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North America : Canada : Prairies : Manitoba : Winnipeg

Winnipeg

Winnipeg [1] (WINNI or WPG)is a city in the province of Manitoba in Canada. It is a major Canadian centre on the Prairies. About 633,000 people live in the city proper, with about 725,000 in the entire metropolitan area. "The Peg" is a city as diverse in and of itself as the whole of Canada. It is the capital and largest city in Manitoba.

It is a fairly well rounded city and has a stable economy. It is a destination that should definitely be looked at for people who really like: architecture, rivers, history, french, money (mint), urban planning, arts, and museums. Aside from that, it truly has something for everyone-from boutiques to cheap value stores, Winnipeg has a great retail market, where a lot of new concepts are tried.

Understand

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). 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.

Climate

Daytime highs in July and August average around 79°F (26°C), and humidity can often make it feel uncomfortably hot, particularly in July. Winnipeg is also known for its high mosquito population, particularly during early summer.Late August and September tend to provide the most pleasant environment for summer visitors. The winters are long and can be cold with temperatures dropping below -4°F (-20°C) on most winter nights, though there is still much to enjoy during these months. Snow can be expected from 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. More detailed climate information is available from Environment Canada [2].

Highway planning

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.

Get in

By Plane

The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport 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 [3], WestJet [4], Northwest Airlines [5], and United Airlines [6], as well as many smaller regional carriers.

There are daily non-stop flights to Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Hamilton, London (Ontario), Thunder Bay, Regina, Saskatoon, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, numerous smaller destinations in Manitoba, Northern Ontario, and Nunavut, as well as non-stop charter and seasonal service to Detroit, Florida, Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Flight times are three hours to Vancouver, two and three quarter hours to Montreal, two and a half hours to Toronto, Ottawa or Denver, two hours to Edmonton, Calgary or Chicago, one hour to Minneapolis, Regina, Saskatoon or Thunder Bay.

The airport is currently building a new terminal which will open in 2010. Flight information phone line: 204-987-9780, website: [7].

There are generally many taxi cabs and limousines waiting at the airport. Expect to pay around $20 for a taxi to central Winnipeg. Maximum fare to anywhere in the city is $36. Limousine fares are generally $27 and up and can actually be cheaper than a taxi depending on the traveler's negotiation skills. Public transport is offered by Winnipeg Transit's Route 15 Mountain bus which runs every 10 to 25 minutes between about 6:00 am to 1:00am (depending on time of day - Saturdays & Sundays/Holidays both have their own bus schedule) and will take you downtown in about 20 minutes. Fare is $2.30.

By bus

Greyhound Canada and Grey Goose [8] provide service to downtown Winnipeg from across the continent; routes also extend throughout the province of Manitoba. The bus depot is located at the corner of Portage Avenue and Colony Street, in the downtown area, one block from The Bay department store. The bus depot has improved security and friendly manitobans.

By train

Via Rail [9] offers The Canadian to Vancouver (via Edmonton and Jasper) or Toronto, which departs from Union Station. Trains to Toronto depart on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays; Trains to Vancouver depart Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Winnipeg is also the origin of The Hudson Bay, which departs three times weekly with service to Churchill on Hudson Bay via The Pas and Thompson. Union Station is located at the corner of Main Street and Broadway, within easy walking distance of The Forks. It was designed by the same architects behind Grand Central Station in New York, and is a stately piece of architecture. The station itself is a tourist highlight and houses a railway museum in the summer months. Beware, trains are often extremely late.

By car

Winnipeg is located on the Trans-Canada Highway [10]. From the south, take US Interstate 29, which then becomes provincial highway 75. Winnipeg is an hour from the Canada-US border and two and one half hours from Grand Forks, 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 MB-Sask 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 is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Driving times from nearby cities to Winnipeg are about 9 hours from Saskatoon, 6.5 hours from Regina, 8.5 hours from Thunder Bay, 3.5 hours from Fargo, 6 hours from Bismarck and 7 hours from Sioux Falls or Minneapolis. It is 16 hours from Edmonton and 12 from Calgary.

Get around

Winnipeg is a large, spread-out city, and it can take a while to get around. While the public transportation service is adequate in the inner part of the city and on main suburban roads, some bus routes run only infrequently during the evening or on weekends. Traffic jams are seldom experienced and parking is very inexpensive so it is worth considering renting a car, especially if any excursions outside of the city are planned.

Walking

Most of the major attractions are within walking distance of the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street, which is the heart of the city. The Forks is approximately a 10 to 15 minute walk and Saint Boniface approximately 15 minutes. It is about a 20 minute walk to Osborne Village and 30 minutes to Corydon Avenue. Interesting walks in Central Winnipeg include the River Walks along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the Esplanade Riel to St.Boniface and Tache and Provencher Avenues, along Broadway from Osborne to Main, and in the Exchange District. Also check out the Wolseley area (just to the southwest of downtown, great architecture, and some good shops and restaurants), Crescentwood (Wellington Crescent), and Scotia Street in the North End. One should note, pedestrian crossings at Portage and Main is not allowed and you will have to take underground routes, which can be confusing, but follow the signs and you'll be fine.

As it can get very cold during Winnipeg's winters, the downtown area has a network of tunnels and sky-walks that can get you from the Fairmont Hotel east of Main Street all the way to The Bay department store. 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. It covers approximately 2km with many shops along the way, making travelling during the winter a lot easier.

By bus

Winnipeg Transit 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. As of January 1st, 2009, adult bus fare is $2.30 (CDN). There is a reduced fare of $1.75 for children, high school students, and seniors (65+ years of age), for which identification is sometimes required. Tickets and passes are also available from some locations at reduced rates. A transfer can be requested when you pay your fare, which entitles you to ride as many buses as you like within the next 90 minutes.

From Downtown, use the 15 Sargent bus for the airport, the 11 Portage, (daytime 21 Express or 22 Express) buses for the bus depot, Polo Park mall, or Assiniboine Park, the 16 Osborne or 18 Corydon buses for Osborne Village, the 18 Corydon bus for Corydon Avenue, and the 18 North Main - Riverbend bus for Kildonan Park. For Saint Boniface use route 10 buses.

Transit's website [11] includes schedules and a helpful travel planner called Navigo.

Winnipeg has 3 free downtown buses (started to promote shopping). So if you're looking to get around downtown on little cash. Check this out: [12].

By taxi

Winnipeg Taxicab Tariff : Starting fee: $3.05, then $0.10 for each additional 81 metres. If the taxi stops, there's a "waiting time charge" of $0.10 for each 14 seconds of metered waiting time. Here is how to calculate your fare ( waiting times, if any, not taken into account) : ($0.10 x # of kms)/0.081 km)+$3.05 . So, a 10 km ride works out to about $ 15.39 .

You can also hire a "Flat-Rate Vehicle" to your destination with a Shuttle Service which can be more economical, especially for longer distances. These companies can also provide a much larger vehicle, capable of transporting more people (Shuttle Van -up to 10, SUV Limo -up to 12) with lots of luggage. They can also stop at multiple addresses to pick up your friends or relatives also on the way to the Airport or where-ever you are going. This will also prove even more economical than taking separate taxi's, for all those who wish to split the cost of one larger vehicle. You will have to call a Winnipeg Shuttle Service for prices.

  • Blueline Taxi (204) 925 - 8888
  • Duffy's Taxi (204) 775 - 0101 or (204) 925 - 0101
  • Spring Taxi (204) 774 - 8294
  • Unicity Taxi (204) 925 - 3131
  • Vital Transit Services Limited (204) 633 - 2022
  • Winnipeg Shuttle and Limousine (204) 981-0981 [13]

See

  • Statue Look, Portage Ave. between Spence and Westbrook. This area is full of all kinds of neat statues, artwork and designs that are eye catching and some, odd. Look at a giant bulldog, a weird fat man sitting, abstract rectangular prisms, historic figures, and more.
  • The Forks [14]. 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 [15]. The Royal Canadian Mint’s facility in Winnipeg, designed by local architect Etienne Gaboury, produces billions of coins each year. This is where ALL our 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.

  • The Exchange District National Historic Site[16].
    Music in the Market at the Exchange District in Downtown Winnipeg
    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 [17] 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 [18] to learn more about the Exchange District.
  • The Aboriginal Centre [19]. Located in the historic CP Rail Station, the Centre is a gathering place and vital central resource for Winnipeg’s Aboriginal community. Visitors will enjoy seeing the Rotunda area, complete with the original doorways through which many travellers passed, restored to its former grandeur. The Aboriginal Centre Restaurant provides tour groups and the casual lunch crowd, the opportunity to experience traditional Aboriginal cuisine. The Aboriginal culture is featured in various art forms at Canadian Plains Gallery. Scheduled summer tours operate from May long weekend to Labour Day weekend. Group tours available upon request September to May. Address:181 Higgins Avenue. Use extra caution when visiting this area. Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30. For information, call (204) 989-6383.
  • 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 [20].
  • St. Boniface. 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. For more information on St. Boniface, call the Riel Tourism Bureau at 1-866-808-8338 or locally, (204) 235-1433.
  • 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, founder of our province. For information on Theatre in the Cemetery, call 1-866-808-8338 Address: 190 Avenue de la Cathédrale Hours: Tour hours are 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., Wednesday to Friday, 2:00, 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Season: July and August. 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. Papa George's, a Greek restaurant, is open until 4am (one of the few things open late in Winnipeg) and serves as an after-the-bar location for many partyers. The Gas Station theatre, once marked for demolition to put in a Giant Tiger location, still remains as the area's arts and cultural outlet.

Museums

  • Manitoba Museum. The Manitoba Museum is the recipient of the Michelin Green Guide’s top award – designated ‘Worth the Trip’, the Province of Manitoba’s Tourism Service Excellence Award, the Attractions Canada Prix Award (provincial) for indoor attractions and the Canadian Tourism Commission’s ‘Win with Winter in Canada’ award. The museum is the province’s largest attraction hosting more than 300,000 visitors annually. 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. In fact the national editors of Where Magazine selected the Parklands/Mixed Woods Gallery as “One of Canada’s Best New Attractions in Summer 2004”.

The Manitoba Museum is noted for its dramatic walk-through settings including the 17th century full-size replica ship “The Nonsuch” whose voyage in 1668 led to the formation of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the Urban Gallery, which recreates boomtown Winnipeg, in the 1920’s (the ‘gateway to the west’). Located at 190 Rupert Ave. at Main St. For information, call (204)956-2830 or (204)943-3139 (recorded info): [21].

  • Manitoba Children's Museum [22]. 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. Address is at 45 Forks Market Road, located within the Forks Market. For information, call (204) 924-4000.
  • Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd(Across from the historic Hudson Bay department store on Portage Ave), ☎ 789-1760‎, [23]. Tue-Sun 11–5pm, Thur 11-9pm, Closed Mon. Adults $6, Students/Seniors $4, Youth $3 (ages 6-12).  The Winnipeg Art Gallery is Western Canada's oldest gallery, and features Manitoban, Canadian, and international artists. With it's striking architecture, it is an integral part of downtown Winnipeg.
  • Manitoba Electrical Museum, 680 Harrow Street, ☎ 477-7905, [24]. Mon-Thur 1–4pm. Free.  A small but interesting museum, very kid friendly. Features electric street car, robot made of household electronics and consumer products through the ages.
  • Costume Museum of Canada located at 109 Pacific Ave. This museum has wonderful exhibits that go through the history of fashion in Canada. The exhibits change frequently and with over 35000 artifacts, there is always something new to see. (www.costumemuseum.com)

Architecture

Modern architecture

  • Winnipeg Art Gallery
  • Promenade de Riel
  • St. Boniface Cathedral
  • Winnipeg Clinic
  • Manitoba Hydro

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. If youre looking for specifics:

  • Manitoba Legislature.  
  • Union Building.  
  • Confederation Life.  
  • Hotel McLaren.  
  • Paris Building.  
  • Vital Statistics Building - Winnipeg.  
  • Keewayden Building.  
  • Hydro Sub Stn No1.  
  • Maltese Crossing Building.  
  • Ashdown Warehouse.  
  • The Grain Exchange.  

Parks and outdoor attractions

  • Assiniboine Park. 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. Address: 2355 Corydon Avenue
  • Assiniboine Park Conservatory. View 10 different displays a year in the Floral Display Gallery, including Orchid and Bonsai shows and a special Holiday Lights Display over the Christmas season. Dating from 1914, the Palm House exhibits a tropical jungle with visitors walking under a canopy of mature tropical trees to admire orchids selected from the Conservatory’s extensive collection. The Gift Shop offers unique gifts for the gardener in everyone. The Garden Restaurant serves light meals and refreshments in a garden atmosphere. For information, call (204)986-5537.
  • St. Vital Park. 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.
  • Kildonan Park. 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. Rainbow Stage company puts on a professional musical every summer, usually running from the end of July until the end of August. As most parks, they also have BBQ/Picnic designated areas, a pool, play structures, and some interesting landscaping.

Do

Entertainment

  • Royal Winnipeg Ballet [25]. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) 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. The box office is located at 380 Graham Avenue at Edmonton. Performances at the Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street. For information, call (204) 956-0183 Box Office (204) 956-2792 or 1-800-667-4792.
  • Manitoba Theatre Centre [26]. 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. Located at 174 Market Avenue (Mainstage) and 140 Rupert Avenue (Warehouse) Season runs October to May For information, call (204) 942-6537 or 1-877-466-4500 (toll-free).
  • Manitoba Theatre for Young People [27]. Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) 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. Located at CanWest Global Performing Arts Centre, 2 Forks Market Road The season runs from October to May. For information, call (204) 942-8898 or 1-877-871-6897.

Festivals

The city is home to several festivals.

  • The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival [28] is North America's second largest Fringe Festival, held every July.
  • Folklorama [29] is 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 Jazz Festival [30] is in June, with performers in multiple venues around town.
  • Winnipeg Folk Festival [31] is every July in Bird's Hill Park, just a short drive north of the city.
  • Red River Exhibition [32] runs from late June to early July in Exhibition Park, near the Assiniboia Downs Racetrack at the southern end of the city.
  • Le Festival du Voyageur [33] is western Canada's largest winter festival. For 10 days in February, this fur-trade-themed celebration lights up Saint Boniface, Winnipeg's French Quarter.
  • Winnipeg Comedy Festival [34] is an annual festival that takes place at the Gas Station Theatre, in Osbourne Village.

Sports to watch

  • Manitoba Moose [35], Ice hockey (American Hockey League): MTS Centre, Portage Avenue and Donald Street. The Manitoba Moose are the farm team for the Vancouver Canucks. Fans attending Moose games are are able to watch many recent draft picks and future stars of the NHL. The MTS Centre was built in 2004 and is an amazing venue for hockey games and concerts. The hockey season begins in October and ends in May. Tickets for Moose games range from $12-$35.
  • Winnipeg Blue Bombers [36], Football (Canadian Football League): Canad Inns Stadium, 1465 Maroons Road (next to Polo Park Shopping Centre). 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 2007, they lost the final to Saskatchewan, their friendly rivals. The CFL season starts in June and ends in November. Tickets to see a game at Canad Inns Stadium range from $20 to $75. In 2006, Winnipeg hosted the Grey Cup.
  • Winnipeg Goldeyes [37], Baseball (Northern League): CanWest Global 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. CanWest Global 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.

Gambling

  • Assiniboia Downs [38]. Live thoroughbred horse racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sundays and holidays are Family Fun Days with free children’s activities: petting farm, pony rides and giant inflatables. 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 [39]. 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 Street Station Casino [40]. 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.

Buy

Aboriginal Crafts at the Forks market, many of which are unique to Winnipeg. Provincial Tax in Manitoba is 7% and Federal tax in Canada is 5%, therefore, expect your purchases to cost an additional 12% worth of tax.

  • Corydon Avenue is one of the hottest areas in the city. This place is full of all kinds of stuff to browse. Drop in a neat grill or buy at the trendy shoe shop.
  • Osborne Street is very up and coming and definitely something you should check out. Here you can admire the historical architecture whilst shopping among top-notch boutiques.
  • Portage Avenue is ripped right through the downtown. In here are many different shops.
  • Garden City Shopping Centre, 2305 Mc Phillips Street, ☎ 1-204-338-7076, [41]. located on the corner of McPhillips and Leila, is one level mall that has a lot of different stores, a small cinema, Sears, Canadian Tire and Winners 
  • Polo Park Mall [42], located on Portage Avenue, is a large mall containing many stores, and a 500 seat food court. It is situated very near to the Canad Inns Stadium, where the Winnipeg Blue Bombers play. Included in the mall is Sears, The Bay, Zellers, McNally Robinson, and a large movie theatre just across from the mall. As well as Phat, the urban headware store.
  • St. Vital Centre [43], located off of St. Mary's Road at Bishop Grandin Boulevard, is a one level mall containing a variety of stores, a 550 seat food court, a large cinema, and a 22,000 square foot Chapters book store. Restaurants located in and around the mall, include Moxie's Classic Grill, Montana's Cookhouse, and earls.
  • Ten Thousand Villages, 134 Plaza Drive(near the intersection of Pembina Highway and Bishop Grandin Boulevard), ☎ 204.261.0566, [44]. 10:00-5:30, Monday to Saturday. A fair-trade store run by the Mennonite Central Committee. The store offers various hand-made gifts and crafts created by artisans from around the world. All merchandise is bought from the artisans at a fair price to help provide income for struggling families in the developing world.(49.82349,-97.148) 

Eat

Local cuisine includes:

  • 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, 626 Stella Avenue.
  • Winnipeg-style cream cheese is a good accompaniment for Gunn's bagels.

Other favourites are:

  • Fresh pickerel filets and cheeks.
  • Russian mints from Morden's Chocolate, 674 Sargent Avenue.
  • Beer from Half Pints Brewing [45] 334 Keewaitin Avenue, and Fort Garry Brewing, [46].
  • 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).

Restaurants

  • Alycia's Restaurant, Ukrainian cuisine, patronized by the late comedian John Candy. 559 Cathedral Avenue, in the North End.
  • North Star Drive In, which is actually located right across the street from Alycia's, has arguably the best burger 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. Located at 531 McGregor, in the North End.
  • C. Kelekis: A Winnipeg institution that started off with Mr. Kelekis Sr.'s popcorn wagon in the early part of the 20th century. Later the family opened a hot dog stand by Selkirk Locks but moved to the present location in 1931. Simple food, but very well cooked. The shoestring French fries, made fresh every day, are justly famed. The restaurant is also known for the wall of celebrity photos. Because of the restrictive liquor laws in Manitoba in the mid 20th C., drinking establishments were often closed as early as midnight or 1:00 AM. Kelekis, due to it's late hours and good reputation became the night spot for many entertainers and politicians. Today its hours are a little more restrained, closing at 7:30 on weeknights, but the food is just as delicious. 1100 Main St, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1 204 582-1786.
  • Salisbury House 21 of them scattered all over the city. Started during the Dirty Thirties, the company still succeeded due to good food at decent prices. For some reason, Salisbury refers to hamburgers as "Nips", and as every Canadian knows, French fried potatoes are "chips". Hence a hamburger and French fries is known to a few Manitobans as "nip'n'chips". Many expatriates returning to the city find it a necessity to have at least one Sals' "nip". (The other necessity is buying loaves of Winnipeg rye bread to take home to friends as "The best dang rye bread in the world!") A new investor in the company is Burton Cummings of the old Winnipeg rock and roll band, "The Guess Who".
  • Diana's Gourmet Pizza 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. R-730 St. Anne's Road 954-7858
  • Tavern in the Park Pavilion in Assiniboine Park (896-7275) Continental fusion cuisine in a one-of-a-kind locale in the Historic Pavilion in Assinboine Park.
  • Baked Expectations. Popular bakery and restaurant located in Osborne Village, famous for its desserts.
  • Monviso Ristorante Italiano A great Italian Restaurant with fabulous food and reasonable prices is located 637 Corydon Ave. The tiramisu is prepared from scratch on the premises and they feature over 20 different kinds of pasta. (204-287-8807)
  • Mondragon Bookstore and Coffeehouse (Exchange District-Downtown)

Definitely worth a quick look to sample a variety of organic fair-trade coffees and excellent vegan cuisine. While you are there you should take a look through the extensive collection of activist literature and music. The Mondragon often hosts lectures, musical performances and just about anything else 'left' you can think of.

  • Goodies Bake Shop [47] Unbelievably delectable desserts ranging from pavlova to key lime pie to gelati to baklava, Goodies has something for everyone. Located at the corner of Ellice and Erin, Goodies has ample parking, and should not be missed.
  • Mercato Gelato Cafe [48] 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! (204-452-0130)
  • Logan Corner, is a really good Asian restaurant on the corner of Logan and King. It has 2 different menus: one is in Chinese and the other in English. Their food is great and they have a large variety.

Numerous restaurants can be found on Sargent and Ellice avenues in West End which offer a good variety of restaurants with good value dishes. There are many good Chinese restaurants in Chinatown (Princess and King Streets north of James Avenue), though walking these areas at night is not a good idea.

  • Massawa Excellent Ethiopian cuisine. Leave your forks at home, kids. At Massawa, as with traditional Ethiopian cuisine, eating with your hands is how it's done. Very good vegetarian selection, good atmosphere. Located on Osborne Street between River Avenue and Stradbrook.
  • Wasabi Two amazing sushi restaurants in Winnipeg, serving some of the most creative and beautiful rolls available in the city. The first being Wasabi on Broadway, the upscale casual chic restaurant in a big house. It is located two blocks West of Memorial on Broadway. The original is on Osborne Street, known as Wasabi Sushi Bistro/Next Door. The atmosphere in both restaurants is hip, modern and funky. The chain also runs a little grocery shop on Osborne called Wasabi at home, selling all specialty asian products.

Drink

Nightspots

Visitors will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is to "Party in the Peg". Bottles of beer and cocktails generally sell for between $3.25 and $4.50.

  • Corydon Avenue/Osborne Village (Off of Pembina Highway) Take a stroll down the leafy streets during the summer. Lots of bars and restaurants.
  • Exchange District - The city's late 19th/early 20th century collection of buildings. 20 square blocks of historical buildings left from Winnipeg's boom period (1880-1920) - very impressive. Due to the rarity of such a wide area of period business buildings, many film companies can be found shooting in this area.

Clubs and bars

  • Whisky Dix (In The Exchange. - Formerly The Empire, this bar now claims to be the best country western bar in Winnipeg. Live Bands, the Whisky Chix dancers, outdoor patio and three bars to choose from. 21+)
  • Alive (In the Exchange.- Pop, Older Crowd, Friday and Saturday. 21+)
  • The Pemby (Younger crowd, large selection of cheap beer by the pitcher, decent music, pool, fussball, and free darts!. 18+)
  • The Zoo (Often punk-rock, cheap beer, pool, and sometimes strippers. 18+)
  • Tijuana Yacht Club (TYC) (Younger Crowd, Thursday and Saturday. 18+)
  • Off-Campus (The OC) (Younger Crowd, Friday. 18+)
  • myBar (Younger Crowd, Friday and Saturday. 18+)
  • Pharaoh's (University Students, Wednesday,Friday and Saturday. 18+)
  • Cowboy's (Country Music, Older Crowd, Thursday,Friday and Saturday. 18+)
  • The Times Changed - High and lonesome club (Folk, Roots, Country, Blues. 18+)
  • Silverado's (18-24 year old crowd, Wednesday,Friday and Saturday. 18+)
  • Palomino Club (Pop/HipHop and Country, Monday,Friday and Saturday. 18+)
  • Bar Italia (billiard tables, a packed patio and attracts a hip, twenty-something crowd, Friday and Saturday. 18+)
  • Energy Lounge & Vernaz Restaurant (Restaurant and club, Friday and Saturday. 18+)
  • Blush Ultra Club (High End Night Club, Thursday(18+),Friday and Saturday(21+)
  • Coyotes (18-20 Crowd, Friday and Saturday. 18+)
  • The Windsor Hotel (the best live blues in town, Thursday - Saturday 18+)

Gay & Lesbian Nightclubs

  • Gio's (Smith Street downtown)
  • Club 200 (Garry Street downtown)
  • Desire Nightclub (Main Street downtown)

Winnipeg is generally a very tolerant city and was North America's first large city to have an openly gay mayor.

Pubs and lounges

The legal drinking age in Manitoba is 18 years.

  • The Elephant & Castle, 350 St Mary Ave(St Mary Ave and Hargrave St, in the lobby of the Delta Winnipeg Hotel), ☎ 942-5555‎. $8-$14.  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.
  • Triple B's Bar and Billiards.  Excellent food, many pool tables and Extraordinary karaoke on Wednesday nights.
  • Shannon's Irish Pub, 175 Carlton St(East side of the Winnipeg Convention Centre), ☎ 943-2302.  Irish themed pub. Live music on occasion.
  • King's Head Pub, 120 King St, 957-7710. This pub in the Exchange District is a 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.
  • The Toad in the Hole, 112 Osborne St., (204) 284-7201. This pub in the Osborne Village area is a great place to go for beer, some darts, pool or a nice meal. Very friendly patrons. Reasonably priced.
  • The Cavern, 112 Osborne St. (basement).  Music venue beneath the Toad in the Hole (formerly known as the Hole in the Toad).
  • Tavern United, four locations: 1. Canad Inns Fort Garry on Pembina 2. Beside the MTS Centre (has a rooftop patio), and 3. McPhillips St. beside Silverados. 4. Regent Ave. West beside mybar.
  • Lo Pub, attached to the HI-Downtowner Hostel. This pub has great happy hour prices, local beer on tap and is one of the best music venues in town. Corner of Ellice & Kennedy.

Sleep

  • HI-Winnipeg Downtowner Hostel, 330 Kennedy St @ Ellice, +1 204 943-5581, toll-free +1 866 762-4122, [49]. One of two backpackers' hostels in Winnipeg. Beds start at $29.
  • The Fairmont Hotel at the corner of Portage and Main is one of the top hotels in the city. This 4 star hotel has played host to such people as Queen Elizabeth II on many visits, and many famous celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Brad Pitt, and Ben Affleck just to name a few. The hotel has a roof top pool open all year and a first class service staff that is hard to match.

All major chain hotels have properties in Winnipeg. As well as in the downtown area, there are numerous hotels near the airport, near Polo Park Shopping Centre, and on Pembina Highway South. Cheap motels can be found throughout the city. The older hotels on Main Street should be avoided at all costs.

Visitors consistently report positive experiences at the following hotels:

  • The Hotel Fort Garry, a former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway hotel, was completed in 1913, and bears similarities to New York's Plaza Hotel. Oozes character and charm. The building behind has a revolving restaurant (30th floor) and a lounge (31st floor) that offer stunning views. Downtown, 246 rooms, average price $194.
  • Place Louis Riel. Downtown, 280 rooms, average price $176.
  • Inn at the Forks. Downtown, 116 rooms, average price $173.
  • Beechmont Bed and Breakfast. Downtown, 5 rooms, average price $110.
  • Four Points by Sheraton Winnipeg Airport. Airport, 132 rooms, average price $161.
  • Hilton Suites Winnipeg Airport. Airport, 160 rooms, average price $150.
  • Greenwood Inn. Airport, 213 rooms, average price $119.
  • Comfort Inn Airport. Airport, 81 rooms, average price $115.
  • Delta Downtown Winnipeg. Accepts pets. 
  • Holiday Inn Pembin Hwy.. Beautiful, clean hotel with good access to different parts of Winnipeg, and get this, it accepts pets! Try and get a hotel with window view showing north, as it has THE BEST views of downtown Winnipeg!! 

Stay safe

Winnipeg is relatively safe in comparison to many large cities in North America. Winnipeg, by Canadian standards, has a moderately high crime rate though most crime is gang or alcohol related and rarely involves tourists who exercise the same degree of caution they would in any other urban centre. Areas where higher degree of caution is advised at night include areas north of City Hall on Main Street and the area surrounding Central Park.

Panhandlers are less numerous in Winnipeg compared to cities like Vancouver and they are very seldom aggressive, however displays of obvious wealth such as jewellery and expensive digital cameras should be kept to a minimum.

Winnipeg has a history of fairly substantial auto theft and "smash and grab" problem but this problem has been reduced thanks to agressive measures taken to address the problem. Having said that, common sense should prevail. Never leave a vehicle unlocked and under no circumstances should any object be left in the car interior where it can be seen, no matter what the value. Keep all items in the trunk.

If you rent a vehicle, ensure with your rental agency that it is equipped with an immobilizer. If you drive your own vehicle here, Manitoba Public Insurance offers a most-at-risk vehicle assessment [50]. While this is aimed at those intending to register vehicles in Manitoba, tourists may use this to consider if their vehicle is at an elevated risk for theft. Out of province tourists may also consult with their automobile insurance agent.

Get out

Winnipeg is a great starting point to begin exploring the province of Manitoba, and the Toban Experience enables independent travelers a way to visit popular destinations outside Winnipeg. Manitoba has many recreational opportunities, including canoeing, fishing, cycling, and cross-country skiing. One of the most popular out of town destinations is Grand Beach, located less than an hour from Winnipeg. Famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, it was once listed in top 10 fresh water beaches in the world by Playboy Magazine. Also visit Whiteshell Provincial Park (90 minutes east of Winnipeg via Highway 1 or Highway 44, or VIA Rail Service to Brereton Lake) for great camping, hiking, and boating. Oak Hammock Marsh, about a 40 minute drive north of the city is a must for bird watchers.


This page was last edited at 22:12, on 22 March 2009 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by James Yolkowski, Marc Heiden and Sam Dyck, Wikitravel user(s) Shaund, Texugo, Edmontonenthusiast, Local hero and Jstore, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.