Winnipeg Mini Guide
About Winnipeg
Winnipeg, the capital city of Canada’s Manitoba region sits at the joining of the Red and Assiniboine rivers also known as the Forks. It gets its name from the Cree word for Muddy waters. Traditionally an Aboriginal trading centre the city rapidly developed during the 19th and 20th centuries to become one of North America’s fastest growing cities.
Things To See
There are many things to see and do in Winnipeg and the Forks is a good place to start. A recognised national historic site of Canada, it hosts a wide range of attractions including but not limited to a television studio, a huge skate plaza and bowling complex, an excellent children’s museum, a young people’s theatre and a beautiful river walkway. There is also a museum of human rights which opened in 2012.
For a historical fix check out the Manitoba Museum, it is the city’s largest museum and its exhibits take you through the history of Winnipeg and bring the past to life. It has a stunning replica of the Nonsuch ship which is the showcase piece of the museum and it is a good starting point for an exploration of the region’s history.
For dedicated followers of fashion, the Costume Museum of Canada in the Exchange District makes a welcome change from the high street. Its exhibits trace the history of fashion in Canada and make for an interesting afternoon. For the little ones the Children’s Museum can’t be missed. Its exhibits and interactive displays are so much fun they won’t even realise that they’re learning something.
After Dark
The Osbourne Village is the place to see and be seen, known primarily as “The Village”, it is home to a vast selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and shops. Live Jazz can be found most Monday nights at Buccacinos Restaurant. Other popular stops for both locals and visitors include the Cavern and the Toad. After the nightclubs have emptied there’s only one place to go in Winnipeg for an authentic taste of
Greek home style cooking - Papa Georges’ which stays open till late.
Art and Culture
There are many good galleries in Winnipeg and the local art scene is well developed. Western Canada's oldest gallery is located in the town, the Winnipeg Art Gallery is home to an extensive collection of artwork and exhibits by local and international artists and it has a huge collection of Inuit Art.
The Graffiti Gallery also makes for an interesting stop. It is the home of a not for profit youth art organisation that promotes co-operation and development of the arts in the community. If you prefer photography you will find the Platform worth a visit. A modern centre for the photographic and digital arts, the Platform is located on Arthur Street in the Artspace building.
Last but by no means least, is the Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery in the Exchange District of Winnipeg. This fantastic space features and promotes contemporary Aboriginal Art while simultaneously helping the preservation of the rich historical legacy found in the regions Aboriginal communities.
Getting There
Winnipeg can be easily reached via the Trans-Canada Highway when driving. If going by air, the city has its own airport, the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, while its name is a bit of a mouthful, it is located only seven kilometres from the centre of the city. There are good bus connections with both the Greyhound and Grey Goose lines. Rail is also an option with Winnipeg’s Union Station located in the City’s Downtown area.