The Proven Lake Important Bird Area near Erickson Manitoba offers spectacular opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing, so make sure to bring your binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. Surprisingly, this hidden gem in the midst of Minnedosa Pothole Country is often overlooked by bird watchers, campers, hikers, nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts on their way to nearby Riding Mountain National Park. A 3.2 km loop trail around the beautiful lake offers visitors stunning views and complete immersion in nature, as well as access to a variety of different habitats including broadleaf woodland, hay field, spruce bog, wetland, cattail marsh, sedge meadow, and open water that support a huge diversity of birds and wildlife. Interestingly, the wildlife management area was developed by Ducks Unlimited, recognized as a Manitoba Heritage Marsh, and designated as an Important Bird Area due to the significant number of Black-crowned Night Herons that nest here. In addition, the site hosts a large colony of nesting Franklin's Gulls, as well as a wide variety of waterfowl and forest birds, and it serves as an important stopover spot for migrating birds in spring and fall. Birding highlights of our mid-summer visit included families of Red-necked Grebes, Eared Grebes, Western Grebes, Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes, Ring-necked Ducks, Scaups, Mallards, Northern Shovellers, Double-crested Cormorants, Hooded Mergansers, Canvasbacks, and a Black-crowned Night Heron. We also spotted a beaver and a black bear.

To reach the marsh head north on Highway 10 out of Erickson. Turn left (west) on Highway 45, and then turn right (north) on Road 111, which is the first gravel you encounter. Head straight for the lake until you see a small parking area and a wooden sign for Proven Lake, where the trailhead is located.