Staff favourites

"Where can you go where culture shines bright?
None other than Fort Walsh National Historic Site.
Indigenous peoples with stories to tell.
Demonstrations of beading, and drumming as well.
Sharing their history of days long ago;
Fostering understanding where it’s not known.
The hills are alive, and the tipis, a sign,
Of the many who walked here, among these waters and pine.
Discover the First Nations camp; all the wonders to be found.
It’s the place where I’m changed, by wisdom unbound."

There’s no better way to explore the breathtaking Grasslands National Park than on horseback. It’s the perfect way to cover several miles in rugged terrain, and provides a great vantage point to spot ancient tipi rings hidden in the prairie wool. Riding through this country and observing cultural evidence along the way is a constant reminder of how past peoples interacted with the grasslands. Without their stewardship and respect for the environment, there wouldn’t be this natural, intact prairie for us to see today.

I looked up and a million stars shattered the moonless night. The snow on Kingsmere Lake shone under their glitter. There is no such thing as real darkness – only a different way of seeing. Prince Albert National Park in the dark is waiting to share its precious gems.

A symbol of hard work and perseverance; the piece of a wooden plow handle displayed in W.R. Motherwell’s home reminds me of the dedication and sweat that went into and continues to go into living off the land at Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site. It’s a tribute to all those past and present that grow food for Canadians.

Hidden in plain sight is one of my favourite art installations, ‘The Path of Time’ created by Marcel Gosselin. The bronze shell is forged from nearly 1,600 kg of melted down railway car parts, and depicts the east to west movement of European influence and historical progression of events through 135 unique tools – it encapsulates the history of The Forks National Historic Site.

There’s nothing nicer than looking down into the South Saskatchewan River valley with the clouds rolling by up above. While many visitors explore Batoche National Historic Site for its rich history and culture, I love going on a quiet walk along the banks of the river to visit the Caron home.

One of my favorite spots in Riding Mountain National Park is the Oak Ridge Trail. It’s a unique landscape around Scott Creek with oak trees and ferns. It’s so refreshing to dip your feet in the creek after the hike! This is different than any other trail in the park and it feels like you’re in a “fantasy world” with the ferns and over-hanging trees!

Walking through Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, the clanging of metal always draws my attention towards the blacksmith’s. It’s fascinating to hear about the role of blacksmiths on the frontier and the challenges they faced. I could spend hours watching the hammer shape scrap metal into sturdy nails.

One of my hidden gems at Grasslands National Park, the Borderlands viewpoint, is a beautiful and unique spot that can even be seen from the Red chairs at Molstead. The hike there is a backcountry trail that’s impassable when wet, so make sure to plan ahead and come prepared for the remoteness of the area. But that’s what makes it special!

The Forks is truly the beating heart of Winnipeg—and one of my favourite places in the city. Any day of the year you can find old friends catching up over coffee, first dates walking hand-in-hand down the river walk, and big families coming together for a delicious meal.