Winter in P.E.I.'s Provincial Parks 
     
    
   
   
    
     To some winter is a time to bundle up and stay close to the warmth of the woodstove 
     
     or furnace. To others it is a time to escape to warmer climates. But for the 
     
     luckiest it is‘a time to dress warmly and to enjoy the outdoors. There is no better 
     
     method of moving quietly through the woods to observe wildlife, perhaps take some 
     
     photographs and get some exercise, than on skis. Animals also leave tracks informing 
     
     you of their presence-and you may be able to determine their activities, even if 
     
    

    
     you are not lucky or stealthy enough to see the animal themselves. 
     
    
   
   
    
     To those whose primary goals are exercise and recreation, the groomed cross country 
     
     ski trails at Brookvale, Mill River and Brudenell Provincial Parks may be of greatest 
     
     interest. These parks each feature approximately 40 km of groomed trails as well as 
     
     complete equipment rental. Even on these developed trails you can see tracks of 
     
    

    
     many of P.E.I.'s familiar wildlife.. At Brookvale there is also a downhill ski 
     
     program with all the necessary equipment available for rent as well as a toboggan 
     
     hill with toboggans available. ' 
     
    
   
   
    
     For others who are more interested in getting off the beaten path, the "closed 
     
     parks" may be exactly what you are looking for. During the winter park visitors 
     
     are rare and you will likely have the whole park to yourself. One note of caution, 
     
     however, there are no park officials on hand to help you, so please exercise a 
     
     little more caution than normal. Choose aplace to park where it will not be 
     
     hazardous to you or other oncoming vehicles. It is always wise to carry emergency 
     
     equipment in the car during winter months. A blanket or two, first aid supplies, 
     
     extra clothing may be very rewarding in the event of a mishap. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     Group Winter Programs 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     Leaders of various groups may be interested in participating in the self—guided 
     
     nature trail using the snowshoes available at two provincial parks. These programs 
     
     which are available at Brudenell and Mill River Provincial Parks, feature a 2 km 
     
     trail, and are accompanied by marked station stops as well as a booklet discussing 
     
     what can be viewed from that stop. This program may be of particular interest to 
     
     teachers as the trails which have been developed are tied in with the science 
     
     curriculum for grades 4 and 6. For further information on these programs please 
     
     call Bruce Smith at P.E.I. Provincial Parks 892~743l ext. 282.