tour central canada beginnings… Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre SAULT STE MARIE What better way to explore the history and adventure of flight and forest fire protection than with a visit to the Bushplane Centre? This waterfront hangar is the only facility in North America dedicated to the history of Bush Flying and Forest Fire management. Visit the original 48,000 sq ft hangar where water bombing was developed. Why should your group visit? There is something for everyone to enjoy here. Over 30 aircraft exhibits are on display along with a flight simulator, three theatres including a fire fighting adventure in 3-D, hands-on aviation, and ever-changing displays. Try your luck at their “Hangar Arcade” and much more. As one of only a few aviation museums that allow visitors to actually climb aboard the aircraft, take the pilot’s seat in a passenger plane’s cockpit and climb into the cargo holds of a real waterbomber. There’s no better way to learn—and have fun—than through these hands-on experiences!! There is ample parking available for motorcoaches with a great view of the historic St. Marys River. Don’t miss the gift shop, the perfect place to get a unique gift for that hard-tobuy-for person!
THUNDER BAY In September of 1980 a remarkable Canadian story came to an end on the shoulder of the highway just outside of Thunder Bay. Terry Fox was forced to end his Marathon of Hope as the cancer that had claimed his right leg had spread to his lungs. This remarkable young athlete had run almost halfway across Canada (starting in St. John’s, Newfoundland), a feat not attempted before on the scale that Fox had achieved. It was amazing that Fox, his left leg amputated, had run 42 km (26+ miles) each day of the run—the standard length of a modern marathon—every day since he started his run on the 12th of April, 1980. In 1981 the Ontario Government, collaborating with the City of Thunder Bay, built a ninefoot-high bronze statue memorial that serves as one of the historical tourist sites in the city. It’s set on a 45-ton granite base with a foundation of local amethyst, commanding a breathtaking view of Lake Superior.
Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum WINNIPEG Visit Winnipeg’s oldest building as well as a wide variety of historically significant artifacts located right in the heart of the city, just across the Esplanade Riel from the Forks. Built for the Grey Nuns between 1846 and 1851, the Red River Frame log building now serves to showcase the history and culture of Manitoba’s early Métis and French-Canadian settlers. Its unique exhibits reveal the hardships of daily life as well as the triumphs of the human spirit. The museum’s collection features a special exhibit dedicated to the province’s founding father, Louis Riel. One-of-a-kind items include locks of Louis Riel’s hair, his coffin, moccasins, suspenders and revolver. Riel’s grave is also located near the St. Boniface Museum. Reception services, a gift shop and guided tours for groups are available.
spotlight central canada
Terry Fox Monument
WINNIPEG
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
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ocated at the historic Forks of Winnipeg and set for completion in 2014, this bold new project’s mission statement is to explore the history of human rights from around the world with special interest in Canada. Their Content Advisory Board has been traveling around the country collecting stories and perspectives from locals and using their feedback to incorporate into the exhibits. Though it is still under construction, the museum offers a number of activities for visitors, including group tours of the construction site and a glimpse into the building’s unique architecture. The design of directory the museum was inspired by the natural scenery and open spaces of Canada such as convention & visitors trees, ice, and northern lights as well as the bureaus and chambers culture of the First Nation people of Canada. A journey through the museum begins with Tourism Thunder Bay . . . . . . . . . .800-667-8386 PO Box 800 – Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4 a descent into the earth where visitors will cpresenger@thunderbay.ca explore the “roots” of the CMHR. The tour www.VisitThunderBay.com/GroupTravel then leads through the Great Hall and a series Located just minutes north of the Minnesota/Ontario border, of vast spaces and ramps until culminating at Thunder Bay offers numerous attractions, exceptional accommodations and sensational shopping and culinary the Tower of Hope—a tall structure protruding delights. Contact us for marketing tools or any of your group from the top of the museum, providing visitors tour planning needs. with an amazing view of downtown Winnipeg.
Canada: Keep Exploring Exploring
Winnipeg Tour Connection . . . . .800-665-0204 Winnipeg, Manitoba / www.tourismwinnipeg.com Winnipeg offers a variety of signature experiences, unique products and warm hospitality for your next travel group. We’ve made it easier than ever to plan your next trip with up-to-date planning features, specialized itineraries, images, video and promotional materials.