[spiritedenergy]

This is not really about construction, but however (i also don't like to call Manitoba a prairie province, a very very small part of it is prairie and there is a big coast...), which are the best outdoor opportunities few hours drive from Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton?

I think Winnipeg is blessed with so many things: two big wonderful lakes (Winnipeg and Manitoba), with beaches and parks (Hecla-Grindstone must be beautiful) and bird-watching in Lake Manitoba, a desert (Spruce Woods), Sandilands, Whiteshell (all those petroforms... kinda magic), Living Prairie Museum and Fort Whyte inside the city (that's amazing), Birds Hill, Oak Hammock Marsh (I want to go there so badly), Lake of the Woods is not too far (i love that name, it's so inspiring, mysterious:D ), Pembina Valley (that shouldn't be flat!). I especially loved Spruce Woods: the old house of the famous family (which I just can't recall the surname), and also in the way back i took a small road kinda parallel to the Trans-Canada which I found very very cute, all rolling gently, a lot of bends, many woods and meadows between fields. I also liked the small town of Neepawa, but that's way farer... didn't like Portage la Prairie at all instead, and the Trans-Canada, so boring.

[Kilgore Trout]

i think there are some mountains near calgary or something.

[Taller Better]

I would definitely call Manitoba a prairie province. I've never heard that theory before. Alberta has lots of non-prairie area too... as does Saskatchewan.

[Coldrsx]

edmonton - jasper, banff, LL, kananaskis, elk island

[93JC]

A lot of people from Calgary will drop in and say Banff and Kananaskis, so I'll spare you that.

One natural area that usually goes unsung is the badlands:

http://www.greatexcursions.com/blogs/reportage_vecu/uploaded_images/611_M-791007.jpg

I always thought it was a very beautiful place.

[dubiousmike]

Unknown to many, The Bow River downstream from Calgary has some of the best flyfishing in the world.

[Arriviste]

edmonton - jasper, banff, LL, kananaskis, elk island

Kananaskis is like 4 hours from Edmonton. Not too mention Banff. You really think that it's close enough to consider pertinent to this excercise? I don't. I think that you are attempting to paint an unrealistic picture of E-towns proximity to these locations. Maybe we just have a different definition of the phrase "a few".

For Calgary I'd say:
The Badlands- 1.5 hours
Banff- 1-1 hours
K-country- 25-30 minutes
The Whaleback- 1.5- 2 hours (Chainlakes area, and my personal favourite region in Canada)
Waterton- 3 hours
etc etc etc
No point in listing off any more Mountainous regions.

So let me get this strait Spiritedenergy, you'd consider Edmonton a Prairie city with it's vast surrounding forests but not Winnipeg for its distance relative to a shit load of lakes? hhmmm...doesn't add up.
By your logic Im going to say Calgary is no longer a prairie city for its loaction in the foothills proximatey to those things we call mountains. I will completely ignore the fact that without human intervention the area is basically grasslands, with sparse groves of poplar and spruce trees.

I'd say Calgary is more of a Prairie city than Edmonton, and that Winnipeg is more a Prairie city than Calgary. There is nothing at all wrong with the designation Prarie. I like Calgary's Prairie location. We are lucky enough to be blessed with hilly topography that seems to really contrast the barron Prarie that overlaps the foothills. Theres something so beautiful about that transition from flat grassland, to hills steadily increasing in their pitch, to the stands of evergreens that mark the start of the Mountians, where the grasses cease after riding the hills. For me, Southern Alberta is my favourite region in NA handsdown. With Northern California/Southern Oregons Coast coming in second.

Waterton
http://www.greatexcursions.com/blogs/ouest_canada/uploaded_images/252_L-707651.jpg

[Kevin_foster]

:/

[1ajs]

This is not really about construction, but however (i also don't like to call Manitoba a prairie province, a very very small part of it is prairie and there is a big coast...), which are the best outdoor opportunities few hours drive from Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton?

I think Winnipeg is blessed with so many things: two big wonderful lakes (Winnipeg and Manitoba), with beaches and parks (Hecla-Grindstone must be beautiful) and bird-watching in Lake Manitoba, a desert (Spruce Woods), Sandilands, Whiteshell (all those petroforms... kinda magic), Living Prairie Museum and Fort Whyte inside the city (that's amazing), Birds Hill, Oak Hammock Marsh (I want to go there so badly), Lake of the Woods is not too far (i love that name, it's so inspiring, mysterious:D ), Pembina Valley (that shouldn't be flat!). I especially loved Spruce Woods: the old house of the famous family (which I just can't recall the surname), and also in the way back i took a small road kinda parallel to the Trans-Canada which I found very very cute, all rolling gently, a lot of bends, many woods and meadows between fields. I also liked the small town of Neepawa, but that's way farer... didn't like Portage la Prairie at all instead, and the Trans-Canada, so boring.

theirs the sain river inside winnipeg great for going on a conoe ride with friends nice peacfull and quiet

the whiteshell on southcross lake has the rail tunels on it you go threw on your boat to get to the next lake.
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3895/nopcq1.jpg

[dubiousmike]

Here's a cool timelapse video of the drive from Calgary to Banff, shotgunned into 3 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbo9Ko2LCwg

[Arriviste]

/\ That was killer.
Thanks for posting it. I know that drive all to well, and it was sure neat to see it condensed liek that.

[1ajs]

sweet vid lol hers somthing ironic i had the same song going that the vidio had going lol

[drew]

I would definitely call Manitoba a prairie province. I've never heard that theory before. Alberta has lots of non-prairie area too... as does Saskatchewan.

Yes - but of the three, Manitoba has by FAR the least amount of prairie.

The vast majority of the province is Shield, lakes, muskeg and parkland (aspen/birch forests).

I would say that of the cities, Winnipeg probably has the most accessible and affordable (pretentious mountains need not apply...) wilds within easy driving distance. Its a great place for people who like wilderness canoeing, camping, etc.

[feepa]

Yes - but of the three, Manitoba has by FAR the least amount of prairie.

The vast majority of the province is Shield, lakes, muskeg and parkland (aspen/birch forests).

I would say that of the cities, Winnipeg probably has the most accessible and affordable (pretentious mountains need not apply...) wilds within easy driving distance. Its a great place for people who like wilderness canoeing, camping, etc.
http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/learningresources/theme_modules/borealforest/vegetationcover.jpg

[drew]

I'd say that map proves my point. If Manitoba is a "prairie" province with that geographical distribution, than so is Ontario...

[Wooster]

Here's a cool timelapse video of the drive from Calgary to Banff, shotgunned into 3 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbo9Ko2LCwg

wow, that is amazing. too bad it wasn't a sunnier day for the views. very cool. From the stoney trail bridge to the banff turn off it is about 55 minutes for me give or take a minute or two. It is amazing how familiar every turn on that route is.

[Wooster]

(pretentious mountains need not apply...)

I know what you mean. God I hate it when inanimate objects have such a bad 'tude! Those mountains think their soooo hot.

[Blitz]

I'm a new resident of the Prairies...and yes I consider Manitoba to be prairie.

[IntotheWest]

I think Edmonton and Calgary have great outdoor "opportunities" right in the cities as well

Edmonton - Slave lake, Elk Island, their own river valley.
Calgary - Fish Creek, Bow River (south), Milk River/Writing-on-stone, Cypress Hills
Regina - Qu'Appelle Valley
Winnipeg - Whiteshell, Grand Beach, Winnipeg Beach/Gimli

Some fantastic areas on the "prairies" (incl. Manitoba ;-).

[bendecido]

edmonton - jasper, banff, LL, kananaskis, elk island

I can't believe that you would catagorize Lake Louise, Banff and Kananaskis as things that Edmonton has in their back yard. Even Jasper for that matter.

[freeweed]

Manitoba is a "prairie" province because that's where the vast majority of people live and spend time within it. Much like Saskatchewan, and southern Alberta. Besides, most of the good lake country in Manitoba is actually Ontario :P

That video is awesome - hands down my favourite drive in the country, with a close second being the drive from Winnipeg to Dryden (or even T. Bay). It's very cool to see such a radical change of scenery in just an hour or two of driving.

[Surrealplaces]

I would say that of the cities, Winnipeg probably has the most accessible and affordable (pretentious mountains need not apply...) wilds within easy driving distance. Its a great place for people who like wilderness canoeing, camping, etc.

Actually, Calgary has the same access and affordablitly to wilderness type areas. Fish Creek park is right in the city and camping and canoeing in Bragg Creek is only half an hour from the city. Those places are provincial parks and are free. Ghost lake is less than an hour away. Dinosoaur provincial park is about an hour and a half.
Calgary has access to more diverse geographies and outdoor areas. We're also closer to BC lakes which are by far the best in Canada.

[Surrealplaces]

I can't believe that you would catagorize Lake Louise, Banff and Kananaskis as things that Edmonton has in their back yard. Even Jasper for that matter.

They aren't necessarliy near Edmonton, but are far closer to Edmonton than Sask and Manitoba.

[1ajs]

Manitoba is a "prairie" province because that's where the vast majority of people live and spend time within it. Much like Saskatchewan, and southern Alberta. Besides, most of the good lake country in Manitoba is actually Ontario :P



lmfao...............

drive up highway 6 dude...
http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/1288/6north8ju.jpg

http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/1842/driveback50qi.jpg

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/3425/fixeddock4my.jpg

[Habanero]

IMO the best outdoors place on the prairies is Calgary. Mainly because it offers top-notch year-round recreation.
The Rockies are a year round recreational area, with some of the best skiing in the world during the winter, and great hiking, canoing, camping, cycling, golfing...you name it etc.. in the summer.

To the north you've got your standard lakes, to the east and southeast, the badlands, to the west past, Banff and Lake Louise, you've got Fairmont, Invermere etc... These places aren't on the prairies but they're only 2 1/2 hours from Calgary. The Shuswap lake system, which is imo, the nicest lake system in Canada is 5-6 hours west of Calgary.
Bragg Creek and Kananaskis country are half hour to an hour away depending on where you're going.

Two of the places I've mentioned (Rocky Mountains, and the Badlands) are places that people from around the world come to visit.

Here are some pictures of Bragg Creek. The reason I've posted these is because Bragg Creek is half an hour from Calgary. 15 minutes if you live on the west side of the city.

http://img304.imageshack.us/img304/4950/1braggcreekfm0.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4532/braggcreek1od2.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9656/braggcreekroadug2.jpg


Elbow Falls is about a half hour from the city limits.
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1700/ist2176609elbowfallsha6.jpg

[1ajs]

been down that highway.
also been to elbow falls

you can get simlar shots here in manitoba like the one from brag creek...

reminds me of the Thompson area

[spiritedenergy]

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!

Manitoba is a "prairie" province because that's where the vast majority of people live and spend time within it. Much like Saskatchewan, and southern Alberta. Besides, most of the good lake country in Manitoba is actually Ontario :P


this is WAY so false... have you ever been to Manitoba? Manitoba has everything Ontario has, and then some. Manitoba is said to be the most diverse province of Canada, having ecosystems from desert to artic.

Also, Manitoba IS NOT a prairie province... the prairie ecosystem is so small percentage, not much more then 10%... most cropland is Aspen forest ecosystem. Manitoba is also home to the most significative native archaelogical sites and culture in Canada. People, educate yourself:D

Why "southern" Alberta? Alberta is a true prairie province, actually, and it's got the higher percentage of cropland.

[1ajs]

:yuck: not a vs forum thread

alberta in the south is basicaly desert......

[Wooster]

All three provinces that have prairies have some outstanding natural scenery and recreation areas. There was a great thread about Saskatchewan with photos of some of the more beautiful places in the province a little while ago.

I think all of the cities in Canada are blessed with some pretty spectacular natural areas nearby.

I don't understand why people get so obsessed about saying their province isn't just a prairie province. I think the prairies are beautiful too.

Being from Calgary, with having the rockies so close it has become such an integral part of my life. I never really fully appreciated until I lived in southern ontario. Now I could hardly live without them. I'm writing this from our family's cabin on lake windermere. It is an amazing place. I think everyone begins to treasure the places that surround their home, because they become engrained in your lifestyle.

[1ajs]

i prefer my cabin on my privit lake :cool: with my privit stash of fish :cheers:

[IntotheWest]

Why "southern" Alberta? Alberta is a true prairie province, actually, and it's got the higher percentage of cropland.


Though I understand why you are trying to dismiss MB as "not a prairie province" because of its diverse landscapes (and coastline up north), it is considered such because it still has a good chunk of land as part of the Great Plains landform. Sask and AB do have more land as part of this, but the Great Plains stretch quite far, south to Texas (which actually has the largest percentage of the Great Plains)..."Prairie" is far more than just "cropland" however. The diversity within what is defined as the Great Plains is also often overlooked.

For Southern AB, Google "Writing-on-stone", you'll see the landscapes down in southern AB. This is quite arid for Canada (near-desert in the traditional definition of desert being less than 300mm of rain/year...or as close as it gets in southern Canada), and very difficult to farm...though, still part of the larger Great Plains ecology. Yet, not typically associated to "Prairies", you'll find rattlesnakes, northern scorpions, western black widows, and the larger variation of Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus).

On another note, Two other favourite areas around Winnipeg (to me) would be Oak Hammock and Hecla.

[Western Spaghetti]

I quite like the prairie/desert parts of Alberta. One of my favorite day trips is to the badlands. The Rockies are obvious for an outstanding outdoors area, and I do truly enjoy them, but areas like the badlands and writing-on-stone often get overlooked.

[Western Spaghetti]

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!




Manitoba has everything Ontario has, and then some. Manitoba is said to be the most diverse province of Canada, having ecosystems from desert to artic.



So in other words the same as the other prairie provinces.

[Taller Better]

I'm a new resident of the Prairies...and yes I consider Manitoba to be prairie.

It is a Prairie province, and I have never heard a soul think otherwise. It is absolutely, postitively a Prairie province. Within the city limits of Winnipeg, there is actually a piece of original prairie left.

[1ajs]

It is a Prairie province, and I have never heard a soul think otherwise. It is absolutely, postitively a Prairie province. Within the city limits of Winnipeg, there is actually a piece of original prairie left.


ya at th end of my street.

[drew]

It is a Prairie province, and I have never heard a soul think otherwise.

Well obviously now you have.

I really don't care if most people are ignorant enough to believe Manitoba is a flat featureless pastureland. It just means I will be able to enjoy the fantastic wilds of this province in more peace.

[1ajs]

Well obviously now you have.

I really don't care if most people are ignorant enough to believe Manitoba is a flat featureless pastureland. It just means I will be able to enjoy the fantastic wilds of this province in more peace.

sweetnes privt lakes for all :D

[ReginaGuy]

.

[ReginaGuy]

Well obviously now you have.

I really don't care if most people are ignorant enough to believe Manitoba is a flat featureless pastureland. It just means I will be able to enjoy the fantastic wilds of this province in more peace.
Since when did being flat and featureless have anything to do with being a prairie province? Do you think Alberta and Saskatchewan are flat and featureless?

[Taller Better]

Well obviously now you have.

I really don't care if most people are ignorant enough to believe Manitoba is a flat featureless pastureland. It just means I will be able to enjoy the fantastic wilds of this province in more peace.


I lived there for 28 years, you fool.:whip::jester:
It is not a judgement on the beauty of the province, it is a fact.
Believe what you wish, drew.


Since when did being flat and featureless have anything to do with being a prairie province? Do you think Alberta and Saskatchewan are flat and featureless?

I couldn't agree more, ReginaGuy. Since when did Prairie become a perjorative term? How bizarre....

[flatlander]

A "Prairie Province" isn't strictly a geographic description. It has historical, economic, demographic context. Obviously Manitoba, Alberta, Sask are more than just prairie (beautiful as it is).

[drew]

Since when did being flat and featureless have anything to do with being a prairie province? Do you think Alberta and Saskatchewan are flat and featureless?

Where did I suggest that?

There is nothing "wrong" with the prairies. However this thread is about the outdoors, and quite frankly the term "prairie" does not conjure up visions of anything really outdoorsy in my mind.

I am simply trying to point out that while Manitoba might be deemed to be prairie in a physical/political/sociolgical sense - in the realm of the great outdoors that fairly insignificant section in the southwest of the province does not exactly do the rest of the province justice. And unfortunately most people don't see that - especially driving through along the TCH. Apparently even people who have lived here for 28 years don't even realize it...

[Kilgore Trout]

obviously, "prairie province" is a moniker, not a realistic geographic description. "prairie provinces" is convenient shorthand for alberta, saskatchewan and manitoba. that's all.

[feepa]

. Dp Del Plz Mod

[feepa]

Where did I suggest that?

There is nothing "wrong" with the prairies. However this thread is about the outdoors, and quite frankly the term "prairie" does not conjure up visions of anything really outdoorsy in my mind.

I am simply trying to point out that while Manitoba might be deemed to be prairie in a physical/political/sociolgical sense - in the realm of the great outdoors that fairly insignificant section in the southwest of the province does not exactly do the rest of the province justice. And unfortunately most people don't see that - especially driving through along the TCH. Apparently even people who have lived here for 28 years don't even realize it...
Drew, I'm sure you would appreciate that only 2/5ths of Alberta can be labeled Prairie. Most areas north/NW/NE of Edmonton are forest, lakes, and rivers and rolling hills.
Same with north/NW/NE of Saskatoon.
I'm not disagreeing with you either. Only the Southern Central, and South-West parts of MB are "Prairie" like. This said, MB is still a prairie province, even if only in part, no matter how you like to consider it. By your logic, I could dismiss AB and SK as a prairie province, because, according to your logic, if some or part of the province(s) are not pastureland/prairie land, then you can't call it a prairie province.

AB/SASK/MB = prairie provinces. Theres nothing more to discuss here about it, and you simply can't refute it.



http://www.spaceforspecies.ca/resources/ecozone/canada/images_e/map.gif

You'll see here, that yes, Sask / AB have a bigger chunk of prairie then MB, but, definately, none of the 3 provinces are fully prairie by any stretch of the imagination. Hopefully you can make out what the colours are supposed to represent.

[spiritedenergy]

http://www.ec.gc.ca/soer-ree/English/SOER/1996report/Doc/images/fff00274.jpg

A very small part of Manitoba is actually prairie ecosystem, I'm not saying that prairie is good or bad, just that Manitoba is not prairie.

[Waterlooson]

A very small part of Manitoba is actually prairie ecosystem, I'm not saying that prairie is good or bad, just that Manitoba is not prairie.

However, the prairie is where the vast majority of Manitoba's population lives.

[ReginaGuy]

since when was this ever even an issue? Manitoba is a prairie province. The prairie provinces are Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

"Prairie province" is just a term that links the 3 provinces, because Alberta, Sask, and Manitoba happen to all have parts of the great plains. I've never heard Manitoba referred to as anything else

If Manitoba isn't a prairie province, then neither is Saskatchewan or Alberta. The argument that Manitoba isn't all prairie is moot, because both Saskatchewan and Alberta are also less than 50% prairie.

besides, probably 90% of Manitoba lives in the prairie anyways, I don't know why you're fighting the definition so much

[spiritedenergy]

since when was this ever even an issue? Manitoba is a prairie province. The prairie provinces are Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

"Prairie province" is just a term that links the 3 provinces, because Alberta, Sask, and Manitoba happen to all have parts of the great plains. I've never heard Manitoba referred to as anything else

If Manitoba isn't a prairie province, then neither is Saskatchewan or Alberta. The argument that Manitoba isn't all prairie is moot, because both Saskatchewan and Alberta are also less than 50% prairie.

besides, probably 90% of Manitoba lives in the prairie anyways, I don't know why you're fighting the definition so much


well, because that's just incorrect! Manitoba is mostly candian shield with some artic tundra, and has a long coast on the Hudson Bay. So, physically and geographically Manitoba is just like northern Ontario and Western Quebec... wilderness, harsh climate and native outposts. I'm not talking about population (since this thread is about outdoors), but also keep in mind that Manitoba native population in the reserves is on the rise.

[Taller Better]

Where did I suggest that?

There is nothing "wrong" with the prairies. However this thread is about the outdoors, and quite frankly the term "prairie" does not conjure up visions of anything really outdoorsy in my mind.

I am simply trying to point out that while Manitoba might be deemed to be prairie in a physical/political/sociolgical sense - in the realm of the great outdoors that fairly insignificant section in the southwest of the province does not exactly do the rest of the province justice. And unfortunately most people don't see that - especially driving through along the TCH. Apparently even people who have lived here for 28 years don't even realize it...


Are you whacked out on Benydril, or are you prone to condescending halucinations? I never said a thing about my experience in Manitoba, and you have imagined all sorts of things. All I said was that Manitoba is a prairie province. Period.
This controversy seems to exist in your mind: "the term "prairie" does not conjure up visions of anything really outdoorsy in my mind"

[ReginaGuy]

well, because that's just incorrect!
What did I say that's incorrect? I never said Manitoba was mostly prairie.

Just because you don't want to think Manitoba isn't a prairie province (for whatever messed up reason), doesnt make it fact

If Manitoba isn't a prairie province, why does the ATLAS OF CANADA label it as a prairie province?
http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/reference/provincesterritories/prairie_provinces/referencemap_image_view

and how about this government run website?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGlish/citizen/look/look-10e.html
Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are called the Prairie provinces. This region of Canada is known for its fertile agricultural land and valuable energy resources.


Or how about Manitoba's own tourism website??

http://www.travelmanitoba.com/default.asp?page=130&node=585&menu=436
Manitoba is the easternmost of the three Prairie Provinces


but I guess everyone else is "just incorrect!", you must be right :rolleyes:

[feepa]

http://www.ec.gc.ca/soer-ree/English/SOER/1996report/Doc/images/fff00274.jpg

A very small part of Manitoba is actually prairie ecosystem, I'm not saying that prairie is good or bad, just that Manitoba is not prairie.

That very small part is the part that most of the population of manitoba lives in.

Anyways, AB+SASK+MB = Prairie Provinces, STFU ALREADY.

[ReginaGuy]

But anyways, back on Topic.

For Regina, obviously the Qu'appelle Valley(15-20min) and Regina Beach(~30min) are popular destinations and both have a lot to offer.

http://www.virtualsk.com/current_issue/valley/valley22opt.gif

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/2820/katepwalakep45sssqk5.jpg

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6074/2156289891d6494d88clz0.jpg

There are 5 large lakes and about the same number of beaches within a 50 minute drive of Regina: Last Mountain Lake(Regina Beach), and 4 in the Qu'appelle Valley: Katepwa Lake, Pasqua Lake, Echo Lake and Buffalo Pound Lake.

And then within a couple hours of Regina are Lake Deifenbaker, The Big Muddy Badlands, and some other places I can't think of off the top of my head

http://img490.imageshack.us/img490/6355/13su6.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[ReginaGuy]

And of course, nothing beats Northern and Central Saskatchewan IMO.. It reminds me of pre-historic times, everything is so untouched

some pics from my Saskatchewan thread in the Canada Section

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4573/118huntfallsbw7.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2943/180d01waskesiuhl1.jpg

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/3778/39a4skreedbaynf6.jpg

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/343/giantduneathabascap104sur8.jpg

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1941/skullcanyonp103sssxj8.jpg

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/870/261a21beaverlodgemountafx6.jpg

http://xs110.xs.to/xs110/06485/william_river_braided.jpg

:)

[spiritedenergy]

What did I say that's incorrect? I never said Manitoba was mostly prairie.

Just because you don't want to think Manitoba isn't a prairie province (for whatever messed up reason), doesnt make it fact

If Manitoba isn't a prairie province, why does the ATLAS OF CANADA label it as a prairie province?
http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/reference/provincesterritories/prairie_provinces/referencemap_image_view

and how about this government run website?


Or how about Manitoba's own tourism website??


but I guess everyone else is "just incorrect!", you must be right :rolleyes:

well, that's the "historical" point view, the point of view of white men settlers for whom land is only something that can be exploited and farmed. That's the same reason why Ontario is normally considered as Toronto and close areas... it couldn't be wronger.
Geographically, phisically, outdoors-wise, climatologically, and so on, Manitoba is not a prairie province.

[Taller Better]

well, that's the "historical" point view, the point of view of white men settlers for whom land is only something that can be exploited and farmed. That's the same reason why Ontario is normally considered as Toronto and close areas... it couldn't be wronger.
Geographically, phisically, outdoors-wise, climatologically, and so on, Manitoba is not a prairie province.

Who here has said Manitoba is entirely prairie? Are you and Drew actually two
different people? What is wrong with prairie? I think it is beautiful.

[1ajs]

the praria province thing comes from the early days of manitoba when it was nothing but praria.............................................................

shut up about it already

[freeweed]

the praria province thing comes from the early days of manitoba when it was nothing but praria.............................................................

shut up about it already

In the early days Manitoba was mostly boreal forest and muskeg. Much of the muskeg was drained to produce the prairie and interlake region we see today. Incidentally, have you ever wondered why the mosquito population is so high in Manitoba? :)

And to start an entirely different flamewar (because somehow some people think this was intended as an AB vs SK vs MB thread :koko:), I'll take the Kenora-Vermillion Bay area over the Whiteshell anyday. Better fishing, far fewer cottages, and just more remoteness in general. Also, some actual hilly terrain.

There, now shut up about what is and isn't a prairie province, and tell me why NW Ontario sucks instead!

On a positive note, at least NO ONE has tried to claim the "Oasis" (locals will know what I'm talking about), nor the Birds Hill Park "lake" as a positive outdoor feature in Manitoba. There's hope for you folks yet! :P

[Taller Better]

Bird's Hill "lake" is a truly sad family "experience".

[1ajs]

In the early days Manitoba was mostly boreal forest and muskeg. Much of the muskeg was drained to produce the prairie and interlake region we see today. Incidentally, have you ever wondered why the mosquito population is so high in Manitoba? :)

And to start an entirely different flamewar (because somehow some people think this was intended as an AB vs SK vs MB thread :koko:), I'll take the Kenora-Vermillion Bay area over the Whiteshell anyday. Better fishing, far fewer cottages, and just more remoteness in general. Also, some actual hilly terrain.

There, now shut up about what is and isn't a prairie province, and tell me why NW Ontario sucks instead!

On a positive note, at least NO ONE has tried to claim the "Oasis" (locals will know what I'm talking about), nor the Birds Hill Park "lake" as a positive outdoor feature in Manitoba. There's hope for you folks yet! :P

birds hill is meh..

but whats oasis?

[freeweed]

but whats oasis?

You know those artificial lakes (ie: retention ponds) they have in new suburbs like Island Lakes, and Lindenwoods?

Take one of those, and surround it with a trailer park. THAT is what far too many Manitobans were taught was the "outdoors". :haha:

[IntotheWest]

Better fishing, far fewer cottages, and just more remoteness in general. Also, some actual hilly terrain.

On a positive note, at least NO ONE has tried to claim the "Oasis" (locals will know what I'm talking about), nor the Birds Hill Park "lake" as a positive outdoor feature in Manitoba. There's hope for you folks yet! :P

True about NW Ontario...One of my good friends has a cottage around Blue Lake, and we go fishing there often. However, northern MB (north of Grand Rapids at least) is excellent as well...same with Sask. Incredibly beautiful as well - and Lake Winnipeg is actually clear up there.

I actually like Birds Hill Park - but would agree about the lake, you'd have to be on glue to go there when there's so many other opportunities.

Then again, locals also ski at "Spring Hill" (with a vertical drop of 33m) ;-)

[flatlander]

The lake at BHP is actually much nicer than it used to be . . . for what that's worth.

[1ajs]

how many plp know lynn lake is the sport fishing capital.. it services NW mb and NE sask.. good hunting up there to

[ibz]

Those Sask photos are amazing!

[1ajs]

Those Sask photos are amazing!


manitoba has areas like the ones shown in the sask pics so does alberta and north western onterio gota love the canadian sheild :cheers:

[Only The Lonely..]

Bird's Hill "lake" is a truly sad family "experience".

I dunno, a relatively nice beach 15 mins north on the highway from where I live isn't a horrible thing.

They cleaned up the beach quite a bit for the '99 Pan Am games.

[jeremy_haak]

I never expected to see a thread about the outdoors here. Anyway, I hope to take a trip out west and experience all this stuff first hand.

There were a few mentions about NW Ontario. For the person who mentioned the drive from Winnipeg to Dryden, try driving from Winnipeg to Fort Frances through Sioux Narrows. It's far more pretty and Hwy 11 isn't used half as much as 17. That said, the drive through Lake Superior Provincial Park on the north shore of Lake Superior has got to be one of the nicest drives in the province, if not the country.

As for lake areas, Kenora is good, and Lake of the Woods is popular, but once again there are far better opportunities further east. If you enjoy fishing, Rainy Lake has some of the best bass fishing in North America, and Quetico Provincial Park (the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in general) is absolutely unbeatable for backcountry canoe camping. The closest compareable areas I have heard of are La Verendrye Nature Reserve in Quebec and Algonquin in Ontario, neither of which come close to the possibilities in Quetico.

As for opportunities out west, I plan to climb Baldy Mountain in Manitoba while I'm there. It's supposedly just a short hike, and then I can boast about climbing the highest peak in Manitoba. I'm pretty certain it only gets harder after that.

[freeweed]

For the person who mentioned the drive from Winnipeg to Dryden, try driving from Winnipeg to Fort Frances through Sioux Narrows. It's far more pretty and Hwy 11 isn't used half as much as 17. That said, the drive through Lake Superior Provincial Park on the north shore of Lake Superior has got to be one of the nicest drives in the province, if not the country.


Agree with you on both counts. Not a lot of people have ever taken the drive down Hwy 11 though, so I wasn't sure if anyone would even know what I was talking about :) That, and it's a pretty intimidating road for those that are used to flat and straight. Nothing like running into a logging truck on a hairpin curve... The whole Sioux Narrows area is one of the many hidden gems of Canada.

My only complaint about Superior park is that a) you have to drive through the worst fog in the world, and b) it's so FAR from everything (unless you live in the Soo). But yeah. Driving through there in October, when the leaves are changing - AWESOME. :cheers:

[flatlander]

That is the most beautiful drive in the world. Lake Superior PP has great camping too, right on the beach almost. I'll take that drive any day over flying.

[Arriviste]

/\ Disagree, for the drive through Waterton leaves renders you speechless. As does the Bow Valley Parkway towards LL.
Highway 11 is alright beautiful for sure, but by no means the best IMO. Not even close. I'd give a few routes in Nova Scotia and NFLD the nod well before 11. But thats just my opinion of course.

[Habanero]

well, that's the "historical" point view, the point of view of white men settlers for whom land is only something that can be exploited and farmed. That's the same reason why Ontario is normally considered as Toronto and close areas... it couldn't be wronger.
Geographically, phisically, outdoors-wise, climatologically, and so on, Manitoba is not a prairie province.

Manitoba is a prairie province. Alberta, Sask and Manitoba all have parts of that are prairie whereas the rest of Canadian provinces don't. That's why we're called the prairie provinces. Alberta has the most prarie, but it makes up less than half of the province.

So Manitoba is mostly marsh and muskeg. Would you rather Manitoba be called the marsh and muskeg province?

[Kevin_foster]

^ The change in landscape from Foothills/Rolling Hills to Prairie is SO evident when leaving Edmonton eastwards. Almost immediately you get slapped in the face with the farming stick. It's very interesting how the transition is so apparent.. because if you go out of Edmonton Westwards you will immediately notice an abundance of spruce trees, hills, rivers and then soon enough, foot hills and mountains. Not so much flat farming land like on the east side.

Oh, and no one ever said Prairies were a bad thing :/ I think they can be very (very) beautiful....

[Habanero]

That is the most beautiful drive in the world. Lake Superior PP has great camping too, right on the beach almost. I'll take that drive any day over flying.

There are certainly some other drives that rank as the most beautiful drives.

-Calgary to Vancouver. Long, but spectacular and adventerous
-Calgary to Crowsnest past, down hwy 22. Beautiful scenery.
-Ottawa in and around the Gatineaus during fall. Spectacular colors.
-Okanagan Valley from Veron down to U.S. Border

[SHOFEAR]

/\ Disagree, for the drive through Waterton leaves renders you speechless. As does the Bow Valley Parkway towards LL.
Highway 11 is alright beautiful for sure, but by no means the best IMO. Not even close. I'd give a few routes in Nova Scotia and NFLD the nod well before 11. But thats just my opinion of course.


In 1993 I got the opportunity to drive with my father in a 93 Dodge Viper (red with yellow wheels and sidepipes) and cruise down many of those awesome coastal roads in Newfoundland. I'm pretty sure that was the day I took an interest in cars.

[IntotheWest]

In 1993 I got the opportunity to drive with my father in a 93 Dodge Viper (red with yellow wheels and sidepipes) and cruise down many of those awesome coastal roads in Newfoundland. I'm pretty sure that was the day I took an interest in cars.

Wow...I'm sure that would be fun. As a car fanatic though, I always thought that colour combination was over-the-top...a little too Ronald McDonald.

[SHOFEAR]

Wow...I'm sure that would be fun. As a car fanatic though, I always thought that colour combination was over-the-top...a little too Ronald McDonald.

Absolutly it was over the top. But is it any different from the old Mopars that came in lime green, purple, sky blue? For me when I think of a viper, thats the color combo I instantly picture. No doubt my experience has influenced that to a certain degree.

It did feel really odd to drive what was easily most desired car of that time, in one of the most economically depressed regions in the country. Saying everybody would drop the fishing nets they were mending or the boats they were loading to watch us tear through their community is an understatement. I'll never forget the crowd we attracted while filling up with gas in Clarenville. We pulled out of that station like we stole it. Clutch drop, fish tales and two of the longest patches of rubber I've ever seen.

[Just Build It]

There are certainly some other drives that rank as the most beautiful drives.

-Calgary to Vancouver. Long, but spectacular and adventerous
-Calgary to Crowsnest past, down hwy 22. Beautiful scenery.
-Ottawa in and around the Gatineaus during fall. Spectacular colors.
-Okanagan Valley from Veron down to U.S. Border

The drive through the Fraser Canyon is pretty awesome. I like the drive southeast of Calgary through Medicine Hat and southwestern Saskatchewan. Yeah it's flat, but you can see for miles. Very cool.

[1ajs]

The drive through the Fraser Canyon is pretty awesome. I like the drive southeast of Calgary through Medicine Hat and southwestern Saskatchewan. Yeah it's flat, but you can see for miles. Very cool.

try not taking the trans canada alot better veiws!

[Stephen Ave]

try not taking the trans canada alot better veiws!

It depends where you go. The Fraser Canyon is the trans canada, although it is at times slow, it is actually more scenic and interesting than the Coquihalla.

[freeweed]

I like the drive southeast of Calgary through Medicine Hat and southwestern Saskatchewan. Yeah it's flat, but you can see for miles. Very cool.

You're the first person I've ever heard say that. In fact, you're the only person I've ever seen who doesn't LOATHE that part of the Trans-Canada :)

I do enjoy the area around Swift Current, but as someone who has driven the Calgary-Winnipeg route dozens of times, that last bit from Medicine Hat to Calgary is about the most boring drive on the planet. And I've been up and down I-29 the entire way :P (for those that don't get the reference, imagine 14 hours of wheat and corn, combined with run-down industrial towns).

I guess it just goes to show that there's always someone that can find the beauty in anything. Which is a good thing, in the end.

[Only The Lonely..]

You're the first person I've ever heard say that. In fact, you're the only person I've ever seen who doesn't LOATHE that part of the Trans-Canada :)




I love the Prairies, the big sky, Western Manitoba and even Saskatchewan..but I struggled to stay awake between the Medicine Hat to Calgary segment of my drive out west.

Now that is a truly existential place.

I didn't even know the meaning of 'bald prairie' till I rode that stretch of highway, and I thought Manitoba was flat, but at least we have trees.

[circle33]

You can always look forward to holding your breath as you pass through Brooks.

[ReginaGuy]

I love the Prairies, the big sky, Western Manitoba and even Saskatchewan..but I struggled to stay awake between the Medicine Hat to Calgary segment of my drive out west.

Now that is a truly existential place.

I didn't even know the meaning of 'bald prairie' till I rode that stretch of highway, and I thought Manitoba was flat, but at least we have trees.

It can't possibly be worse than the 70km stretch between Regina and Moose Jaw, can it? I havent driven between medicine hat and calgary since I was young, what's it like?

[Surrealplaces]

It can't possibly be worse than the 70km stretch between Regina and Moose Jaw, can it? I havent driven between medicine hat and calgary since I was young, what's it like?

There's not a whole lot between Calgary and Medicine Hat. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. although, my drives through the Southwestern US have always been enjoyable, and it is basically flat and treeless.

I love the Prairies, the big sky, Western Manitoba and even Saskatchewan..but I struggled to stay awake between the Medicine Hat to Calgary segment of my drive out west.

Now that is a truly existential place.

I didn't even know the meaning of 'bald prairie' till I rode that stretch of highway, and I thought Manitoba was flat, but at least we have trees.

That stretch from Calgary to Medicine hat is not a whole lot different than the rest of trip east through Sask and Manitoba. There are a few more trees in Minitoba and Saksatchewan portion, but not much, and it isn't any more interesting IMO.

[freeweed]

To be fair, pretty much the entire drive between Winnipeg and Calgary is flat, lifeless, and an overall snooze-fest. There's a bit around Swift Current that is interesting, and the valley around Brandon has a few minutes of charm, but that's about it.

I just focussed on a part that was in Alberta, as I've already seen what happens when you dare to point out that the prairie in SK or MB is anything but exciting. :P

Mostly though, it comes at the end of a long, boring drive (when heading west), and just when you think you're close (hey, the 'Hat is right next to Calgary comparitively!), you're forced to endure another 2.5 hours of dull. :yuck:

[Just Build It]

To be fair, pretty much the entire drive between Winnipeg and Calgary is flat, lifeless, and an overall snooze-fest. There's a bit around Swift Current that is interesting, and the valley around Brandon has a few minutes of charm, but that's about it.

I just focussed on a part that was in Alberta, as I've already seen what happens when you dare to point out that the prairie in SK or MB is anything but exciting. :P

Mostly though, it comes at the end of a long, boring drive (when heading west), and just when you think you're close (hey, the 'Hat is right next to Calgary comparitively!), you're forced to endure another 2.5 hours of dull. :yuck:

True, the drive between Calgary and Winnipeg doesn't vary much, and that's probably why I like the stretch from Calgary to Medicine Hat, a couple of hours of wide open area where you can see for miles with bright blue sky, is a bit an adventure. Any longer and it gets really tedious.

The area just to the west of Winnipeg until Portage la Prarie reminds me alot of the area just to the east of Calgary for 100km or so. Flat farm fields.

[IntotheWest]

Definitely the best drives between Calgary and Winnipeg are off Hwy 1...Qu'appelle Valley, Cypress Hills (south east of Medicine Hat). I too struggle to see what's to like on the Trans-Canada between Medicine Hat and Calgary.

I also like the area North East of Calgary (Drumheller), and east of Red Deer (Stettler, Dry Island Buffalo Jump, etc).

The "Cowboy Trail" down south is another favourite (if its not busy :-)

[IntotheWest]

To be fair, pretty much the entire drive between Winnipeg and Calgary is flat, lifeless, and an overall snooze-fest.

But it's great, flat, and straight enough if you ever wanted to try a top-speed run. I had my WRX pushing over 140 somewhere in the middle of Sask (after passing a truck, I figured I was already more than half way there, so kept going)...My friend and I also managed somewhere north of 160 in his Stealth Twin Turbo some 12-13 years ago...keeps it from being a "snooze-fest" ;-)

[The_Bachelor]

But it's great, flat, and straight enough if you ever wanted to try a top-speed run. I had my WRX pushing over 140 somewhere in the middle of Sask (after passing a truck, I figured I was already more than half way there, so kept going)...My friend and I also managed somewhere north of 160 in his Stealth Twin Turbo some 12-13 years ago...keeps it from being a "snooze-fest" ;-)

I had my Dad's '94 Stealth R/T Twin Turbo up to about 160mph on highway 11 just north of S'toon (divided, no traffic). And about 180kph on circle drive. Oh to be 16 and stupid again...

[The_Bachelor]

The drive down Highway 40 from the transcanada to the Kananaskis Lakes kicks ass as well, that would have to be my favourite place to hike and camp.

The Ghost recreation area north of Kananaskis would have to rank as one of the top ATV/Dirtbike areas I've ever been to too. Trails everywhere, through streams, foothills, forests... and then at nite you camp in some spot cut out near a logging or gas pipeline access road. Good times.

[murman]

Unknown to many, The Bow River downstream from Calgary has some of the best flyfishing in the world.


Flyfishing is to Calgary as mosquitofishing is to Winnipeg.

[Surferguy]

I found out that my car can do at lease 130 just north of Brandon on the way to clear lake. Ahhhh good ole' Hondas

[feepa]

I found out that my car can do at lease 130 just north of Brandon on the way to clear lake. Ahhhh good ole' Hondas
130 kph? wooooooo! (I know you likely mean mph, but meh)

[freeweed]

But it's great, flat, and straight enough if you ever wanted to try a top-speed run. I had my WRX pushing over 140 somewhere in the middle of Sask (after passing a truck, I figured I was already more than half way there, so kept going)...My friend and I also managed somewhere north of 160 in his Stealth Twin Turbo some 12-13 years ago...keeps it from being a "snooze-fest" ;-)

I have to assume you're using mph, because seriously, 140 kph on the prairieTrans-Canada is BORING (and slower than the average... :P).

Now, 140 kph on the Icefields Parkway, or around Terrace Bay - now THAT is fun. And exceedingly dangerous. You quickly learn the limits of your handling skills, though.

[harls]

It can't possibly be worse than the 70km stretch between Regina and Moose Jaw, can it?

A friend of mine from Regina says you could drive that stretch without moving the steering wheel.

[ReginaGuy]

A friend of mine from Regina says you could drive that stretch without moving the steering wheel.
pretty much, that stretch of highway is perfectly straight except for a sharp curve right in the middle which often catches people off guard :P

[IntotheWest]

I have to assume you're using mph, because seriously, 140 kph on the prairieTrans-Canada is BORING (and slower than the average... :P).

Now, 140 kph on the Icefields Parkway, or around Terrace Bay - now THAT is fun. And exceedingly dangerous. You quickly learn the limits of your handling skills, though.

Yes, MPH. The Stealth was a '94 R/T as well with the 6-speed and 320hp...and I was way more than 16 :-) Two friends and I "officially" found it's top-speed just north of Winnipeg - 168mph. The WRX topped out at about 142mph - and got there relatively quick. Depending on the car, 130mph does feel fast - I had a del Sol VTEC that topped out just over 130mph but because of feeling less planted than the WRX, it actually felt a lot faster (the top off also helped with the feeling).

Fly-fishing is well-known here - and can be done year-round. I didn't try fly-fishing until moving to Calgary. The first I found out that it wasn't just a "local" thing, I was working in Toronto and had gone for dinner with a couple colleagues up from Atlanta to do some performance tuning. When I introduced myself, and mentioned I was from Calgary, one of the guys quickly said "that's one place I want to go to!"...when I asked why, he responded with "some of the best fly fishing around!".

[Greco Roman]

Flyfishing is to Calgary as mosquitofishing is to Winnipeg.

No mosquitos this year in Winnipeg, but TONS in Alberta. The first time I worked for the summer outside Manitoba and they had one of the best summers ever while I was slapping myself silly out west. Oh well, that life.

I like fly fishing, but I still prefer to fish for bass, pickerel, big jacks, and Manitoba's famous 40 pound channel cats; best challenge you can get on the prairies.

[Greco Roman]

It can't possibly be worse than the 70km stretch between Regina and Moose Jaw, can it? I havent driven between medicine hat and calgary since I was young, what's it like?

Yes, that is a very straight stretch of highway. I actually came close to falling asleep once driving there; its that boring. But I really do love driving through the prairies. It has it's own beauty and charm, especially when you can see the kick=ass sun sets and moon rises.

I also love driving in the shield. Lakes every two kilometers and large rock outcrops; this is my favorite place in the whole world :tup: