Established in 1906 with the donation of an ancient carved boulder, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum has expanded though the decades. Today it is the perfect place to explore historic and natural worlds. With a number of themed permanent galleries, traveling exhibits and activities for the kids, it’s a great place to absorb Canada’s rich history.

Before entering the museum, have a close look at the outside walls. The museum is constructed from locally quarried Tyndall stone, rich in decorative fossils. Once inside, learn about the wonders of the Saskatchewan ecological landscape with realistic dioramas at the Life Science and Earth Science Galleries. Take a three-billion-year journey through time from the formation of the planet through the age of the dinosaurs to Canada’s present flora and fauna.

Alternatively, learn about the history of Canada’s indigenous peoples at the First Nations Gallery. This informative exhibit traces the lives of Canadian aboriginals back 10,000 years and demonstrates how people lived in total harmony with the land.

In the T.rex Discovery Centre, meet face-to-face with Scotty, the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, discovered by a local school teacher in 1991. Then, take the kids to meet Megamunch, the affectionately named robotic Tyrannosaurus rex who roars a friendly “hello” when you come near. Visitors in August may want to attend Megamunch’s birthday. Join hundreds of people each year and celebrate with food and face painting.

Spend time with the kids in the Paleo Pit, a room suited to children younger than 10. It has an educational interactive gallery on dinosaurs and plenty of activities and board games to keep them entertained.

A number of traveling exhibitions rotate through the museum every few months to ensure you discover something new with each visit. Don’t forget to browse the Apperley Place gift shop on your way out for a unique souvenir made by First Nations or Saskatchewanian artists.