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Nature Playground: Assiniboine Park Conservancy outdoors Itinerary ◗ Half Day See Mother Nature's finest work at FortWhyte Alive. Winnipeg's award-winning 640-acre urban nature oasis is home to five lakes and seven kilometres of trails. Go to the viewing mound for a look at a herd of prairie bison or book a bison safari adventure for an up-close experience. History buffs connect with the past inside a Pioneer Sod House and Tipi Encampment, while the Prairie Dog Town, Family Tree House, bird feeding stations and floating boardwalks provide unique experiences with nature. Take time to explore the 10,000 sq. ft. Interpretive Centre, featuring fascinating exhibits such as Manitoba's largest indoor aquarium—Aquarium of the Prairies. Sign up for the Canadian Tourism Commission Signature Experience A Prairie Legacy: The Bison and its People. On this adventure, you'll get an up-close view of bison and learn how the bison influenced our prairie ancestors, paddle a voyageur canoe and sample bannock and wild bush tea. Complete your journey with souvenirs from the Nature Gift Shop and regional cuisine from the award-winning Buffalo Stone Café. ●Full Day 1 Experience the great outdoors with a drive out to Oak Hammock Marsh in the morning, where more than 300 species of birds can be found. This wildlife management area features a restored prairie marsh, aspen-oak bluff, waterfowl lure crops and 30 kms of trails to explore. While here, take part in a variety of summer programming, including songbird banding, canoeing, guided tours and dip netting. Get a bird's eye view of the marsh on the roof of the Interpretive Centre and explore interactive exhibits inside the building. Drive back to the city for lunch at Fusion Grill. Located on posh Academy Road, this intimate eatery was the pioneer in the "eat local" movement in Winnipeg. For more options, there are other cafes on this pretty street to check out. 30 Winnipeg Now it's time to stretch your legs, take in the scenery and hit the city's numerous trails. If you'd like to join a group, take part in a hiking adventure with Prairie Pathfinders. This urban walking club organizes more than 100 walks throughout the year in the city's diverse neighbourhoods and parks. Non-members are welcome as guests. In Winnipeg, the Trans Canada Trail is approximately 81 kilometres; it enters and leaves the city along the Red River. Walk from FortWhyte Alive to Assiniboine Forest, The Forks to St. Boniface or St. John's Park to Jefferson, among others. For maps and other trail suggestions, check out the Winnipeg Trails Association at www.winnipegtrails.ca. After a day of adventure, relax over traditional Italian cuisine at Paradise Restaurant, an old-school Italian eatery, with two locations in Winnipeg. ●Full Day 2 Winnipeg's crown jewel, Assiniboine Park is your next stop for fun in the sun. This gorgeous green space is one of Winnipeg's oldest attractions and visited by millions every year. Begin with a stroll through the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, which houses an ever-changing display of exotic horticulture. Then, head to Assiniboine Park Zoo for close encounters with animals from all over the world housed in indoor and outdoor exhibits. The zoo features more than 400 species and specializes in cold climate species from northern latitudes and mountain ranges. Be sure to visit the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC) as part of the new 10-acre Journey to Churchill exhibit under construction. Pull out your camera and take a snap of Hudson, the zoo's first polar bear cub since the old bear enclosure closed. Journey to Churchill is set to be the world's most comprehensive polar bear exhibit. 2013 Spring/Summer Events & Itineraries Guide