Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
120 Spectacular Parks and Outdoor Places The Asessippi Provincial Park is settled at the south end of Lake of the Prairies, a man-made lake flanked by the magnificent valley walls of the Assiniboine and Shell rivers. The lake yields northern pike, perch, and is one of the best walleye lakes in the province. Facilities include camping, yurts, hiking, boat rentals, fishing, self-guiding trails, beach, washrooms accessible to the disabled and a snack bar. The Shellmouth Dam, which creates the lake, is 21 m/70 ft high and 1,218 m/4,200 ft long. p: 204-945-6784 toll free: 1-800-214-6497 The Asessippi Ski Area and Resort is a total entertainment centre. In the summer, do some river tubing, play paintball, rent a kayak and try the Euro-bungy trampolines. In the winter, enjoy 25 downhill ski/board runs, one quad and two triple chairlifts, wonder carpet, terrain and tubing park. Rent equipment at the pro shop. Take ski and snowboard lessons, do some night skiing, book a group package. Eat at the village food court, and enjoy a drink at the neighbourhood pub. Plan an event at the conference/banquet facilities. Visit the arcade and gift shop. location: in Asessippi Provincial Park p: 204-564-2000 w: www.asessippi.com Duck Mountain Provincial Park Part of a long series of highlands known as the Manitoba Escarpment, Duck Mountain Provincial Park is composed of thickly wooded, rolling terrain with dozens of deep clear lakes brimming with trout, splake, rainbow trout, walleye, northern pike and perch. East Blue Lake is 60 m/200 ft deep and the bottom is visible at 9-12 m/30-40 ft. Boreal and deciduous forests and upland meadows support a wide variety of wildlife. Enjoy fishing, camping, boating, hiking, scuba diving and biking. p: 204-945-6784 toll free: 1-800-214-6497 Baldy Mountain is Manitoba's highest point at 831 m/2,727 ft, with an observation tower at the summit offering a spectacular view. This historic interpretive site includes a picnic area, hiking trail and washrooms. Copernicus Hill, topped by a monument and observation tower, is a 1.5 km/1 mi trail passing through a boreal forest. Asessippi Provincial Park See ad page 122 p: 204-848-7275 w: www.pc.gc.ca/riding The Lake Audy Bison Herd is a beloved attraction that has been fascinating visitors for 80 years. This captive herd of 40 Plains Bison offer a glimpse of what the prairies once looked like when these great animals roamed freely. Round out your bison experience at the Keesee Sharing Lodge in Wasagaming where you will learn more about the profound connection between the plains' First Peoples, their prey, and the prairie that nurtured them both. Make a stop at the Frank Skinner Arboretum Trail and visit the historical green house selection area, the modern nursery, the Wild Willow Trail, heritage Rose Garden, perennial Shade Garden, and Sunny Garden. Dr. Skinner is well known for his developments of lilies, roses, lilacs and prairie hardy trees as seen here. Open daily from spring to fall. Group tours available, with admission charged. Donations accepted. location: on Hwy. 83, 23 km/14 mi south of Roblin toll free: 1-866-552-5496 w: www.skinnerarboretum.com Reconnect with nature in the Riding Mountain National Park of Canada, where the boreal forest, aspen parkland and fescue prairie meet in this United Nations Biosphere Reserve. Explore the escarpment trail where the Manitoba plateau falls to the prairies. It's part of over 400 km of trails through the wilderness and agricultural landscape being refined each year in a trail redevelopment project. P ARKLAND