Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Spruce Woods Provincial Park is located in south-central Manitoba, Canada where the Assiniboine River passes through the delta of sediment left by the last glaciation.[2] An area of open and stabilized sand dunes within the park provides habitat to species of plants and animals not found elsewhere in Manitoba.[2] In descending order of land area contained, the park lies within the Rural Municipalities of South Cypress, Victoria, and North Cypress.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Spruce Woods Provincial Park as seen from the Spirit Sands observation tower
Map showing the location of Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Map showing the location of Spruce Woods Provincial Park
LocationManitoba, Canada
Nearest town, Manitoba
Coordinates50°2′24″N 100°11′42″W[1]
Area269 km2 (104 sq mi)
Established1961
Governing bodyGovernment of Manitoba

The Government of Manitoba designated the area a provincial park in 1964.[2] The park is 269 square kilometres (104 sq mi) in size.[3] The park is considered to be a Class II protected area under the IUCN protected area management categories.[4] In 2020 it was designated a Canadian Dark-Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

History

Several Manitoba Historical Plaques have been placed within the park:

  • to commemorate Assiniboine (Nakota) First Nation's role in Manitoba's heritage.[5]
  • to commemorate Norman Criddle's role in Manitoba's heritage.[6]
  • to commemorate Fort des Épinettes - Pine Fort's role in Manitoba's heritage.[7]
The sand dunes of the Spirit Sands in Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Amenities

The Carberry Sandhills, or Spirit Sands is one of a very few areas of sand dunes in Canada. This region is not a true desert, but the remnant of a sandy delta of the Assiniboine River, from a time when it ran into glacial Lake Agassiz. The sandhills are home to many unique plants and animals; including some cacti and hognose snakes.

There are several hiking trails in the park open to day hikers, and backpackers can take the Newfoundland Trail for an overnight trip into the park. The Trans Canada Trail also passes through the Park.

Newfoundland Trail is a part of the Épinette Creek Trail System located within the park.[8]

Beginning at a parking lot off PTH 5, the trail twists (38 km) through the hills to Jackfish Lake near the Assiniboine River.[8] The trail is available year-round and is groomed during the Winter for cross-country skiers. Three enclosed shelters are available along the trail, each with bathroom, waterpump, indoor stove, axe and firewood.[8] Alongside each shelter are picnic tables and space for several tents.[8] A smaller hut at the trailhead is available but has no water pump.[8] The trail is clearly marked at junctions and service road crossings to guide hikers.[8]

Many cyclists enjoy riding on the Epinette Trail System each year. There are a series of loops that carve their way through unique terrain.

See also

References
  1. "Spruce Woods Provincial Park". Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  2. "Spruce Woods Provincial Park". Find Your Favorite Park. Government of Manitoba. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  3. A System Plan for Manitoba's Provincial Parks (PDF). Government of Manitoba. March 1997. p. 53. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  4. "Spruce Woods Provincial Park". Protected Planet. United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  5. "Assiniboin (Nakota) First Nation". Manitoba Heritage Council Commemorative Plaques. Government of Manitoba. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  6. "Norman Criddle". Manitoba Heritage Council Commemorative Plaques. Government of Manitoba. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  7. "Fort des Pinettes - Pine Fort". Manitoba Heritage Council Commemorative Plaques. Government of Manitoba. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  8. Guide to the Newfoundland Trail, archived from the original on 2009-07-05, retrieved 2017-07-03
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