suspend your driver's licence for three months. This suspension takes effect seven days after the incident. The vehicle you are operating may be impounded. If you operate a motor vehicle or an off-road vehicle while your driver's licence is suspended or prohibited, the police will immediately impound the vehicle used to commit the offence, from the roadside, for a minimum of 30 days. Information about these offences will be shared with the jurisdiction that issued your driver's licence. In most instances, all penalties will apply in your home jurisdiction. SEATBELTS AND HELMETS The use of seatbelts, child restraints and motorcycle helmets is compulsory within the province of Manitoba. MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE Prior to visiting Canada, motorists from the United States must ensure that they have a motor liability insurance card from their insurance company. DISABILITES This provincial program enables the designation of special parking spaces for persons with disabilities. The permit may only be used when the registered holder is in the vehicle either as the driver or a passenger and should only be displayed when the vehicle is occupying a parking space marked by the International Symbol of Access. Visitors to Manitoba are encouraged to bring along and use the parking permit issued in their home province or state. PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL SCENIC HIGHWAY ROUTES CHEMIN ASSINIBOINE The Assiniboine Trail commemorates an early transportation route used by Aboriginals, European explorers, fur traders and settlers. The trail runs along PTH 26 from St. François Xavier to Portage la Prairie. It follows the Assiniboine River as it passes through the historic river lot parishes. Métis families began settling in the area around 1814 and several of Manitoba's oldest churches are located along the route. ASSINIBOINE TRAIL/ Contact: Central Plains Inc., 56 Royal Road North, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1V1 t: 204-856-5000 f: 204-856-5006 w: www.centralplains.mb.ca (NWMP) ROUTE The backbone of the Boundary Trail Heritage Region is a network of four historic Southern Manitoba trails from Emerson to the western Manitoba border, including The International Boundary Commission trail, the NWMP trail, and two pioneer settlement trails - the Post Road and Boiler Trail. THE BOUNDARY COMMISSION – NORTH WEST MOUNTED POLICE Contact: Boundary Trail Heritage Region Inc., Box 64, Cartwright, MB R0K 0L0 t: 204-529-2590 f: 204-529-2288 w: www.bthr.ca e: edocart@hotmail.com LA VÉRENDRYE TRAIL Experience the adventurous heart of northeastern Manitoba's historical and cultural past of the fur traders by exploring the five Travel Corridors, each with its own uniqueness. Enjoy world-class beaches, golfing, hiking, mountain biking, museums, fishing, wildlife photography and parks. Winter brings romantic getaways, cross-country ski trails, ice fishing derbies and snowmobiling over 3,000 km of groomed trails. Experience summer festivals, unique shopping experiences, and family activities. Follow the yellow and blue signs of La Vérendrye appearing on the designated highways in eastern Manitoba. Contact: Eastern Manitoba Tourism t: 204-451-1757 w: www.eastmantourism.ca e: admin@eastmantourism.ca PARKS ROUTE This route follows PTH 5 from the Canada-USA border to the Saskatchewan- Manitoba Boundary, traversing through prairie and parkland geographic regions. It accesses four major Manitoba parks: Spruce Woods Provincial Park with its fascinating sand dunes; Riding Mountain National Park with its bison herds; Duck Mountain Provincial Park with its fishing and camping and Asessippi Provincial Park where Lake of the Prairies has been created. Contact: The Parks Route Association, Box 64, Cartwright, MB R0K 0L0 t: 204-529-2590 f: 204-529-2288 w: www.parksroute.ca e: edocart@hotmail.com TRANS-CANADA TRAIL The world's longest hiking, biking, cross- country skiing and snowmobiling trail, at over 18,000 km, spans all provinces and territories. In Manitoba, the 1,300 km trail extends from the Ontario border through Whiteshell Provincial Park and Grand Beach to Winnipeg, south through St. Malo to Emerson and westward through Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Neepawa to Russell, Roblin and the Saskatchewan border. Features year-round recreational activities, historical sites and communities. Many parts are still under construction. Contact: Manitoba Recreational Trails Association, 1007 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0W4 t: 204-786-2688 f: 204-945-1365 w: www.mrta.mb.ca e: jim@mrta.mb.ca 145