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Upper Fort Garry is Manitoba's newest provincial park. This former Hudson's Bay Company fort is the place where Louis Riel formed the Provisional Government, which led to Manitoba entering Confederation as a province. Newly reclaimed, Upper Fort Garry is now an interpretive park with a 440-foot artistic steel wall that tells its story through various mediums. The city's dark side can be explored on numerous ghost tours and vigils. The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa, and Conference Centre is said to be haunted by a ghostly woman in a ball gown, a phantom diner and a mysterious light that moves through the halls of this historic Grand Trunk Pacific Hotel. The century-old Burton Cummings Theatre (formerly the Walker Theatre) is also allegedly home to restless spirits. Workers have reported hearing applause from within the theater, as well as whispers and the movement of 200-pound steel doors. Many believe these ghosts to be former actors Laurence Irving and Mabel Hackney, who passed away in 1914. In October, join one of the many ghostly tours through Winnipeg's Exchange District to learn about the city's most haunted buildings. When Harry Colebourn bought a small black bear cub and named it after his hometown of Winnipeg, little did he know that he would be setting the stage for one of the most beloved characters of children's literature, television and film to come to life and inspire millions. Winnie the Bear is commemorated in his hometown with a statue at Assiniboine Park, as well as The Pooh Gallery, which houses a collection of artifacts and memorabilia telling the history of that "silly old bear." Métis leader Louis Riel was hanged in 1885 for treason after leading the North- West Resistance. Today, that opinion has changed and, with the passage of The Louis Riel Act on December 7, 2023, Louis Riel has been recognized as the honorary first Premier of Manitoba. His life is commemorated during Louis Riel Day, which is a provincial holiday celebrated annually on the third Monday of February. Manitoba's capital city has a storied past that overflows with characters, anecdotes and happenings that have made Winnipeg one of Canada's most intriguing and welcoming of cities. Here are a few fun "did you know?" stories to get your creative juices flowing. QUIRKY STORY STARTERS Historic park Winnie the Bear Ghostly Venues Louis Riel Courtesy Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre Nonsuch Brewing Co.: Sarah Ferrari APC: Salvador Maniquiz Upper Fort Garry: Kristhine Guerrero W INNIPEG S T ORY IDE AS 22 For more information or to arrange a media visit, contact Taylor Fenn at 204.285.6729 or taylor@tourismwinnipeg.com