The Birthplace of Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh. When you think about the beloved bear, the first thing that comes to mind is Disney. But the original story didn't start with Walt Disney.

The Real Winnie

The story begins over 80 years ago in the northern town of White River, Ontario when a young black bear cub suddenly became an orphan. A man by the name of Harry Colebourn was travelling across Canada to embark on overseas duty in the First World War in England. He purchased the little black bear cub from the trapper who had come across the orphaned cub. Lieutenant Colebourn named the bear from his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and she would become an unofficial mascot of The Fort Garry Horse, a Militia cavalry regiment. Winnie would sleep under Colebourn's cot.

In 1914, the now Captain Harry Colebourn learned he would be shipped to France. He decided to settle Winnie into the London Zoo because she would not be able to go with him. She eventually became the fan-favourite attraction at the zoo. It is said that visitors would knock on her door and she would come out to greet them. She even let children ride on her back and eat out of their hands! Captain Colebourn would visit Winnie during his leave. Because of her popularity with visitors and children, he decided he could not take her back to Canada. Winnie was officially donated to the London Zoo on December 1, 1918.

Winnie Meets Christopher Robin

The little bear captured the hearts of many visitors to the zoo, one in particular named Christopher Robin Milne. Christopher Robin and his father, writer A.A. Milne would come and visit Winnie frequently. Christopher Robin was the one who added "Pooh" to her name, after a swan they met on a previous holiday. Christopher Robin received a teddy bear on his first birthday on August 21, 1921. The original name was Edward Bear but it was not long before Christopher Robin changed the bear's name to "Winnie-the-Pooh" after his favourite loveable bear from London Zoo.

After seeing so much joy that this little bear was brought to many people, especially his son Christopher Robin, A.A. Milne started to write children's books based on the bear Winnie-the-Pooh from the London Zoo.

May 12, 1934, was a sad day for many people. After 20 years of a long, full life in the zoo, Winnie passed away. She was loved by so many people and brought a lot of happiness to them.

Winnie-the-Pooh and Disney, Too

In 1961, Walt Disney purchased the copyright to the Winnie-the-Pooh book. The Disney Company commissioned a special set of 4 stamps and introduced them to Canada Post in 1996. The stamps featured the Winnie-the-Pooh beginnings, the little Canadian Black Bear, Captain Colebourn, and the meeting between Winnie and Christopher Robin.

Celebrate Winnie and the Captain

Since it is the birthplace of Winnie-the-Pooh, White River celebrates Winnie each year with a festival in the bear's honour. The Winnie's Hometown Festival is held each year. The festival presents a new theme every year and includes a parade, games, competitions and so much more!

Winnie's Hometown Festival - 3rd weekend in August

Some of the events include historical re-enactments, parades, live entertainment, community meals, a tradeshow and other events that are themed each year.

For a complete schedule of events visit Winnie's Hometown Festival

Take A Photo With Winnie

Have your photo taken at the Winnie-the-Pooh Statue in the park next door to the Tourist Information Centre. Fans of Winnie, young and old, have their photos taken there.

Visit the White River Heritage Museum to see the collection of Winnie memorabilia. The museum is home to the "Lisa Yee Collection" from Orlando, Florida. Buy your own Winnie items in the gift shop for a commemorative mug, plush characters, Royal Doulton figurines and so much more.

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