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Eastern Philosophies Find nirvana in the East, from Winnipeg to West Hawk Lake

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2013

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MENNONITE HERITAGE VILLAGE - STEINBACH World-class river systems for canoeing and kayaking, centuryold dwellings and historical trails, farmers’ markets and fowl suppers — when it comes to awesome options for fun in the fall, Manitoba’s Eastern region can’t be beat. “The eastern region of Manitoba is quite diverse … (it) encompasses farmland and wilderness, as well as the Canadian Shield,” says Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen, of the prairies and parklands stretching east of Winnipeg to the Ontario border. “Obviously many people go out to enjoy the Whiteshell and the attractions there — whether it’s their own cabin or one of the resorts in the area — but in the prairie part of the region, there are also many small communities. A lot of them have museums and other attractions, or great businesses to visit, whether it’s a café or a store selling locallymade products.” If you’re looking to explore, start your journey just a quick drive north of Winnipeg, at Birds Hill Provincial Park, an idyllic Eden comprised of tree-lined campgrounds, sandy lakeshores and a network of hiking, biking, horseback-riding and

rollerblading paths leading through prairie wildflowers and aspen forests. Birds Hill plays host to more than 200 species of prairie, parkland and boreal forest birds — including indigo buntings, white-throated sparrows, and warblers by the flock — and adjacent Pine Ridge Hollow is a perfect place to sample prairie cuisine or shop for one-of-a-kind giftware, home furnishings and art. pineridgehollow.com or gov.mb.ca/ conservation/parks/popular_parks/ central/birds.html A little further northeast, try your luck at South Beach Casino & Resort, an Art Deco-inspired site offering up lavish suites and deluxe atmosphere, with a grand ballroom, indoor waterfall, and slots and table games spread out over a stunning 40,000-square-foot space. The tropical pool is pure paradise and the restaurants serve seafood buffets and prime rib feasts — all within close proximity of nearby Grand Beach, Victoria Beach and Patricia Beach. southbeachcasino.ca Next head to the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, home to Grand Beach Provincial Park, a day-tripper’s fave for nearly a century now. Peak

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people-watching season may have passed, but you can still explore selfguided backcountry trails and 30-foot dunes along white silica sand beaches, or take an interpretive tour while scouring the lagoon for signs of the Piping Plover, a rare and endangered shorebird. grandbeachtourism.com To the southeast, make a stopover at the Lac du Bonnet & District Museum, a 1930s-era log cabin where you can check out cultural and historic artifacts spanning centuries. While in the area, take in the Saturday farmers’ market (until mid-September), take a sightseeing tour by helicopter, or head to a fly-in fishing lodge or hunting outpost far off the beaten path. lacdubonnet.com Further along in the Whiteshell, check out that region’s stretch of the Trans Canada Trail, which spans Seven Sisters Generating System to Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, and traverses mixed forest, granite ridges and beaver dams. The path includes the Ironwood Trail, the Alice Chambers Trail and the Pinawa Channel Heritage Walk; the latter leads to a 50-metre suspension bridge rising high above the water. pinawa.com

CADDY LAKE TUNNELS - WHITESHELL PROVINCIAL PARK Elsewhere in the Whiteshell, explore the famous rock tunnels while canoeing, kayaking or cruising through Caddy Lake. Paddle the South and North Cross Lake passages — or go even further for the full 105-mile round trip. Enjoy secluded waterfront campsites, master angler fishing, and face-time with deer, fox and eagles. caddylake.ca On the way back to Winnipeg, Steinbach’s Mennonite Heritage Village features century-old churches and schools, an old-timey general store, and an iconic replica windmill, allowing visitors to learn the history of Manitoba’s Mennonite population via traditional food, pioneer skills demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. “It’s a popular place — 50,000 or 60,000 people visit it every year,” says Goertzen. “They have all kinds of activities going on for families and

for people who’d like to see what life was like during the pioneer era.” On Sept. 2, take part in Fall on the Farm festivities, complete with kids’ activities, farm demos and delicious regional fare in the Livery Barn Restaurant, or enjoy a traditional Supper from the Field on Sept. 15, as part of Open Farm Day events province-wide. mennoniteheritagevillage.com Running September and October, Steinbach’s Scarecrow Forest offers a winding half-hour trail adorned with whimsical scenes of straw men in action. Take a tractor-pulled train ride, fly with kid-friendly zip-lines, or enjoy a petting zoo, paintball practice, corn cannon, and more. Gazebo and barn rooms are available for rental. pennerpumpkins.com For more on events and attractions in the region, visit eastmantourism.ca or travelmanitoba.com.

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