Winnipeg, Manitoba

You might have heard people speak of Toronto as being the New York of Canada. And Vancouver, with its lovely Sea-to-Sky vistas, was recently heralded as the site of the 2010 Olympics along with its beautiful mountain resort sister-city Whistler. Ottawa is the lovely capital of Canada. And the eastern coast of Canada with its scenic islands and coastlines is an exciting and popular tourist destination. I would like to introduce you to another, lesser-known gem of Canada – my prairie hometown, Winnipeg.
Winnipeg is not only in the heart of Canada, but it is also geographically located in the heart of North America. It is a charming and unique mix of both cosmopolitan and rural societies. Winnipeg was once an important trading post in Canada’s rich history. Its history springs forth from the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.

This is the site that is today known as The Forks. It is an eclectic mix of restaurants and produce markets. It is also the site of the old Winnipeg Railway Station, which has been renovated and is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk along the river from The Forks to the Legislature and check out the Golden Boy atop the capital building. If his torch is lit, legislature is in session! Or they can explore the river by water taxi, which takes folks from The Forks to the Hotel Fort Garry (home of one of Winnipeg’s many popular casinos - the Crystal Casino), then to the Legislature and on to the Village (home of numerous popular shops, eateries, and residential neighborhoods).

Yes, Winnipeg can get mighty cold in the midst of winter. But much of the downtown core is connected by skywalks and can be explored without going outdoors. Besides, Winnipeg is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, which makes outdoor winter sports (such as cross-country skiing, hockey, curling and ice skating) fun.

Winter is just one of the four very well defined seasons in Winnipeg. Spring is lovely and fruitful - Winnipeg is one of Canada’s most rich farming communities. This lends a lovely laid back quality to the city. Tourists often comment on how friendly the residents are. For diversity, you might even want to explore the Francophone community of St.Boniface.

Summertime in Winnipeg finds everyone outdoors at venues such Assiniboine Park (home of Winnipeg’s Shakespeare in the Park), the Exchange District (an eclectic mix of restaurants and the home of Winnipeg’s Fringe Festival and the world famous intersection at Portage and Main) and Rainbow Stage (Canada’s oldest outdoor theatre). Other venues around the city include Assiniboia Downs (home of Winnipeg’s popular horse racing community) and Lake Winnipeg (with its speedboat and windsurfing races). And of course you might want to catch a Blue Bomber’s football game at Winnipeg Stadium.
The arts community is vast and diverse in Winnipeg. It is the home of Prairie Theatre Exchange, Manitoba Theatre Centre, numerous popular museums and Canada’s only royal ballet – the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In addition, Winnipeg is home to two of Canada’s major universities – The University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg.

My hometown is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. If you have never explored the heartland, give us a visit. It is a gem definitely worth exploring!

Darcy M

Submitted: Wednesday 4th February 2004, 9:28 PM

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