Discover Canada's Wild Side at Hecla Oasis

by Bernard Burt

Strapping on snowshoes, Hecla Oasis guests glide across white wilderness to the frozen shore of Lake Winnepeg. Just two hours from Manitoba’s metropolis and capital, Winnipeg, the Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort blends outdoor adventure with natural beauty and inner harmony.

Set on an island in the 10th largest lake in the world, this new resort within Hecla Provincial Park harbors a unique nature-oriented spa. Lava rock, water, wood, and fire set the mood. Hecla was settled by fishermen from Iceland; reminders of this Nordic heritage are seen throughout the 90-room lodge and spacious villas.

Being in the wilderness doesn’t mean you have to forego comfort. Built of native stone and wood, the lodge and villas at Hecla feature cozy rooms with fireplaces, duvet-comfy beds, and deep bathtubs, ideal for a soothing soak. And witness the Aurora Borealis as night skies light up, a luminous phenomenon that is pure magic.

Nature lovers can have a field day on 75 km of trails within the resort. Birding is big here; scheduled treks year-round help you spot indigenous winged creatures. Or, photograph migrating polar bears in the nearby town of Churchill. For more active winter sports, gear up for snowmobile adventures.

Surrounded by lakes and nature preserves, Hecla’s championship golf course has already been acclaimed one of the best in Canada. Open to the public, the golf, hiking trails, and spa can be combined in packages offered at introductory rates.

Scheduled to open mid-December, Hecla Oasis Mineral Spa draws energy from the lakes and mountains. Panoramic views greet you upon entering the glass-walled lobby. Hydrotherapy complements a menu of treatments with moor mud, herbs, and minerals.

With double three-story indoor waterslides, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, the Hecla Water Park is an oasis for the whole family! Summer brings new features: culinary arts and cooking classes, nature studies, and an introduction to the lore of Hudson Bay explorers.

Centrally located, Manitoba preserves the best of Canadian heritage: vast prairies, a northern coastline where you can swim with beluga whales in Hudson Bay, and a capital city, Winnipeg, alive with the arts, fine dining, and family fun. For more information visit www.heclaoasis.com.