Summertime Action

PADDLE the Red and Assiniboine in a canoe rented from Splash Dash Water Services (783-6633),-located at The Forks; rates are $7.50 for 30 minutes, and $18 for the more ambitious “Canoe Adventure.” Or learn to kayak at one of the $20 Tuesday evening clinics offered through July and August by the Manitoba Paddling Association
(284-4646).

BEND it like Beckham with the fans of football (soccer to us Canucks) congregated in Memorial Park on any given weekend.

BOND with the boys from the office over a friendly game of baseball or hoops at your local community centre or schoolyard; check the availability of facilities ahead of time. If you’re rained out, get your swinging action indoors at Rookies (783-HITS).

PICNIC with the family in one of Winnipeg’s underappreciated green spaces, such as the spruced-up Vimy Ridge Memorial Park. And for art’s sake, try lunching off of Table of Contents, the public art project sponsored by the Winnipeg Arts Council.
 
TREK into nature – while still staying within city limits – by exploring the Assiniboine Forest, or stomping around the grounds of FortWhyte Alive (admission $6 adults, $4 children over four).   

CAST your line and reel ‘em in at any number of great fishing spots along the city’s riverbanks. Annual licences for Manitoba residents are under $20; for all rates check out the 2008 Anglers’ Guide under recreational fishing at www.manitobafisheries.com. For info on fishing clinics for and with the kids, contact the Urban Angling Partnership (945-6640).

POUND the pavement as a card-carrying member of the Manitoba Runner’s Association, which offers “fun runs” all year ‘round. Annual memberships are just $35. For more info and to apply online, visit
www.mraweb.ca/member_join.htm.