WESTERN PROVINCES

Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia are represented in the Western Provinces pavilion near the Canada pavilion. The architecture of this pavilion is inspired by nature and combines the geographical features of the four provinces: the flat part represents the Prairies; the steep section, the Rocky Mountains; and the evergreens on the summit, the forests of British Columbia. Visitors can experience, through simulation, what it is like to travel down a 1,000-metre-deep mine shaft into a tunnel where mining equipment is displayed. This pavilion stimulates all the senses—sounds, smells and temperature fluctuations enhance the visual experience. In the forest section, a huge truck loaded with logs from British Columbia shows the importance of the forest industry to the economy in that province. Visitors can also learn about agriculture and others industries, such as petroleum, fishing and electricity. Elements of history are also represented, such as the importance of the Hudson's Bay Company to the growth of these four provinces and their joining Canadian Confederation. The Western Provinces pavilion is an excellent place to learn while having fun.