The Crocus Trail measures 136 km / 85 miles and runs from the Saskatchewan border to Russell. This most westerly section of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba at Madge Lake, near the Saskatchewan border and runs south through the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest to the Village of San Clara and on to Roblin. From there the route heads south to the Asessippi Provincial Park, east through Bear Creek, then to Inglis and south to Russell In the Duck Mountains there are over twenty-five bird species that use tree cavities for homes. Some of these birds include downy and pileated woodpeckers, boreal and barred owls, American kestrel, mountain bluebird, black-capped chickadee and even goldeneye ducks. Flying squirrels and several bat species use the cavities for shelter as well. Also watch for deer, moose, elk, bears and wolves in the Duck Mountains.
St. Elijah Church
The St. Elijah Pioneer Museum was developed by community members and surviving descendents of Romanian and Ukrainian immigrants from Bucovina (Bukovina) who settled in Manitoba at the turn of the 20th Century and created a community that later became Lennard. This web site describes and promotes the museum’s collection, and the community’s history. It also seeks to provide a gathering place for archival materials documenting and interpreting the role of the Bucovinian pioneers in Canadian history.
Asessippi Ski and Winter Park
Asessippi Ski Area & Resort, nestled deep in the Shell River Valley near Inglis, offers 25 runs for downhill skiing and snowboarding, with half-pipe and two terrain parks. There are three chair lifts, one quad, two triple lifts, three surface tows and one snow carpet. The winter park offers three downhill snowtubing runs (ride up and slide down—no effort required!). With its charming winter village, the resort was the recipient of the Best New Attraction 2000 by Attractions Canada. Annual events include the Christmas Kids Day (December), Asessippi Family New Year’s Eve (December 31), 99¢ Sample Sundays (January), Asessippi Homecoming Weekend (February), the Slush Cup / Close of Season (late March/early April), and a variety of races during the season.
Located at: Inglis
Directions: Located between Russell and Roblin, just east of Inglis at Asessippi Provincial Park.
Contact: 204-564-2000
Asessippi Beach and Campground
It’s The Perfect Meeting Place Parkland’s Best Kept Secret
This Campground offers serviced campsites, cabin rentals, swimming, volleyball, baseball diamonds and an 18 hold Disc Golf Course.
Lake of the Prairies – Asessippi Provincial Park
Man-made Lake of the Prairies, the result of the construction of the Shellmouth Dam, fills a 67-km (42-mile) stretch of the Assiniboine River Valley. Electrical campsites, fishing and houseboat rentals are available, and you can also trek along the self-guiding Ancient Valley Trail or enjoy the designated swimming area. The Trans Canada Trail follows the valley.
Fishing. Lake of the Prairies is one of the premier walleye sport fisheries in North America. The annual catch of walleye from this lake has been as much as five times the provincial average. You can also expect good perch and pike fishing. Tackle and bait shops are plentiful. Ice fishing is popular here during the winter months. Located at Asessippi Provincial Park, 20 km (12.5 miles) north of Russell on PTH83; or travel 10 km (6 miles) west of Roblin on PTH5.