There's a lot to see at Manitoba Museum which, I'll be honest, is surprising because the building in downtown Winnipeg almost looks like an office space. From the outside, you'd have no idea inside is an amazing collection of history from the Canadian prairies.
I'll admit, upon entry, there are some shocking displays. There's a large stampede and as you round the first corner, you're greeted by a big polar bear with a dead seal on the snow. I wasn't expecting to see a fatal exhibit literally in the first two minutes! But, nature is nature, and -- fun fact -- the museum used to be called the Museum of Man and Nature.
The museum is cleverly designed to transport you through different eras and environments, starting with its impressive Natural Heritage Gallery. Here, I found myself face-to-face with stunning dioramas depicting Manitoba's diverse ecosystems. From the arctic tundra to the prairie grasslands, the detail in each exhibit was incredible, making it easy to visualise the natural world of the province.
The Earth History Gallery was a fascinating journey back millions of years. The fossils and geological specimens on display provided a tangible connection to these unimaginable timescales. It’s one thing to read about geological change; it’s another to see the evidence laid out before you so clearly.
The highlight of the Human History section, by far, was the Nonsuch Gallery. This truly unique exhibit houses a full-sized replica of the Nonsuch, a 17th-century ketch whose voyage in 1668 marked the beginning of the Hudson's Bay Company's fur trade. (Interesting fact: Hudson's Bay, only weeks ago at the time of this writing, had gone out of business.)
Walking onto the deck of this ship, surrounded by historically accurate details, transported me directly to that pivotal moment in Canadian history. It felt less like an exhibit and more like stepping into a time machine. The sounds and recreated visuals around the ship added to the immersive experience, allowing me to imagine the challenging life of those early explorers and traders. In fact, a guide told me that part of the museum was built around the ship when the exhibit first arrived.
The true heart of the museum lies within its Human History Galleries. These sections chronicle Manitoba's rich cultural narrative, from Indigenous peoples' deep roots in the land to the waves of European settlement and the province's development into the modern era.
The First Peoples Gallery was incredibly insightful, offering profound perspectives on the history, cultures and enduring contributions of Manitoba's Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Dene, Dakota, and Métis communities. I spent a considerable amount of time absorbing the stories, artifacts and artistic expressions.
My visit to the Manitoba Museum was more than just a historical tour; it was an educational adventure. I left feeling a deeper appreciation for Manitoba's natural beauty, its ancient past and the complex tapestry of human stories that have shaped it.