A beautiful fall hike in the Peg.

There are lots of options for an urban hike but we had never been to Fort Whyte Center so we decided that is where we should head to. 

The restaurant was closed for a private event the day we were going so we stopped on Waverly at Cora’s to have a late brunch first. 

The facility was lovely and had a really nice gift shop. You see the a garden, chickens, pigs and the bison on your drive in. 

The hikes are all marked and there are maps available and the features of each walk. Some are quite short so we did a series of a few of them. I loved and hated the floating paths. We were there on a weekday when there was school field trips there. In the future I would wait till after 2:30 to go, or do other paths first. I was so uneasy being on the floating paths with the groups that were or there. Otherwise it was awesome. So many types of ducks and birds. We saw an otter. And for being in the city it was pretty peaceful. 

It is $8 per person but if you have a CAA membership they offer you buy one get one free. They offer a ton of activities and list a calendar of events on their website. It would be a great place to try snowshoeing, cross country skiiing, fishing, canoeing as they have equipment to rent, among other things. 

Traverse Bay Little Free Library

 

There are a lot of reasons to visit Traverse Bay area. Cinnamon buns at Saffies nearby in Albert Beach is one of them. The nearby beaches, quad trails and rib night at The Birchwood are others. Ride your bike, quad or drive into 7 Ateah Drive, Traverse Bay to enjoy the tranquility and pick up a book to read while you listen to the wind in the trees and the waves on the lake. It doesn't matter if it is a sunny beach day or a gloomy Gus day, it is the perfect day for one of these books and some fresh air. 

The library is well stocked thanks to the local people that use it year round. On the premise take a book or leave a book you don't need to return it and have no due date to worry about which is the law of the lake. Lots of novels as well as a good selection of books for children and teens, it has something for everyone!

A nice break while downtown!

Itinerary: 

• Lunch at Clemintine's 
• A walk around the exchange 
• Bronuts
• A Pinch of Creativity

 

We met at Clementine for an early lunch and were able to get parking really close. The service was really prompt although the quarters were quite tight. The menu is really eclectic and it was hard to choose what to order. My lunch partner ordered the Braised Bacon Benedict and I ordered the Coconut Chia Seed Puddong with a side of Maple Braised Bacon. Our good came quickly and our waitress was attentive. My lunch partner described her meal as crazy amazing. Mine was very flavourful and the bacon was very thick. I would defiantly go again. 

We decided to walk around the exchange to end our lunch. It was a beautiful spring day and the sun was warm on our skin. 

Walking by Bronuts we decided to pop in and see what they were offering. They had this yummy looking Cherry Soda Glazed donut that we decided to share. Sticky sweet! 

We continued our walk and got side tracked when we saw A Pinch of Creativity. What a nice shop! So many interesting gifts and special items. I loved the pottery! 

So the next time you have about an hour and half for lunch head downtown. We really enjoyed it and the food was great. 

Bird's Hill Trails

Lakeview Trail at Bird's Hill Park

If you take the trail starting from the east beach and head to where the trees provide shelter with a canopy you can enjoy the chickadees and trush birds. If you go with birdseed they may even come to eat from your hand. 

Sometimes even the deer will come for a pat and to see what food you may have for them. 

Great place for cross country skiing, snowshoeing or a winter hike.