Discover the Unexpected
With Intimate and Engaging Experiences for Small Groups
Birding Outside the Box
Embark on this exclusive experience that is a must-do for both nature and art-lovers alike. Enter the world of wood carver Greg Palsson, in his summer home on Hecla Island. Surrounded by his masterpieces, discover his passion for birds, before testing your own steady hand to create your own feathered talisman. Then, explore the science of birds with naturalist Dr. Heather Hinam and her ongoing owl research. Borrow Greg's artist's tools to create a label for a nest box that you will be adding to Heather's monitoring study. Take your adventure outside and off the beaten track, as she leads you into the woods of Hecla to mount the box and collect data that will be added to the research program.
Contact us for full details, pricing or reserve your space for the April and May Experience Package.
Dr. Hoo's Apprentice
Be a biologist for a day and discover the secrets of some of Manitoba's most elusive residents. In March and April, head out into the gathering dusk. Scan the forest edges of Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park for owls, while naturalist, Dr. Heather Hinam (Dr. Hoo to her friends), lets you in on the tricks to studying such secretive species. After sunset, stop and enjoy the stillness while actively listening for their haunting calls.
In May, explore the forests and help out with a long-term study of Northern Saw-whet and Boreal Owls. Mount new nest boxes for these tiny species and learn about what these birds need to survive. Once you lose the light, stop, look and listen as the evening comes alive with sound.
Contact us for more information, pricing and to build your experience.
Fresh Fish and Frosty Fun
Head out onto the ice and discover the century-old tradition that sustained the people of Lake Winnipeg. Begin your adventure at the Solmundson Gesta Hus on Hecla Island. Next door, you'll meet Ivan, a 3rd generation fisherman. Strike out over the endless frozen vistas of the lake in his Bombardier and get an exclusive hands-on taste of what winter fishing is truly like. Learn the secrets of the jigger and how to harvest delicacies like Pickerel cheeks.
After your time on the ice, warm up with good friends, good stories and great home-cooked food with a meal back at the Gesta Hus, featuring the catch of the day. Extend your experience and stay the night at the B&B.
Contact us for full details, pricing and to build your experience.
Slipping Into the Shadows
Slow down, unplug and just be. Fade into the background and watch the world wake up around you on a sensory exploration of the boreal forest. Enjoy a private evening hike out to a secluded waterway. Discover the fascinating details that make up this varied ecosystem, then settle into a quiet spot along the water's edge. Slow your thoughts and stretch your senses as we help you pick out the stories that are woven throughout the forest. Experience the wonder of the shield country by beginning your evening at the Falcon Trails Resort, or get off the beaten track and explore the backcountry of Grindstone Point.
Contact us for full details, pricing and to build your experience.
Seeing Beyond the Green
Take a walk in the woods to the next level and get up close and personal with Manitoba's forests, fields and marshes, learning to read the signs and stories on the landscape. Slow down, stop and literally smell the roses as you discover the details that make this region truly remarkable. Each walk is customized to your party's needs and location, allowing you to choose from a number of different trails in a variety of habitats, from a short walk to a full-day hike. Choose from experiences such as Wild Gimli Walks, Evening Marsh Experiences, rambles in Oak Hammock Marsh, Hecla/Grindstone and Whiteshell Provincial Parks.
Contact us for full details, pricing and to build your experience.
Fish & Folk Tales
Explore the traditions of the 10th largest lake in the world! Join your host, exploring the secrets of Hecla Island, sharing stories of the lake, the island and its inhabitants as you wind your way up the shoreline to Gull Harbour. There you will meet a 4th generation fisherman and a descendent of one of the original settlers. Discover the stories woven into his nets as he gives you a taste of the art and hard work of fishing Lake Winnipeg. Roll up your sleeves and get up close and personal as he teaches you how to slice that perfect fillet and harvest some local delicacies.
Available Jun. - early Jul. & Sept.1- Oct. 30
Contact us for full details, pricing and to build your experience.
Experience Packages
Make the adventure last and discover Manitoba on a deeper level with our Experience Packages. Working in partnership with high quality local accommodations, such as the Solmundson Guest Hus, Falcon Trails Resort, Lakeview Resort Gimli and Bloodvein River Lodge, Second Nature is pleased to offer a schedule of packages that will take you off the beaten track and up close as personal with some of the province's most interesting people and fascinating wildlife in beautiful places.
