|
Hiking, Cycling
and Kayaking in Hecla/Grindstone Provincial
Park
Manitoba's unique 86,373 hectare "multi-park,"
part island and part mainland, extends from
the western shore of Lake Winnipeg into
its southern basin. It includes Hecla, Black,
Deer, Punk, Little Punk, and Goose Islands,
as well as the Cairine and Kasakeemeemisikak
archipelagoes. Follow the causeway to Hecla
Island (named for a volcanic peak in Iceland)
to find sandy beaches, limestone cobbled
shores, bird and wildlife viewing sites,
a well-serviced marina, an 18-holed golf
course, and the historic Icelandic Hecla
fishing village. Visitors to Hecla/Grindstone
can:
| Islendingadagurinn
Invitation
With its kilometre-long beach,
scenic harbour and resort-town
flavour, the town of Gimli on
Lake Winnipeg's western shore
is a favourite southern Manitoba
holiday destination. But in
early August of each year, the
population of Gimli swells even
more, with up to 50,000 visitors
joining the fun of "Islendinnadagurinn,"
the Iceland Festival of Manitoba.
Performances, children's activities
and dances combine with cultural
and heritage events and displays
to celebrate the rich Icelandic
heritage of Gimli, one of North
America's most distinctive Icelandic
communities.
|
|
• Hike up to 60 kilometres
of easy to moderate hiking trails, including
the boardwalk through the Grassy Narrows
Marsh (look for pelicans, grebes, hawks),
and the 10 kilometre West Quarry Trail (search
for signs of moose).
• Cycle the Gull Harbour Trail
System, connecting the Park's major Gull
Harbour recreational facilities. Follow
the Lighthouse Trail far out into the Lake
to view the famous Lake Winnipeg Narrows.
• Cross-country ski the novice
Golf Course trail, or the intermediate Hamars
Lake and West Quarry trails, for a total
distance of 27.2 kilometres.
• Tour the heritage site of
Hecla Village, a re-creation of a turn-of-the-century
Icelandic fishing community.
• Sea kayak among the islands
of Hecla/Grindstone.
• Soak up the sun on Hecla Beach,
right in the middle of southern Lake Winnipeg.
|
