Marine Museum of Manitoba, Naval museum in Selkirk, Canada.
The Marine Museum of Manitoba occupies a site by Selkirk Park in Selkirk, where at least six stationary vessels are exhibited, among them the steamboat Keenora built in 1897, the icebreaker CCGS Bradbury of 1915, the M/S Chickama II of 1942, the M/S Lady Canadian of 1944, the barge tug M/S Peguis II of 1955 and the M/S Joe Simpson of 1963. The Keenora sits near the park entrance, where it was hauled on its keel in 1973.
The museum was established in 1972 and acquired its first vessel, the Motor Ship Keenora from 1897, which was relocated across the park using a dry dock system. This foundation allowed the institution to build a collection preserving the maritime heritage of the region.
The museum displays six connected historic ships with exhibits about boat owners, how vessels were used, and maritime practices unique to this region across different time periods. The displays feature personal stories and newspaper articles that bring the lives of local water workers to light.
The grounds are easy to navigate with clear pathways connecting the ships and outdoor displays. Wear comfortable shoes since visiting involves considerable walking and climbing between decks.
The MS Keenora, built in 1897, is the oldest preserved steamboat in Manitoba. After being abandoned in the Selkirk Slough in 1966, it was bought in 1972 by twenty Selkirk businessmen and in summer 1973 hauled on its keel across the grass of Selkirk Park to its present spot near the park entrance, opening to the public on weekends from October 20, 1973.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,619 contributors worldwide.