Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure. Today we are going to go on another adventure to our next country. Can you guess where we are going? We are going to visit the lovely country of Canada and our stop this week will be the beautiful province of Manitoba
1.) Leo Mol Sculpture Garden hours of operation are 9-6:30pm Located in the north-west side of the Park, the garden was created as a result of Dr. Mol’s generous gift of his wonderful bronze pieces and works of art to the community in which he lived. The garden is also home to the Leo Mol Gallery, featuring works by the gifted artist, and the Leo Mol SchoolHouse Studio. In the 1960s Leo Mol purchased the former schoolhouse and many of his pieces were completed in it during the 1970s and 1980s. The interior of the School House has been maintained intact complete with moulds and plaster casts of major works. It allows the visitor a glimpse of how a bronze sculpture is created.
2.) Canadian Museum for Human Rights hours of operation are Tue-Sat 10-5pm Canada's new national museum is a unique exploration of the importance of human rights. Interactive digital technology, video, film and art are designed to educate and inspire. An unforgettable visitor experience in a stunning new architectural icon.
3.) Manitoba Museum hours of operation are Tue-Sun 10-4pm The Manitoba Museum is the province's largest centre for heritage and science learning, unique in its combined human and natural history themes, immersive world class dioramas, science and astronomy education, and in the scope and quality of its programs. Housed within the Centennial Concert Hall campus and across from City Hall, the Manitoba Museum presents three main offerings to the public: the Museum Galleries, the Planetarium, and the Science Gallery.
4.) The Forks National Historic Site Discover a green oasis in the heart of Winnipeg. This nine-acre (3.6 hectare) park, which encompasses open green spaces and tree-lined walkways, is a national treasure owned and operated by Parks Canada. Enlightening interpretive displays, inspiring sculptures, stone pictographs and ceremonial bronze gambling sticks embody the Site’s rich continuum of historical events that span over 6,000 years.
5.) Assiniboine Park Zoo hours of operation are 9-5pm Home to more than 150 animal species, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is a place for exploration and family fun every season. Located in beautiful Assiniboine Park, the Zoo has been a favourite destination for families, tourists, school groups, and animal lovers for over a century. With over 80 acres to explore, the Zoo is open year-round with indoor and outdoor exhibits, allowing visitors to interact with animal species from all corners of the globe. Assiniboine Park Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As an accredited, modern zoological organization, Assiniboine Park Zoo focuses on meeting and exceeding the ever-rising standards of animal care and welfare, safety, and veterinary programs as well as demonstrating a commitment to education, conservation and research.
6.) Royal Canadian Mint Our 45 minute tours are fun, educational and perfect for all ages. Every tour is personally led by one of our knowledgeable guides. Our tour guides walk you through the production process while offering insights about the Mint’s major milestones, and sharing top-secret stories you can only hear on a Mint tour. Tours are available in both Canadian official languages, English and French. OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m in the winter season (Labour Day to May long weekend). OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK in summer season (May long weekend to Labour Day) **Hours subject to change without notice. Tours subject to change without notice.
7.) Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada hours of operation are 10-5pm Winnipeg's newest museum, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, is NOW OPEN! Located at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, this state-of-the-art facility houses more than 25 aircraft and 17 immersive exhibits. Learn about the people and planes of western Canada's aviation history through exhibits that will spark inspiration and discovery. This brand-new 86,000-square-foot facility also features a boutique gift shop, children's play area, observation lounge, and much more. Learn, play, and be inspired at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. Plan your visit today!
8.) Itsanitaq Museum hours of operation are Mon-Sat 1-4:30pm This out-of-the-way Museum may look small and unassuming from the outside, but it houses so many well-done and interesting displays! You can spend as little as 1/2 hour to all day at this small museum. The collections are unique and very well displayed that there’s no way to see them all in just an hour. If you’re in Churchill or the surrounding area, this is a definite must-do.
The gift shop in the corner was also a great spot for Christmas shopping and a bonus is the staff is passionate and knowledgeable.
9.) Fort Gibraltar hours of operation are Tue-Sat 10-4pm Located minutes from downtown Winnipeg, Fort Gibraltar is an ideal venue for hosting a variety of events: weddings, corporate meetings, private functions, group tours and more! Historical tours and Three rooms are available year-round, offering modern facilities in an historical setting. (reservation requires) In the summer, Fort Gibraltar is also a living history museum offering interactive and educational guided tours about the fur trade era. Our costumed interpreters relive the daily life of the inhabitants of the site in 1815 as you visit significant buildings in the fort such as the blacksmith shop, the winter's cabin and the trading post. In February, the historical venue is at the heart of the largest winter festival in Western Canada, the Festival du Voyageur.
10.) Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre hours of operation are 12-4pm Built in 1895, Dalnavert Museum is an ornate Victorian mansion nestled in the heart of Winnipeg. This unique museum features a “day in the life” feel as it transports you back in time to the 19th century the second you step inside.
11.) Mennonite Heritage Village Museum hours of operation are Mon-Sat 9-5pm and Sun 11:30-5pm The Mennonite Heritage Village features two galleries and a reconstructed late 19th century Mennonite village. Experience the life of early Mennonite settlers and hear their story as they seek to live as peacemakers in this new world. Eat traditional food at our restaurant in the village. The galleries are open year round. The village and the restaurant are open seasonally. Check out their website for more details.
12.) Prince of Wales Fort This fort took 38 years to build, stood for 11 years and it is one of the must-sees if you go to Churchill. The fort is steeped in history, but most Canadians are unaware of how it came about, and the role it played. There is a fantastic view of Hudson Bay from the parapet and the walk from the welcoming centre to the fort is covered in local plants. Chances are good you will see belugas on the boat ride across the river from town to the point and this is one of the places where they release captive polar bears in the summertime so seeing bears outside the fort is not at all unusual
13.) Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site of CanadaHistory will unfold before your eyes at this restored 19th century fort where costumed staff recreate the 1850s in the Red River Valley. Come and meet the Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company as he strolls through his garden, barter with the company clerk, sit in a tipi and listen to the whispers of ancient legends, and touch the coarse fur of a bison hide at the oldest stone fur trading post in North America – or, if you prefer, scour the fort for clues in a family scavenger hunt. There is something here for the whole family.Living-history programs run mid-May – Labour Day, 9:00 – 5:00 daily. Daily guided tours in English and French and motorized access for mobility challenged visitors available. Regularly scheduled tours are offered in September. Don’t forget to ask us about our Halloween and Christmas programs. The site is open to groups year-round for tours, weddings or meetings by pre-booking.
14.) Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum hours of operation are weekdays 10-4 Sat/Sun 12-4pm The Grey Nuns' convent, Winnipeg's oldest building, houses Le Musee de Saint-Boniface Museum. Built for the Grey Nuns who arrived in the Red River Colony in 1844, the structure is an outstanding example of Red River frame construction. The Museum presents an impressive collection of artifacts that reveal the lives and culture of the Francophone and Metis communities of Manitoba, including a special exhibit about Louis Riel, the "father" of Manitoba.
15.) Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre hours of operation are Mon-SUn 10-5pm A Manitoba Star Attraction!The Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre houses the largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada. If you like dinosaurs or sea monsters you will love "Bruce" our 43 ft (13 mtr) Mosasaur, the fiercest of all the marine reptiles. He's bigger than a T Rex and just as scary. It's because of him that the Cretaceous seas were considered the most dangerous of all time. In 2015 the Guinness Book of World Records officially recognized Bruce as the largest Mosasaur on display ANYWHERE! Join our staff on the beautiful Manitoba Escarpment in their search for Bruce's mother. All you have to do is register for one of our Fossil Dig Programs to begin your own outdoor fossil finding adventure.
16.) Here Be Bears Permanent display case in the main airport terminal with tourist information and northern art and gift items. This is the only Churchill shop where you will find *only* items designed & made in Churchill, and meet the craftsman/maker himself. Jewelry, linocut relief prints, and glass work, unique to Churchill. Extended hours and accessibility during 'bear season', all efforts are made to be open for all arriving & departing planes. Despite rumours to the contrary, there is no phone number. My work is very visual. I don’t do any business over the phone. Email me. Check out my new Shopify page. I can do 'contactless delivery' to you if you are visiting Churchill, and can ship to you if you are not.
17.) Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum hours of operation are 1-4pm A collection of planes and vehicles as well as other memorabilia from the war. The hanger is very old and unique just like you would walk into it back in the 40's. Stop by and learn some Canadian history, some of it you may not be familiar with and make sure you check out the the memorial wall and chapel by the Barbers Book.The volunteers were knowledgeable and excellent (including a demonstration of morse code!) Fun for the whole family.
18.) Fort la Reine Museum hours of operation are Fri-Sun 11-3pm The Fort la Reine Museum is made up of 25 buildings and it covers 300 years of prairie history. To learn about the fur trade and exploration period visit the Fort la Reine replica and the corresponding York boat and trappers cabin. It has a collection of homes each showcasing a different era of pioneer living. The pioneer village also has a variety of businesses and a one room schoolhouse built in 1881. A part of the collection touches upon the railway and has CPR’s general manager, Sir William Van Horne’s personal business car from 1882. Regular season is from May - October, but private tours may be booked in advance during the off-season. Themed events and workshops are regularly scheduled during the regular and off seasons!
19.) Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre hours of operation are 10-4:30pm Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre is an award-winning nature interpretation centre located on the edge of the Oak Hammock Marsh. The interpretive centre offers a multitude of fun and interactive exhibits as well as a 120-seat multimedia theatre, a gift shop as well as a delicious café overlooking the marsh. Open year-round, the Interpretive Centre welcomes families, group tours and school visits for guided programs such as canoe excursions, guided birding walk and snowshoe walks, The marsh itsefl is a 36 km2 Wildlife Management Area featuring a restored prairie marsh, aspen-oak bluff, waterfowl lure crops, artesian springs, some of Manitoba's last remaining patches of tall-grass prairie and 30 kilometers of hiking trails to explore. It is home to 25 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, numerous amphibians, reptiles, and fish, and countless invertebrates. During migration season, the number of waterfowl using the marsh during migration can exceed 400,000 daily!
20.) Manitoba Electrical Museum & Education Centre hours of operation are Tue-Sat 1-4pm Explore the history of hydroelectric power in Manitoba from the 1880s to now. Check out a replica electric streetcar, a towering robot made of over 50 household appliances and the interactive discovery area on the lower level. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1-4 pm and by appointment. Guided tours are available. Special events include All That Glows: Then and Now, an annual celebration of holiday lighting trends, running from mid-November to early January.
21.) New Iceland Heritage Museum hours of operation are 10-4pm A Manitoba Signature Museum tells the unique chapter in Canada's history of the Icelandic settlers that settled on a strip of land along Lake winnipeg, which eventually became a part of Manitoba. New Iceland has the largest population of Icelanders outside of Iceland.
22.) Seven Oaks House Museum hours of operation are 10:30-4:30pm Seven Oaks House is the oldest home in Winnipeg, built from 1851-5 For John Inkster and Mary (Sinclair) Inkster. It is one of few surviving log structures which depicts the lifestyle of people in the Red River Settlement during the 19th Century.
23.) RCA Museum Nice collection of artillery and a few large pieces. Exhibits are very well displayed with lots of historical information. We spent 2 hours there and still did not see everything. You have to be willing to read a lot to get a lot out of it. If all you do is run through the museum, you might not enjoy it. It is on Shilo base and you can drive around the base.
24.) Westman Reptile Gardens hours of operation are 10-8pm closed on Sundays I would call this a diamond in the ruff. Unique and pleasant. They have the set up for each animal suited for their natural environment. If you love reptiles you WILL appreciate the work put into this. Children under three are free and adults are 8 dollars each well worth it and probably will be back next year. There were turtles you can buy food for if you have a quarter. The gift shop had a lot of stuff at a good price. Recommended for all ages.
25.) Living Prairie Museum This outdoor museum preserves a precious and rare ecosystem. The variety of flora and fauna in such a relatively small space is fascinating. We loved the self-guided tour, including the bison stone and hollow; the butterflies and dragonflies and especially the beautiful male indigo bunting in the aspen trees. There is a well-designed, welcoming interpretation centre with interesting displays and helpful staff.
26.) Narcisse Snake Dens There's several snake dens with varying amounts of activity. You may want to budget about an hour with stops to walk the entire trail. There's a lot of parking and the trails are well maintained. You can find official updates on their web page to learn of activity and optimal viewing times. Generally hot and sunny are the best times.It’s 4km of trails to 4 snake dens. The trails are flat and easy to walk with benches every once in a while. Strollers are a must if you have little kids/or a wagon. The Parks Interpreter is at each den and can answer questions and also let you pick up a snake. The snakes are not slithering all over the pathways ... they are all in the dens but a few sneak up for you to pick up. Washrooms are also available.
27.) Exchange District Guided Walking Tour hours of operation are weekdays 9-5pm The Exchange District is one of the most iconic and vibrant neighbourhoods in Winnipeg. This National Historic Site features an exceptional collection of heritage buildings built between 1880 and 1920. Nicknamed the “Chicago of the North”, the Exchange features massive stone and brick warehouses, elegant terracotta-clad buildings, narrow angled streets as well as cobblestone paths and alleyways. On any of our 9 guided walking tours, knowledgeable and dynamic tour guides examine legends of power, corruption and heroism all while you enjoy an exceptional collection of architecture. A must-see for visitors and locals!
28.) Splash Dash Splash Dash Boat Tours offers tourists and local regulars a 1/2 hour historically guided boat tour on both the Assiniboine and Red River. We are located at the Forks Historic Site and Market down at the Forks Historic Port. Open May 15 to October 15 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm everyday.
29.) Winnipeg Trolley Company hours of operation are 9:30-12:30pm Looking for an engaging, fun experience in Winnipeg? Hop aboard our award-winning city tours, brewery tours, and ghost tours, and we can help you discover what makes the River City special! Learn why Manitoba's capital was once called the 'wickedest city in Canada', how a local team became history's first Olympic hockey champions, and our shocking connection to James Bond on our Heart of a Nation City Tour. Sample local beer, learn the art of professional beer tasting, enjoy a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, and hear about our liquor-laced history on the Ale Trail Craft Brewery Tour. Uncover Winnipeg's haunted history and creepy creatures on our Trolley of Terror Ghost Tour. No matter which tour you choose, our guides are excited to show you why we love our city!
30.) Bothwell Cheese Just outside Winnipeg in the tiny village of New Bothwell, you will find a factory shop offering the best-tasting cheese in the history of mankind. The extra-aged red wine cheese is a standout. Stop in for a sample and see for yourself. The range and variety of cheese here is excellent and they are great promoters of other Manitoba products, including Coal and Canary Candles. A one stop tourist shop
With so much history packed into this providence and so many things to see and do you can definitely find something for everyone. Lots of amazing parks, waterfalls and a few amusement parks that are worth checking out.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious and you never know whose life you could save simply by being kind and when it comes to kindness sprinkle it everywhere the world needs more of it.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
