February 2024 Economic Development Update:
From the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve to Sandilands Provincial Forest, Sunrise Corner in southeast Manitoba is truly an outdoor paradise. With 3,600 square kilometers of quaint communities and pristine natural areas, the region offers an endless list of recreational pursuits for those who love the peaceful solitude of a crisp winter day to enjoy our forests and fields.
Cross Country Skiing: Did you know there are thirty-eight kilometers of classic cross country ski trails in the Sandilands Provincial Forest at the northern end of Sunrise Corner? The high sand ridges and majestic forests are an ideal location for skiing enthusiasts, with designated trails groomed by volunteers exclusively for cross country skiing.
Birding, Hiking & Snowshoeing: If birding is on the agenda this winter while hiking or snowshoeing, explore Manitoba’s Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail. Try these two excellent and very different options. First, nestled in one of the last remaining remnants of tall grass prairie at the western end of Sunrise Corner, the Prairie Shore and Agassiz Interpretive Trails are maintained with clear signage. Second, the Spur Woods Wildlife Management Area near Menisino surrounds visitors in old-growth red pines and a rolling landscape with an unmaintained trail that follows the old railway spur line.
Ice Sports: With a full range of skating, hockey, ringette and more, the Vita Arena is the place to be. In the eastern end of Sunrise Corner, plan a family trip to the Sprague & Area Arena – great place for the little ones to learn to skate with five new Lil’ Skaters to help keep them upright. If folks are looking for crisp winter air as they skate, balanced with a place to warm up, visit Woodridge’s outdoor rink – a new warm up shack is nearing completion. For the curlers, both Piney and Vita open up their curling rinks to league play as well as bonspiels.
Explore Sunrise Corner, where nature shines
If there’s one thing people have come to understand, it’s that taking the time to enjoy life is time well invested. They realize there’s value in hiking through red pine forests and snowshoeing across tall grass prairies, fishing on a frozen river, or rediscovering the past at historic cultural sites. We invite everyone to play, visit and explore Sunrise Corner in southeast Manitoba, where nature shines.
Visit the Sunrise Corner Tourism website for details.
Monique Chenier
monique@sunrisecornermb.ca