In the Footsteps of the Voyageur
When the voyageurs first began to trade in what is now Winnipeg they were brought into a world ripe with over 6,000 years of indigenous history. From the 18th century onward these centuries of storied histories helped shaped our culturally significant city and can be found today in everything from architecture to the arts. This itinerary immerses students in the historical experience, putting them right in the shoes of the settlers and our most famous figures.
Day One
Take a unique tour of the city on a Winnipeg trolley that has been refurbished to resemble a Winnipeg streetcar, circa 1921. The tour will take you back to this burgeoning frontier town filled with mystery, excitement and an eclectic cast of wild characters. Learn why Winnipeg was once called the “wickedest city in Canada,” how an underdog local hockey team became the world’s first Olympic hockey champion, and this prairie town’s influential connection to the world’s most famous spy – James Bond.
Spend lunchtime at The Forks where the students can browse stalls and shops at the public market, and dine at one of the many kiosks representing cuisines from around the world using food vouchers provided.
Cross the river to Saint-Boniface and visit Winnipeg’s oldest building Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum. Students will learn about Manitoba’s famous rebel-rouser Louis Riel, “the Father of Manitoba” who started a rebellion against the newly formed Government of Canada fighting for the rights of Manitoba and the Métis.
Dedicated to presenting, discussing and projecting human rights issues from the past, present and into the future, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will challenge your students to make a difference. Travel through 11 exhibits from the dark, near-cavernous ground floor up to the sunlight-bathed Tower of Hope.
On thematic guided class tours, like the thought-provoking When Rights are Denied, students are challenged to witness a range of historical and contemporary world events. In this, they will learn to discuss their own concepts of freedom, identity and discrimination. The experience – which utilizes a digital interactive study table, film, and oral history listening stations – focuses on histories including the transatlantic slave trade and genocides that have taken place across the globe.
Day Two
A day in the life of a voyageur.
Spend the day at voyageur park and take in the sights and sounds of Festival du Voyageur (February 17 – 26, 2017) Celebrate the culture and “joie de vivre” of the fur traders, who established the Red River Colony and every growing French-Canadian community in Western Canada. Through its many workshops and activities, from walking with snowshoes to finger weaving, it offers your students a front row ticket to a unique learning experience on the historic character of the voyageur and their day-to-day life. Activities for all age groups of students have been developed and linked to curriculum and has resources and activity books to facilitate teaching in the classroom.
Explore the historic Fort Gibraltar and see the characters come to life, learn a gig, listen to a story over the fire and or see all the goods that were traded by the Métis. Give some free time for the students to explore the snow sculptures, from artists all over the world, enjoy some maple syrup on the snow or a taste of sugar pie.
Day Three
Embrace winter with a day of outdoor activities suitable for all ages at nature oasis FortWhyte Alive. Located within the city, this 640-acre nature preserve is home to snow-capped forests, frozen lakes and endless Prairie landscape. Rent a fishing pole and try reeling in a big catch while ice fishing. Explore the site’s 7 km of walking trails and look out for wildlife from white-tailed deer to woodpeckers. From January-March, FortWhyte Alive offers a unique “Gifts of the North” program, where students learn how Inuit lived off the land by hunting and fishing. They’ll also get to experience Inuit culture by playing traditional games and snowshoeing. Fuel up with regional cuisine at Buffalo Stone Café, located on site.
Customize a memorable sleepover at The Manitoba Museum, outlining the natural history of the Prairies. Take a mystery flashlight tour and scavenger hunt of the galleries, watch a show at the Planetarium, explore the whacky side of science at the hands-on science gallery and learn about the history of the fur trade aboard the Nonsuch ketch.
For more itineraries ideas and all your student group travel needs, please contact 1 (855) PEG-CITY