If you’re interested in short day trips, try one in western Manitoba, north of Russell – a trip filled with scenery, history and horticulture. The scenery is provided by the valleys of the Assiniboine and Shell rivers. For a beautiful view of the Assiniboine Valley, the 1,300-metre-long Shellmouth Dam and the 65-km-long Lake of the
Scenery, History And Horticulture
Asessippi Provincial Park
With several of our provincial campgrounds closed this summer due to flooding, campers and boaters may want to check out some new locations. One provincial park in western Manitoba is Asessippi Provincial Park located north of Russell. Asessippi Park isn’t a large park – just 23 square kilometres – but there’s plenty to do for
Try A Bed And Breakfast
If you’re looking for a different type of holiday, and a different type of overnight stay, why not spend a night or two at a bed and breakfast? This type of accommodation might be costly for a family needing more than one room, but is great for singles or couples wanting an alternative to hotels
Don’t Miss The Small Stuff
A walk in any of our parks can be a rewarding experience. Even if we don’t see any large animals, there are other wild things to look for. Birds of all types sing from the bushes and trees and there are numerous wildflowers to be on the lookout for. On a stay in the Tur
Lady’s Slippers — Orchids In The Wild
One of our most interesting wildflowers is the lady’s slipper – a variety of the wild orchid family – which is named for its shoe-shaped blossoms. There are six distinct species of lady’s slippers in Manitoba, as well as a couple of recently discovered hybrids. They range from quite common varieties, to fairly rare ones,
Wood Ducks: Let’s Help Their Comeback
One of Manitoba’s most photogenic water birds, with its bright, iridescent feathers, is the wood duck. For a time this colourful duck was in decline across North America, but with a little help from humans, it is making a definite comeback. Still, its numbers in Manitoba remain relatively small, and I’m always pleased when I
Manitoba’s Wild Turkeys
Over the years attempts have been made to introduce or reintroduce a number of birds into southern Manitoba. Some of these – pheasants and chucker partridges, for example – have been unsuccessful, mainly due to our harsh winters. But one success story is that of the eastern wild turkey whose spread throughout the province is
Friends Of The Bluebirds
Have you noticed birdhouses as you drive along rural roads in southern Manitoba? These may have been put out by the Friends of the Bluebirds. This group, centred in Brandon but with members in many surrounding communities, is the legacy of John and Nora Lane. Over the years the society has been an important factor
Good Spot For Birdwatching
With spring’s arrival, many of us can hardly wait to start enjoying the great outdoors. It’s a little early for camping, but not too early for a nice drive and a short walk or two. Last year in April I enjoyed an outing to a couple of spots along southern Lake Manitoba: St. Ambroise Beach
Try A Variety Of Plants And Create A Butterfly Garden
I’m looking forward to when the butterflies – sometimes called “flying flowers” – visit yards and fields once again. One of the most interesting of these is the monarch butterfly, the unusual butterfly that actually migrates, flying all the way from Manitoba to high mountain forests in central Mexico, a distance of nearly 5,000 kilometres.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
