LOST! The MacAlpine Expedition – Free Guided Tour

  • Sunday February 5th, 2012 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
    Sunday February 12th, 2012 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
    Sunday February 19th, 2012 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
    Monday February 20th, 2012 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
    Sunday February 26th, 2012 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

    In the depths of winter, Winnipeggers understand just what it means to get lost or stranded in the snow.  Imagine being stranded in Nunavut. That’s what happened to the MacAlpine Expedition in 1929. They started out in August, hoping to stake a copper claim. Their plan was a three-week sweep of the Territories – to the Arctic shore and back. But the best laid plans… as they say.

    Back then there were only half-a-dozen radio stations in the Northwest Territories, no radio-equipped planes and no airstrips. Carried off course by compasses thrown out of kilter by the magnetic pole, the prospectors had flown to the limit of their fuel when they decided to wait until freeze-up.

    This incredible story is just one from the most colourful, adventure-crammed and remarkable era of Canada’s aviation history. Canada’s bush pilots were fur-clad and courageous, with all the glamour of movie stars.  News media were captivated by the tale for weeks and months as the pilots and their ingenous their air engineers improvised their way to safety.

    Guided Tours are Free with General Admission.  Member admission is free.