The shows at The Planetarium are designed to impart knowledge regarding the universe to their visitors. However, this is not done in a boring or theoretical fashion. In fact, you are encouraged to imagine yourself as brave explorers setting out on a voyage beyond the frontiers of the realm of earth. It’s a journey that will transcend time and take you into outer space, past planets, suns, moons, other astronomical bodies, and even beyond that!

The Planetarium was conceived as a project by the Manitoba Centennial Centre complex in 1961 in celebration of the centennial celebration of both Canada and Manitoba. Thanks to the patronage and financial support of the Saiyde and Samuel Bronfman Foundation, it was possible to finish the construction. It took nearly six years for the project to be completed and the official opening of the Planetarium was on May 15, 1968.

The Planetarium is located in the lower level of The Manitoba Museum and the Zeiss Model Vs Star Projector is its heart and soul. Without this precision opto-mechanical machine it would not be possible to make such a realistic recreation of the night sky, which is the central attraction of the Planetarium. The 154 projectors, working together, create the magic of the sun, moon, planets, 9,000 stars, and the Milky Way. What would cost in excess of $2 million today was bought in 1967 for $125,000 Cdn. However, the Zeiss projector does not work alone and is aided by more than 200 auxiliary projectors that ultimately result in the stunning effects that you see.

These projectors make it possible for you to not only see but also feel all the cosmic phenomenon that you may have only heard about – the rings of Saturn, the volcanoes of Mars, and various other sights that will leave you spellbound. These days, the Planetarium uses the latest technology in computer animation and special effects, which add a whole new dimension to your experience.

In earlier days, the shows of the Planetarium were pre-recorded and ran pretty much like a movie. However, these days, all the shows are delivered live by the astronomer who is also prepared to answer questions you may have.

It is easy to see that a lot of thought has gone into the astronomical and entertainment programs that are conducted here, and that is why the Manitoba Planetarium is a great hit with both adults and children. This is one science lesson that children will not try to wriggle out of or forget in a hurry.

Montreal architects Ross and MacFarlane designed the hotel after the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and initially this hotel was supposed to be named the Selkirk. However, it was decided to name it the Fort Garry, after the fort (with the same name) that stood at the junction of the Assiniboine and Red rivers. The strategic location of the hotel on Broadway, between Fort and Garry Streets ensured that it was the first building tourists laid their eyes on when they entered the city, whatever direction the entered from. Incidentally, hotel Fort Garry was the first ever commercial establishment to come up on Broadway, and till date the only hotel to be built there.

The first indication one gets of Fort Garry’s beauty and elegance is when one walks into the lobby which is accessible from the grand exterior staircase. The main lobby stretches across 44 by 66 foot of space and to the eyes, the impression it conveys is that of rich luxury. High beamed ceilings, Caen stone walls, a glittering chandelier that make the focal point of the room, and Napoleon grey marble floor inlaid with Belgian black marble – the effect is indeed extraordinary. If you are not used to such sights, you may walk around in a daze trying to take in all the grandeur in front of you.

Even though there have been several changes in the hotel over the years, it has retained some of its original features. For instance, the mail chutes you see on each floor and the brass mailbox next to the elevators in the lobby are all from the time when the hotel was newly constructed. The Main Dining Room now referred to as the Provencher Room has, also been maintained in its original style and is used to host receptions and banquets. This room is one of the largest rooms in the hotel and extends along the length of the building.

The seventh floor, however, tells a different story. This is where the Crystal Ballroom and Concert Hall are located. These two rooms were converted into casinos in the 1990s, probably in an attempt to keep pace with the changing times. However, during the early months of 2000 the casino were done away with and the ballrooms were reinstated to their original use.

Each room in Hotel Fort Garry can tell you a story, each corner has a secret, and each original fixture carries many tales. Staying at this hotel is like walking into an era that is long gone but still kept alive in all its resplendent glory.



When you consider the history of The Forks, you are immediately intrigued by it. To begin with, what is a major tourist attraction now used to be actually a railway repair facility. Unbelievable, isn’t it? Effort has gone into restoring and revamping the buildings of this facility and when you stroll along the shopping arcade, you will find hardly any evidence of its connection with locomotives of any sort. There is a lookout point in one of the buildings and from there you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire area.

There are walking trails along the riverfront and one of them leads to the Legislative Buildings of Winnipeg, yet another crowd puller in this area. Give yourself another 5 minutes and you will reach the Osborne Village, a tourist spot in its own right. Finally, if you have the time to spare and if you are a baseball enthusiast you can make a trip to the Can West Stadium, the place where the Winnipeg Goldeyes play minor league baseball.

The first floor of The Forks Market has a lot of food shops, and you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables along with various other specialty items. On the second floor, the craft store and the ballet conservatory are two places definitely worth a visit. And, in the basement bits and pieces from history can be bought from the large antique store looked after by the cooperative.

The skatepark near The Forks is a relatively new addition. It is one of the biggest skateparks in Canada. The size of this skatepark isn’t the only noteworthy feature. It is also known for its diversity and pleasant style. Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk chose this place to shoot scenes in 2006. The skatepark encompasses a skate plaza that spans close to 30 000 square foot along with a 8,500-square-foot bowl complex. All the artwork in this skatepark is well, ‘skateable’. After all, nothing should be allowed to come in the way of the enjoyment of skateboarders and bikers.

Finally, The Forks is also mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records as it is home to the ‘Longest skating rink in the world’. The ice rink on the Assiniboine River and the Red River is over 8 kilometers long, 8.54 kilometers to be precise. Keep that in mind when you slip on your skating shoes and step onto the rink for some fun with your friends and family.