Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
54 SPECTACULAR PARKS AND OUTDOOR PLACES Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park is a spectacular 3,997 km2 acres of rugged forest, rock outcrops, glassy lakes and wild rivers accessible only by air or canoe. Prehistoric rock paintings can be seen along the rivers. These fragile links with the past were created for ritual purposes hundreds of years ago. 300-500 caribou are in the park. The park is still virtually untouched by man, a true wilderness. w: www.manitobaparks.com The Bloodvein River, a Canadian Heritage River, originates in Ontario and flows through Atikaki 200 km / 124 mi to Lake Winnipeg. This rugged whitewater river travels through pristine Canadian Shield and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Birds Hill Provincial Park features hills and ridges formed by ancient glaciers. This 35 km2 / 22 mi2 park has a lake, oak and aspen forests, native prairie wildflowers (including several species of rare orchids), deer, waterfowl and songbirds. Facilities include camping, swimming, picnic sites, a riding stable, a restaurant, a beach concession and a convenience store. There are 30 km / 18.5 mi of trails for walking and cross- country skiing and a 7.2 km / 4.5 mi paved bicycle and roller blading trails. Interpretive programs are available on a year-round basis for groups of all ages. Every July the park hosts the Winnipeg Folk Festival. location: 24 km/15 mi northeast of Winnipeg on Hwy. 59 p: 204-945-6784 toll free: 1-800-214-6497 Buffalo Point is located on southern Lake of the Woods. This peninsula features some of the best fishing on the lake. Sand beaches are highlighted with a quarter-mile waterfront boardwalk. Services include store, gas, marina, docking, rental boats, cabin rentals, resort and campground. There is swimming and various beach sports. Ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobile rides and other winter activities are part of the year-round facilities. See ad page 64 location: on southern Lake of the Woods Grand Beach Provincial Park rests along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg. Canada's fifth largest lake and next to the historic La Verendrye Trail, are powdery white sand beaches and grass-topped dunes that make this one of the top beaches in North America. The dunes reach as high as 8 m / 30 ft. A lagoon supports many species of birds. An excellent place to swim, wind surf or hike, three excellent self-guiding walks: Spirit Rock Trail, Wild Wings Trail and the Ancient Beach Trail. The Park also features a campground, outdoor amphitheater, picnic shelters, a restaurant, concession services and wheelchair access to the beach. Nearby Grand Marais offers entertainment and a full range of services. A provincial commemorative plaque, The Postage Stamp Province, marks the east original boundary of the province. It then measured about 130 mi east to west and 110 mi north to south. Its size and shape gave it its nickname. location: on the Eastern Shore of Lake Winnipeg p: 204-945-6784 toll free: 1-800-214-6497 w: www.grand.beach.mb.ca Bloodvein River – Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park Thunder Mountain Water Slide Park is home to the only speed slide in Manitoba, and the only whitewater rafting ride and 450-ft water twisters. Admission charged. Open daily 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. from June to Labour Day weekend. location: east gate of park p: 204-754-4066 b Visit Sandilands Forest Education Centre and explore 300 acres of forest including a black spruce bog and jackpine forests. Cross the Beaven Suspension Bridge over the Whitemouth River. Walk the self-guiding nature trails. See the famous Tree Planting Car, Dawson Ranger Station, fire tower, and forest museum with displays of local plants, animals, conservation and harvesting. Open daily in July and August 10 a.m.-5 p.m.and during May-June and September-October weekdays by appointment for school groups by appointment. Admission charged. location: 2 km/1.5 mi south of junction of Trans-Canada Hwy. and Hwy. 11 p: 204-453-3182 w: www.thinktrees.org EAST E RN PHOTO: © 2008 ERIC LINDBERG ALL RIGHTS RESERVED