Come experience a Winnipeg attraction that's always on the money! The Royal Canadian Mint is a must-see on your Winnipeg bucket list, offering a worldly experience that both collectors and the general public will find absolutely fascinating.
Here are five reasons why you should visit:
Explore the meticulously manicured grounds
Make your way through the “Parade of Flags,” representing all the countries that the facility manufactures coins for. The Mint has created coins for more than 75 countries–can you guess all the right flags, from Oman to Slovakia to Nepal? Then, follow the Manitoba-themed hopscotch path that leads you to the front doors to start your experience.
See how coins are made
Join a 45-minute tour with friendly and knowledgeable tour guides who have a tale or two to tell. From coin design to international shipping, visitors will learn about each part of the coining process that takes place at the Mint. Expect fun facts about the architecture of the building, large displays and a behind-the-scenes birds’ eye view of the 50-ton coin pressing machine at work.
Admire the awe-inspiring architecture
Famed Winnipeg architect Étienne Gaboury designed this triangular-shaped building that juts out of the surrounding landscape, looking like a mountain in the prairies. This stunning building and its landscaped grounds make for a picture-perfect postcard, with no shortage of stunning vantage points to start shooting. Be sure to keep your eye out for deer and bunnies.
The boutique is a collectors' dream
Visit the beautiful first floor boutique and find everything from annual coin favourites for birthdays and anniversaries, to weddings, holidays and the Lunar New Year. There are collectors items, gifts, and Canadian souvenirs that collectors of all ages will relish, plus kids and adults alike will love seeing the Vancouver Olympic medals that were also crafted here.
Learn about sustainable minting
In 2021, the Mint launched two new partnerships with Canadian universities to help develop green technology research, which will reduce chemicals used in the refinery process in Ottawa and in the plating operations in Winnipeg. The Mint has appointed internal environmental ambassadors to collaborate on green initiatives, installed charging stations for electric cars and created a garden right on the grounds filled with milkweed and flowers to attract butterflies and other pollinators.
The Royal Canadian Mint is located at 520 Lagimodiere Boulevard
Tour hours: Tuesday to Saturday; first tour is at 9:30 a.m., last tour 3:30 p.m.
Boutique hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 to 5 p.m.
