CanadaManitoba,

Welcome to WinnipegKnown for its friendly and welcoming spirit, Winnipeg is a diverse multicultural city with a rich and varied history. An aboriginal trading centre prior to the arrival of the Europeans, Winnipeg was at the heart of the country’s fur trade and instrumental in developing Canada’s gateway to the west. Over the last decades, Winnipeg has developed into a cosmopolitan city complete with top-notch restaurants, swanky boutiques, exciting attractions and an arts and culture scene that bursts with talent and originality.

Grab your cup of java and head to the Manitoba Museum to explore the province’s fascinating history. Stroll the streets of Winnipeg as they were in the roaring 1920s and then hop aboard the life-sized replica of the Nonsuch ketch and enjoy a bountiful breakfast. Learn about the people of the north in one of the experiential programs that showcases the traditional lifestyles of the Inuit people and their unique artisan work with soapstone. Make your way through the Hudson’s Bay gallery and discover Manitoba’s fur-trading roots. Finish your visit with a stop at Ancient Seas—an animated video diorama of Churchill 450 million years ago when it was covered by an Ordovician Sea teeming with ancient marine creatures.

Afterward, make your way to Fort Gibraltar, originally a North West Company fur trade post, where the history of Manitoba comes to life. Experience the joie de vivre of the fur trade era through food, music, and demonstrations.

In the afternoon, head deeper into St. Boniface - Winnipeg’s French Quarter and visit Le Musée de St. Boniface Museum. Built for the Grey Nuns who arrived in the Red River Colony in 1844, this structure is an outstanding example of Red River frame construction. The museum includes a special exhibit about Louis Riel, the “father” of Manitoba. While here, create lasting memories by making your own vest or jacket with artist and designer Lorna Hiebert. Lorna honours this traditional activity reflecting Manitoba’s history and storytelling.

Start off day two at Winnipeg’s newest landmark, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Scheduled for completion in 2014, this signature project is expected to bring worldwide attention to the city and the topic of human rights education.

Discover Winnipeg’s rich historical past on a guided city tour that takes you from the Exchange District—home to North America’s finest collection of turn-of-the-last-century architecture—to the Manitoba Legislative Building filled with mysterious Masonic references. While on Corydon Avenue, tuck into lunch at one of the trendy restaurants lining the strip, or taste one of the healthy plates of Fresh Café known for its organic, local ingredients.

After lunch, bask in the exotic horticultural collection at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory. Then, head to Assiniboine Park Zoo for close encounters with animals from all over the world. This zoo features more than 400 species in both indoor and outdoor exhibits, and specializes in cold-climate species from northern latitudes and mountain ranges.

Set for completion in 2013, the signature Journey to Churchill zoo exhibit will feature a variety of spectacular elements geared to both educate and inspire. Enjoy incredible views of rescued polar bears in the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre; catch a video presentation of breath-taking northern lights in the Aurora Borealis theatre; or sip cocktails in the underwater polar bear viewing area followed by dinner in the Tundra Grill cafe. All this to prepare you for your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 2 • Canadian Museum for Human Rights • Assiniboine Park Conservancy • Winnipeg City Tour

Day 1 • Breakfast at Manitoba Museum • Manitoba Museum Workshop • Educational learning session & interactive fur trade tour at Fort Gilbraltar, followed by lunch • Design your own polar fleece vest at the St. Boniface Museum, followed by supper

Welcome to Churchill The polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is a great place to view polar bears in their natural habitat. Churchill is also known as Manitoba’s beluga whale watching hot spot and is a birder’s paradise. The approach of winter also makes Churchill one of the best places to experience the northern lights. While in Churchill, take in some of its extensive fur trade history, adventure kayaking, hiking and outstanding cuisine (Arctic char is a must!). So get set for your once-in-a-lifetime tundra experience in Churchill.

Prime time for polar bear viewing! October and November are the best months to see polar bears as they get prepared to move out on the newly formed ice in search of seals. Come face to face with the mighty polar bear from unique tundra vehicles that let you travel in comfort and safety over the snowy terrain. Follow the bears as they gather along the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to freeze. Wilderness hikes offer a bears’ eye view of the stunning coastal landscape. During prime polar bear viewing season, it’s even common to see an ambling bear pass by your window. When you’re not bear watching, enjoy the colourful light show of the aurora borealis or try dog-sledding for an exhilarating arctic adventure.

Beluga WhalesNicknamed “sea canaries” for their strange high-pitched whistles, clicking, chirping and other underwater vocalizations, thousands of beluga whales inhabit the warmer waters of the Churchill River after the ice breaks up. Zodiacs and larger passenger boats can take visitors out among the intelligent and curious pods of whales. Listen in on the whales’ conversation using hydrophones and try to figure out what they are saying.

Churchill Northern Studies Centre

The Centre offers high-quality adventure study tours. Each five-day course is a true learning experience led by professional scientists and expert guides. They are designed to promote a deep understanding and appreciation of the culture, history and wildlife of the Churchill area. There are no tests and no grades. Daily guided tours and presentations will open new doors to learning for even the most seasoned traveller.

A second day in Churchill is a necessity. The opportunities are all unique and varied depending on the season you choose to visit. In summer, it can include a walking tour of the Hudson Bay or a boat ride to Prince of Whales Fort. During polar bear season, it can be a second day on the Tundra looking to boost your count of polar bear viewings or a visit to the Inuit Museum or the Parks Canada Visitor Centre where the northern story is told.

• Fly to Churchill & begin your experience on Manitoba’s Tundra • Snorkel with Beluga Whales in June & July or • Get up close & personal with Polar Bears in October & November or • Take part in one of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre experiences

Day 3

Day 4 • Town of Churchill or • Fort Prince of Whales Tour • Inuit Museum • Shopping

If you still have time before you head home, the Winnipeg Art Gallery has the largest collection of modern Inuit Art in North America and customized private tours are available. During polar bear season the culture scene is in high season. There is a venue for all from plays, opera, ballet, symphony orchestra and many choices of great restaurants to round off your evening.

www.travelmanitoba.com PH Lindsay Penner 204.927.7835 TF 1.800.665.0040 Ext 7835

These few days only provided a taste of Manitoba, we encourage your return so we can host you again.

Day 5 • Fly to Winnipeg • Visit Winnipeg Art Gallery - Inuit Collection • Culture Galore!

Return to Winnipeg

Bon Voyage, we hope you enjoyed your stay!