Loon: This well known symbol of the wilderness makes Family Lake his home. Several nesting pairs of loons are found very close to the lodge. Listen in the evening hours as the haunting calls echo across the water. Look closely and you'll see the young loons riding on
"moms" back as they quickly grow up and ready themselves for the fall migration south.
Bald Eagle: As the designated symbol of Atikaki Park, the majestic bald eagle is a common sight gliding over the forests and lakes. Watching the powerful eagle in its natural habitat is an awesome sight.
Great Gray Owl: North America's largest owl, with a wingspan of 60 inches is a native to our area. This large predator breeds and winters in Manitoba and is the provincial bird of Manitoba. A silent hunter of the forest, he is a sight to behold.
White Pelican: Often seen in groups of 6 or more, the white pelican glides across Family Lake, his wingtips barely skimming the water's surface. You'll know just where the open water reefs are when you see the pelicans standing out in the middle of the lake. Here you'll see them diving and bobbing for fish. Watch as they throw their heads back and swallow a pouch full of baitfish.
Grey Timberwolf: The estimated population of the Manitoba Timberwolf is 4000. These elusive predators usually travel in packs of 4-8 animals. Occasionally a pack will reach 30 animals with a territory of several hundred square miles. You may not see a wolf during your stay, but listen closely and you may hear their howls.
Moose: Weighing in at 700-1400 pounds, the moose is actually the largest deer in the world. The antler spread on a large bull may exceed 5 feet and weigh over 85 pounds. The antlers are shed each winter and replaced again in the spring. Look closely as you explore the many bays and islands during your shorelunch... You just may be lucky enough to find a
"shed" from last winter.
You're likely to see these and many other species of birds and mammals during your stay at Shining Falls Lodge. Other mammals living in our area include wolverine, mink, marten, fishers, fox, otter, beaver, black bear, lynx, Canadian Jays, osprey, and more. Bring those binoculars and camera and see what you can find!
Walleye and Northern Pike:
Manitoba's
"Catch & Release" program, Conservation Fishing licenses, and harvesting limits ensure the quality angling experience our customers enjoy. To ease the stress and damage to fish during
"catch & release" fishing, Manitoba was the 1st province to implement a barbless hook regulation. With careful handling, the fish you release today can be caught again and again in the years to come!
This area is known as the
"Atikaki" Wilderness; an Ojibwe word meaning "country of the caribou". There is an estimated 300-500 caribou in the area. Usually found in herds of 20-60 animals, the caribou take advantage of old growth forests by eating the ground and tree lichens along with shrubs and grasses. The male caribou reaches a weight of 400 pounds while the female matures at 250 pounds. Their large feet allow them to travel well in the deep snow and the sharp hooves give them a build in digging tool to reach the snow covered forage during the long winter months. Caribou bear their young in the spring, often times on an island. They are a solitary animal during this time, gathering into herds again in the fall.
