All Inclusive
Hike into History Tour $99.
Saturday July 24/10
Visit a graceful and romantic past with a heritage walk along the quiet tree-lined streets of Brandon, a city that puts an exceptionally rich collection of heritage buildings on display. Tour that most extraordinary and mysterious Manitoba landmark - ‘the Brandon Mental’. Back in the 1800s, this picturesque collection of stately architecture housed an insane asylum.
Stroll woods and meadows of the Criddle Vane Homestead retracing the footsteps of Manitoba’s most remarkable pioneer family. Flouting the restrictive social standards of the day with their unconventional living arrangements, the Criddle Vane clan fought early hardships on the Manitoba prairie to rise to a place of prominence for their outstanding contributions in the fields of science and culture.
A lunch of fine fresh locally produced food will be served in the architectural splendour of the Grey Owl dining room - the crown jewel of the historic 'Brandon Mental' now home to the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts.
Enjoy the comfort of a modern motorcoach while you sit back and appreciate the fine scenery and company of your fellow adventurers.
Hiking Highlights -
• a guided walking tour of Brandon (8 km)
Brandon is a great city for walkers. Our hike takes the city’s community pathway from the Riverbank Discovery centre and over a footbridge into the downtown for a tour past Brandon’s wonderful collection of heritage buildings. The architecture charts the lifestyle of the downtown area from the 1880s. In 1881, Brandon was transformed from a sparse collection of settlers in the middle of the prairie wilderness to a full fledged city. Brandon was selected as the division point on the new rail line and summoned into being a transportation and trading centre. During these boom years many stately homes were built that bear testimony to the growing affluence of Brandon’s citizens. One less stately home we pass was the ‘starter home’ of Clifford Sifton at 119 Princess. Sifton began his political career in Brandon during these boom years. He quickly went on to become the most renowned and most successful politician in the region's history.
• tour of the recently restored Brandon Mental Health Nurses residence
This may be the highlight of the day. The residence is now the home to the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts. The building is one of the most important historical buildings in Manitoba. The exceptional landmark is situated on 160 acres in a secluded park setting. The Nurses residence constructed in 1921, was built with decorative stonework, mosaic tiling and fine woodwork and mural paintings. The exceptional architectural qualities of the building easily could be taken as a period resort rather than a dormitory residence. Restored spaces are the foyer, showcase ‘Grey Owl’ dining room, state of the art kitchen and culinary art theatre. We will also tour parts of the yet to be restored areas such as the former residence rooms and library.
• Criddle Vane Homestead Hike (3.5 km)
The Criddle Vane families are Manitoba pioneers.This homestead site includes the home, the remaining structure of the first entomological field station in western Canada, a cemetery and the remains of landscaped features such as the family tennis court and golf course. Two trails loop through woods and meadow and are dotted with interpretive signage. A cart track from the homestead site winds through the sand hills to the Assiniboine River where the families crossed the river via the old Treesbank Ferry.
• Wawanesa Museum
Our last visit of the day is at the fascinating Sipiweske museum in Wawanesa.The museum is housed in the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance building that was built in 1901. Of special interest after our walking tour is the collection of items from the Criddle and Vane families.
• Afternoon Picnic
Afternoon picnic of homemade pie, tea & lemonade will be served by members of the Sipiweske museum board.
All Inclusive
$99. All inclusive Price includes:
• transportation in the luxurious comfort of a modern motorcoach
• mid day meal in the 'Brandon Mental' prepared by a local caterer
• Prairie Pathfinder guided walks
• afternoon picnic lunch served by members of the Wawanesa museum board
• Admission to cultural attractions that are part of scheduled walks
