Trip chapter 04
Thunder Bay to Winnipeg
Fog, four quick roadside landmarks, our first prairie horizon and five nights getting to know Winnipeg with Tilly.
We left Thunder Bay in thick fog and followed the Trans-Canada Highway toward Manitoba. The drive to Winnipeg was filled with small five-minute stops, each offering a photograph and a chance for Tilly to get out of the Golf.
Changing time zones
Our first break was at the roadside sign welcoming us to the Central Standard Time Zone. The rest area had a small picnic space and a couple of vault toilets, although the toilets were closed when we visited. There was not much else, but it was a cool photo opportunity.
Max the Moose
In Dryden we stopped to meet Max the Moose. The gift shop was closed when we arrived, and there was not a large area to explore, but it made a good five-minute break for both of us to stretch our legs.
Max the Moose
A giant roadside moose and a simple five-minute chance to get out of the car in Dryden.
Read our Max the Moose notes →Husky the Muskie
Kenora's Husky the Muskie was a more substantial stop. The parking lot is confusingly located across the street, beside the bathrooms, with a path leading under the road to the waterfront park and statue.
We noticed discarded drug paraphernalia beneath the bridge, so it paid to watch the ground carefully and make sure nothing became lodged in Tilly's paws. Once through the underpass, the waterfront park was a pleasant place for a picnic or stroll.
Husky the Muskie
Kenora's giant fish beside a pleasant waterfront park, reached from parking across the road.
Read our Husky the Muskie notes →Nothing but sky
After crossing into Manitoba, the rolling hills quickly gave way to an enormous sky. It was my first time seeing the prairies, and they made our little Volkswagen Golf feel very small.
We stopped briefly at the Centre of Canada sign. Tilly had had enough of the car and was too squirmy for a photograph, while the prairie wind made it important to hold on to your hat.
Five nights in Winnipeg
We rolled into Winnipeg at about four in the afternoon and checked into an Airbnb in the Exchange District. The neighbourhood felt charming, and having an apartment gave us a comfortable base for five nights of exploring at a slower pace.
Exchange District Airbnb
A dog-friendly apartment that gave us a comfortable home base for five nights in central Winnipeg.
Read our Exchange District stay notes →The Forks and the museum grounds
We spent time walking around The Forks and the grounds of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The museum itself was not dog friendly, but the outdoor grounds were excellent for walking with Tilly and taking in the architecture.
The Forks
A large central gathering place with outdoor paths, public art, historic railway elements and views toward the museum.
Read our Forks walking notes →Patio meals for both of us
Nonsuch Brewing gave us a sunny patio, a glass of beer and a very good-looking burger. Tilly was able to settle beside the table while I ate.
Nonsuch Brewing Co.
A polished Exchange District brewery where Tilly could settle beside us on the sunny patio.
Read our Nonsuch Brewing notes →At Carnaval Brazilian BBQ, the dog-friendly patio welcome went one step further: they had dog ice cream for Tilly. She was very happy to have a menu item of her own.
Carnaval Brazilian BBQ
A Brazilian barbecue restaurant with a dog-friendly waterfront patio and dog ice cream for Tilly.
Read our Carnaval patio notes →