Part of the landscape in the Journey to Churchill exhibit at Assiniboine Park Zoo. (ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY)
WINNIPEG — After years in the making and a final 10-day closure of Assiniboine Park Zoo to add the finishing touches, the much-hyped Journey to Churchill exhibit is officially open.
The 10-acre polar bear and northern species exhibit features multiple viewing areas for a variety of northern wildlife, including polar bears, muskoxen, snowy owls, and Arctic fox, as well as numerous interactive elements such as a Bowhead Whale Dig and the Churchill Northern Studies Shelter.
Other unique elements include:
- The International Polar Bear Conservation Centre
- The Aurora Borealis 360-degree theatre
- An underwater viewing area
- A new restaurant, gift shop and children’s play area
“We are proud and excited to welcome our first visitors to Journey to Churchill and so very grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from the community, our members, government partners, foundations, individual and corporate donors who made this day possible,” said Margaret Redmond, president and CEO of Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
The $90 million project was cost-shared between the city, province and private sector support from individuals, families, foundations, and corporate donors.
Visitors to the zoo from today through Sunday will receive a free Journey to Churchill collectible polar bear pin (while quantities last). The zoo’s new mascot, Winston the polar bear, will also be making appearances and posing for photos with visitors.
Visitors are asked to enter through the zoo’s new entrance at 2595 Roblin Boulevard. To avoid line-ups, tickets can also be purchased online at assiniboineparkzoo.ca/tickets.
Admission is $18.50 for adults and ranges to $10 for children ages three to 12.
The zoo will run on its regular summer schedule after today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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