Ready for a fun family road trip with some delightful things to do along the way? Your ultimate goal is the International Peace Garden, which is about three and a half hours southwest of Winnipeg if you drive direct. (Before you visit, be sure to call or check the Peace Garden’s website for admission fees and hours of operation so you can plan accordingly.) But you’ll want to take a break at these fun attractions.

Stop 1) The Island Park in Portage la Prairie, about an hour from Winnipeg, is an urban oasis, with all sorts of recreational opportunities including playgrounds, picnic sites, a splash park, walking trails and a disc golf course. Picnic shelters can be booked ahead.

Stop 2) Continuing west for about an hour, your next stop is the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area to stretch your legs. Nature lovers will enjoy easy hikes with lots of opportunities for wildlife and bird watching. Pick up trail maps at the Riverbank Discovery Centre before arriving at Brandon Hills.

Stop 3) About an hour and 15 minutes away, your next stop is the delightful roadside attraction known as Tommy Turtle, in the community of Boissevain. You’ll definitely want some photos of this striking 8.5-metre fibreglass statue, which has been repainted several times over its 50-year lifespan. Don’t forget to push the nearby button to hear a special message.

YOU’VE ARRIVED: About 30 minutes from Boissevain, you’ll find the remarkable International Peace Garden. Explore the gardens — with more than 80,000 flowering annuals and perennials — along with the reflecting pools, Peace Chapel and a 5.5-metre floral clock.