Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
PHOTO: TRAVEL MANITOBA EAST E RN 53 Grand Beach Provincial Park MILLIONS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING Manitoba's landscape takes a dramatic turn as the Prairies give way to the Canadian Shield, with its rugged outcroppings of Precambrian rocks that date back an astounding 500 million years. Spanning from Winnipeg and Lake Winnipeg in the west to the Ontario border in the east, this region contains sandy beaches, pastoral parkland, dense boreal forest, steep waterfalls and hundreds of clear, cool lakes. From the rolling prairies to the ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield, Eastman is a paradise for the ages. Stroll along Lake Winnipeg's Grand Beach, one of the finest white sand beaches in the world. Brave the rapids of the Whitemouth River in a kayak, or peruse the local produce, baked goods and crafts at the St. Norbert Farmer's Market. The Winnipeg Folk Festival draws thousands of music lovers to Birds Hill Park in July, and campers tune in to nature here all summer. Enjoy a long, serene bike ride along the park's winding roadways, saddle up for a horseback ride, swim, or challenge yourself at one of the world-class golf courses nearby. Shop, dine and soak up history at the 40-acre Mennonite Heritage Village in Eastman's largest city, Steinbach. Share their joie de vivre at summer festivals in some of Manitoba's largest French settlements. La Broquerie holds Fête de la St. Jean Baptiste in June to celebrate Quebec's patron saint. St. Pierre-Jolys is hopping during Frog Follies, which features the National Frog Jumping Whiteshell Provincial Park You can blaze your own trail in Eastman's unspoiled wilderness parks. Go mountain biking and see the ancient petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park or paddle a canoe in Nopiming Provincial Park, a paradise for trophy fishing, hiking and wildlife. Black bears, moose and woodland caribou roam among the spruce and birch trees, and there are so many lakes that bald eagles and loons may be your only competition for the northern pike and walleye. Championships. St. Georges honours its Quebecois founding families with Chateauguay Days and Ste. Anne marks its history as a way station on the Dawson Trail with Les Journees Chemin Dawson.