If you live in western Manitoba or are driving through that region, take a short side trip to Eternal Springs, located in a wooded, almost-hidden ravine several kilometres north of Oak Lake.
Plan a picnic or a hike or take fishing gear.
This spot was first developed as a recreational area in the early 1970s by a group of dedicated volunteers. It is fed by St. David’s Spring, a freshwater source coming out of the hillside. The spring produces water at 15 gallons per minute and it never freezes.
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Land was donated by farmers around the area and fundraising efforts brought in sufficient money so that two earth dikes could be constructed in the ravine. These dikes have metal level-control structures and overflow facilities so water levels can be maintained in two ponds, where trout were introduced.
A cook house, barbecue pit and other facilities were also built in the 1970s, and the spot became a favourite attraction for locals.
By 1980, the group dissolved and for several years the site was not maintained. In 1999, volunteers decided to revive the spot. The picnic area was improved and more hiking trails added.
The lower pond’s dike was repaired. Fish stocks of rainbow trout and brown trout were replenished. These are augmented each spring by the province.
One major addition was a 66-foot swinging bridge, added in 2004 by volunteers from the Virden Area Wildlife Association, to help connect some of the hiking trails. St. David’s Swinging Bridge is located where the original road was, before that was moved upstream.
If you visit with children, be sure to include time on the bridge, as well as at the new play structure at the picnic site.
A booklet by the ponds to record fish catches shows that fishing seems to be productive, so you might want to include time for that. Swimming is at your own risk, as there are deep sections and possible submerged objects. Canoeing is allowed, but no gas motors.
A walk along the ponds brings visitors past several informative signs. One sign outlines the history of Eternal Springs, while others have information and pictures showing waterfowl, shrubs and aquatic life that visitors might see.
On my midweek walk, I scared up two ducks, heard several songbirds, and noted various wild flowers. Other sections of the trails offer a variety of terrain − up some steps, through treed areas and along more open pastures.
Open areas have occasional other uses, such as family gatherings or celebrations. One volunteer told me that a few wedding ceremonies have been held there. In 2022, provincial archery championships were held at the site.
Visitors should be warned that Eternal Springs is rather difficult to locate at first.
GPS details: Lat: 49°50’8.2″ (49.8356°) north, Long: 100°43’15.2″ (100.7209°) west.
Driving directions: From the west entrance to Oak Lake, take Highway 254 and drive north for 6.5 kilometres (four miles) to road 56N. This will take you through the scenic Assiniboine Valley, which is worth a trip itself. Drive 1.5 km west on 56N to 141 W, then 1.5 km north and then 4.5 km west. A sign on the left (south) indicates Eternal Springs.
Alternatively, from Virden drive on the north access road and, across from GCS Energy Services, take the Fort la Bosse Road east for about 13 km and then watch for the sign on the south side. You will cross the Assiniboine River Valley. Farther on, take a curving loop down into the ravine of the Eternal Springs.
To reach the day-use picnic area, playground, overlook and several of the trails, follow the main road from the entrance for about 400 metres to the left. To reach the swinging bridge and other trails, park inside the entrance near the bridge sign and walk to the right.
To get to the fishing pond, you can drive to the right and down the hill, but don’t attempt it in muddy conditions. Walk down instead. Note that ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed in the Eternal Springs area.
To view the springs that contribute water to this spot, take the road around the curve to the west of the entrance. The water issues from the bank into a rain gutter and under the road. The road here can become icy in winter as the spring continues to run.
For more information, check out Eternal Springs VAWA on Facebook or contact the volunteer committee at [email protected].
