A visit to the Heritage North Museum presents an interesting glimpse into the history of Thompson and the Northern Manitoba region. Learn about the region’s indigenous cultures and Thompson’s nickel mining heritage. Spot displays of native wildlife, ancient fossils and geological artifacts. The Heritage North Museum is set in two log cabins. It marks the southern end of Spirit Way, a 1.6-mile (2.5-kilometer) long trail home to artistic, cultural and historical attractions.
Go to the museum’s main cabin to see a varied collection of mounted animals. These include butterflies, deer, eagles, fish and wolves. Check out the models of indigenous tribesmen dressed in hunting regalia and an Indian canoe. Don’t miss the diorama of a boreal forest, complete with the tusk of a woolly mammoth. Also worth seeing is the tipi made using the hide of a caribou.
The smaller cabin focuses on the mining customs of Northern Manitoba. Discover how Thompson was founded as a purpose-built city for a local nickel mine and how the mine shaped the city’s economy. In both cabins you’ll find signs with information about the various exhibits.
The Heritage North Museum is just a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Thompson’s city center. A public bus stops close to the museum’s entrance. Free parking is available at an on-site car park. Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride along Spirit Way, which runs from the museum to the Burntwood River. Look for the series of wolf sculptures, a copy of Robert Bateman’s Wolf Sketch and a 1940s Norseman floatplane. Admire the scenic landscapes of boreal forests.
The museum is open Monday to Friday year-round. It remains closed for 2 weeks during the Christmas period. There is an admission fee, with discounts for children, students and retirees. Allow about 2 hours to see all of the exhibits. Visit the museum’s official website for further details.
