You’ve got to love the magic of Canada’s grand railway
hotels.

Soon after we checked into the Fort Garry here in
Winnipeg, the first such hotel on our list, we discovered a fantastic contest
announcement in the Globe and Mail.

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of this
hotel, which was built in the chateau style of architecture that turns up in
Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier and New York City’s Plaza Hotel. The Grand Trunk
Railway decided to build the Fort Garry in1911, near the junction of its east
and west lines (Union Station), and finished the job in 1913. (Photos here by Sheena.)

From our window on the ninth floor, we have a clear view
of Union Station and of the original stone gate to Upper Fort Garry, built in
the 1850s by the HBC. But this location has exploration history dating back to La
Verendrye and the 1730s.

The best news is that Winnipeg is turning that Gate into the
entrance to an interpretive centre, now visibly under construction. Or, no, the
best news is the contest announcement that caught up with us here. We’re
travelling across Canada by VIA-Rail in celebration of 50 Canadians Who Changed the World. Yes, we’re having a blast. But
you could enjoy a similar trip if you win the $5,000 travel credit available as
top prize. Is that magic or what? Check out www.50Canadians.ca. All aboard!