For an interesting spot to visit this fall, take a drive to the Uno Trestle Bridge in western Manitoba. The trestle is a very impressive sight, the scenery well worth the trip and, for history buffs, the 1915 disaster at this site is of further interest. The present-day Uno bridge is 1,533 feet long, a
Plan an autumn visit to the Uno Trestle Bridge
The trestle is impressive and it has an interesting history
Author Margaret Laurence commemorated in Neepawa
Plaque was unveiled which stands in front of the house in which she once lived
August 10 was a big day for the literary community of Neepawa, Manitoba. On that day, the community held the Manawaka Festival, billed as “a celebration of stories” and, in particular, a celebration of esteemed author, Margaret Laurence, who grew up in Neepawa, and used the town as her basis for stories set in the
Friends of Spruce Woods still going strong
Volunteer organization has been around for more than 30 years
Friends of Spruce Woods (FOSWP) is a volunteer, non-profit organization that has been in operation for over 30 years. Founded in June 1986, the group’s chief mandate is to provide assistance to the hired employees of Spruce Woods Provincial Park in its operations. Its particular interest is conserving the flora and fauna for the public’s
Hiking Hecla’s shoreline
This historical area has lots to offer and is well worth a visit
Most Manitoba parks offer a variety of hikes, often through forested areas, but for a different experience try a trip to Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park. Since 1971, Hecla has been joined to the mainland by a causeway, but technically visitors are on an island in Lake Winnipeg, so most of these walks begin and end at,
Roadside statues have a story to tell
Some represent history, geography or legends, others are just plain quirky
Are you interested in exploring Manitoba’s rural areas, and want an educational summer project for your children? Why not research and visit some of the province’s many roadside statues. Often the monuments represent something important in the history of a town, such as the giant Viking at Gimli (which has the largest population of Icelanders
Visit rural Manitoba’s historic churches
Buildings and cemeteries hold much historical information and some are designated heritage sites
Manitoba has many historic rural churches. Some no longer operate as churches, while others hold services only occasionally, but the buildings and accompanying cemeteries are often well maintained. Country churches, those not in towns or villages, are particularly interesting. One such church is St. Mary’s/St. Alban’s Anglican Church, situated southwest of the village of Kaleida
Arden – come for the crocuses, stay and explore
Attend the Crocus Festival in the village and explore the other attractions the area has to offer
With warmer weather arriving, it’s time to plan some exploration trips around Manitoba. A good beginning might be the Crocus Festival at the village of Arden, 16 km east of Neepawa, and then six km north on PTH 352. Arden (population about 150) is an interesting place to stop at any time, but particularly when
2018 declared the Year of the Bird
A good way to celebrate is by attending La Rivière’s Raptor Festival
This year has been declared the Year of the Bird. National Geographic, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and over 100 other organizations have announced this as a way to mark the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This bird-protection law was passed 100 years ago, and the centennial is an occasion to recommit to
Invasive birds — some welcome, others not
Some species had been deliberately introduced to the country, while others came on their own
Alien invaders in your backyard? I recently saw three from my kitchen window, and I was pleased to see them, as they weren’t from outer space. These invaders were Eurasian collared-doves, which are spreading across the southern part of Manitoba. The Eurasian collared-dove first arrived in the New World in the 1970s. Some were brought
Time to start planning for summer camping
It seems early with snow still around but some reservations can be made this month
Snow may still be on the ground, and camping may be far from your mind, but it’s almost time to make plans — especially if you want to make reservations for provincial cabins, yurts or group-use areas. Reservations for these spots open Monday, March 19 at 7 a.m., and the cabins and yurts fill up
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
