Worth every penny, never dime a dozen, and always sterling... no matter what pun you choose, tours at the Royal Canadian Mint are always on the money.
It should be noted here too that despite the dip in the dollar, Canadian monetary puns are currently converting well.
Anyway, let us break down just how many things you've got going on here, because Winnipeg's Royal Canadian Mint is not only a gem, but a must visit when you come to the city.
For starters, as anyone can see when driving into the city from the east, The Mint is an architectural marvel, with a glass facade that reflects the expansive prairie skies, its adjacent lake and the verdant surrounding grounds. It was built in 1975, having been designed by Étienne Gaboury (with Number TEN Architectural Group) -- the man who has been cited as “Manitoba’s greatest architect,” being responsible for many of Winnipeg's landmarks.
At its pinnacle, The Mint stands 110 ft., covering more than 200,000 sq. ft. It's an absolute peach to look upon at sunset, while inside the main foyer you're welcomed into a beautiful area filled with tropical plants and water features.
As to the tour itself, well, it's a real eye opener. They don't just make the coins for Canadian circulation; as the flags that adorn its grounds indicate, this is a place that connects the world.
Coins from over 75 countries have been made at The Mint, while over one billion coins are produced here each year. In one day they can produce 20 million coins (that's 16 coins per second). All of this is made evident on tours where you get to see for yourself the state-of-the-art processes.
Tours of The Mint -- which are available in English and French -- also provide a lesson in Canadian history. Limited edition heritage coins are frequently released that depict pivotal points in Canadian history. On the tour, you'll learn about these coins and how the past, present and future of Canada's heritage are reflected in the design of our currency.
There is also a fun interactive trivia area where you can learn what your weight in gold would be in cash (which is super cool, I'm worth millions apparently), test your knowledge of coins around the world, and learn of the symbolism and significance inherent in certain depictions of our currency. This is certainly the section the kids love the most.
And of course, their boutique sells these collector coins which make for great gifts or memorabilia from your visit -- including the first coins in the world that glow in the dark and really cool 3D coins.
If that isn't cool enough for you, you'll also get to see the medals that were created for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, while you also get to hold a pure gold bar worth more than $500,000 (I've held it, and it is really heavy).
To make your tour reservation call 204-983-6429.
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