New Iceland
Gimli has been on the top of my list of places to visit since day one of planning this cross country journey. However, Gimli has been on my radar for years. Why? My Nana had her “cuppa”(her all-day coffee) out of a Gimli, Manitoba mug on the regular right up until her passing. I grew up listening about stories of Iceland and hearing of the Viking settlement Gimli. Learning about the huldufolk or as she would say “The Little People” and of the Icelandic folk who loved making music, writing stories, and watching for faeries.
Gimli is known as New Iceland. Named by the first wave of Icelandic persons who immigrated there, as they were promised land by the Manitoba government to farm and build their lives. It wasn’t an easy transition. The journey across was treacherous and the winters were hard. Out of 300 who immigrated, only 50 stayed! Though they were great fisherman in Iceland, the new comers struggled on Lake Winnipeg. Fortunate for them, the First Nations were welcoming and willing to teach them how to fish these waters.
Now for the exploration of Gimli by our crew. We were welcomed to Gimli by a mighty Viking, standing tall near the harbour of Lake Winnipeg. To enter Viking Park you come through the concrete border, which has Gimli’s history etched on metal plaques. Gardens encompass the mighty statue. While Icelandic family plaques line the walkway presented by loved ones and those who donated to the park.
Next was the New Iceland Heritage Museum. A small museum but with great character. We began with a short film about the immigration to Manitoba and the new beginnings of those who braved the journey. Displays of poetry, tools, the homesteads, and clothing kept us busy. And then…then Moose and Bowie found the dress-up corner. Complete with swords, spears, furs and of course Viking helmet’s. We had our fun and visited the gift shop and away we went.
We enjoyed shopping and browsing for a little while until lunchtime. We all made our way to Europa. A small, kind of strange looking place covered with posters of food items everywhere. But a slamming busy restaurant, people coming and going nonstop, must be good. And it was, including the biggest poutine I’ve ever seen, not even Bowie could finish it.
After lunch we made our way to the waterfront and really took in how big Lake Winnipeg is! Looking in the distance you could see white caps from the wind, and big waves were crashing the shore. The breakwater protecting the harbour has murals painted along, some were in the process of being restored.
We hopped into the truck for one final stop…an important one: Sugar Me Cookie Boutique. A friend I met at work told me about them years ago and even shared a prairie treat with me. So I made sure to visit now that I am finally here. Vinarterta…ask any Icelander from the prairies and they’ll fill you in. Dates or Prunes and Icing vs No Icing…that is a long standing debate. I used to make one with my Nana around Christmas, and I still make mine every year, but Sugar Me Cookie’s Vinarterta is next level!
Treats ✅️ Souvenirs ✅️ Good times had ✅️
It was time to go. We made our way back to Winnipeg. Loaded up the jeep and said our goodbyes. Until next time Winnipeg.
Now unbeknownst to me…we had one more milestone to hit today.
The Centre of Canada 🇨🇦
At this point we have been travelling for 10 days! Then we see the Manitoba Stars. An attraction coming up…The Centre of Canada. We have officially made it half way across the incredible Great White North! 96° 48′ 35″ The Longitudinal Centre of Canada.
We pushed on after that crossing the border into Ontario, Chris’s home province. We had a hotel booked to stay the night in Kenora.
Until tmrw, cheers Mel xo 🤗
