Winnipeg, Manitoba

Since we both liked Bird Hills Provincial Park so well on our way west we decided to alter the schedule a bit and stay there on the way home as well, for 2 nights.

We arrived in the early afternoon, set up camp and went for a tour.  Joanne had told us to go to Skinner's Diner for ice cream.  There are actually 2 Skinner's.  One right on the river and the other not to far.

Skinner's Diner!

After we finished our ice cream, we carried on a bit further north.  We come upon Lower Fort Garry.  They were still open so we stopped and did our tour.  Each little house and shop had students posing as the people back in history.  They were all very informed of the history during that era.  The Fort was actually a trading post set up by the Hudson Bay Company.  Hudson Bay actually owned Manitoba until 1870 when Manitoba became a province.  Canada bought the land in 1869.  We helped close the Fort at 5pm and returned to camp.

Entrance into the Fort

Treaty Number One

On our second day in Winnipeg, we had on the schedule to meet Scott Pettigrew, a friend from Wingham Ontario.  Since that was to be at supper time, we decided to go to Gimli, Manitoba.  Al and Chris McGarvey had been to Gimli, the summer of 1983.  Chris and his twin Cheryl were born there. Gimli had an Air Force base until 1971.  Gimli is right on the water and would remind you a bit of Lake Huron.......beaches, fish and chips etc.

During our tour of Gimli we found the New Iceland Heritage Museum.  Interesting place.  There was a huge population of Icelandic people and later Polish people immigrated to Gimli.  While the museum was not that large it did have quite a few displays.  I found a couple of pictures that might be relatives of Sandra??

Manitoba--1st Province giving Women Right to Vote

Do you remember when the Air Canada Jet glided into the Gimli Airport?  A huge mistake in fuel consumption----changing the measurements used.  Along the Marina wall, artist in the community have painted different pictures...........here is the Jet, painted by Dave McNabb.

Our last stop of the night is in Winnipeg to meet Scott.  We met him at Rae & Jerry's Steakhouse -- a place where deals are made!  The atmosphere was awesome reflecting back in time.  Built in 1957!
We had a wonderful visit and one of the best meals.  Anyone in the area should try it out!

Scott, Fran and Al

Rae & Jerry's Steakhouse