Ciao! Magazine Summer 2023 | Page 15

Photography : Hotel at Falcon Lake , Gallery in the Park by Jozanna Loewen on the South Shore Road which turns into Ridge Rd . and is found at the very end . Park in the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes public parking lot and let your adventure begin . This 3.4 km loop starts on the High Lake Trail for 1km before hitting Top of the World trail head . The rocky , forested landscape rewards hikers of all levels with gorgeous views . Snag a spot on the unofficial kissing bench at the look out and you are likely to become part of the scenery .
Horseback Ride Horseback through the boreal forest alongside natural beaver ponds , up granite ridges and down natural sand slopes at Falcon Beach Ranch . Quarter horse and Paints carry riders through sandy , gentle rolling terrain for a completely immersive forest experience . Guests are grouped according to riding ability and private bookings are customized to ability . Horse loving kiddos , led by an adult , can ride a pony around the ranch ’ s pond . falconbeachranch . com
where to stay : Lakeside Luxe A recent revamp has transformed The Hotel at Falcon Lake ( HFL ) into a chic lakeside getaway . Loads of luxe touches furnish the stylish property , including a fireplace and heated bathroom floor in each of the 34 guest rooms , and a sauna and steam room offering a peaceful spot to recharge . Cottage coveting families may be more enticed by the property ’ s two-bedroom Cottages at Falcon Lake , or E ’ lnor Lodge appointed with 7 guest rooms and a comfy common space large enough for the entire extended family . thehotelatfalconlake . com
where to eat : Dining With A View You need not be a guest to sink into a comfy seat at HFL . The swanky ciao ! travels
property boasts four spots to recharge and refuel . Casual bites can be enjoyed in The Den and Black Bear Tavern . Choose the latter if aiming to see the big game among fellow fans - two super-sized screens make easy watching of every play . Upstairs dining room 1964 is a tad posher . The lake facing room offers a panoramic view of crystal waters while enjoying pickerel or a chop and sipping on a vintage from the wine cellar . Sinatra ’ s lounge oozes retro Las Vegas vibes with cushy red chairs and classic bevvies . thehotelatfalconlake . com
Sweet Buns Travel past trembling aspens , bull rushes and romping young bucks on Hwy # 1 to picturesque Falcon Lake Village . Start the morning at the log-styled Falcon Lake Bakery Bistro with fresh sticky cinnamon buns smothered in caramel sauce . Cross the road with your sweet to the lakeside seat and you may find your state of serenity . falconlakebakery . com
Prairies
Anyone driving through the vast area of Canadian plains is rewarded with an unfolding scene of picturesque farmlands , fields of golden wheat , canola , or periwinkle flax waving in the breeze . Early settlers and fur traders encountered a land of vast tall grass prairie and endless herds of bison . The rich soil that nurtures today ’ s fields was
Hotel at Falcon Lake covered with grass that fed the bison . In turn , those bison provided the nomadic Aboriginal tribes of the region with meat for food , fur for warmth and bones for tools . There is no greater symbol of Manitoba ’ s prairie than the bison .
RIDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
This natural haven in Treaty 2 Territory reflects the province ’ s staggering diversity with grasslands , deep forests , lakes and wetlands . Beyond the allure of Clear Lake ’ s crystal waters lies a hidden treasure that hints to the past with the future in focus .
what to do : Hanging With The Herd A short drive north of Riding Mountain ’ s town of Wasagaming offers a chance to view the prairie ’ s native grasses and its most majestic indigenous animal , the plains bison . Drive your vehicle over cattle guards into the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure for an up-close sure sighting . The area ’ s healthy prairie ecosystem made it part of the herd ’ s historic range before their extirpation . Today ’ s display herd contributes to the health of the prairie by foraging , adding nutrients to the soil and helping propagate seeds and is managed and maintained by Riding Mountain National Park . The bison are more active in cooler temperatures , so plan your visit in
Gallery in the Park
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