Once again I welcome you to my Province of Manitoba. I hope that your visit and your journey of discovery has been inspiring and memorable. Keep coming back because there will always be something new to capture your imagination.

Unforgettable Moment

Traveling East from Winnipeg you will soon arrive in cottage country. West Hawk Lake and Falcon Lake being a couple of the most famous vacation sites. Thousands of Winnipegers spend much of their summer in this gorgeous part of the planet. Swimming, boating, fishing and hiking are but a few of the activities to fill your day and leave you completely happy and exhausted by the end of the day. On a recent hike somewhere between West Hawk and Kenora...
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Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre is a destination for all seasons. Summer is filled with new life as young birds follow their parents throughout the marsh and prairie. The flowers are in full bloom, covering the ground with a multicolour carpet. Older goslings begin to wander the fields, their small heads only appearing briefly as they feed.

There are many ways to explore the marsh, by hiking the trails on foot, taking a guided canoe excursion or just spending time watching the birds from our Café.

Here are the top 5 ways to explore the Oak Hammock Marsh and get the most of your visit.

1. Explore the marsh from a duck’s perspective by joining a guided canoe adventure. Our three 10- passenger canoes are the perfect way to view wildlife as you gently glide on the water under the amused eyes of ducks, geese and muskrats. There is no better way to get close to the birds and get great snapshots of ducklings.
2. Follow a nature interpreter on a guided marsh walk. Binoculars and field guides are provided to allow a close up view of the hundreds of species of birds that live, nest, feed and play in the marsh. The guided walk includes a visit to an active ground squirrel colony where you can watch these playful critters in action.
3. Learn about the Tall-grass prairie habitat and discover the colourful flowers as well as the amazing adaptations of the wildlife that use this fragile and endangered ecosystem. A section of undisturbed Tall-grass prairie is located just to the West of the Interpretive Centre. Viewing the native grasses and wildflowers on our rooftop and surrounding the Centre will also help you appreciate the natural beauty of the Prairie.
4. Discover the amazing world of wetlands by visiting the award-winning Interpretive Centre. The many interactive exhibits will make learning about wetlands both fun and educational. Find out what bird has the same wingspan as you or see how many pizzas you would need to eat in a day in order to gain enough energy to fly South with the birds!
5. Investigate some of the life found under the water of the marsh. Equipped with a dip net and a pail try to capture some of the insects and other invertebrates such as dragonfly nymphs, diving beetles and copepods that live at the marsh. You can also watch these critters up close at our micro-video station!

Regardless of the time of year, there is always a lot to do and see at the marsh. Several visits are recommended to fully appreciate the magic of the seasons. Come and be amazed by the wildlife that call this wetland their home and get a feel of what Oak Hammock Marsh really has to offer!

In the quiet community of St. Vital there is a national historic site that connects us to a time in Canada’s past that was both turbulent and crucial to the building of our nation. Here, in an unassuming Red River frame house on a Métis river lot, costumed interpreters tell the story of a famous Métis leader, and the founding of Manitoba.

Riel House National Historic Site commemorates Louis Riel, the leader of the provisional government for Manitoba in Red River and a director of negotiations for the creation of the Province of Manitoba in 1870. Riel dedicated his life to the defense of Métis and French Canadian rights in the West. His life came to a tragic end when he was hanged for high treason in 1885.

The house on River Road has been refurbished to the period when Louis Riel’s family was in a state of mourning after his execution. A black shawl hangs on the bed, a man’s picture is draped in black crepe. Period artifacts in the home and a heritage garden on the grounds reflect the family’s Métis lifestyle and culture.

Costumed staff at Riel House will provide personalized tours of the historic site until Labour Day weekend in September. Discover more about Louis Riel’s family and legacy on a tour, and check out one of the special events:

• Enjoy the Métis family tradition of 'Sunday Visits' with bannock and lemonade on Sunday afternoons, or join in a morning of adventure for the whole family on Mondays and Saturdays in August, and
• Celebrate the annual Harvest Celebration and Corn Roast on Sunday, August 30 (1-5 pm).

Riel House National Historic Site
1-204-257-1783 www.pc.gc.ca/riel