Making the most out of the last days of summer
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/08/2022 (272 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Well, it’s the end of August, but let’s not dismiss summer yet!
There’s still time left to enjoy Transcona’s great outdoors before the snow flies. On your own, with friends, or family all you need is your choice of a bicycle, walking shoes, or if you need, a vehicle to get you there. Some areas are wheelchair friendly.
My suggestions that follow combine opportunities for discovering Transcona’s history, sharing a love of nature, getting some exercise, and plain ol’ fun. Sunscreen, bug spray, a snack, binoculars and a good camera will make the adventure complete.
Common Green Darner – one of many interesting critters you may see.
Photo by Suzanne Hunter
The following locations are within close proximity to the 13 kilometre paved Transcona Trail, that runs from the furthest point in east Transcona westward all the way to the Costco on Regent Avenue. The trail is meant for non-vehicular traffic — you’ll see folks jogging, bike riding, walking their dogs and taking their babies for a stroller ride. I love being able to ride my bike without having to stop except for the occasional road crossing, like at Day Street. To find a map, you can look up Winnipeg Trails Association online.
In east Transcona you can explore the George Olive Nature Park, a 16-acre site containing several marshy areas and interpretive panels. It’s a great place to introduce children to the biodiversity of such an area. Take photos of all the birds, dragonflies, pond critters, ducks, and wildflowers to identify later when you get home. It’s fun to keep a list of what you’ve found, especially for the kids or grandkids.
Northwest of the nature park is the Cordite Trail next to the Cordite Ditch. During the Second World War, the plant covered an area of 800 acres where they used acid, nitroglycerine, and guncotton to produce explosives called cordite. Make sure to stop and read the fascinating history featured on the information panels.
Also adjacent to the Transcona Trail is the Transcona Bioreserve 2.3 kilometre loop. It was developed around 1998 to reclaim land that was a former industrial area where they produced creosote, a wood preservative, from 1911 until 1976. After a few years of soil reclamation, it is now another great location for hiking, bird watching, and admiring wild flowers like my favorite black-eyed Susans. I’ve seen deer there on more than one visit. Many folks like to use the trail to walk their dog.
A bit further west down the trail is the Transcona Public Library, where you can look up books about the nature you’ve found along the trail. The library has a unique outdoor garden, with benches for you to enjoy a good book and have a bit of a rest. It is not open weekends during the summer and has limited hours of operation so check first.
So, get out and enjoy the rest of your summer!