The Centre of Canada - Manitoba

Manitoba, one of the three prairie provinces of Canada, is located in the centre of Canada and boasts of 100,000 lakes and waterways. Home to more than 1.2 million people, Manitoba is an area of open spaces and rolling fields as well as an arctic tundra.

The Historical Story

Manitoba’s history begins with the Assiniboine, Dakota, Cree, and Dene territories. The shores of the Hudson Bay were the beginning of European exploration in the 1600s, when the European navigators began their search for the Northwest Passage. In 1670, Charles II of England established the Hudson Bay Company (later combined with the North West Company) and a large territory to be named Rupert's Land.

As the fur trade industry grew, explorers began traveling further south in search of fur-bearing animals. Cultures expanded and formed throughout the area and establishments were created throughout the territory. In the 1860s, Canadian and British governments had hopes of expanding to the west. Negotiations soon sparked the Red River Rebellion. In 1870, the Manitoba Act was enacted, and the lands of the northwest to the Dominion of Canada were established as the province of Manitoba.

Later, while negotiating with the indigenous people in the area, the Numbered Treaties were established (1-6 and 10 being in Manitoba). As settlements continued to move west, the boundary of Manitoba was extended both to the east and west creating the present-day boundaries.

Famous Foods of Manitoba

The history and wide range of cultures of Manitoba have led to many of the food specialties you will find in Manitoba today. From traditional to modern, good food is not hard to find.

Bison – From bison burgers to stew, bison is a popular meat used in a multitude of dishes throughout the area.
Bannock – One of the foods brought to Manitoba by fur traders, these flat breads are cooked over an open fire and taste like licorice.
Shmoo torte – Most famous in Manitoba, shmoo torte is an angel food cake layered with whipped cream then topped with nuts and caramel.
Perogies – Tracing back to Eastern Europe, these potato-based dumplings are a Canadian staple.
Smoked Fish – The Winnipeg goldeye is a delicacy with its mild flavor and smooth texture.
Flapper Pie – Dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian era, flapper pie is made with a graham cracker crust, filled with vanilla custard and topped with meringue.

Experience the Sights and Scenery

Manitoba is also a great place to travel around. From outdoor adventures to national museums, there is something for each taste.

The Forks – Located near the core of Winnipeg, The Forks offers historical buildings with a mix of shops, restaurants, and museums.
Churchill – The “Polar Bear Capital of the World” is a great outdoor adventure. Tours are offered in autumn when the polar bears begin to hunt seals in the bay.
Canadian Museum of Human Rights – The newest museum in Winnipeg, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights focuses on the different perspectives of human rights. See their educational resources.
Riding Mountain National Park – One of the two national parks in Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park is a scenic park filled with wildlife, recreational activities and nature reserves.
Festivals – There are numerous festivals in Manitoba that bring visitors from around the world. Some of the most popular are the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg and the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba.

There is something for everyone in Manitoba. From history to beauty and wonderful food, Manitoba is a place that everyone can enjoy.

Learn more about Manitoba with worksheets and other unit study learning material from Teachers Pay Teachers. You can also see many more facts and teaching tools about Manitoba at KidZone.

This article has been written by homeschooling staff writers of The Canadian Schoolhouse (TCS). Enjoy more of our content from TCS contributors and staff writers by visiting our Front Door page that has content on our monthly theme and links to all our content sections.