Winnipeg: More than Winter and Mosquitos

Winnipeg's St. Boniface Cathedral 1

Yet Winnipeg's reputation is unfounded—and unfair—as most don't realize that Winnipeg is a thriving cultural centre that offers a vibrant atmosphere and close proximity to some of Canada's most well-known (and beautiful) beaches. Known only for harsh, long winters and mosquito-laden summers, only Manitobans seem to understand the true charm of this lively city.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF WINNIPEG

The settlement that went on to become known as downtown Winnipeg was formed at the convergence of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers by French colonists in 1738, though a more permanent settlement was not formed until 1822. Known as Fort Gibraltar and later as Upper Fort Garry, it was quickly destroyed in a flood and rebuilt in 1835, only to be re-named Fort Gibraltar.

	Grand Beach on a Busy Summer's Day 2

The Red River rebellion—which saw Metis People, led by Louis Riel, clash with recently settlers from the east—re-defined Winnipeg's landscape and led to the formation of a new Canadian province: Manitoba. Winnipeg was officially incorporated as a city in 1873. Shortly after, Winnipeg experienced an impressive growth spurt as it was one of North America's major transportation hubs, especially before the Panama Canal was constructed. In 1971, many of Winnipeg's suburbs were amalgamated into the city to create one large city. These suburbs included St. Boniface, St. James-Assiniboia, Transcona, St. Vital and Kildonan.

Despite it having been Canada's third largest city in the early 1900s, Winnipeg's growth has slowed in the years since, especially compared to other Canadian prairie cities like Calgary and Edmonton. These days, the Winnipeg area has around 700,000 people, making it Canada's 7th largest city.

Royal Canadian Mint at Night 3

MUST-SEE DISTRICTS

Fort Rouge was Winnipeg's first suburb, and these days it's a vibrant, inner-city neighbourhood that offers great shopping and dining options, particularly on Corydon, the city's Little Italy district. In Fort Rouge's north end, Osborne Village is one of Canada's most densely populated neighbourhoods and is definitely Winnipeg's trendiest area, offering locally-run businesses that flaunt cutting-edge food, drinks, music and consumer goods. Osborne Village has an urban vibe that is unique to Winnipeg and Canada.

Downtown Winnipeg is peppered with the usual skyscrapers that one expects in the centre of a major city. It's here that corporate-types go about their daily business, but once the offices close down, downtown is still somewhat hopping, especially when there's a concert or hockey game at MTS Centre, Winnipeg's main sport and entertainment venue. The intersection of Portage and Main is one of Canada's most well-known, and is reputedly the coldest and windiest intersection in Canada. Also located downtown is Winnipeg's Chinatown, where the city's Asian influence comes to life with amazing food and colourful events.

Despite it being located in the Prairies, far from Quebec, Winnipeg is proud to have a large, vibrant French-speaking population. The city's own French Quarter can be found in the area now known as St. Boniface, located across the river from Fort Rouge. St. Boniface is connected to downtown via the Esplanade Riel, a pedestrian bridge with a unique cable-stayed structure.

Winnipeg's West End, located along Ellice and Sargent Avenues, is considered the international district of the city. Import gift shops and a large array of global dining options line the streets of this modest district. The North End is known for its colourful murals and also as the birthplace for several prominent artist-types, including Burton Cummings.

HISTORIC SITES AND MUSEUMS

Fort Gibraltar Historic Site, located in Saint Boniface, is a testament to the trials and tribulations of early settlers in Winnipeg. Though the original fort is long gone, the main structure was re-built in 1978, and the stone gate still stands. The fort is open for exploration during the summer months and is the site of many festivities during the popular Festival du Voyageur in February.

	Oak Hammock Marsh 4

The French Quarter is also the location of the historic St. Boniface Cathedral, where Louis Riel is buried. The cathedral burned down in 1968, but the stone façade still stands as a testament to the strength of the faith of French pioneers. Nearby, the Convent of the Grey Nuns still stands, exactly as it has since 1845, making it both the oldest building in Winnipeg and the largest oak log building in North America. The convent is part of the St. Boniface Museum, which features extensive exhibits and artifacts related to Winnipeg's French history, including the fur trade, the Red River Rebellion and everything before and since.

Shopping at the Forks 5

The Manitoba Museum is also important as it commemorates the natural and human history of this diverse province. Eight galleries represent everything from the urban cityscapes to the rural communities to the harsh arctic landscape and everything in between. The onsite planetarium brings the solar system to life and enchants both kids and grown-ups in the process.

The Forks National Historic Site, located across the river from St. Boniface in downtown Winnipeg, is where early First Nations peoples in the Winnipeg area congregated, and today it remains a modern-day gathering place where residents and visitors can browse goods at the market, get a bite to eat, pick up groceries or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river's edge and through the interpretive park, where history is illustrated through informative signs. The Forks is the proposed site of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights when it opens in 2010.

Another famous Winnipegger, author Gabrielle Roy, grew up at 375 Deschampes Street, and because of her important contributions to the Canadian Literary Scene, the house was converted into a museum dedicated to the literary arts in 2003.

The Royal Canadian Mint, located east of St. Boniface, is one of Winnipeg's most well-known attractions, and not just for its unique architecture. It's the place where all Canadian coins are produced, not to mention the coins of several other countries. Highly efficient and impressive, a tour of the mint and its boutique is a great way to spend the better part of a day.

THE ARTS

Winnipeg is known as one of the cultural hubs of Western Canada. A number of famous artsy-types call Winnipeg home (see box), not to mention a number of theatre, dance and music companies.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) has been impressing audiences on the international stage with world-class productions since it started touring in 1945. RWB has the distinction of being North America's longest-running ballet company. Performances occur at the Centennial Concert Hall in downtown. The Manitoba Opera, a company thathas been putting on renowned performances since 1972, also calls this stage home.

Western Canada's oldest public art space, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, has been encouraging and supporting the local artistic community since 1912. Ever-changing exhibits enhance and enrich personal experience through the medium of visual artwork, making the gallery a must-see for kids and adults in Winnipeg.

For another evening out, take in a show at the Manitoba Theatre Centre, home to the Manitoba Theatre Company, which set the stage for theatre companies across North America as the first English-speaking regional theatre group.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Like many cities in Canada, Winnipeg is surrounded by an expansive rural landscape where wildlife make their home and the endless prairie allows one to forget the hassles of urban living. Oak Hammock Marsh is an award-winning restored wetland that is a prime breeding ground for many species of rare birds. With over 30 km (18 mi) of trails and a state-of-the-art interpretive centre, a day at the Marsh is a day well-spent.

Royal Winnipeg Ballet Dancers 6

Though Winnipeg (or Winterpeg as it is sometimes known) is considered one of the coldest cities in Canada, it's also known for its beaches. And while it's true that Manitoba's only oceanfront property connects to the Arctic Ocean, over 14 per cent of the province is covered in lakes, including the world's tenth largest freshwater lake, Lake Winnipeg. Grand Beach, for one, offers a stunning 3-km (1.9-mi) stretch of white sand waterfront deliciousness. And at only 80 km (50 mi) from Winnipeg, a trip to Grand Beach can easily be a day trip, though accommodations are available for those who can't get enough of it.

EVENTS

In a culture-rich city like Winnipeg, it's no surprise that there are a number of festivals throughout the year that celebrate not only the arts but the spirit of this vibrant city. The Winnipeg Folk Festival is one such event, uniting folk, bluegrass, celtic and old-time music lovers in nearby Bird's Eye Provincial Park. The schedule of performers is always impressive, featuring artists from around the world. North America's second largest fringe theatre festival also takes place in Winnipeg, celebrating film and performances that veer off the beaten path.

The Red River Exhibition, taking place near the end of June each year, is a fun-filled, family-oriented event that offers all the excitement of a midway, plus concerts and other performances, agriculture exhibits, kids programs and more.

Not all of Winnipeg's fun happens in the summer, and Festival de Voyageur is proof. One of the city's biggest events, Festival celebrates the French population of Manitoba by re-creating the energy of the world famous Carnaval De Quebec in a Western Canadian setting. For 10 days every February, the history of early French settlers in Manitoba is brought to life through activities, learning programs, music, vendors and more.

1. Travel Manitoba; Winnipeg's St. Boniface Cathedral; Winnipeg, MB, Canada
2. Travel Manitoba; Grand Beach on a Busy Summer's Day; Winnipeg, MB, Canada
3. Royal Canadian Mint; Royal Canadian Mint at Night; Winnipeg, MB, Canada
4. Travel Manitoba; Oak Hammock Marsh; Winnipeg, MB, Canada
5. Travel Manitoba; Shopping at the Forks; Winnipeg, MB, Canada
6. Travel Manitoba; Royal Winnipeg Ballet Dancers; Winnipeg, MB, Canada