1 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
2 of 11
Stefan Solberg
3 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
4 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
5 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
6 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
7 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
8 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
9 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
10 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
11 of 11
Photos courtesy Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
By Peter Cantelon
An Experience Like No Other
When you’re planning your summer travels this year, make sure the road you take goes through Morden, Manitoba for a one of a kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The picturesque prairie city is home to the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC), caretakers of the nation’s largest collection of marine reptile fossils and the world’s biggest publicly displayed Mosasaur – Bruce, a Guinness Record holder.
Imagine standing between two 80 million year old ferocious toothed reptiles that once ruled the world’s oceans at a time when Manitoba was part of an ancient seaway – on the one side at more than 13 meters in length (43 ft) ‘Bruce’, on the other at a still impressive 9 meters (30 ft) is Suzy – the most accurate representation of a Mosasaur on earth.
Take a tour past some of the most amazing creatures to have ever lived including ancient Plesiosaurs, Sharks, Squid, giant toothed fish like the Xiphactinus, fossils from the Archelon – a turtle the size of a Volkswagon Beatle and much more.
Consider joining our palaeontogist and staff on an actual fossil dig and book a Fossil Discovery Dig for a ½ day, one day or multiple days and learn what it is like to uncover an ancient treasure and become the first set of eyes to view a creature in 80 million years. Whatever you choose to do the CFDC is an unforgettable experience for yourself, your children and grand-children.
While you are here, enjoy the Pembina Valley region and become familiar with the myriad attractions both indoor and outdoor.
No matter what your passion, the Pembina Valley contains loads of adventures, and best of all it’s pure Manitoba – a great chance to learn more about the province and the diversity of experiences available.
Consider setting up the RV at Morden’s Colert Beach campground adjacent to Lake Minnewasta. It’s a great vacation headquarters from which to plan your trips to the many regional attractions. Fill up some time soaking the sun up on the beach, boating and canoeing, swimming, biking or enjoying a nature walk through along kilometers of groomed trails around the lake. If you like fishing Lake Minnewasta has seen many a Master Angler fish caught.
Only minutes from the 2,500 pristine wooded acres of the Pembina Valley Provincial Park, vacationers can come to watch the migration of more than 11,000 raptors as they return to Manitoba in the spring or leave for the south again in fall. From Bald Eagles to Red Tail Hawks, the park has loads to offer the nature enthusiast, and there’s also zip-lining for the young, and young at heart.
When you are ready to enjoy some urban delights, there is an eclectic mix of restaurants to choose from, the local Threshermen’s Museum with its historic agricultural village, thrift stores, art galleries, great shopping, antique shops, Morden’s Corn & Apple Festival during the last full weekend of August, indoor summer skating at Morden’s Access Event Centre, splash parks, playgrounds, some of the best golfing in the province, races at ALH Speedway or Shadow Valley, the Baseball Hall of Fame, geocaching (there are literally well over 100 geocaches in the region), a fantastic drive-in, one of the best farmer’s markets, indoor theatre, skate/bike parks, summer concerts and much more.
Come to the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre and discover Morden, the Gateway to the Pembina Valley, while you’re here...you won’t just have a great time, you’ll leave with a treasure chest of memories.