The City of Winnipeg: From a Prairie Outpost to a Sophisticated Metro
For centuries, the city of Winnipeg has been an ideal gathering place. Aboriginal peoples used to gather here for trade and celebration, meeting at the Forks–the meeting point between the Red River and the Assiniboine River. These days, people still meet at the Forks; but instead of meeting to trade, they gather to explore all of the unique intricacies of this now bustling metropolis. Come see the centre of North America and experience all that Winnipeg has to offer, especially their artistic venues and outdoor activities.
Artistic Venues
Known as one of Western Canada's major cultural hubs, the city of Winnipeg is ripe with a variety of artistic venues and outlets, boasting a myriad of theatre, dance and music companies, as well as a top-notch art gallery and an elegant sculpture garden.
The Centennial Concert Hall is located in downtown Winnipeg and is a must-see attraction because it houses the famous Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which is the longest-running ballet company in North America, as well as the Manitoba Opera, a traveling company renowned for its dazzling performances.
The Manitoba Theatre Centre is another great place to visit during your Winnipeg vacation. Home to the fabulous Manitoba Theatre Company, which was the first English-speaking regional theatre group in North America, this theatre centre is in close proximity to the Manitoba Museum, where you can view a vast collection of more than two million human artifacts, thousands of fossils and natural history specimens, 40,000 different species of plants, numerous rocks and minerals, and large exhibits that portray the history of Manitoba.
Created by a long-time Winnipeg resident and a world-renowned sculptor, the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden is absolutely breathtaking. It features figures of people and animals that are both charming and enchanting. The indoor gallery displays the small collection Leo Mol's oil paintings and pastels, as well. Feel free to take a self-guided tour or to call ahead for a leader.
You can't leave Winnipeg before visiting Western Canada's oldest public art space, the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Designed by native Canadian, Gustavo Da Roza, this building is one the most unusual structures in town. It showcases a smorgasbord of contemporary and historical Canadian artists, as well as Gothic and Renaissance paintings. Perhaps the most impressive part of the museum is its section devoted to modern Inuit art, as it is the largest public collection in the world.
Outdoor Activities
Situated directly in the center of Canada and among rolling plains of prairie farmland, the city of Winnipeg is the perfect place to plan an outdoor adventure, as it houses tons of great activities like Routes on the Red, Haunted Winnipeg Tours, and the Forks.
The Routes on the Red were developed to emphasize the natural beauty of the Manitoba's Red River Valley, offering more than 20 self-guided tours throughout that area, along with route maps for summer and winter trips of various lengths. Whether you want to hike, bicycle, drive, canoe or ski, you will find detailed tour information that will help you explore the terrain.
While you're here, you must take a Winnipeg Haunted tour, where you will learn about the Winnipeg's history of being the "Wickedest city in the Dominion." Heartland Travel and Muddy Water Tours offer a guided 2 ˝ hour bus tour that will shed some light on the wilder and spookier tales of the city. Your tour will depart from the Canadian National Railway Station at Main Street and Broadway. Be sure to be on time, though, as they won't wait around too long for those who are tardy.
Known as the city's number one tourist attraction, the Forks is a 53-acre site located in the very heart of Winnipeg that certainly is not lacking for things to do. From numerous free attractions, a park, multiple outdoor activities, great shopping, delicious restaurants and historic sites, the Forks is sure to have something for everyone. Yearly festivals and concerts, along with ice skating and skateboarding will entertain children of all ages. For a bit of history, you can check out the Wall Through Time or stroll through the Forks National Historic Site. If you're in the mood to shop, then browse through the Johnston Terminal (a former cold storage warehouse). Don't forget to catch a show at the CanWest Global Performing Arts Centre, as well.
Natural Attractions
Like many rural Canadian cities, Winnipeg has much to offer in the way of natural attractions. From its gorgeous lakes to its deliriously beautiful beaches, this city is full of aesthetically pleasing sights. While you're here, explore the Fort Whyte Nature Centre and Oak Hammock Marsh to learn more about the natural beauty of the area.
The perfect place to bird-watch, Oak Hammock Marsh is a wildlife area that hosts more than 295 different species of birds, as well as 25 other species of wildlife. There's an interpretive centre with a theater that shows informative films, as well as various exhibits and an observation deck. Canoe trips and hiking trails are available if you would like to make your visit a bit more active.
Fort Whyte Nature Centre teaches visitors about the plants and animals that make up Winnipeg's prairie-like ecosystem. You can meander through the interpretive centre, where you'll find a freshwater aquarium, several fascinating exhibits and even a waterfowl viewing station. The 600-acre site also includes a herd of around 30 bison, trails for hiking or biking, and a prairie dog town. If you're traveling in the summer, you can schedule a guided hike.
No matter what type of activity you choose to do in Winnipeg, you are sure to enjoy your time in the centre of North America.
