Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Pacific (CP) will donate to food banks in communities along its network and host a virtual concert in lieu of its regular Holiday Train program. The modified program will draw attention to food security issues, while ensuring donations go to all food banks that would ordinarily receive them, including those that typically host a Holiday Train event in alternating years. “COVID-19 has created many challenges for communities across our network and has only increased the need at local food banks and food shelves,” said CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel. “It is our honor to continue to donate to communities across our network this year, even if the train itself will not run. The spirit of the Holiday Train program and the Christmas spirit will carry on this year through our virtual concert. We will have the Holiday Train rolling again spreading Christmas cheer as soon as it’s safe to do so!” CP launched the Holiday Train in 1999, and every year since it has traveled across Canada and the northern U.S. raising money, collecting food and drawing attention to the important work of local food banks. In its first 21 years, the train has raised $17.8 million and collected 4.8 million pounds of food for local food banks in communities along CP’s network. “We are very excited that CP has chosen a safe way to keep the spirit of the CP Holiday Train rolling in support of local food banks like ours in these challenging times,” said Calgary Food Bank President and CEO James McAra. “The need for food bank services has risen substantially over the course of this year and heading into the high-demand winter months. We hope CP’s concert will prompt the train’s supporters to give as generously as they’re able.” Live music has always been part of the CP Holiday Train tradition. To maintain that tradition, CP will produce a benefit concert, with details to be announced when they’re available. “We support CP’s decision to hold a virtual concert instead of hosting events that encourage local gathering, though we’ll miss the train’s bright lights and in-person shows,” said Kristine Martin, President of East Side Neighborhood Services, a Minneapolis-based Holiday Train beneficiary food bank. “CP’s generous donations to East Side Neighborhood Services over the years have helped us provide nutritious food to people who have difficulty accessing traditional food shelves or grocery stores. This year, being able to continue providing those services has been even more important. We’re thankful to CP for their continued support and donations again this year.” CP intends to resume operating the annual train tour in 2021. (CP News Release)

Established in 2018, King Korn Maze is a family-owned, 13-acre corn maze in Notre Dame de Lourdes, MB. In addition to offering a number (4) of corn mazes, they added a new sunflower path in 2020 as well. Other attractions on the property for the kiddos include a bale pyramid, human hamster ball, mini-golf, and a tire playground. The corn maze opens annually every August and typically runs into October, weather permitting. Cost is only $5 per person, 3 & under free. September & October hours: Open Friday evenings, Saturday & Sunday. Friday evenings:  6:00pm-8:00pm Saturday & Sunday:  11:00am-8:00pm **SEPTEMBER HOURS ONLY BEGIN ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6th. Location: 1 mile south of Notre Dame de Lourdes on Hwy 244 & 1/4 mile west of GDT Transport on Rd 35N For additional information, please visit their Facebook page or their website. On your visit to the maze, if you're looking for an outstanding burger/meal then stop by Big Al's Burgers in Notre Dame de Lourdes. The burgers are both tasty and huge.

There has been such a great response from our last two mini-Manitoba road trip articles, we’ve decided to keep going. For this trip, pack the car with a few snacks and head south on the #10 highway out of Brandon. The highway is in excellent driving condition and before you know it you’ll be crossing the Souris River and enjoying the view of the valley. First stop is Boissevain. It’s located right on the highway.  Once you slow down for the school zone you’ll see signs directing you to turn left to start the Art Drive. There are numerous murals around town and they are bright and beautiful. You can’t miss them. Clearly a progressive town, Snap Chat picked up a filter for Choy’s Restaurant right away. Just down the street from Choy’s and across from the Community Theatre is a beautiful little park aptly named “Arts Park.” Definitely walk through and enjoy the eclectic displays! It’s a gem. If you’re ready for a coffee, do stop in at Sawmill Tea and Coffee company. Ask about their daily flavour of cheesecake, or pick up a bowl of their homemade soup. Once you’re back on #10 and heading south, you’ll come to a junction where you can choose to head east to Killarney or west for Deloraine. I picked west for Deloraine! Farm families are hard at work here in the harvest season. The golden fields of the area are as pretty as a picture.  The town of Deloraine isn’t far and the drive will go quickly but, I’m going to suggest a 3km detour off the highway at Turtlehead Creek Dam before you even get there. (It’s clearly marked by highway signs.) As you head towards the dam and the golf course you’ll see an intriguing sign that says “bank vault.”  This signals a gravel detour to an old field stone bank vault. One of only 2 left in western Canada, it’s an intriguing piece of history.  You see, Deloraine wasn’t always where it is today. In fact, it was first established in 1882 about 10km east of town. But in 1886 the Canadian Pacific Railway settled their line north and west, so nearly all the buildings were transferred over to the new site. Unfortunately the bank vault could not be moved, so it was left behind on what is now private property. One you get to Deloraine you can stretch your legs and walk about in the Flags of the World Park. It’s also next to their tourist booth. Over on Broadway Street I spied the post office building. It reminded me of the clock tower building in the movie Back to the Future. Actually, with all the great heritage buildings and wide open green spaces, Deloraine would be a great place to make a feature film. If you do plan to take a Manitoba road trip soon, take your mask and your hand sanitizer with you. Spread only kindness.

For those travelers looking forward to getting behind the wheel, hitting the open road and exploring what the region has to offer, we highly recommend a day trip (estimated round trip driving time 2 hrs 30 minutes) to these three neighboring communities: Glenboro, Holland, & Treherne. This fun-filled day trip offers the flexibility to see a number of roadside attractions, enjoy some tasty food, visit a few unique museums & more. The highlight of the trip would have to be the Glass Bottle Houses in Treherne. The glass bottle structures (house, church, wishing well) were created by Bob and Dora Cain, and Fred Harp. The church was built in 1983, using approximately 5000 bottles. Additional information on the attraction can be found here.

Let’s just go for a drive.  The weather’s nice, the fields are turning colours and we’re supposed to stay away from groups. Let’s just go for a drive. I’ll offer two options, for this article. Both are within an hour away. If you choose left (south) you’ll visit Souris. If you choose right (north) you’ll head to Hamiota. Souris is about 30 minutes from Brandon, and Hamiota is an hour. To start this adventure head west on the Trans Canada Highway #1. It won’t be long before you reach the turn at highway #250. This road will lead you right into the town of Souris. If you take a pass on Souris, and go 10 minutes further, you’ll see highway #21 to the north. It will take you on a few twists and turns, and through rolling hills, but soon enough, you’ll reach the beautiful town of Hamiota. In Souris you’ll find many outdoor attractions (Victoria Park, The Plum, the Rock Shop agate pit) but the must-see attraction is Canada’s longest swinging bridge (pictured above). This suspension bridge was originally built in 1904 and was rebuilt after the flood of 2011. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk across the bridge and is especially beautiful at sunset. While in Souris, expect to see wild peacocks roaming the town. If you are lucky enough to see them strutting around with their feathers on display, have your camera ready. Just be careful to keep your distance, and keep a watchful eye on traffic. If you hear the peacock whoop, and you are a fan of the Disney movie UP you’ll instantly think of Kevin. The peacock whoop, or screeching call sounds just like the bird from the movie. Your kids will love it! To see an online visitor’s guide and learn more about the attractions and businesses in Souris visit www.sourismanitoba.com. The town of Hamiota has a gorgeous mural that will catch your eye the minute you turn onto Maple Street. The heritage building and former bank, is officially known as the Heritage Arts Centre. Further along Maple Street you’ll see a small but beautiful public garden. A second bigger park, Millennium Park is along highway #21. If you want to do more than just stretch your legs, bring your golf clubs and play 9 holes at the Hamiota Golf Course. You’ll be pleased to see all this beautiful town has to offer. While I’ve yet to visit during bakery hours, I’m told that Country Crocus Bakeshop has THE best donuts in the region. I’m willing to go for a few more road trips and do some taste testing to prove this theory. More details and event information can be found at www.hamiota.com or on their Instagram page @hamiota_municipality If you do plan to take a drive, don’t forget to take your mask and your hand sanitizer. Spread only kindness.