...and a lot of fun! Winnipeg's rich historical past is enshrined in museums, exhibits and monuments in every part of town. Below are just a few of the many places you can learn about the people and places that have made this a great place to be!


Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature
(Museum, Planetarium and Science Centre)
190 Rupert Avenue and Main Street

Open year round: May long weekend to Labour Day, daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Rest of year: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.;
Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays. Admission charged.


Museum (204) 956-2830

From the Orientation to the Grasslands, the museum presents life in Manitoba as it relates to our unique environments. Galleries include (in order): Earth History, Arctic-Subarctic, Boreal Forest, and Grasslands. The museum also features the spectacular Nonsuch, a replica of a 17th century ketch. The Urban Gallery presents life in Winnipeg as if stepping back in time- have a seat in the theatre and see a Charlie Chaplin film!


Planetarium (204) 943-3142 for show times
Open: Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, closed Mondays. Admission charged.

Explore space in a unique, 280 seat dome theatre, presenting multimedia shows about the cosmos and the world around us. If you've never seen it- go today!


Science Centre (204) 943-3139
Open: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays. Admission charged.

The Science Centre/Touch The Universe Gallery contains nearly 100 interactive exhibits for you to take part in and learn a little science in a fun and active way. Suitable for all ages.


The Forks National Historic Site (204) 983-6757

A gathering place for over 6,000 years, The Forks is a 56 acre waterfront redevelopment project at the storied junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. Riverside walkways provide for long, scenic strolls in the summertime. Set yourself down on the Plaza and relax. Don't forget to take in some of the open air performances!

This heritage site offers archaeological digs each summer, with opportunities for public participation. Or if you prefer to hit the water, light out in a canoe, rowboat, or sea cycle.

In the wintertime, the outdoor skating rink is frozen artificially to extend the skating season. Skiing, toboggan slides, and more make The Forks a great outdoor destination year round.


La Vérendrye Monument
avenue Tache, opposite St. Boniface Hospital

La Vérendrye explored much of the country west, opening it up to the fur trade. Pierre Gaultier de La Vérendrye and his sons were the first white men to travel west via the Great Lakes chain, reaching "the forks" of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. La Vérendrye is credited with having erected Fort Rouge ­ the first permanent structure - on the site of the future City of Winnipeg in 1738.


Louis Riel's Grave
190 avenue de la Cathédrale (St. Boniface Cathedral Church yard)

Louis Riel was the leader of the Métis and President of the Provisional Government which negotiated Manitoba's entry into Confederation as a Province.


Louis Riel Statue
Legislative Building facing the Assiniboine River

The statue and plaque commemorate Riel's contribution to the development of Canadian Confederation and his role, and that of the Metis, as founders of Manitoba.


The Stopping of the Survey
Don Smith Park, Whyte Ridge

In 1869, a group of Métis, led by Louis Riel, forced Canadian surveyors to halt their work in southern Manitoba until negotiations had taken place between the inhabitants of Red River Settlement and the Canadian Government. These negotiations led to the creation of the Province of Manitoba.


"The Passage"
On the Assiniboine River in present day Charleswood


On the banks of the Assiniboine River, a fording site was utilized by Natives, fur traders and settlers f rom prehistoric times. The link is marked by a Manitoba Heritage Council plaque on Berkley Street.


Abraham Albert Heaps
A. A. Heaps Building at 254 Portage Avenue

Abraham Albert Heaps was a leader of the infamous Winnipeg General Strike of 1919.


Canadian Pacific Railway Station
181 Higgins Avenue (Today, the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Inc.)

Designated a National Historic Site, the former CPR Station stands as a reminder economic and population growth, holding many memories for Winnipeggers and Western Canadians. The station was built in 1904 to replace a previous structure which burned down in 1894.


Longest Canoe Trip
Seniors Park at Bronx Avenue and Kildonan Drive

In June, 1980, Dan Starkell and son Dana who launched their canoe at the park and paddled over 12,000 miles to Belem, Brazil. A World Record Canoe trip.


Upper Fort Garry Gate
Main Street opposite the VIA Station

Upper Fort Garry, built in 1834-37, was the fur trading centre for the Red River settlement. It served as the seat of government for the District of Assiniboia and the Red River settlement. Today, the only remaining part of the original is the stone gate. The wooden walls which surrounded the northern half the fort have been restored.


Grant's Old Mill
2777 Portage Avenue
Open daily May to Labour Day
Telephone (204) 986-5613 (summer) or (204) 837-1775

A replica of the original watermill constructed on the Sturgeon Creek in 1829. Believed to be the first watermill west of the Great Lakes and the first instance of use of hydro power in Manitoba. Grist is ground daily during summer and sold in souvenir bags. Admission by donation.