Nearly 650,000 people make up Winnipeg's vibrant and multi-cultural population, making it the largest city in Manitoba. In addition, Winnipeg serves as Manitoba's capital city, and lies at the intersection of two major North American rivers, the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, giving it the namesake of "The Forks." You'll find much of the city's growing economy based in finance industries, research and technology, political institutions and manufacturing. While the majority of Winnipeggers are of European or Canadian descent, Winnipeg is also home to diverse cultures, including a large Filipino population.

Winnipeg, with a humid continental climate, experiences warm, humid summers coupled with a long, chilling winters. Due to its prairie landscape, Winnipeg is affected by two distinct weather systems, which lend to unpredictable conditions in fall and spring. Both cold, arctic high pressure systems from the northwest, and hot, humid weather drawn northward from the Gulf of Mexico contribute to the city's variable weather. Still, many believe that the nearly 16 hours of sunshine daily during the summer is sufficient compensation. Nonetheless, visitors should come prepared for all types of conditions.

Most offices maintain Monday-Friday hours, usually 9am-5pm. Retail businesses generally open from about 10am-9pm Monday-Saturday, and Noon-5pm on Sunday

New Years Day   January 1   Louis Riel Day   Third Monday in Februaru   Good Friday   Friday before Easter   Easter Sunday   Varies   Victoria Day   Monday on or before May 24   Canada Day   July 1   Civic Holiday   First Monday in August   Labour Day   First Monday in September   Thanksgiving   Second Monday in October   Christmas Day   December 25

Manitoba also observes two optional holidays: Remembrance Day, which is an "Official Day of Observance" and lies on November 11; and Boxing Day, which is December 26.

The only international airport in the city, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) is currently receiving renovations, with a new terminal slated for completion by the end of 2009. The YWG Airport, Canada's only 24-hour airport, still serves 3.5 million passengers annually, and is serviced by nine major airlines. Air transportation is a smart and convenient choice, but rail and bus options are available, as well. VIA Rail Canada travels through Winnipeg's Union Station, located in the downtown area. The Winnipeg Bus Terminal is also in downtown and offers five bus companies with transportation both within the city and throughout North America.

Though Winnipeg is a fairly spread out city, much of the downtown area is walkable, with an extensive system of sidewalks, trails and skywalks that make getting from one end of downtown to the other hassle-free. There is also a great public bus system, the Winnipeg Transit, which runs throughout the city. Transit fees are $2.25 for adults and $1.75 for children, students and seniors. Driving yourself? The Perimeter Highway encircles the city, and Highway 1 travels right through the heart of the city, so getting around town is quick and easy.

The two major local daily newspapers in Winnipeg are the Winnipeg Free Press, which is the oldest newspaper in western Canada, and the Winnipeg Sun, which has a local news focus. Pick up either of these two papers to catch up on international events and local happenings. Other newspapers in Winnipeg include Uptown, a weekly local entertainment and culture newspaper, available for free throughout much of the city, along with The Globe and Mail and National Post, which each provide national and international news on a daily basis.

Few non-Winnipers know that Winnipeg literally means "muddy water" in Cree, as the city was established at a centuries-old meeting place at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Today, the metropolis is sprinkled with over 30 large bridges, which provide transportation above the 100-plus kilometres of navigable waterways and railway tracks in Winnipeg. In addition to its many bridges, the city boasts a network of skywalks and tunnels in the downtown area, which afford pedestrians interior connections between buildings for those cold Winnipeg winters.

A great way for newcomers to get a feel for the city of Winnipeg is to take a guided tour. There are a wide variety of offerings, from Interpretive River Boat Tours, where you'll learn about the area's history, to Tours of The Forks, where shopping is the highlight. In addition, the city offers a Visitor Information Centre in downtown, which is the perfect place to learn about everything the city has to offer. Visitor Information Centre Main Floor - 259 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 2A9 204-943-1970 The Forks Tours 201 One Forks Market Road Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 204-987-4378 Interpretive River Boat Tours 204-986-5663

Prices displayed in Canada do not typically include sales tax, and it's customary to add a tip for services. Restaurant servers typically get 15%-20% of the bill, and taxi drivers usually get 15% of the tab. One dollar covers tip for many other situations, like one bar drink or a coat check. A 5% goods and services tax applies on every transaction in Canada except for basic groceries. The province of Manitoba adds another 7% sales tax, so expect to see a 12% sales tax for most purchases during your stay in Winnipeg.

Visitors will be pleased to know that Winnipeg is a relatively safe city. Nevertheless, visitors should take a common sense approach to carrying valuables such as passports, identification, cash and credit cards. There are a few areas in the city, primarily north of City Hall on Main Street and Portage Avenue, where increased caution is recommended. Be sure to keep your car locked, your valuables in a safely concealed spot and your wits about you. Winnipeg also boasts an effective police system of over 1,350 officers and numerous hospitals, should you need assistance.