Where May June 2017 Volume 28 Number 1 | Page 43

ESSENTIALS OAK HAMMOCK MARSH  This thriving wetland is home to nearly 300 species of birds and wildlife. Gift shop and interpretive centre on‑site. Programming includes decoy carving, children’s craft workshops, astronomy evenings and trivia nights. May 13: Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at one of the best birding areas in Manitoba. Adult $8, youth (3-17) $6, seniors (55+) $7, family (two adults and children) $26. Daily 10 am-4:30 pm. Twenty minutes north of Winnipeg, at the junction of Hwy 67 & 220, between Hwy 7 & 8, 204-467‑3300, oakhammockmarsh.ca PARKS/TRAILS ASSINIBOINE PARK  Enjoy a walk through this park’s many trails. You may catch an impromptu game of ultimate, or a league cricket match. If you have little ones in tow, be sure to visit the magical Nature Playground. Covering 153 hectares along the Assiniboine River the park is also home to the Conservatory, Zoo, English Gardens, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Lyric Theatre, Tudor- Style Pavilion, Pavilion Gallery, Pavillon Event Centre, Qualico Family Centre and Park Café. Park is open 24 hours daily. Main entrance is at 2355 Corydon Ave. The park is also accessible from Portage Ave, via the footbridge across the Assiniboine River, 204‑927‑6000, assiniboineparkzoo.ca, Map 2: D-3 ASSINIBOINE RIVERWALK  Whether it’s a moonlit stroll, afternoon bike ride, or morning run, the Assiniboine Riverwalk provides a kilometre of enjoyment, and a great way to experience the city. From The Forks to the Legislative grounds, Map 1: Q-5 to Map 1: Q-3 KILDONAN PARK  Besides the lush gardens and park space, Kildonan Park is home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the province. Within the park, visitors can find Hansel & Gretel’s Witch Hut, walking and bike trails. Also home to Rainbow Stage, Canada’s oldest outdoor theatre. Open daily sunrise to sunset year-round. 2021 Main St, 1-877-311-4974, Map 2: B-5 PARKS/TRAILS PAST THE PERIMETER BIRDS HILL PROVINCIAL PARK  Located a half hour from downtown Winnipeg, this prairie park offers a beach, campground, ranch, hiking and biking trails, and recreational activities. Daily admission $5 annual pass $40. Gates are open from 7 am-11 pm. East of Winnipeg on Lagimodière Blvd (Hwy 59), 204‑654‑6730 PETROFORMS  These ancient rock formations depict animals, humans and geometric shapes. They are said to be an earthly reminder of instructions given by the spirits to the Anishinabe people. Located 6 km south of Nutimik Lake on PR 307, or 38 km north of PTH 44 in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Please do not disturb the stones. SPRUCE WOODS PROVINCIAL HERITAGE PARK  Along with camping and swimming facilities, this provincial park is home to Spirit Sands, a hiking trail that leads hikers through 5 sq km of desert sand dunes and down into The Devil’s Punch Bowl, a unique group of ponds formed by underground streams. Located 200 metres south of the Assiniboine River on PTH 5, 0.8 km east on Park Rd and 1.1 km south of the Day Use Rd. Info: 1‑204‑834‑3223 or 1‑204‑827‑8850. WHITESHELL PROVINCIAL PARK  This expansive park is part of the Canadian Shield and covers 2,719 km of forest and lakes. The area is excellent for hiking, canoeing, biking and camping, with facilities and starting points at Falcon, West Hawk and Caddy Lake. Entrances are on Hwy 1 from the east or west, Hwy 44 from the south, or from the north along Hwy 11 at Seven Sisters on PR 307. SPORTS ATTRACTIONS ADRENALINE ADVENTURES  Giant outdoor adventure park features fun for all ages, like cable wakeboarding and ropes course. Clubhouse with restaurant and rentals on-site. Limited hours in May. Call for information. 600 Caron Rd, Headingley, 204‑800‑2060, adrenalinemb.com ASSINIBOIA DOWNS  Watch the ponies run at the city’s only horse racing track. Call for live racing schedule. Free admission. 3975 Portage Ave at the Perimeter, 204‑885‑3330, Map 2: D-1 HY-WIRE ZIPLINE ADVENTURES  This fast-paced action activity set 150 feet above ground is sure to get your blood going. Come hang around in the tree-tops then plunge into the forest via zipline. Please note that this can be a strenuous activity as waking up a number of hills is par for the course. Advance reservation required. Approx. 1 hr, Adults $70, children (under 12) $35. Manitou Manitoba, 2 hours SW of Winnipeg, 204-242‑3396, hywirezipline.ca GRAND PRIX AMUSEMENTS  Three tracks of go-carts with five types of carts, 18 hole pirate themed mini-golf course, batting cages, Battlezone, bumper cars, bumper boats and arcade. Open daily weather permitting, call for hours. Pay as you play. Highway 1 E at Symington Rd, 204‑254‑3644, grandprixamusements.ca, Map 2: E-7 TOURS DOWNTOWN TOURS  Discover downtown Winnipeg with tours for food and drink lovers and history buffs. The Tap In tour showcases the best places for a pint, while the Winnipeg Wine tour allows guests to sample food and wine pairings from top restaurants. Other tours include a historical walking tour and the bike-and-dine Moveable Feast tour. For more information visit downtownwinnipegtours.com or call 204‑958‑4640. Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, 426 Portage Ave, Map 1: P-3 EXCHANGE DISTRICT TOURS  Home to some of the city’s oldest and most architecturally stunning buildings, the entire Exchange District is designated a National Historic Site. Learn the history behind this storied ‘hood on a historic walking tour. Shutterbugs can take a photo tour and capture the scenery with the aid of a professional photographer, while culinary tours allow foodies to feast. Call or visit exchangedistrict.org information. Most tours depart from Old Market Square, King St & Bannatyne Ave, 204‑942‑6716, Map 1: N-4 The largest dinosaurs weighed as much as 50 elephants. MAY 19 – SEPTEMBER 4 Did birds evolve from dinosaurs? Were some dinosaurs warm-blooded? How did their hearts and circulatory systems function? Learn the answers to these and other questions as you examine dinosaur skeletons and reconstructions. Have fun in the dig pit and enjoy other han