Winnipeg is Manitoba's cosmopolitan capital and Canada's seventh largest city. It is known for its blue skies and sunshine year round, for its beautiful parks, its rivers and its warm hospitality.Winnipeg, is the gateway to Canada's west and is the economic, social and cultural hub of Manitoba.
Located at the confluence of the Red and the Assiniboine rivers (known locally as "The Forks"), downtown Winnipeg requires many bridges and has been a Canadian crossroads for more than 6,000 years.
The Forks National Historic Site and adjoining lands are still a meeting place, attracting thousands with beautiful scenery, interpretive displays, boutiques, restaurants, an indoor food market, a children's museum and many other attractions for the entire family.
Manitoba's capital city of 680,000 still has functioning cast-iron warehouses, stockyards, railroad depots, and grain elevators that testify to its historical role as a distribution and supply center, first for furs and then for agricultural products.
Visitors can hit the jackpot at one of two casinos; see the largest collection of modern Inuit Indian art; photograph exotic northern wildlife; walk by some of the finest examples of turn-of-the-century architecture; see how coins are made; meet at The Forks, a waterfront activity center; and discover the adventurous history of the fur-trading voyageurs. Afterward, they can dine indoors or out in charming multicultural neighborhoods.
The city also supports several professional sports teams including hockey, basketball, football and baseball. Outdoor enthusiasts from around the world come to Winnipeg to enjoy outstanding fishing and hunting. Golf is a favorite spring and summer activity as are hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, golfing and camping.
Winnipeg is a major head office location, particularly in the financial services sector and is home to Canada's largest life insurance company, Canada's largest mutual fund company, and its only commodities exchange. The city actively supports its team in the Canadian Football League, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
It is also a city which has produced a symphony orchestra that was enthusiastically received in New York City, the first Royal ballet company in the British Commonwealth, and a magnificent theater and arts complex.
This lively city is a meeting place for the finest aspects of the cultures represented by the languages spoken there: English, French, Russian, Chinese, and others blend melodiously within the commerce, the arts, the festivals, and the cuisine of Winnipeg. Its cultural offerings include ballet, theater, symphony, opera, and more than 130 days of entertaining festivals year round. Now is the time to plan the vacation of a lifetime, its time to discover the rugged beauty and warm hospitality of Manitoba and its capital city, Winnipeg.
Viewing gallery open Mon-Fri 9:30am-1:15pm Organized in 1887 as a grain exchange, the Commodity Exchange is the only exchange in Canada that trades in agricultural commodities. Winnipeg was the world's premier grain market until World War II. Today it has about 240 members and 77 companies registered for trading privileges. It's best to come around 9:30am or right near closing at 12:55pm
Dalnavert Museum 61 Carlton St Between Broadway and Assiniboine Ave 204/943-2835
June-Aug Tues-Thurs and Sat-Sun 10am-5pm; Sept-Dec and Mar-May Tues-Thurs and Sat-Sun noon-4pm; Jan-Feb Sat-Sun noon-4pm Just 2 blocks east of the Legislative Building stands the Victorian home built in 1895 for Hugh John Macdonald, the only son of Canada's first prime minister. The style is late-Victorian gingerbread with a wraparound veranda and what was at that time, innovative electric lighting, indoor plumbing, central hot-water heating, and walk-in closets.
Fort Whyte Centre for Environmental Education Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. Extended evening hours June-Oct 1961 McCreary Rd 204/989-8355, 204/989-8350
About 15 minutes from downtown, some old cement quarries have been converted into lakes at Fort Whyte Centre and now serve as an environmental, educational facility. An interpretive center houses Manitoba's largest indoor aquarium. Outside you can view a herd of 25 bison on a 70-acre prairie field, and a prairie dog town. There are also self-guided nature trails, bike paths, and waterfowl gardens.
The Forks National Historic Site At the meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. (204) 943-6757
Open Victoria Day through Labour Day. Free Admission.
Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature Manitoba Centennial Centre 190 Rupert Avenue 204/956-2830, 204/943-3139 for recorded info
Victoria Day-Labour Day daily 10am-6pm; the rest of the year Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun and holidays 10am-5pm This museum contains galleries depicting local history, culture, and geology through life-size exhibits such as a buffalo hunt, prehistoric creatures, pioneer life, pronghorn antelope, teepees, sod huts, and log cabins. In the Urban Gallery, for example, visitors can walk down a 1920s Winnipeg street past typical homes and businesses of the era.
The Boreal Forest Gallery depicts Manitoba's most northerly forested region. You can climb aboard the Nonsuch, a full-size replica of the 17th-century ketch that returned to England in 1669 with the first cargo of furs out of Hudson Bay. A new wing houses the collection of the Hudson's Bay Company Gallery: over 10,000 artifacts and artworks.
Assiniboine Park 10 am-4 pm daily. Admission charged. 986-6921.
The city's major park is home to the Conservatory which houses a continuous display of flowering, tropical and foliage plants in a garden setting. Free admission. Assiniboine Park Zoo features over 1,250 specimens of 300 species. The Pavilion Gallery houses an extensive art collection featuring three artists: Ivan Eyre, Walter J. Phillips and Clarence Tillenius. The adjacent Tavern in the Park Cafe serves full meals, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden in Assiniboine Park features bronze sculptures, porcelains, paintings, and sketches of the Winnipeg artist, Leo Mol.
(204) 986-6531. The park is open daily dawn to dusk. The Pavilion Gallery (204)888-5466 houses a permanent collection of works by three Manitoba artists.
Royal Canadian Mint 520 Boulevard Lagimodiere (204) 257-3359 Open year round. Tours weekdays May-Aug. and by appt. the rest of the year. Admission fee charged.
Housed in a striking glass pyramid, the mint produces coins for Canada and various foreign nations. Guided tours in English and French show the processes and state of the art equipment used in making money.
Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre 184 Alexander Avenue East (204) 943-2857 Open Tuesday - Sat. and on Sun. afternoons. Admission charged.
The art gallery and museum contain archival material relating to the history and rich culture of the Ukrainian people, the second largest group of immigrants to settle in the province of Manitoba. On display are samples of embroidery, ceramics, carving, costumes, and the delicately painted Easter eggs.
Adventure City Indoor soft play structure, games and prizes, train ride for children up to 12 years. Mon-Sat 9:30 am-9 pm, Sun noon-8 pm. (204) 475-2887 230 Osborne St Winnipeg Manitoba
Air Force Heritage Park & Museum Air Force Way, north of Sharp Blvd. , Winnipeg An outdoor air park and indoor museum. The largest outdoor park of its kind in Canada features 13 aircraft tracing the history of military flight in Canada, ranging from a World War II bomber to a CF 5 fighter. The Air Command Museum is open Mon-Fri 8 am-4 pm, weekends by appointment. Free admission.
(204) 833-2500 ext 5993
The Forks National Historic Site Off Main St at Water Ave Hotline 957-7618.
The site includes a 9-acre interpretive park and scenic river walkway along the Red River, toboggan slides and skating rink.
On the adjacent property is the Manitoba Children's Museum 956-KIDS, the Manitoba Travel Idea Centre 945-3777, the Forks Market and Johnston Terminal. Festival Park has a new permanent stage for events and festivals.
Golf Max A virtual reality golf center lets you play 18 holes in about an hour (one person).. Call for hours. (204) 269-7303 1686 Pembina Hwy Winnipeg Manitoba
Imax Theatre At Portage Place Shows start on the hour, noon to 10 pm. Call 956-IMAX (4629) for info, or Select-a-Seat 780-7328 to reserve tickets.
Portage Place, 393 Portage Ave, third level Winnipeg Manitoba
Legislative Building (204) 945-5813 Broadway and Osborne St Winnipeg Manitoba
This stately neo-classical structure, constructed of local Tyndall stone, rises above 12 hectares of gardens. Topped by the famous Golden Boy statue. Guide books available for self-guided tours from 8 am-8 pm Mon-Fri. Free guided tours by reservation only.
Raceways Indoor Motorsports Manitoba's only indoor go-cart race track with a 16,000 sq ft climate controlled track, a snack bar and an amusement centre. (204) 779-RACE
Baseball sports centre offers automated pitching machines, indoor pitching mounds, a licensed lounge with pool table.
The Manitoba Museum (204)956-2830 Daily 10 am-6 pm. Centennial Centre, 190 Rupert Ave Winnipeg Manitoba
Explore Manitoba's history from the Aboriginal buffalo hunt to the bustling streets of the 1920s. The Urban Gallery recreates turn-of-the-century Winnipeg, while the Nonsuch Gallery houses a replica of the Nonsuch ketch, whose 1668 voyage led to the founding of the Hudson's Bay Company. A collection of HBC artifacts is housed here. All-inclusive day pass.
Manitoba Electrical Museum (204) 477-7905 680 Harrow St Winnipeg Manitoba
Explore the history of electricity from the 1800s to the future. Free Mon-Thu 1 pm-4 pm or by appointment.
Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (204) 774-0002 The Bay, Portage Ave & Memorial Blvd, 5th floor Winnipeg Manitoba
The province's long history of athletic excellence is celebrated with biographies of inductees and informative exhibits on sport in Manitoba. Free. Tue-Sun 10 am-5 pm.
Tin Lizzie Car Barn. Cruise down memory lane at this classic car museum. Car lovers and museum buffs alike should head downtown to see the more than 100 classic automobiles. Also visit the Fudge Factory, That Place Cafe, and browse for antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry and crafts. Mon-Thu & Sat 10 am-6 pm, Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sun noon-6 pm.
(204) 946-0664 125 Higgins St Winnipeg Manitoba
Western Canada Aviation Museum. Learn the history of aviation in Canada with displays of vintage aircraft and artifacts. Kids will also enjoy SKYWAYS, a hands-on aviation exhibit. Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 1 pm-4 pm.
Air Force Heritage Park & Museum (204) 833-2500 ext 5993 Air Force Way, north of Sharp Blvd Winnipeg Manitoba Features 13 aircraft tracing the history of military flight in Canada, ranging from a World War II aircraft to a CF 5 fighter. Free. The Air Command Museum (indoors) is open Mon-Fri 8 am-4 pm, weekends by appointment.
Winnipeg Railway Museum (204) 942-4632 VIA Rail Station, 123 Main St Winnipeg Manitoba Jun 1-Sep 2: Thu-Sun 11 am-5 pm.
The railway played a major role in the development of this city and the museum's goal is to preserve that heritage. Among other artifacts the museum is home to the first steam locomotive on the Canadian prairies, The Countess of Dufferin.
St. Boniface Museum (204) 237-4500 494 Taché Ave Winnipeg Manitoba
Discover the history of the early days of Winnipeg's Francophone community. The building is the oldest in Winnipeg, and the largest oak log structure in all of North America. Inside, the museum depicts the day-to-day lives of the French and Métis people of the early Red River Colony. Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun & holidays 10 am-8 pm.
The 10-day Festival du Voyageur, Le Rendez-Vous at 768 Taché Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2C4 (204) 237-7692. Held in mid-February, it celebrates the adventures of the original French voyageurs, or fur traders, the first Europeans to settle in Canada; as well as French Métis culture. The festival is marked by winter activities, including a huge outdoor party and a gala ball.
Late February-early March
The National Screen Institute of Canada's FilmExchange film festival, runs for over a week from late February into early March. Screening only Canadian films, this festival is often compared to the Sundance festival in the U.S. For more information, contact the National Screen Institute, Canada, 206-70 Arthur St., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1G7. (204) 956-7800
June
Red River Exhibition, 3977 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3K 2ES (204) 888-6990, usually starts the third week of June and celebrates the city's history, showcasing agricultural, horticultural, commercial, and industrial achievements. There are also a midway, a photography show, and other themed features like a lumberjack show.
Manitoba Summer Fair in mid-June features a rodeo, midway, tribal village and family entertainment in nearby Brandon.
Jazz Winnipeg Festival hosts international, national and local jazz artists at several venues throughout Winnipeg in mid-June.
July
The Winnipeg Folk Festival, 264 Taché Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 1Z9 (tel. 204/231-0096), held over the first weekend of July, is the oldest and one of the largest folk music festivals in the world. There are 200 concerts, a craft village and an international food area, all at Birds Hill Provincial Park.
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival Some 100 troupes gather for ten days of innovative theater annually.
Lyric Theatre (204) 888-5466 provides free entertainment in summer with performances by the Winnipeg Symphony, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, local jazz combos, and others.
August
Folklorama, a Festival of Nations, is a 2-week cultural festival in August featuring more than 35 pavilions celebrating ethnic culture, with traditional food, dancing, music, costumes, entertainment, and crafts. It attracts more than 400,000 guests yearly. For more information, contact the Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg, 2nd Fl--183 Kennedy St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1S6 (tel. 800/665-0234 or 204/982-6210
Canada's National Ukrainian Festival is a celebration of Ukrainian traditions in Dauphin, with plenty of music, dance and food in early August.
Steinbach Pioneer Days is a celebration of Mennonite pioneer life held in early August
Islendingadagurinn (Icelandic Festival of Manitoba) offers Icelandic cultural events in Gimli, the largest Icelandic community outside Iceland.
Late August
The Lyric Theater hosts the annual Winnie the Pooh Festival A local bear named Winnipeg, who was taken to London during World War I as a military mascot, inspired the famous A.A. Milne character.
This Other Eden: Canadian Folk Art Outdoors Exhibition, runs to Sep 3.
Late November-early January
Canada Inns' Winter Wonderland (204)888-6990, a drive-through Christmas and winter-themed light show at Red River Exhibition Park; on Portage Avenue west of the Perimeter Highway, next to the Assiniboine Downs Race Track.
December Dalnavert 61 Carlton St Winnipeg Manitoba (204) 943-2835
Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun noon-4:30 pm. Admission charged. Call for tickets.
See how the city's upper class lived at the restored home of Sir Hugh John Macdonald, former Premier of Manitoba. Dalnavert is adorned in festive splendor throughout December.
Capture the spirit with three festive Christmas events.
1. The first week in December: discover traditions of Scottish Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year).
2. Experience an old fashioned Christmas during the Festive Celebration of Christmas. Holiday baking and apple ambrosia will be on hand as carolers break out favorite holiday tunes.
3. The annual dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol by actor Richard Hurst runs during the third week of December at 7:30 pm.
Location: Winnipeg is located at the geographic centre of North America situated at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. It is the capital city of the province of Manitoba, which borders the provinces of Ontario to the east, Saskatchewan to the west, Nunavut to the north, and the U.S. states of Minnesota and North Dakota to the south. It is 1,300 miles west of Toronto and is Manitoba's only major city.
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (when it's noon in Winnipeg, it's 1pm in Toronto and 10am in Vancouver). Winnipeg observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October.
Weather:
Average Temperatures
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Year
°C
-18.6
-16.0
-8.2
3.3
11.2
16.7
19.6
18.2
12.3
5.4
-5.1
-14.1
2.0
°F
-1.4
3.2
17.2
37.9
52.2
62.1
67.3
64.8
54.1
41.7
22.8
6.6
35.6
Climate:
Winnipeg experiences a continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons creating a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Average temperatures range between -12 degrees Celsius (+10.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter months to +26 degrees Celsius (+78.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summertime. In terms of sunlight, Winnipeg receives over 2,300 hours of sunlight annually. Due to its northern location, Winnipeg residents enjoy up to 16 hours of sunlight daily during the summer months. Winnipeg's precipitation averages approximately 51.4 centimetres (20.2 inches) per year.
When to Go Spring, summer, winter or fall, Manitoba is one of the sunniest spots in all of Canada. Experience beach-weather warmth on a typical afternoon in July (average temperature about 79º F) and the snowy crispness of a cold winter's day (average temperature 7º F). When to go depends on the visitor's preference for winter or summer activities. Winnipeg has the perfect weather for any season.
How to Get There:
By Car
For those traveling by road east/west, Winnipeg is conveniently located on Canada's Trans Canada Highway and Yellowhead Route. For those traveling to and from the United States, Winnipeg is only 97 km (60 miles) north of the Canada U.S. border and connects directly with Interstate 29.
By Air
Winnipeg International Airport 2000 Wellington Avenue
204-987-9402
St. Andrews Airport
202-705 South Gate Rd. St. Andrews, MB R1A 3P9
204-983-3735
Ground Transportation
Taxis/Automobile Rental Pickup at most hotels, airport, bus depot and VIA Rail Station. Automobile rental is available at the airports as well as select locations throughout the city. Limousines are available from airport to downtown hotels and businesses.
By Bus
Buses (regional)
Beaver 204- 989-7007
Greyhound 204-783-8857
Grey Goose 204-784-4537
By Train
VIA Rail 800-561-8630, from U.S. call 800-561-3949
How to Get Around:
The easiest way to get around is by either personal or rental car. Bus transportation is also available.
Buses (local)
Winnipeg Transit
204-986-5700
The Downtown Flyer offers free and easy travel in the downtown area. Portage and Memorial and back to The Forks.
National Holidays:
New Years Day January 1
Good Friday Varies
Easter Monday Varies
Victoria Day Monday preceding May 25
Canada Day July 1 (The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day when July 1 Is a Sunday)
Assiniboine Park 2355 Corydon Ave. (204) 986-3130 The park is open daily dawn to dusk
Comprising 393 acres for playing, picnicking, or biking, the park contains a miniature railway, a duck pond, an English garden (which opens each June), and a conservatory. In winter there is skating on the pond or tobogganing.
Assiniboine Park Zoo (204) 986-2327 open daily 10am to dusk.
The park also contains a 98-acre zoological park. where the animals: including bears, tigers, zebras, flamingos, bison, elk, and deer are kept in as natural an environment as possible. Some exotic species on display are snow leopards, ruffed lemurs, and lynx. Many spectacular birds live and breed in the Tropical House. There is also a special Discovery Centre with a barnful of young farm animals.
Kildonan Park has landscaped gardens, picnic spots, biking paths, outdoor swimming, and wading pools, as well as a restaurant and dining room overlooking a small artificial lake. Also look for the Witch's House from Hansel and Gretel in the park. Rainbow Stages musicals are performed there in July and August.
The Forks, Children's Museum (204) 956-1888
September -June: Monday - Wednesday 9 - 4:30; Thursday and Friday 9 -8; Saturday 10 -8, and Sunday 10 -5. In July and August, it's open Mon. - Sat. 10 - 8 and Sun. or holidays 10 - 6; closed for four days following Labor Day, Christmas and the following two days, and Easter Sunday.
Specially designed participatory exhibits for 2 to 13 year olds. There are several themed galleries, including Under the Big Top, where children can design a show of their own; and a TV studio, where they can create their own television shows, as performers or as technicians. Admission charged; free for children under 2.
Darkzone 230 Osborne St. 204/287-8710 open Monday to Thursday 4 -11pm, Friday 4pm -midnight, Saturday 10am -midnight, and Sunday noon-10pm. Admission charged.
An advanced laser game in which as many as 30 players and three teams compete against one another in trying to deactivate the opposing players and their bases using a "phaser" and computerized vest.
Fun Mountain Water Slide Park 3 3/4 miles east of the mint on Highway 1 East at Murdock Rd. (204) 255-3910
There are 10 slides, as well as rides, including bumper boats, a giant hot tub, and a children's playground with a wading pool. Admission charged; free for children under 3. Open in June daily 10am - 6pm, and July to August daily 10 - 8 weather permitting.
