Winnipeg Time Travel
Winnipeg’s history comes alive on this two-day tour that bring students all the way from the prehistoric times into the 18th and 19th century – with much of it taking place in the great outdoors. They’ll explore some of Winnipeg’s iconic buildings, be introduced to our ancient surroundings, and be invited to walk in the steps of the fur traders.
Day One
Students will feel like they’ve become characters in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code when they embark on this mysterious and illuminating tour of the Manitoba Legislative Building, The Hermetic Code Tour. This stunning neoclassical building was built by a freemason who hid (often in plain sight) signs, symbols and hieroglyphics throughout the building – the meaning of which lay uncovered for nearly a century. This tour brings to light all these elements in an incredibly engaging experience that will ensure students never look at architecture in the same way again.
6000 years ago, the junction of the might Red and Assiniboine rivers was a great place to meet. Centuries later The Forks remains a crossroads of culture and commerce. Explore The Forks by participating in the High Tech History Hunts. Choose from two intriguing "cases" and use GPS technology and a self-guiding booklet to trace the history of The Forks and locate a hidden geocache.
Lunch at The Forks: Give your group some free time to explore the quaint boutiques, listen to talented buskers, checkout some impressive tricks at the state-of-the art skateboarding park or climb the six stories of The Forks Market Tower to get a view of Winnipeg’s skyline.
The history of the prairies – and indeed the cosmos – comes alive at The Manitoba Museum through larger than life dioramas, a life-sized replica ship that sailed from England to Hudson Bay in the 17th century, an interactive Science Gallery, and one of the world’s most state-of-the-art Planetariums. Their “Company of Adventurers” experience will see your students getting rugged like the men who created the fur trading networks as they recreate fur trading items, handle artefacts and explore a trapper’s base camp.
Spend the evening at Celebrations Dinner Theatre. Enjoy an original three-act musical comedy that will have your group singing and laughing and a few members might even find themselves onstage! Experience fabulous live vocals of popular songs with fantastic sets and delight in the performances, while indulging in a four-course dinner.
Day Two
Go back to the 1850s through a living history lesson at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, North America’s only restored stone fort from the fur trade era. Buildings and walls that have stood on the bank of the Red River for more than 180 years tell inspiring tales of innovations, discovery and struggle Costumed interpreters bring the fort to life and introduce students to the social and racial tensions resulting from the fur trade in the Red River region. Students will learn the effects of prejudice and bias as well as the importance of questioning stereotypes today.
Only 20 minutes west of Lower Fort Garry, spend the afternoon at Oak Hammock Marsh, this unique wildlife management area, featuring hiking trails, marsh boardwalks, canoe excursions and bird viewing. Participate in a wildlife survey and get up close and personal with some of the marsh inhabitants. Learn the history of the Voyageurs and see the marsh from a new perspective in one of three, 10-passenger voyageur-style canoes. You’ll get a duck's eye view of the plants and animals that call the marsh home when providing the paddle power.
Experience the thrill and freedom of creating theatre without a script at The Manitoba Theatre for Young People. Through theatre sports, games, and improvisational techniques, you’ll learn how to quickly develop characters and take scenes to their comic potential. This lively and entertaining class is a great way to experience the creative teamwork that makes theatre happen. No experience is necessary – just an active imagination and a sense of adventure.