Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
P ARKLAND Clear Lake is one of the most recognizable and beloved features of Riding Mountain National Park. Its jewel toned crystal clear waters are perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. The sandy beaches invite you to luxuriate in the Manitoba sunshine and the Lakeshore Trail will provide you with hours of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking and camping. When Riding Mountain National Park was designated in 1930, a man known as Grey Owl gave talks and shows with his pet beavers, Rawhide and Jellyroll. Although people assumed he was Aboriginal, Grey Owl was really an Englishman named Archibald Bellaney who had assumed an Aboriginal persona. His cabin can be visited in the park by hiking or biking an 8.7 km (one-way) trail. Be sure to stop at the Visitor Centre, a remarkable 1930's federal heritage building. Here you will find a wealth of information to make your stay in Riding Mountain truly memorable including the latest trail and weather conditions. Or tour the exquisite organically maintained English Gardens. Sign up for a guided hike or an interpretive adventure. Or become one of a growing number of "citizen scientists" taking part in research and restoration projects in Riding Mountain National Park. b The Marina on Clear Lake offers cruises on The Martese, a 62 ft 98-passenger tour boat. Lunch cruise, mid-day cruise, dinner cruise and an evening dessert cruise allow visitors to enjoy the sights of Clear Lake. Open May long weekend to Thanksgiving. p: 204-867-7299, 204-848-1770 On the south shore of Clear Lake is Wasagaming Townsite (PHS). Here you will find a variety of recreational activities including a fine 18-hole golf course, surfaced tennis courts, lawn bowling and canoeing. Motels, resorts, shops, restaurants, a cinema, campsites, a boat rental facility and a big dance hall are also found in the townsite. Two 1930s log buildings, the Park Theatre and the Wigwam Restaurant are designated as provincial heritage sites. Wasagaming Weekend is a true family affair. ATTRACTIONS Binscarth Binscarth Gordon Orr Memorial Museum exhibits a wonderful collection of artifacts specific to the area. Open Monday to Friday mid-June to mid-August. Donations accepted. location: 19 km/11 mi. south of Russell on Hwy. 16 p: 204-532-2217 (summer), 204-532-2223 (after August 31) Dauphin Rich with nature, culture, history and events, Dauphin is nestled between the beautiful Riding Mountain National Park and Duck Mountain Provincial Park and is a gateway to pristine wilderness, wildlife and clear blue lakes. Known as the "City of Sunshine" (sunshine 21% of the time), it is also a city of festivals, home to Canada's National Ukrainian Festival and Dauphin's Countryfest. Its vibrant Ukrainian culture and pioneer past bring history alive with beautiful heritage structures and attractions. Dauphin is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. See ad page 124 p: 204-622-3216 toll free: 1-877-566-5669 w: www.tourismdauphin.ca The Court House was designed by J.H. Bossons, a local architect, and opened in 1917. The building, adorned with stately neo-classical detailing, is set on spacious grounds and is a visual tour de force at the end of Main Street. Fort Dauphin Museum Inc., surrounded by a wooden palisade, is suggestive of an 18th century fur trade post and features archaeological, fur trade and pioneer artifacts. A trapper's cabin, a trading post, a blacksmith's shop, a pioneer log house, a schoolhouse, a church, and the main log building are located inside palisade walls. The Parkland Archaeological Laboratory houses over 80,000 artifacts. The Museum hosts the Fur Traders Rendezvous in September. Open May, June and September – Monday to Friday; July and August – daily. October to April by appointment. Admission charged. location: 140 Jackson St. p: 204-638-6630 w: www.fortdauphinmuseum. wordpress.com The Historic Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Resurrection (PHS) was built between 1936 and 1939 and is an outstanding example of the early Kievan style of Eastern Christian church architecture. Father Phillip Ruh designed the church, with iconographer, Theodore Baran (1957-58). Half-hour guided tours in July and August. Other times by appointment. p: 204-638-5511, 204-638-4190 b 121 Fur Traders Rendezvous – Fort Dauphin Museum