Discover sea monsters and dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago when you visit the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre. Become an archeologist for a day and go on an organised fossil hunt in the hills near the museum.
There are hundreds of fossils to explore, many of which were excavated from the nearby Red River Valley. Among the collections of old bones are the remains of some of the most ferocious creatures ever to have existed. Many are from marine animals, because the local area was once a salt water seaway. The museum continues to excavate locally which means that exhibits are added to from time to time.
Walk through the galleries and examine fossils of sharks, squid, fish and turtles. Check out one of the undoubted stars of the museum, a dinosaur called Bruce. This colossal marine reptile is the largest Mosasaur on display in the world and measures a staggering 42.8 feet (13 metres) from nose to tail. The animal terrorized the seas approximately 80 million years ago. Next to Bruce is Suzy, another huge Mosasaur specimen.
Visit the exhibit that explains different types of fossilization. See samples of petrified woods and observe the diorama of the sea during the Cretaceous period. Also on display is a phial of blood from a woolly mammoth.
Go on a dinosaur discovery adventure by joining scientists who are digging up Canada's past. The museum hosts fossil hunting trips at its active dig sites in the area and they have a superb track record of finding fossils. There are half day to five day excursions, and for details and prices, visit the centre’s website.
The Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre is in the city of Morden, a 90-minute drive south of Winnipeg. Onsite car parking is free.
The museum is open every day except for some holidays. Admission charges apply with reductions for family tickets.Preschoolers get in for free.
