Get Lost in Manitoba this Summer

GET LOST

IN MANITOBA THIS SUMMER

BY GREG KLASSEN

Photo: Dennis Fast - Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

Travel has looked a lot different over the last year for Manitobans. We’re probably not heading to Europe anytime soon and even travelling out of province right now is risky. Luckily, there are some incredible adventures and destinations awaiting you, just outside your window.

Sue Murdoch, who books tours at Churchill’s Lazy Bear Lodge, says right now is the time to visit Churchill. “Many Manitobans haven’t done it. Churchill is a beautiful place to visit and it’s in our own backyard.” She has a tip for all Manitobans. “Use your air miles and stay in your own province and don’t pay tax.”

Lazy Bear Lodge offers two adventures. The first is a Beluga whale dream tour for families with young kids. Over two days, your group will tour the Prince of Wales Fort and of course, get out on the water for an up close and personal encounter with beluga whales.

“They are super curious and come right up to the boat to see what’s going on,” says Murdoch.

Families with teens can choose the four-night Ultimate Arctic Adventure option. This tour includes a drive up the Churchill coastline to see polar bears in their habitat. “In the summer they are fat and awesome to look at.” To get to Churchill, you can either fly, or if you have more time, drive to Thompson and overnight on a 12-hour train to the northern port.

If you’re looking to stay closer to home, head out to the Pembina Hills for the day. HyWire Zipline is located close to Manitou (as well as the US border), and the whole family (ages 5 and up) can enjoy a couple of hours flying above the tree canopy. Top speeds of 50 km an hour are what to expect, according to owner Allan Brown. Brown says the experience is set up to be progressively challenging, so that riders grow in their comfort levels.

“There’s a bunny hill. Then you hike to top of the valley and choose from two different tours - one with five cables and one with eight,”

Photo: CoPilot Collective - Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

says Brown. It all takes less than two hours.

Ten minutes away is Pembina Hills Provincial Park, a spectacular part of the escarpment and a great place to go for a stroll or a picnic, particularly on a warm, fall day. Located southwest of Morden, the park’s deep, rocky ravines were formed by glacial melt waters more than 10,000 years ago.

Original landowners Henry and Elma Martens wanted to preserve the area’s natural features and sold their land to Manitoba Conservation and the Nature Conservancy of Canada in the late 1990s. Now you can meander down oak and aspenlined paths punctuated by chokecherries, wild raspberries, purple asters, Saskatoons and meadow blazing stars before hitting panoramic views of the surrounding farmland.

At Manitoba’s only national park, Riding Mountain, much of the action is centered around the charming village of Wasagaming. Located on famously frigid Clear Lake, the town opens up in the summer, offering golfing, horseback riding and water sports. Most families will want to choose a hotel with a pool. My pick is the recently renovated Lakehouse, which offers sophisticated lodging and an innovative food and drink menu.

Riding Mountain National Park features 370 km of some of the best hiking trails in Manitoba. One of the most famous treks leads to Grey Owl’s cabin. It will take the better part of a day, but you’ll get to see a little explored part of the park and dig into the legendary Englishman who lied about his heritage but was sincere about protecting Canada’s wild lands. The western portion of the park is the least discovered, partly because the trailhead is about an hour drive from Wasagaming. Here, an old warden’s trail bisects the surrounding rolling aspen parkland.

One hike that never gets old is about 40 minutes north of Wasagaming and is called Boreal. In less than a 30-minute loop, you travel through boreal forest, passing Black spruce and trembling Aspen trees, over a boardwalk on a woodland marsh, and crossing a slow moving creek. There are signs of beavers everywhere and you are practically guaranteed to see wildlife. Hikers of all skill levels and children of any age will love this trail. My first hike there was at around the age of six and I’ve been returning nearly every year since. The trail provides a lovely stop on the drive through Highway #10 through the park.

Take a cruise around Clear Lake on the Martese. Twice a day, the boat takes you around the circumference of one of Manitoba’s coldest and deepest lakes. The cruise departs roughly

Photo: Liz Tran - Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

an hour before sunset and offers a perfectly relaxing nightcap after a busy day of activity in the park. No matter how many times you’ve been to the park, you’ll be surprised how different it all looks from the water.

Two hours north of Winnipeg, a trip to Hecla Island promises a refreshing weekend getaway. This provincial park is on a series of islands on Lake Winnipeg, where you can boat, fish, golf, cycle, hike and view wildlife.

Hecla feels a world apart from the city. As you cross the causeway onto the island, notice the old ferry departure point, which used to be the only way to get across from the water. Some of the park’s best trails are at the Grassy Narrows Marsh, just past the park’s entrance. Here, boardwalks allow you to hover above one of Manitoba’s most incredible marshes. Look below the water’s surface and you’ll find a fascinating world of tadpoles, snails and water plants. The best time to visit the marsh is dawn or dusk, when wildlife is most active. Sunsets at Hecla are frequently spectacular; so don’t head out without a camera.

If a summer weekend promises to be a sizzler, consider a trip to Steep Rock. Something about the limestone cliffs and ultra blue water evokes thoughts of a Greek island. One of the nicest beaches in the province, its soft sand and shallow waters guarantee you’ll want to put up your feet and stay awhile. Whether you hike or canoe around the cliffs, it’s easy to fool yourself into believing you are somewhere exotic.

Families have discovered Pinawa’s Channel Float and Paddle, where you can choose your method of transportation and spend an afternoon lazily sailing down the river. Luxury river tubing, kayaking, canoeing or standing on a sups board - it’s all here. This is the perfect group activity for families or to celebrate your kid’s birthday.

In summer, Assiniboine Park is the perfect place to connect with nature within Winnipeg’s city limits. Winding trails, wide open green spaces, and gorgeous gardens encourage visitors to be active or relax, whatever their mood. The Park is also home to popular attractions such as the English Gardens, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Park Café, Nature Playground, and Assiniboine Park Zoo.

“This summer at the Zoo, be sure to check out Aunt Sally’s Farm. Inspired by one of the Zoo’s most beloved historic exhibits, it is home to playful goats, lively llamas, and pot-bellied pigs,” said Laura Cabak, Manager of Public Relations & Communications, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “And don’t miss Dinosaurs Uncovered, an exciting and interactive experience that features 17 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs along an outdoor forested trail plus an indoor display of museum-quality skeletons, fossils, and artifacts.”

If you’re downtown and the weather doesn’t encourage outdoor activity, head to the Winnipeg Art Gallery to experience the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. Recently opened, Qaumajug, or it is lit, is the newest gallery at the WAG. The vibrant new gathering place resembles a giant iceberg. Touring the new space, it’s exhilarating to see the wide range of art from northern art makers. There’s a visible vault, learning spaces,outdoor plaza, numerous galleries, café and brand new gift shop.

Spend a Saturday roaming the St. Norbert Farmers Market on the outskirts of Winnipeg. The market features more than 70 merchants, and is where to find local, sustainable products, which have a much shorter supply chain than most food found in groceries. There are a dazzling amount of merchants with everything from candles to birdhouses to glass creations.

Savvy Winnipeggers head to Assiniboine Forest if they’re looking to walk, cycle or run in nature. It’s

Photo: JP Media Works - Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

Photo: JP Media Works - Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

easy to get a little lost on the many trails here. One of Winnipeg’s most underrated and surprising trails is Bois-des-Esprit, located off of St. Anne’s Road. It’s a relatively short two km stroll through five different ecosystems – river bottom, wetland, oak and forests, as well as grassland. Bois-des-Esprit is the largest remaining riverbank forest in the city. The woods feature a series of oxbows or abandoned riverbeds that can be identified as U-shaped low-lying areas. (Oxbows are formed when a sharp bend or loop in the river eroded over time until the narrow neck of land between the two banks finally cut through creating a new straighter river channel.) The abandoned riverbeds of Bois-des-Esprit have become highly productive wetland habitat supporting a rich variety of vegetation and wildlife, including whitetail deer.

Manitoba’s Whiteshell area offers plenty of summer adventure. Canoe one of the magnificent lakes, or hike or mountain bike one of its 26 trails. The area around Rainbow Falls is a perfect place for a picnic or a selfie. Pine Point Trail is a great trail for a family hike, offering views of three sets of rapids and magnificent views of the river. Directly across from the Big Whiteshell Lake campground is a 1.5-kilometer loop hike that ends with spectacular 360 views over the lake. The first section is quite steep, fine for kids but not great for seniors, and definitely slippery when wet or snowy. The reward is a stunning slice of the Canadian Shield, with plenty of places to sit down for a picnic or a breather.

North of the Whiteshell, is the lesser-known Nopoming Provincial Park, which translates to “entrance to the wilderness” in Anishinabe. Crystal clear lakes are scattered among the granite outcrops of the Canadian Shield. The Walking on Ancient Mountains hike leads past Tooth Lake to a stunning 360 panoramic view of the surrounding forests and lakes. Look closely at the rocks and you’ll see reminders of what caused this landscape. Camp or swim at Black Lake, which has that untouched sense of wilderness.

Travel to any part of Manitoba and you’ll be surprised at the wonders in your backyard. Go somewhere you haven’t been before. If the pandemic has illustrated one thing, it’s that there is magic to be found in our own province, we just have to get out there and find it.

GREAT PLACES TO REST YOUR HEAD

Falcon Trails Resort

An incredible hideaway on the south shore of Falcon Lake. Book early (It’s very popular!) and you’ll be rewarded with a private hot tub, a lake view and nature enveloping you.

Lakeview Hecla Resort

Something for everyone in the family here. A picturesque 18-hole golf course, a relaxing spa, along with many hiking and swimming options. Also, Gull Harbour Marina rents lakeside cabins that are charming, for those on a tight budget.

Bluenose Bed & Breakfast

The place to rest your head if you’re in Snow Lake. A sun terrace, hot tub and lovely garden make this legendary bed and breakfast an essential couple’s destination. Other northern lodges to recommend include Paint Lake Lodge and Marina, and for a fishing expedition, Bakers Narrows Lodge.

Moon Gate Guest House

On the banks of the Whitemouth River, this Indigenous owned, eco-friendly all-season guesthouse is a former egg grading station and wooden stir stick factory.

Modern Viking

Designed to pay homage to the tents inside a Viking encampment, this unique vacation rental will open near Riverton this June. Described as “Lakefront. Neighbourless. The heartbeat of waves. Inside, accommodation fit for James Bond.” Follow them on Facebook for booking information.

And if you’re looking to book a campsite in a provincial park, check out this online link: https://prspub.gov.mb.ca

Clean line family birthstone designs - natural gems in a combination pendant by Winnipeg jewellery designer John Watson. Custom treasures from this locale are always made locally. Contact the Workshop for a personal design appointment at 204-956-2096.

Watson Workshop

236 Osborne St Instagram @watsonworkshop

FABFINDS

LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION!

Whether personal or professional, your online presence is everything, No filters needed here! CAMERAREADY LiteBars were designed by EMMY® Nominated Lighting Designer, Chris Methot, who realized the need for better lighting as workers moved online. Great for anyone who works or meets online, these LiteBars use the same angles & colour temperature TV lighting designers use (great on all skin tones). Easy to fit on desks & easy to fold up for travel or storage. Use one, two or three for professional lighting at a fraction of the price! Order from CameraReady Lighting at: https://www.camerareadylighting.com and Amazon Hand cast concrete home décor items by local artisans Tyson & Aynslee MacKay. Follow them on Instagram @sandstonestyle for upcoming markets & product pictures. To order, visit their Etsy page or email them direct.

Sand Stone Style

sandstonestyle@hotmail.com www.sandstonestyle.ca

Combining their love of wood and style, these local artisans thrive on designing and making unique “kreations,” ranging from shadowbox frames and signs to minimalist wood wallets. Follow them on Instagram @luckynumber3kreations or email them direct.

Lucky Number 3 Kreations

Email: Ln3kreations@hotmail.com Instagram @luckynumber3kreations Facebook:https://wwwfacebook. com/luckynumber3kreations/

Cleaners rejoice! The Shark VACMOP Cordless Hard Floor System provides powerful suction for dry debris combined with spray mopping for wet stuck on messes — a complete clean all in one no-touch disposable pad. No filter or maintenance necessary, just replace the pad. At under 5 lbs., this cordless lightweight vacuum mop has powerful LED headlights to reveal hidden debris, operates on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery & has magnetic charger for quick & easy charging. Available at major retailers Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart Canada, Home Depot Canada & more. For info on Shark products, visit sharkclean.ca

The Ninja® Foodi™ 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven packs a lot of features & cooking capacity in a small countertop footprint. Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm—all in one appliance. When you’re done cooking, reclaim your counter space by simply flipping the oven up & away to clean & store. The Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven is available online in Canada at ninjakitchen.ca, Canadian Tire and Amazon. Slim, edge-lit LED panels are creatively positioned to intersect in a dynamic, whimsically modern light fixture design featuring anodized aluminum. The Coburg - available in gold or black.

Total Lighting Sales

347 William Ave www.totallightingsales.ca

Have it all

So many things in life come with compromises. The Oaks on St Mary’s is not one of them. The Oaks is a new 57-unit property in south St. Vital (1777 St Mary’s Road) that offers luxurious modern design in a setting that checks all the boxes. Available this September will be suites in three configurations - onebedroom, two-bedroom and fully accessible one-bedroom units for residents with mobility challenges.

According to Jason van Rooy, Director of Marketing and Customer Service with Towers Realty Group, the organization behind The Oaks on St Mary’s, the location is a key attraction with the property close to nature, new bike trails and the ample services and amenities of nearby sites such as St. Vital Mall. “There is interest from a wide-ranging demographic who appreciate the mature nature of the neighbourhood and its great location. The Oaks is close to U of M, St. Vital Mall, and Victoria General Hospital, as well as all the independent shops and restaurants on St. Mary's Road. The property is also close to routes out of the city to cottage country. And the site offers some of the best hiking and biking trails, with Henteleff Park and its forest and riverside paths just a short walk away,” he says.

The Oaks is a concrete construction, four-storey design with large overhanging eaves. Concrete construction means privacy with suites nestled in quiet, thanks to the dense, thick walls between units. Suite sizes are ample and are perfect for those looking to downsize from large family homes or those seeking a modern luxury interior to complement contemporary lifestyle. Suites range in size from 566 square feet (The Vista) to 769 square feet (The Dakota) and offer outdoor and covered open-air parking and EV charging facility.

Suites feature east or western exposures, luxury finishes, large closets, and balconies in all but a few second floor units. Appliances are stainless steel and include a dishwasher and overthe-range microwave (except Vista suites). In the Dakota and Riel suites, moveable islands with built-in wine racks are standard. This moveable island means more flexibility when planning dinner parties and gettogethers, not to mention furniture placement. Bedrooms are large

enough to accommodate king-sized beds, and four-piece bathrooms offer a clean, modern design. Natural light floods the suites through large living room windows and patios doors.

On the main level, the design delivers with a lounge in the building's lobby. The lounge provides built-in workstations and USB charging ports, making this an ideal setting to get some work done, conduct a small meeting or gather with friends and neighbours. This level also features a fully equipped fitness studio. Both amenities look out to lush green space where bike paths connect to the building’s covered front entrance.

Applications are now being accepted for September occupancy.

Want more information? Visit www.theoaksonstmarys.ca for the latest on this new lifestyle opportunity in south St. Vital.

CURB APPEAL

So often the backyard is where landscaping efforts are focused, but sprucing up the front yard, which is seen every day by homeowners, as well as guests and neighbours, is worth equal effort. Letting the front yard blossom creates the best first impression for your house.

“This project is a one-of-a-kind front yard,” says Kari Zahariuk, landscape designer with 3 Seasons Landscaping, which created this scenic space. “It changed a boring front yard – a typical expanse of green lawn – that was only meant to be looked at into usable space that is now way more pleasurable to look at and be in." The team at 3 Seasons designed a sunny seating area with a sunken patio, retaining walls and steps. To ensure it was not completely exposed to the street, they surrounded it with lush, full planting beds that take this front yard from typical to wow. Shrubs form a backdrop for an explosion of flowers from perennials and annuals, including thriller lady’s mantle, purple coneflower, becky shasta daisy, and grand marshall bee balm.

The sight – and aroma – of this gorgeous yard will be enjoyed by the homeowners and all who pass by for years to come.

Time to Play

As the warmer weather brings a reprieve from an extremely tough year, the opportunity to get outside and play is finally here. With a backyard Sport Court, the ability to be active and have fun is easily accessible – it’s always open and there are no restrictions or capacity limits.

“With a Sport Court in your yard, you know where your kids are and what they’re doing – and it’s a healthy outdoor activity. They’re not sitting in front of the TV playing video games or on their phones,” says Gary Weinberg, owner of Athletic Flooring Systems, Manitoba’s Sport Court distributor.

Sport Court surfaces are superior to what you’ll find on a public court. Made of high-impact polypropylene, it’s engineered for both sport and safety.

“This flooring provides both shock absorption and lateral forgiveness. It reduces the stress and strain on the athlete’s knees, joints and lower back. It also reduces the tendency to roll your ankles when doing side-to-side movements,” says Weinberg.

With a 15-year guarantee, average life span of 25 years and no maintenance, a private Sport Court is the best way to be active and keep your kids safe and close to home.

Learn more at www.athleticflooring.ca

Custom approaches

BY KELLY GRAY

Affordable luxury apartments, custom-built homes, and infill housing tailored to neighbourhoods have made Paragon Design Build a leader in Winnipeg’s properties’ market. Currently, the company has more than 30 projects on the go for a combined value exceeding $200 million.

According to Nigel Furgus, President of Paragon Design Build, it all started back in 2008 when he and his life partner, Paragon Design Build Vice-president, Alyce Kupskay were building a new home.

“At that time, we were clients. We saw how the custom build experience could be so unpleasant. We knew it could be better,” he says, mentioning that they saw big opportunities in luxury furnished rentals at the time. “The Jets were returning, and we realized there was no rental housing product in the city with the level of amenities typically enjoyed by professional hockey players and team executives. So, we rented our new home to some of the Jet’s organization and got busy building 18 more homes for them over the next three years.”

These fully furnished properties, neatly tucked into established higherend neighbourhoods, showed off Paragon as a community-sensitive builder with an eye to luxury design in the infill market.

Today, the company specializes in the South End, Crescentwood and River Heights neighbourhoods, and is involved in property acquisition and rezoning as part of a complete design, develop and build strategy. They undertake between three and five custom homes each year, as well as construct small-scale multi-family projects (duplexes, six-plexes) and larger-scale builds such as the new apartments at 30 University Crescent.

Luxury custom-built homes

204 Waterloo Street is the latest custom home built by Paragon Design Build, with Tim Didur as the architectural designer. With more than 3,500

square feet of living area, this threeand-a-half bath, five-bedroom home fits seamlessly onto one of the city’s most prestigious streets.

“We wanted to build something special here, and by the reaction we received from neighbours, I think we have succeeded,” said Nigel Furgus, President of Paragon Design Build. “The exterior looks like a traditional character River Heights home, providing some of the hints of high-end luxury we included inside. We embellished every detail of this house.”

Stepping inside, you immediately get a sense of comfort, spaciousness and exquisite taste. The foyer features a 20-foot vaulted ceiling highlighted by a contemporary, but still slightly rustic chandelier. It’s the first of many stunning light fixtures you’ll see in every room, most of which were sourced locally from Robinson Lighting Centre.

“We like to use local suppliers as much as we can and we did that here again,” said Furgus, and he means that. The walls and foundation were built using LogixICF insulated forms from AMC Foam in Headingley, which helps make the home extremely energy efficient. Another example is Springfield Woodworking, which did all of the cabinetry.

Back in the foyer, visitors step onto tile inlaid into oak flooring. To your left, a staircase with custom oak and steel railing rises to the second floor, but the eye is naturally drawn to the roomy entryway ahead and living room to the right. It’s a brilliant entrance and a wonderfully warm welcome to the home. You can instantly imagine yourself greeting family during the holidays and dinner guests in the foyer, which spills onto a stunning living room with an oversized marble fireplace and gigantic picture window.

The living room, then, naturally flows into the dining room and kitchen. Each space is tastefully separated with high and wide archways, but still perfectly connected. It is the ideal layout for entertaining or for cozy nights at home with family.

“It’s the best of traditional River Heights style with the most modern amenities,” said Furgus. “We went all out on this home. There’s even a butler’s pantry with pocket doors just off the kitchen, and a great big deck to enjoy summer evenings.”

Looking for more information on getting into an affordable luxury residence? Visit www.paragondesignbuild.com