OXBOW - Oxbow is inviting the community and guests to enjoy the history and landscapes through a tour of their trail system – a project that started several years ago in an effort to attract visitors and educate people about the area's heritage.
In 2016, the Town of Oxbow, the Town of Alameda and the RM of Enniskillen embarked on a tourism and heritage project highlighting the rich stories of the Souris-Moose Creek region.
Many of those stories were set in the picturesque Bow Valley south of Oxbow. Stories ranged from evidence of the earliest Indigenous campsites to rum running and horse thievery, to baseball games and Chautauqua picnics.
The region's boundaries can be traced around the town of Oxbow, the Moose Creek Regional Park and the town of Alameda. Between these three spots, there is a lot to do, see and discover.
Stories and attractions of the Souris Moose Creek Region are captured on the Town of Oxbow website.
Oxbow community development officer Treena Mohrbutter said the Bow Valley Trails committee was formed in 2021 with the idea of constructing three natural walking trails in the beautiful Bow Valley Park.
"The committee wanted to encourage recreation, physical fitness, the enjoyment of nature as well as celebrating the rich history of the area," Mohrbutter said in an email to the Mercury.
"The committee received financial support from the Souris Moose Creek Wildlife Federation, Affinity Credit Union District Council, Oxbow Lions Club, Oxbow Oilmen, Oxbow & District Recreation Board and the Bow Valley Park, with equipment assistance from the Town of Oxbow and the Moose Creek Regional Park, to build the trails."
The trails are located at Bow Valley Park in the Souris Valley. In the summer of 2022, the trails are being enjoyed by hikers, walkers and mountain bikers.
The three trails vary in length and difficulty. Along the trails, signs point out various histories, flora and fauna of the valley.
Benches have been donated and installed along the trails to enjoy the beautiful views.
