.:: Heartland International Travel and Tours

Lower Fort Garry Tour and Theme evening (Itinerary, activities and events).

At 1:00pm the group boards the Paddlewheel Princess at the Alexander Docks, just north of the Forks. The Paddlewheel then sails north on the Red River, through the locks at Lockport, and arrives at Lower Fort Garry at about 4:00 pm. Sights along the way include; St. John's Church, Kildonan Park, River Road, St. Andrews Lock & Dam, Greater Winnipeg Floodway, St. Andrews Church and Captain Kennedy House.Upon arrival at Lower Fort Garry the group will be greeted by Fort staff and the Governor in period costume.

From 4:00 pm until approximately 5:30/5:45 pm there will be a tour of the Fort plus everyone will have an opportunity to take part in three games including hatchet throwing, tobacco splitting (into a spittoon) and cat and mouse. For your information cat and mouse is where participants stand at each end of a log that is on the ground, each holding one end of a rope. The object of the game is to tug, not wrench, the opponent off the log.

At about 5:45 pm the group will gather in the historic Big House for a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception with Governor Colville. During the reception Governor Colville could present prizes to the winners of the games. Following the reception, at about 6:30 pm the group walks to the historic warehouse where they have a Manitoba/historical meal with the governor.

The catered meal provides; bison, Manitoba pork, bannock & butter, wild rice, cabbage rolls, perogies, baby carrots, house salad, Caesar salad, historical desserts (apple pie with ice cream, wild berries with whipped cream or pumpkin pie) coffee, tea or juice. During dinner the group will be entertained by an Aboriginal Hoop dancer,

a Ukrainian Dance group and the Lower Fort Lilters, a traditional folk group that performs Celtic music from the 1700's to the 1850's. At about 9:00 pm the group departs Lower Fort Garry by bus back to Winnipeg via River Road Heritage Parkway. Arrive back at your Winnipeg hotel at about 10:00 pm.

Package includes:

Transportation from the Alexander Docks to Lower Fort Garry on the Paddlewheel Princess
Meet and greet by Lower Fort Garry costumed staff and Governor upon arrival
Guided tour of the main Lower Fort Garry buildings with costumed interpreters
Arrangements for three historic games; Hatchet throw, Tobacco spitting and Cat and Mouse
Wine and hors d'oeuvres reception in the Lower Fort Garry Big House with Governor Colville
Manitoba themed dinner in the historic warehouse building
Performances during dinner by an Aboriginal Hoop Dancer, a Ukrainian Dance group and the Lower Fort Garry Lilters
Return transportation from Lower Fort Garry via River Road to the downtown Winnipeg hotel by deluxe Beaver Bus Lines motor coaches

Historical Evening at Fort Gibraltar

At 5:30 pm the delegates and their families will meet at the Convention Centre depart by Winnipeg Transit buses on a 10 minute ride to historic Fort Gibraltar.

Upon arrival at Fort Gibraltar you will be greeted at the gate by costumed interpreters and taken back in time. You will be made to feel at home and will begin your visit of this fur-trading and provisions post: the Blacksmith's shop, the Engagé's cabin, the Trading shop, the Fur cabin, the Towers and the Palisade. These interpreters will share their knowledge of the historical significance of each building and of the Voyageurs who lived at or near the post. During the Fort visit there will be a two strolling musicians playing.

At about 6:45 pm/7:00 pm the children will gather in the main tent for dinner. The buffet style will include; a Hot Dog, Baked beans, Caesar salad, Greek salad, Roasted potatoes, Buns, Dessert, and 1 soft drink.

At about 7:15 pm/7:30 pm the children will have an opportunity to take part in three Voyageur youth workshops. The workshops are done on a rotation basis and each child will have an opportunity to partake in all three workshops. The children will be divided into 9 different groups of about 16 or 17 per group. The workshops will last about 15 minutes each.

Bannock Making - Each child will have a chance to roll a piece of bannock onto a stick and cook it over an open fire while an interpreter explains to them the importance of bannock in the early 1800's.
Pillow on a beam - Each person holds a pillow while standing at the end of a 4 foot beam. The first person to knock the other off the beam wins.
Tug of War - Each contestant is on a barrel (half a barrel, 1 ft from the ground). He/she must try to out wit his/her adversary by making them fall.. a traditional tug of war.

At 7:30 pm the adults will gather in the main tent for a traditional dinner. The buffet style will include; Pig Roast, Baked beans, Caesar salad, Greek salad, Roasted potatoes, Buns, Dessert, coffee and tea. At about 8:25 pm you will be entertained by the Men in Kilts band playing traditional Celtic, French - Canadian music. They will play for 45 minutes and you will have a chance to dance.

From about 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm the group will depart on the Winnipeg Transit shuttle buses back to the Convention Centre.

Evening at the Hitch' N Post Ranch

You depart from your downtown Winnipeg hotel at 5:00 pm by deluxe modern air conditioned bus and travel just outside the city

perimeter to Grosse Isle and the Hitch' N Post Ranch. The Hitch' N Post famous for its warmth, charm, hospitality and great food has become a Manitoba institution for a fun filled event. Upon arrival you will have a chance to look around. Take a look at the world famous open spit barbeque that slowly cooks up to 700lbs of baron of beef over briquettes. Also check out the Hitch' N Post jail with its rogues gallery of most wanted. Once everyone is settled you will be treated a great Pioneer buffet dinner. The menu includes: prime cut of BBQ beef with horseradish, baked potato with sour cream, the Hitch' N Post's homemade baked beans, coleslaw, tomatoes, dill pickles, fresh country rolls and butter plus coffee or tea. Dessert is homemade apple crisp with ice cream. Following dinner you are provided with a demonstration of line dancing, including audience participation. The evening continues as you dance to the music of the entertaining “Double Trouble Band”. They play rock and roll favorites from the 60's, 70's and later plus some Country. At around 11:30 pm, 12:00 midnight or so the buses return to your Winnipeg hotel.

Package includes :

• Bus transportation from the downtown Winnipeg hotel to the

Hitch' N Post and return

• Buffet BBQ beef dinner

• Line Dance demonstration with audience participation

• Dancing to the Double Trouble Band

Not included : Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. A cash bar is provided at $2.75 per alcoholic drink and $1.00 per soft drink.

Should you have any questions or require additional information please e-mail info@heartlandtravel.ca or call Don Finkbeiner or one of our group travel counsellors at (204) 989-9630 (in Winnipeg) or 1-866-890-3377 or fax 204-989-9636.