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Winnipeg lies at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, a location currently known as "The Forks". This point was at the crossroads of canoe routes travelled by Aboriginal peoples prior to European contact. The name Winnipeg is a transcription of the western Cree word wi-nipe-k meaning "muddy waters"; the general area was populated for thousands of years by First Nations.
Winnipeg started out as a fur trading post located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and was a crossroads for many early settlers. Many trails converged on the city and later became streets (which is evident when you see the city's somewhat haphazard road layout).
In 1869-70, Winnipeg was the site of the Red River Rebellion, a conflict between the local provisional government of Métis, led by Louis Riel, and newcomers from eastern Canada. This rebellion led to Manitoba's entry into the Canadian Confederation as Canada's fifth province in 1870. On November 8, 1873, Winnipeg was incorporated as a city.
After the construction of the CP railway across Canada, Winnipeg became a major transportation hub and "Gateway to the West." The city experienced a boom during the early 20th century, and for while was western Canada's major economic centre. Fortunately for the visitor, the economy slowed around the middle of the century, leaving intact a remarkable collection of period architecture, primarily in the city's downtown Exchange district.
The Red and Assiniboine rivers form Winnipeg's most prominent geographical features, and have played an important role in this city's development. "The Forks," where the Assiniboine flows into the Red, has been a meeting place since Aboriginal peoples first came there to trade. Today, it's the city's top tourist destination, with shops and restaurants representing the city's many ethnic groups, and a well-maintained expanse of riverside park.
Winnipeg is off the tourist trail for most visitors to Canada, and the visitor will experience an authentic and friendly Canadian Prairie City which leaves many pleasantly surprised.
Winnipeg is a multicultural city. As of the 2006 census, visible minorities make up 16.3% of Winnipeg's population, and aboriginals 10%. Much of Winnipeg's population is of European descent, notably from England, Scotland, Germany, Ukraine, France, Ireland and Poland. More than a hundred languages are spoken in Winnipeg. The city celebrates its diversity with the Folklorama festival, the longest running multicultural event of its kind. Winnipeg is home to one of Canada's largest French speaking populations outside of Québec, and the largest in western Canada.
Winnipeg has a humid continental climate with extremes of hot and cold. The longest day of the year lasts for over 16 hours, and the shortest day of the year lasts for 8 hours.
Winnipeg is ranked as Canada's second sunniest city year-round and second for clearest skies year-round. Summers are typically warm and often humid, particularly in July, with frequent night time thunderstorms. On average, Winnipeg has 45 days a year where the humidex (combined effect of heat and humidity) reaches above 30°C.
Spring and fall tend to be rather contracted seasons, each averaging a little over six weeks. In general the weather during these seasons is highly variable, and rapidly changing. It is typical for the day to start off quite cold in the morning, but heat up considerably in the afternoon. It can be difficult to judge how to dress during this time, so layers are the best option.
Winters in Winnipeg are usually dry, and can feel colder due to the often windy conditions. The winters are long and overnight minima average below -15°C with rare extremes going down to near -40°C, though there is still much to enjoy during these months. Snow cover can be expected from mid-November to late March. The city turns on what is arguably Canada's best display of Christmas lights from late November until well into January.
Winnipeg is also known for its high mosquito population, particularly during early summer. Dusk and dawn are the most active time for mosquitoes. Late August and September tend to provide the most pleasant environment for summer visitors. More detailed climate information is available from Environment Canada [http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?Province=ALL&StationName=winnipeg&SearchType=BeginsWith&LocateBy=Province&Proximity=25&ProximityFrom=City&StationNumber=&IDType=MSC&CityName=&ParkName=&LatitudeDegrees=&LatitudeMinutes=&LongitudeDegrees=&LongitudeMinutes=&NormalsClass=A&SelNormals=&StnId=3698&&autofwd=1].
Economic and tourist information.
* A local guide for visitors, a visitors guide for locals.
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, +1 (204) 987-9402, [url=http://www.waa.ca]] is the major airport serving the city. It is conveniently located in the west end of the city about 4.4 miles (7 km) from Portage and Main. Major airlines servicing Winnipeg include Air Canada [url=http://www.aircanada.ca/[/url],]WestJet [url=http://www.westjet.com/[/url],]Delta Air Lines [url=http://www.delta.com[/url],]and United Airlines [url=http://www.united.ca/[/url],]as well as many smaller regional carriers. The airport has a new terminal which opened in 2011.
There are daily non-stop flights from [[Toronto[/url]], [wiki=38278119f2c41ca7aedcbc55eabf73cd]Vancouver[/wiki], [wiki=0004b45d97463070fbfd2c26207c427d]Montreal[/wiki], [wiki=1e4eb05040e68d9312eb6ed016eaa4d8]Calgary[/wiki], [wiki=25d43c379dc973b097d7d3ee052d7d2a]Edmonton[/wiki], [wiki=aeee33366b173305b90377ed63c1084a]Ottawa[/wiki], [wiki=a374d6f8111d54c5f5f01671ed2e9471]Hamilton[/wiki], [wiki=79a201800a273f617ebcff0db47917c7]London (Ontario)[/wiki], [wiki=a11a5405d5cf4d8e31bc1f03c5a93a15]Thunder Bay[/wiki], [wiki=cca17d86a631047538f816b2dd5306cc]Regina[/wiki], [wiki=0ddbc71f4c682edce4434b0583afd68e]Saskatoon[/wiki], [wiki=c39584729495496984371f0ec2f38974]Minneapolis[/wiki]-[wiki=cab98f16acacdea50dbd91a389d0624d]St. Paul[/wiki], [wiki=9cfa1e69f507d007a516eb3e9f5074e2]Chicago[/wiki], [wiki=67100af8b08e073c3ba7f4de2707584b]Denver[/wiki], [wiki=05c27bf00932572de28bf65a0539ba97]Las Vegas[/wiki], numerous smaller destinations in [wiki=bcbccefb5ef2844a3ce216fab630dd99]Manitoba[/wiki], [wiki=5bed70a9a629ef2df8860c3d838ed82f]Northern Ontario[/wiki], and [wiki=6aa30082cd1be6d00f5bf9fb22a3eda9]Nunavut[/wiki], as well as non-stop charter and seasonal service to [wiki=5047bc596a4bab2dc7f7c120bb22dec5]Phoenix[/wiki], [wiki=43c3b56a6adc8b45670d4fd171374496]Palm Springs[/wiki], [wiki=d4d2ea493b6a2460e9b9f00712e0a234]Orlando[/wiki], [wiki=8dbb07a18d46f63d8b3c8994d5ccc351]Mexico[/wiki], [wiki=33cac763789c407f405b2cf0dce7df89]Cuba[/wiki] and the [wiki=662c15622f9c9c5decc0db80edb6c416]Dominican Republic[/wiki].
Flight times are three hours from Vancouver, two and three quarter hours from Montreal, two and a half hours from Toronto, Ottawa or Denver, two hours from Edmonton, Calgary or Chicago, one hour from Minneapolis, Regina, Saskatoon or Thunder Bay.
*Winnipeg Shuttle Service [url=http://www.winnipegshuttle.com]]is available for your private "Door to Door" travel requirements anywhere in the area, even to or from outside Winnipeg. Reservations are usually required in advance of your plane, train or bus arrival. The traveller may also wish to consider utilizing air services provided from [[Grand Forks[/url]], [wiki=a82effa03e4112ec840d2eee6306e535]North Dakota[/wiki] or [wiki=02d55bbc9b9c7d6d3b3f1720ccef4cdb]Fargo[/wiki], North Dakota, which are two and a half hours and three and a half hours by road from Winnipeg respectively. Particlarly when flying to and from other points in the United States, this can result in very substantial savings. The international boundary at Pembina, North Dakota & Emerson, Manitoba is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Then call the shuttle service [url=http://www.winnipegshuttle.com]]to get to or from Winnipeg.
Public Airport Transportation
Public transport is offered by Winnipeg Transit's Route 15 & Route 20 buses which run every 10 to 25 minutes between about 6:00AM to 1:00AM weekdays, (Saturdays & Sundays/Holidays both have their own bus schedule) and will take you downtown in about 30 minutes. Fare is $2.45. Use Winnipeg Transit's Navigo Trip Planner [url=http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo[/url]]for specific directions.
Private Airport Transportation
There are usually, but not always, taxi cabs and Limo Sedans-for-hire waiting at the airport.
*Taxi - Expect to pay around $20 plus tip (15-20%) for a taxi (room for about 2-3 people depending on luggage) to central Winnipeg. Maximum fare to anywhere in the city is about $55 depending on traffic.
*Limo or Shuttle - Limo-Sedan fares (up to 4 people with luggage) are generally $30 flat rate and up. The Limos can actually be cheaper per/person than a taxi depending on where you are going and because your price is pre-determined, the traffic and time it takes is not a factor. If you need a Limo or Shuttle Van (up to 10 people with luggage) you should have it pre-booked to guarantee it will be there, especially in the winter. Pre-booking a Limo will cost you a little more, but it will be there when you arrive and waiting, just for you. [http://www.winnipegshuttle.com[/url]
*Rental - The Winnipeg airport has five car rental companies on-site: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Car Rental counters are located on the main floor of the Parkade across from the terminal.
Greyhound Canada and Grey Goose, +1 (800) 661-8747, [http://www.greyhound.ca] provide service to Winnipeg from across the continent; routes also extend throughout the province of Manitoba. The bus depot is at the airport.
Via Rail, +1 (888) 842-7245, [url=http://www.viarail.ca]]operates the national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada. Passengers arrive at Union Station downtown, within easy walking distance of The Forks.
*It was designed by the same architects behind Grand Central Station in New York, and is a monument to the Beaux-Arts era. It is definitely worth a visit and houses a railway museum in the summer months.
Via Rail routes serving Winnipeg:
*The Canadian from Vancouver (via Edmonton and Jasper) or Toronto runs 3 days a week each direction.
*The Winnipeg-Churchill [url=http://www.viarail.ca/en/trains/prairies-and-northern-manitoba/winnipeg-churchill[/url]]completes the 1,700 kilometre journey (over 1,000 miles!) to the vast subarctic region of Northern Manitoba in two days. Departures from Winnipeg on Tuesdays and Sundays and from Churchill on Thursdays and Saturdays, via [[The Pas[/url]] and [wiki=e6892602a984c21896885135147205c6]Thompson[/wiki].
Winnipeg is on the Trans-Canada Highway [url=http://www.transcanadahighway.com/Manitoba/Winnipeg.htm].]
*From the south, take US Interstate 29, which then becomes Provincial Highway 75, and Pembina Highway once inside Winnipeg's city limits. Winnipeg is one hour from the Canada-US border and two and one half hours from [[Grand Forks[/url]], ND.
*From the west, the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) leads directly to Winnipeg from Regina. Winnipeg is 3 hours and 20 minutes from the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border.
*From the east, Ontario Highway 17 becomes Highway 1 at the Manitoba border (at which time it becomes a 4-lane divided highway). The journey from the Ontario border to Winnipeg's outside "Perimeter Highway" is about 1 hour and 30 minutes and about another 30-45 minutes to DTN, depending on trafic.
Approximate driving times from nearby cities to Winnipeg are about 8 hours from Saskatoon, 6 hours from Regina, 2.75 hours from Kenora, 8 hours from Thunder Bay, 3.5 hours from Fargo, 6 hours from Bismarck and 7 hours from Sioux Falls or Minneapolis. It is 14 hours from Edmonton, Calgary or Chicago.
Highways. Winnipeg is one of the first Canadian cities of its size to have a ring road (Highway 100/101), which provides a by-pass for travellers on the Trans-Canada Highway. Portage Avenue, the city route of the Trans-Canada Highway, follows regular city streets.
Street names. All streets in Winnipeg have names. Major routes will have both names and route numbers, but will almost always be called by the name. A notable exception is Route 90, which is commonly called Kenaston in the southern half of the city and Route 90 in the northern half. Many streets change names as they wind through the city, which can be extremely confusing, even to locals. The most known example is the street that is Salter in the north end of the city, but as it goes south becomes Isabel, Colony, Memorial, Osborne, Dunkirk, and finally Dakota in the south end, with no clear indication when it changes.
One-way streets. Many downtown streets are one-direction, which can make navigating downtown quite confusing. One-way streets are rare outside of downtown
No left turns. Many busy streets limit left hand turns, particularly during rush hour. This is especially prevalent downtown, but is common in the rest of the city as well.
Confusion corner. This intersection is mainly where Osborne St and Pembina Hwy meet, but other streets connect as well, and there are bus-only lanes. There are many lanes going different directions, and it can be very confusing to know which lane you need to be in, which has given the intersection the name "confusion corner".
North End. The area of the city just north of downtown is known as the north end. This is the poorest part of the city and extra precautions should be taken when traveling through here, especially at night (though most crime is gang related rarely involving innocent bystanders). There is a very noticeable drop in the quality of infrastructure when you cross from downtown into the north end, but it is also a very sudden change so it is important to be mindful of your surroundings.
Winnipeg is generally not a walking-centric city. Because municipal law mandates that all new buildings must contain large amounts of parking between the sidewalk and the building itself, pedestrians will be confronted with a morass of cars in all directions. Winnipeg's main arteries all contain boulevards and are extremely wide by world standards, with Main Street having ten lanes where it meets Portage Avenue downtown. However, this pedestrian-unfriendliness is primarily perceived rather than real. Virtually all streets contain sidewalks on both sides running for the street's entire length, and stoplight crossings are frequent even on highways.
One should note that walking across Portage and Main is prohibited and physically impeded by concrete barricades. Since the 1970's, and despite protests, pedestrians have been required to cross this famous intersection through an underground concourse, which has a variety of entry points in or near the office towers on all four corners.
Distance from Portage and Main to:
*The Forks: 10-15 minutes
*St. Boniface: 15-20 minutes
*Osborne Village: 20 minutes
*Corydon Ave: 30 minutes
Interesting walks in Central Winnipeg:
*River Walks along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers (notably from the Legislature to The Forks)
*Esplanade Riel from The Forks to St.Boniface
*Tache and Provencher Avenues in St. Boniface
*Broadway from Osborne to Main
*Exchange District, all around.
*Osborne St from River to Pembina.
Winnipeg Walkway
As it can get very cold during Winnipeg's winters, the downtown area has a network of tunnels and sky-walks. The Walkway is a system of 14 skyways and 7 tunnels connecting 38 buildings and allowing for a maximum protected walk of 2 km. As far east as the Fairmont Hotel east of Main Street all the way west to One Canada Centre on Portage Avenue (across from The Bay). It connects you to all of the buildings around Portage and Main, Winnipeg Square, Cityplace and Portage Place malls, the Millennium Library (Winnipeg's central library branch) and the MTS Centre arena. It has many shops along the way, making travelling during the winter a lot easier.
Winnipeg is not a very cycle-friendly city. Visiting cyclists should be especially cautious when riding anywhere in Winnipeg (it is noteworthy to mention that cyclists are entitled to occupy an entire lane if safety is a concern). Winnipeg drivers can be very impatient and reckless. Bicycle theft is common throughout all areas of the city.
There are few bicycle lanes in the city. These are denoted by diamond markings on the lane. The lanes are often shared with buses.
There has been some effort made to expand bicycling infrastructure in recent years, with the city's "Active Transportation" website listing some of the completed and partially completed bicycle lanes[http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/maps-and-routes.stm].
If cycling through Winnipeg in winter, it's recommended that one dresses in layers and reflective materials. It gets dark in the late afternoon in late November, December and January.
Winnipeg Transit, +1 (877) 311-4974 or 311 (local), [url=http://www.winnipegtransit.com/]]has bus routes running throughout the city. Service is generally good on major routes in the inner city but only fair to poor in the outer suburban areas. The Winnipeg Transit's website includes schedules and a helpful travel planner called Navigo. Automated schedules are available through Telebus, +1 (204) 287-7433. Handi-Transit, +1 (204) 986-5722, [url=http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/handi-transit[/url]]is available for disabled persons.
As of November 9th, 2013, adult bus fare is $2.55 (CDN). There is a reduced fare of $2.05 for children 6-16, high school/college students, and seniors (65+ years of age), for which identification is required. Children 5 and under are free with a fare-paying adult. Drivers will only accept exact change in cash. A transfer can be requested when you pay your fare, which entitles you to ride as many buses as you like within the next 60 minutes. You may also purchase tickets at reduced rates at almost any convenience store.
There are a variety of passes available, which can also be purchased at any convenience store. Of note to travelers is the Max 5 pass, which can be used Monday to Friday, and the Superpass, which can be used from Monday to Sunday. Please keep in mind that the Max 5 is only available for adults.
Special Services
*Downtown Spirit [http://winnipegtransit.com/assets/445/spirit_network.pdf[/url] operates on 3 routes in the downtown area during the day, free of charge.
*Park & Ride allows you to park in designated areas and then catch a transit bus.
*DART provides request bus service to residents living in selected areas of South and South East Winnipeg.
*Bike and Bus offers bike racks on the 60, 160 and 162 Pembina buses during the summer free of charge. St. Vital Shopping Centre and Osborne Junction have bike lockers.
*Shuttle services are offered for occasions such as the Folk Festival and the Assiniboine Race Track season.
Taxis are licensed in Winnipeg and every driver must have their identification visible. For security purposes, taxi drivers are protected by a shield and have video surveillance. By law, fares are non-negotiable and determined by a meter. Smoking and open alcohol are not allowed. The most common taxi model is the smaller Toyota Prius.
Winnipeg Taxicab Tariff: Starting fee: $3.50 with 72.5 metres, then $0.10 for each additional 72.5 metres + $0.10 for each 13.18 seconds of time. Whenever the taxi stops, there's a "waiting time charge" of $0.10 for each 13.18 seconds of metered waiting time. A 10 km ride works out to about $17.20 + any waiting times + tip (15-20%).
*Blueline Taxi +1 (204) 925-8887
*Duffy's Taxi +1 (204) 925-0101 [http://www.duffystaxi.com]
*Spring Taxi +1 (204) 774-8294 [http://www.springtaxi.ca]
*Unicity Taxi +1 (204) 925-3131 [http://www.unicitytaxi.mb.ca]
*Vital (handicap) Transit Services Limited +1 (204) 633-2022 [http://www.vitaltransitservice.com]
*Winnipeg Shuttle & LIMO XTRA SERVICE +1 (204) 981-0981 [http://www.winnipegshuttle.com]
Driving is the easiest way to get around Winnipeg. On-street parking, which ranges from $1-2/hr can usually be found in popular areas if you are willing to search. Keep in mind that during rush hour, most of these spaces will turn into no stopping zones in order to facilitate traffic flow. If these are unavailable, there are parkades or parking lots which will provide a variety of hourly rates. These are roughly twice as expensive as street parking, but they are convenient and located all over the downtown area. If visiting the Forks, keep in mind that there is a large parkade and two lots which provide free parking for visitors.
Auto theft is a serious problem in Winnipeg. Anti-theft devices are strongly recommended, especially immobilizers. Never leave your vehicle running and never leave any objects visible inside, especially aftermarket stereo equipment.
The Forks [url=http://www.theforks.com/].]A tourist attraction on the Red River. The Forks Market offers fresh and speciality foods plus more than 50 unique shops - housed in an eclectic and historic building that was originally a horse stable. The market has an excellent food court with various ethnic food options including favourites 'Taste of Sri Lanka' and 'Bindy's Caribbean Delights'. Head to the hayloft for handicrafts and one-of-a-kind items from clothing and artisan-inspired gifts to jewellery, toys and much more. In the winter you can rent ice skates and go skating down the Red River. In the summer, there are special events and outdoor entertainment almost daily, not to mention some fantastic patios and outdoor bars. If you're visiting Winnipeg, it's a must-see. For information, call 204.942.6302
*The Royal Canadian Mint [url=http://www.mint.ca].]The Royal Canadian Mint’s facility in Winnipeg, designed by local architect Etienne Gaboury, produces billions of coins each year. This is where all Canadian circulation coins are made, as well as those for 60+ governments all around the world. A fascinating guided tour includes the viewing of a 5-minute video in the theatre area followed by a 40-minute walking tour overlooking the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility where the precise art, craft, and science of coin-making is revealed. Open year-round, the on-site Boutique offers beautiful collector coins, an exclusive line of Royal Canadian Mint clothing, and an exciting collection of souvenirs and gift ideas. The adjacent interactive coin museum involves the visitor in unique learning activities including the ability to make your own souvenir coin and the opportunity to lift and hold a 99.99% pure gold bar worth over $200,000. The mint is located at 520 Lagimodiere Boulevard, at the junction of Highways 1 and 59. For information, call (204)983-6429 or 1-866-822-6724.
*Manitoba Legislative Building. Visit Manitoba’s beloved "Golden Boy", who is perched atop the Provincial Legislative building. The Golden Boy, a magnificently gilded 5.25M (17.2-foot) figure sculpted by Charles Gardet of Paris and cast in 1918 at the Barbidienne foundry in France, is probably Manitoba's best known symbol. Embodying the spirit of enterprise and eternal youth, he is poised atop the dome of the building. He faces the north, with its mineral resources, fish, forest, furs, hydroelectric power and seaport, where his province's future lies. The foundry was partially destroyed by bombs during the First World War, but the Golden Boy emerged unharmed. Go inside the building to see the exquisite grand staircase and rotunda. Guided tours available. 450 Broadway. For information, call (204) 945-5813, or check out information and a virtual tour at [http://www.gov.mb.ca/legtour/index.html[/url].
*Esplanade Riel. Connecting The Forks to St. Boniface, this bridge has become one of the most photographed sights in Winnipeg.
The Exchange District National Historic Site[url=http://www.exchangedistrict.org].]The heart of historic downtown Winnipeg is the Exchange District National Historic Site, an area of 20 blocks and more than 150 turn of the century buildings from Winnipeg's boom period. This National Historic Site is Winnipeg's cultural epicentre - home to many art galleries, art-house theatres and other cultural institutions, but the architecture and broad wealth of distinct retail and dining amenities have made it a premiere attraction for visitors to the city. Old Market Square is home to many of the city's premiere arts and cultural festivals, and the Historic Walking Tour Program [url=http://www.exchangedistrict.org/biz/exchange-district-biz/guided-walking-tours/]]is a must-do for any visitor to Winnipeg. The area has also served as the backdrop for numerous films, most notably Brad Pitt's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Capote, often standing in for historic areas of Chicago and New York City. Check here [url=http://www.exchangedistrict.org[/url]]to learn more about the Exchange District.
*[[St. Boniface[/url]]. The city's French quarter boasts a wide variety of activities, shops and over a dozen restaurants guaranteed to satisfy your palate. Swing and dance at the winter festival Le Festival du Voyageur that runs for approximately a week every February, savour a home-cooked meal, visit exhibitions, take part in guided tours and view over 35 designated historical sites.
:*St. Boniface Cathedral. The original cathedral, built in 1908, was destroyed by fire in 1968. The remaining walls were incorporated into the design of the new church, creating a dramatic facade facing west across the Red River towards downtown Winnipeg. The cathedral is a beautiful testament to Winnipeg's history. There are also theatrical productions performed in the adjacent cemetery. Hear stories from the French, Métis and Manitoba History while visiting gravesites of fascinating historical characters including Louis Riel, Métis Leader and founder of Manitoba. For information on Theatre in the Cemetery, call 1-866-808-8338 Address: 190 Avenue de la Cathédrale Hours: For information, call (204) 233-7304
*Osborne Village. This is arguably the city's main cultural centre, catering mainly to twenty-somethings. Still, the area has a good mix of businesses that cater to all ages. "The village", as it is known, runs along Osborne Street from Roslyn Road, right up to the intersections of Pembina, Osborne, and Corydon. The street is lined with boutique fashion stores catering to all walks of life (from Goth to Hipster to Earthy and back), excellent restaurants, nightspots, and arguably one of the city's better record stores, Music Trader. The surrounding areas are full of large, beautiful homes and a few scattered businesses. A walk around the area in the summertime is highly recommended. With regards to nightlife, Buccacino's restaurant holds a Jazz night on Monday nights.Popular nightspots are The Toad, Carlos and Murphy's, and The Cavern. All locations are within a block of each other. The Gas Station theatre still remains as the area's arts and cultural outlet.
=====Modern architecture=====
*Winnipeg Art Gallery
*Promenade de Riel
*St. Boniface Cathedral
*Winnipeg Clinic
*Manitoba Hydro
*Canadian Museum for Human Rights
=====Old Architecture=====
Winnipeg is filled with historical architecture. Almost every corner in downtown has a historical building with amazing details, colouring, and preservation. All one has to do is walk along Main Street, Portage Avenue, or Osborne Street to see that beauty.
* Manitoba Legislature. Tours available to see the inside as well.
* Union Building
* Confederation Life
* Hotel McLaren
* Paris Building
* Vital Statistics Building - Winnipeg
* Keewayden Building
* Hydro Sub Stn No1
* Maltese Cross Building 63 King St
* Ashdown Warehouse
* The Grain Exchange
The Winnipeg Art Gallery is Western Canada's oldest gallery, and features Manitoban, Canadian, and international artists and a large collection of Inuit Art. With it's striking architecture, it is an integral part of downtown Winnipeg.
*
Celebrating Manitoba art and its unique place in the Canadian creative landscape. Artists are showcased through their paintings, pottery, photos and jewellery.
*
Part of Graffiti Art Programming Inc., a not for profit youth art organization that uses art as a tool for community development, social change and individual growth.
*
Manitoba's only artist-run centre devoted exclusively to photographic and digital arts. The gallery exhibits local, national and international artists.
*
Manitoba's premier contemporary art gallery and the first Institute of Contemporary Art in Canada.
*
Features cutting-edge Aboriginal art in an ever-changing contemporary setting, while promoting the rich artistic legacy of Aboriginal communities.
You can explore a vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and colourful history through nine galleries that total approximately 68,000 square feet of exciting exploration (approximately 4 football fields). All regions of Manitoba are represented in the galleries, including the Grasslands, the Boreal Forest, the Arctic/Sub arctic. There are also some recent additions to the Museum: the Hudson Bay Company Collections Gallery and the Parklands/Mixed Woods Gallery, which is the largest and most interactive of the galleries.
*
The Manitoba Children’s Museum is home to several hands-on galleries, offering plenty of family fun. Be a TV anchor, visit the land of fairy tales or climb aboard a fully refurbished locomotive and passenger train car. In November and December, you can take a magical stroll through the Santa Village and perhaps even meet the man in the red suit himself.
* A small but interesting museum, very kid friendly. Features electric street car, robot made of household electronics and consumer products through the ages.
*
Enjoy the largest air park in Canada which includes aircraft presented dramatically in action poses. The museum contains many outstanding exhibits of national significance.
*
This beautifully maintained fire hall built in 1903 features stain glass windows and displays hand and horse drawn, steam and early motorized fire apparatus, artifacts, photographs and records dating back to the 1880s.
*
History will unfold before your eyes at this restored 19th century fort where costumed staff recreate the 1850s in the Red River Valley.
*
Stand within the oldest building in Winnipeg and the largest oak structure in North America, depicting the lives of the French and Métis people.
*
Tales from the sky, great ideas and not so great ideas in flight, and an interactive area for kids.
If you are looking for a great summer outing at the park with a frisbee, this is the place to go. There is a zoo and all of its amenities on site for those wanting an attraction. Explore over 378 acres (153 hectares) along the Assiniboine River. The Zoo, Conservatory, English Garden, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Tudor-style pavilion, and a fine example of a French formal garden are a few of the features found in the park. Picnic areas and cycling and walking trails are popular with visitors. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, tobogganing and skating on the Duck Pond. All public areas are wheelchair accessible. Main entrance is on Corydon Avenue one mile west of Kenaston Boulevard. The park may also be accessed from Portage Avenue via a footbridge over the Assiniboine River.
:Located within Assiniboine Park:
:*Assiniboine Park Zoo and Journey to Churchill.
:*Assiniboine Park Conservatory.
:*Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.
:*Lyric Theatre.
:*The Pavilion Gallery Museum.
:*Winnie the Bear statue.
* Featuring hills and ridges formed by ancient glaciers, this 35 square kilometer Park has a lake, oak and aspen forests, native prairie wildflowers, deer, waterfowl and songbirds. Facilities include camping, swimming, picnic sites, a riding stable, a restaurant, a beach concession and a
convenience store. There are 30 kms of trails for walking and cross-country skiing and 7.2 kms of paved bicycle and roller blading trails. Every July the park hosts the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
*
640-acre nature centre showcasing a 30-head bison prairie herd, 5 lakes, 7km of trails, bird feeding stations, tipi encampment and more.
* Enjoy a day of play with a nine-hole par 27 golf course, mini golf, driving range, lawn bowling, tennis, horseshoes, shuffleboard, sand volleyball and paddleboats. During the winter,
enjoy ice skating on the lake, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and broomball. Professional golf and cross-country ski instruction and rental equipment are available.
*
North on Main, this park is a favourite, especially Sunday night "Cruise Nights". You will find many interesting new and vintage cars cruising through the park and meeting up with friends. Kildonan Park is also home to the Rainbow Stage theatre, which is an open-aired theatre located in the centre of the park. As most parks, they also have BBQ/Picnic designated areas, a pool, play structures, and some interesting landscaping.
* Bordering on the Red River, King’s Park has many
pathways (gravel and paved) to enjoy some of which lead to marshland. In the centre of the park you will find the beautiful Pagoda Gardens. The Park also has a soccer field, two baseball diamonds and an off-leash dog park area.
:*
A free, outdoor garden labyrinth commemorating the world renowned author. A showcase for gardening and landscaping and the largest contemporary labyrinth in Canada.
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Voted the Best Environmental Experience in the world. Guided treks through nature trails, the Marsh, go canoing, view wildlife, interactive exhibits.
* Situated on the Red River, this park is the perfect place for family get-togethers and recreational sports. In winter, the duck pond becomes a skating rink. Located on River Road, north of Bishop Grandin Boulevard. For information, call (204) 986-7623.
Discover how bison influenced the history of Manitoba and the lives of Aboriginals, Métis and Pioneers. Venture through the aspen forest onto the open prairie, where you will experience your first close-up encounter with 30 grunting, munching bison. Test your skills as you power a mighty Voyageur canoe around the lake, or hear the crunching of the snow under historic footwear, the snowshoe. Explore a Plains Cree Tipi and marvel at the design and
functionality. Feel the smoothness of a hand crafted black spoon, fashioned from a bison horn.
Step inside a one-room pioneer sod house and savour wild bush tea and bannock over a campfire.
*Uncover trails of occult clues concealed in the building’s architecture so intelligently masked it has escaped historians and visitors for nearly a hundred years!
*Are you ready to investigate the paranormal? Are you up to photographing mysterious lights and orbs? Join the tour “undertaker,” who is “dying” to tell you historical tales of haunted sites and peculiar activities that take place at famous haunted locations throughout Winnipeg.
*Experience Winnipeg’s French Quarter and history at its best. The tour will guide you through the rich history of the francophone community and the history of the French
Quarter as you visit landmarks and observe historic architecture. Learn about the magnificent St. Boniface Cathedral, the great fire, and its new, modern design.
*The West End BIZ offers walking tours of the area’s 50+ murals throughout the summer months. They are fully guided and provide participants with information about the murals, historical facts about the area and entertaining stories about the West End.
Enjoy water slides, tropical theme mini golf, and bumber boat rentals.
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Go-kart racing on three challenging tracks with over 75 go-karts for ages four to adult. 18-hole pirate theme mini golf, bumper boats, bumper cars, batting cages, and arcades.
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Five different types of go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, video games, jungle gym, picnic/bbq areas, 18-hole mini golf.
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Outdoor amusement park with over 20 rides and attractions for kids.
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Uniquely themed 18-hole miniature golf course.
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40km/h-50km/h real European style racing karts on a 1/4km indoor track with AMB timing system.
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Just north of Winnipeg, Springhill includes 10 ski runs, a quad chairlift and a tow rope. The Terrain Parl offers something for all levels. Certified instructors and rentals available.
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Three-tier driving range, 18-hole mini golf, three virtual golf simulators.
From October to April, the Company performs works by established and emerging playwrights.
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Now in its 84th season, Le cercle Molière offers a wide range of styles and themes in a unique setting. An English synopsis is provided for all plays.
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Cinematheque is an intimate art film theatre devoted to screening the very best in Canadian, independent, foreign and alternative film.
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The Little Opera Company presents an intimate alternative to grand opera with chamber opera that is sung in English. "
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The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra presents nine concerts in the acoustically superb Westminster United Church.
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Acclaimed artists from around the world join the finest Canadian singers, the Manitoba Opera Chorus, and the Winnipeg Sympony Orchestra.
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Discover Canada’s flagship regional theatre producing 10 exciting productions in two state-of-the-art venues: the Mainstage and the Warehouse along with a Master Playwright Festival and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. Main season runs October to May.
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Manitoba Theatre for Young People presents a full season of professional theatre for young people, age 3 to teen, and their families. One of the most respected theatre companies in Canada, for children or adults, MTYP presents 10 plays each season in their state-of-the-art, fully reconfigurable theatre. Each year, MTYP welcomes guest companies from around the world, as well as creating and presenting plays by the company’s own artistic team. The season runs from October to May.
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A designated historical landmark, Pantages plays host to local and international groups, both amateur and professional.
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Winnipeg's second-largest live theatre offers an incredibly intimte experience with all seats less than 30ft from the stage.
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Summer performances take place at Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park, Canada's longest running outdoor theatre.
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The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is known worldwide for its technical excellence and its eclectic repertoire. Strongly rooted in classical ballet, the RWB’s repertoire is diverse, ranging from the classics to innovative contemporary ballet.
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Enjoy a unique and entertaining theatrical performance that takes you through the St. Boniface Cathedral's cemetery, one of the oldest in the city. Hear stories from French, Métis and Manitoban history while visiting gravesites of fascinating historic characters such as Louis Riel, founder of the province.
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The WJO showcases superb local artists and features appearances by exciting national and international guest artists.
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Season runs October through May.
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The WSO performs more than 80 concerts belonging to four major series: Masterworks, Musically Speaking, Pops, Sundays with the Family, and a variety of feature performances.
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Each season WCD creates and presents new work from within the Company and also introduces Winnipeg audiences to some of the best choreography and dance from the rest of Canada.
The city is home to several festivals.
* Western Canada's largest winter festival. For 10 days in February, this fur-trade-themed celebration lights up Saint Boniface, Winnipeg's French Quarter.
* Just For Laughs
*Pride in Winnipeg has been celebrated annually since 1987, and has evolved from a one-day event into a 10-day festival filled with pride, confidence, fun, colour, music, laughter, optimism, and activism. Winnipeg Pride is the Pride of the Prairies - the largest celebration of LGBTTQ culture between Toronto and Vancouver.
* In June, with performers in multiple venues around town.
* The largest annual fair in Manitoba.
*One of North America's premier outdoor music festivals. Features music performances, a folk school, programs for young performers and young visual artists, over 100 artisans, children’s programming, a visual art exhibition, and a food village that encourages the use of local, organic and fair trade ingredients.
* North America's second largest Fringe Festival, held every July.
*Winnipegs new Pirate, Renaissance, and Steam Punk Festival.
* The largest and longest running multicultural event of its kind in the world. Cultural pavilions are spread out at various locations throughout the city for two weeks in August, with a wonderful variety of music, dancing, and food showcasing the city's amazing ethnic diversity.
Winnipeg Jets [url=http://jets.nhl.com],]Ice hockey (National Hockey League): MTS Centre, Portage Avenue and Donald Street. In 2011, Winnipeg once again became home to an NHL team after a Winnipeg-based group purchased the [[Atlanta[/url]] Thrashers. The team resurrected the Jets name that had been used by two other Winnipeg-based hockey teams, most notably the city's former NHL franchise. The Jets play at the MTS Centre, built in 2004 and a first-class venue for hockey games and concerts, though small by NHL standards. The hockey season begins in October; the regular season ends in mid-April, followed by the Stanley Cup playoffs that run into June. Season-ticket packages, which sold out less than a week after being placed on sale, were priced between $39 and $129 per game. Single-game tickets are technically available, but are very hard to come by; 13,000 of the arena's 15,000 seats were dedicated to season tickets. As a result of the return of the NHL, the city's AHL (minor league) team, the Manitoba Moose, moved to [wiki=2ca60751d1e7be10fe662000c47ecc96]St. John's[/wiki], [wiki=daa7c9df2fe7748fad7a9769778fca17]Newfoundland and Labrador[/wiki].
*Winnipeg Blue Bombers [url=http://www.bluebombers.com],]Football (Canadian Football League): Investors Group Field. The Blue Bombers have a long history of support in the city. The Bombers have made it to the league finals 21 times since 1937. They last won the Grey Cup in 1990; in 2011, they played in the Grey Cup game but lost to the B.C. Lions. The CFL season starts in June and ends in November. In 2006, Winnipeg hosted the Grey Cup. A new stadium known as Investors Group Field, was opened at Chancellor Matheson Road and University Crescent on the University of Manitoba campus at the beginning of the 2013 season. The facility is considered the best of its kind in Canada and a premier stadium among football arenas in North America.
*Winnipeg Goldeyes [http://www.goldeyes.com], Baseball (Northern League): Shaw Park, 1 Portage Avenue East (next to the Forks). Since returning to Winnipeg in 1994, the team has been a perennial powerhouse, missing the playoffs only once and frequently finishing first in their division. Shaw Park is considered one of the nicest minor league baseball parks in North America. The season runs from May to September. Tickets are very affordable, ranging from $4-$15. With room for only 7,481, most games are sell outs.
*Featuring live thoroughbred racing.
*Come out and cheer on Team Canada! Team Canada Women’s Volleyball regularly hosts elite international competitions in Winnipeg and Manitoba.
Assiniboia Downs [url=http://www.assiniboiadowns.com].]Live thoroughbred horse racing Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The licensed terrace dining room overlooks the race track. Year-round simulcast wagering on races from around the globe. Season runs from the beginning of May to the end of September. Located at 3975 Portage Avenue. For information, call (204)885-3330.
*Club Regent Casino [url=http://www.casinosofwinnipeg.com[/url].]The Casinos of Winnipeg are the two largest casinos in Western Canada. With its exotic tropical theme, Club Regent Casino is the best indoor vacation sensation in the nation. It boasts the second highest waterfall in the province and one of the largest walk-through aquariums in Canada. This casino is a tropical forest filled with fun dining and the best local and international entertainment in the concert bowl and lounge. And don’t forget the huge variety of games. Group tours available. Located at 1425 Regent Avenue W., open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m., Sunday, noon - 3:00 a.m. Closed on selected holidays. For information, call (204) 957-2700 or 1-800-265-3912.
*McPhillips Station Casino [http://www.casinosofwinnipeg.com[/url]. This casino, designed like a last-century railway village, offers a wide range of gaming options to suit all types of play and personal interest, including slots, table games, video gaming, and bingo. Experience local and international entertainment in the concert bowl. Grab a lunch or dinner buffet, Sunday brunch or take a look at the new a-la-carte menu. Take a multi-sensory magical history tour of Manitoba aboard the Millennium Express. Group tours are also available. Located at 484 McPhillips Street, open year-round; Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m., Sunday, noon - 3:00 a.m. Closed on selected holidays. For information, call toll free 1-800-265-3912.
Winnipeg goldeye, a smoked fish available at most grocery stores and fish markets.
*Winnipeg-style rye bread, best bought unsliced directly from City Bread, 232 Jarvis Avenue, or Kub Bakery, 112 701 Regent Av W
*Winnipeg-style cream cheese is a good accompaniment for Gunn's bagels.
*Fresh pickerel filets and cheeks.
*Russian mints from Morden's Chocolate, 674 Sargent Avenue.
*Beer from Half Pints Brewing [url=http://www.halfpintsbrewing.com/]]550 Roseberry Street (free brewery tours most Saturdays at 1:00 p.m.), and Fort Garry Brewing, [http://www.fortgarry.com/[/url].
*Manitoba maple syrup
*Kubasa or kielbasa, a ready-to-eat Eastern European pork garlic sausage smoked daily at Winnipeg Old Country Sausage, Metro Meats, Central Products, Tenderloin Meat, Karpaty Meat, and Wawel Meat Market.
*Mennonite farmer's sausage from Winkler Meats (for frying or barbecuing).
*Chili Burgers from The Burger Place, Daly Street Burgers, George's, Mrs Mike's, VJ's etc.
Osborne Village is home to a wide variety of resturants, from Japanese, to Ethiopian, to Mexican, to Italian.
*Corydon Ave is patio central from Stafford to Pembina. Almost every restaurant and bar here has a patio for outdoor dining, and during the summer they are all packed late into the night. A classic Winnipeg summer night is to get gelati from one of the many gelati shops and stroll down the strip with friends.
*West End is where many immigrants call home, and the result is amazing ethnic food on every corner. Walk down Ellice or Sargent from Balmoral to Arlington for cheap and delicious food in tiny restaurants served by people who struggle with English.
Has arguably the best burgers in town. If you try this family-run drive in, expect very friendly staff and delicious burgers, hot dogs, fries, etc. North Star also always has a fresh dogbowl of water if you happen to bring your pet along.
*21 locations all over the city. Started during the Dirty Thirties, the company still succeeded due to good food at decent prices. Salisbury refers to hamburgers as "Nips", and french fried potatoes as "chips". Many expatriates returning to the city find it a necessity to have at least one Sals' "nip".
*Amazing Vietnamese food.
*Mexican
*Lebanese/brunch. Perfect for hangovers.
*Sandwiches and burgers
*Middle Eastern
*East Indian
*Chinese and vegetarian
*Caribbean
*Amazing new cafe, centrally located at Confusion Corner. Feels like a sunny Italian Market all year round. They have hundreds of gelato and sorbetto flavours and they always have seventy two on display. They are Manitoba's largest selection of gelato. They also have great panini, soups and salads. A take-out freezer is a must if attending any dinners and not wanting to show up empty handed. A must taste!
* Excellent Ethiopian cuisine. At Massawa, as with traditional Ethiopian cuisine, eating with your hands is how it's done. Very good vegetarian selection, good atmosphere. Food is prepared fresh, so be prepared to wait - not for those in a hurry.
Winnipeg is home to one of the best pizza chefs in Canada with a profusion of awards. Available only for take-out or delivery, you must sample their wares before you leave town.
*Popular bakery and restaurant located in Osborne Village, famous for its desserts.
*Southern style barbecue.
*Some of the best real Italian food.
*Japanese all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. Menu also includes cooked "kitchen" items.
Traditional upscale Italian
* Bistro style restaurant and lounge with an open kitchen. Sit at the chef’s table and chat with owner-operator Chef Alex.
*French and Spanish-influenced.
*One of the best steakhouses in the city.
*Famous brunch
*Japanese sushi and steakhouse. The chefs prepare the meal in front of you with great showmanship. You must come as a group or you will be placed with strangers as the tables seat 8+. The menu consists of set dinners that can be expensive, but the food is delicious and the show is very entertaining.
*Italian wood-fired pizza.
* Spanish-influenced modern tapas.
* Amazing sushi restaurants in Winnipeg, serving some of the most creative and beautiful rolls available in the city. The original is on Osborne Street, known as Wasabi Sushi Bistro. The atmosphere in is hip, modern and funky. There are two other locations as well: 1360 Taylor and 588 Broadway.
Parking will be difficult in the popular areas, especially Saturday nights.
*Corydon Avenue. Packed patios during the summer, the place for late night eats and drinks all year round.
*Osborne Village. Home of the underground scene and late night food and drinks.
*Exchange District. The main dance clubs in Winnipeg can be found in the Exchange District.
Most clubs and bars will insist on seeing identification for every patron, partly for security purposes.
* Live bands and DJs playing Top 40, classic hits and country dance. Two levels, outdoor patio dance floor, 3 bars.
Live Bands, the Whisky Chix dancers, outdoor patio and three bars to choose from. 18+.
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Bands and Dj's alternate 45 minute sets, dance and rock. Dance floor, seating, outdoor patio, two bars. 21+.
* Large dance floor with upper level balcony, light show, and video screens
* Smaller club, two full bars and a shooter bar. Playing Top 40, House, Mash ups, Dance, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Club Banger.
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Younger crowd. 18+
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Younger crowd, university students. 18+
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Pop, Hip Hop, Country, Karaoke. Older women. 18+
Gay & Lesbian Nightclubs
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LGBT, events, prizes, dining. 18+
Younger crowd, large selection of cheap beer by the pitcher, decent music, pool, fussball, and free darts. 18+
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Often punk-rock, cheap beer, pool, and sometimes strippers. 18+
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Folk, Roots, Country, Blues. 18+
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The best live blues in town. 18+
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Billiard tables, a packed patio and attracts a hip, twenty-something crowd. 18+
Faithfully recreated English pub atmosphere serves classic fare. Choose from 15 beer on tap, including UK faves like Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny and Newcastle. Popular with the after-work crowd.
* Irish themed pub. Live music on occasion.
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Great place to go for beer, has the most beer on tap in the city. It's a British-style pub with great British and Indian food. Try the beef vindaloos for the hottest food on the face of this planet. Occasional live music upstairs.
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Great place to go for beer, some darts, pool or a nice meal. Very friendly patrons. Reasonably priced. Live music in the basement (The Cavern)
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Small, quiet place with the local pints on tap.
A restored Victorian home, Guest House offers affordable, quality tourist accommodation with private and semi-private rooms, kitchen facilities, laundry, air conditioning, games room, TV/VCR/Videos, BBQ, Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi, close to restaurants, grocery, pubs, and tourist information.
* This hostel operates out of the McFeetors Hall Student Residence at the University of Winnipeg's Furby-Langside Campus. Availability depends on how many students are occupying the residence hall at any given time. The hall is generally almost entirely open to travelers during the summer season; availability during the regular school year can be fairly limited or nonexistent.
The Columns is a heritage mansion, built in 1906 on treed river side property on East Gate. At the base of the garden, there is a bicycle/walking path that leads to the popular Forks area in downtown Winnipeg. The house has been renovated and restored by the current owners.
*The Norwood Hotel in Winnipeg has been providing guests with excellent hospitality since the late 1800’s. Hospitality is a family tradition, and the Sparrow family has owned and operated the Norwood Hotel since 1937, the oldest family operated hotel in Manitoba.
*Enjoy the beauty of the country life in the heart of the city.
A [wiki=ce9d90c98437bf7e38f1644d5dd43d74#Canada]former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway hotel[/wiki], the Fort Garry was completed in 1913, and bears similarities to New York's Plaza Hotel. Oozes character and charm. Downtown, near Union Station. 246 rooms.
*Features modern style and commitment to service in a spectacular natural setting offering many amenities, including a convenient shuttle service to downtown. Guests may choose from 117 guest rooms and suite, each designed with contemporary lodging elegance. Rooms are smoke-free and furnished with the utmost attention to detail.
*Luxury romantic suites for couples, featuring jacuzzi hut tubs, steam rooms, large screen TVs and more, with 8 different country-based themes.
*New boutique hotel on the Red River.
*Suites are available in studio, one or two bedroom layouts. Each has a complete kitchen and living space. Daily and extended stay rates are available. Centrally located.
Only emergency services provided to Americans; all other matters addressed at Calgary consulate.