Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
22 SPECTACULAR PARKS AND OUTDOOR PLACES Comprising over 700 ac of urban oak and aspen forest, Assiniboine Forest is one of the largest urban nature parks of its kind in Canada. This multi-use park is home to a variety of species of flora and fauna. Interpretive signage identifies the 1 km paved Sagimay Trail leading to Eve Werier Pond, boardwalk and the six km wood chipped trail system. A section of the Trans-Canada Trail is along the south edge of the forest. Open year-round. Free admission. Guided tours available. location: Grant Ave. at Chalfont p: 204-986-7234 w: www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ naturalist/ns/af/index.asp Assiniboine Park is comprised of 403.43 ac on the Assiniboine River, the park's attractions include the Assiniboine Park Zoo, the new Qualico Family Centre, expanded duck pond, Winnie-the-bear statue, walking and biking paths, a conservatory, the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and a Tudor-style pavilion that is home to the Terrace Fifty-Five Restaurant and Pavilion Gallery Museum. Enjoy entertainment at the Lyric Theatre, see the Citizen's Hall of Fame, the Mayor's Grove, a French formal garden and the English Garden. Entrance to the park is from the street or foot bridge. Admission to the park is free. The Assiniboine Park Conservatory offers an incredible 10 different displays a year in the Floral Display Gallery. The Palm House exhibits a tropical jungle with mature tropical trees and orchids. The Foyer features an amateur art gallery. Free admission. Walk the pathways and see the plants in this restored English cottage garden, the English Gardens, which originally opened in 1929. Open May to September. The Gardens of Assiniboine Park include the Formal Garden designed in 1907, the Herb Garden, the Garden of Life, the Flats Daylily Garden and Daylily Walk, the V.O.N. Victoria Cutting Garden and the Lily Garden. p: 204-927-6000 w: www.assiniboinepark.ca At the Nature Playground, kids will exercise the body and imagination as they explore the sand and water play area, slithering slides, a sky-high crow's nest, willow tree tunnels, basket swings, a giant robin's nest, net bridges, and topiaries in two acres of trees, gardens, gently rolling hills, and colourful rubber mountains. location: west of the Assiniboine Park Pavilion and south of the Duck Pond The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden is the only sculpture garden in North America dedicated to the works of a single artist. The gardens and gallery feature bronze sculptures, porcelains, paintings and sketches by celebrated Winnipeg artist, Leo Mol. The gardens are also the home of the Leo Mol Schoolhouse Studio. The interior has been maintained intact complete with moulds and plaster casts of major works. While there, view the National Film Board video, "Light and Shadow" and purchase items relating to the work of Leo Mol at the gift shop. Audio tapes are available to visitors while touring the garden. Group tours may be booked. Free admission. p: 204-927-6000 w: www.assiniboinepark.ca The Lyric Theatre, an outdoor theatre built in the classic Tudor architectural style, showcases performances by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, jazz, ethnic bands and dancers, children's programs, and big band concerts throughout summer. Free admission. The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden Pavilion Gallery Museum, located in the beautifully restored 1929 pavilion, features a permanent collection of three prominent artists: Ivan Eyre, Walter J. Phillips and Clarence Tillenius. Allow one hour minimum. Free admission. Hours vary by season. A fine dining restaurant, Terrace Fifty-Five Food & Wine, is located in the Pavilion. reservations: 204-832-PARK See ad page 18 location: junction of Park Boulevard and Wellington Crescent p: 204-927-6000 w: www.assiniboinepark.ca b Come visit the 2,400 animals including 390 species from North America and around the world at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Among the sights are Siberian tigers, snow leopards, bears, lynx, elk, and bison. Large indoor facilities such as Toucan Ridge, the Kinsmen Discovery Centre, and others provide warm weather viewing of many tropical animals. Open daily except for Remembrance Day morning and Christmas Day. Admission charged. location: Assiniboine Park, 54 Zoo Dr. p: 204-927-6001 w: www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca b WINNIPEG PHOTO: TRAVEL MANITOBA