Dauphin

Dauphin is situated in Manitoba’s parkland, a distinctive area where the grasslands of the prairies give way to more densely forested regions of the north. The first Native inhabitants lived for thousands of years in this area, hunting bison and fishing from numerous lakes. Originally a fur trading post, Dauphin experienced an influx of Scottish and English settlers in the 1800s. When the railway came at the turn of the last century, European settlers, many from Eastern Europe and Ukraine, plowed the grasslands into one of the richest grain-producing regions in the world. The spirit and pride of these pioneers is visible in the local ...

Dauphin is situated in Manitoba’s parkland, a distinctive area where the grasslands of the prairies give way to more densely forested regions of the north. The first Native inhabitants lived for thousands of years in this area, hunting bison and fishing from numerous lakes. Originally a fur trading post, Dauphin experienced an influx of Scottish and English settlers in the 1800s. When the railway came at the turn of the last century, European settlers, many from Eastern Europe and Ukraine, plowed the grasslands into one of the richest grain-producing regions in the world. The spirit and pride of these pioneers is visible in the local celebrations and in the many venues in and around Dauphin. Selo Ukraina, a Ukrainian Heritage Village and Memorial Park, hosts festivals including Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival and Dauphin’s Countryfest at its 10,000-seat outdoor amphitheater and auditorium. The Dauphin Rail Museum, next to an active CN and VIA line, illustrates the 100 years of service with artifacts, images and a model railroad.

About the Expert

Catherine Senecal is the author of Pelicans to Polar Bears, a wildlife viewing guide to Manitoba, and has written about Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and other places for Michelin Guides, Rand McNally, and Reader’s Digest Atlas.