Located in the province of Manitoba, Winnipeg has more than 650,000 residents and is the eighth largest city in Canada. The area was used for fur trading posts in the 1700s and served as home to Scottish crofters who arrived in 1812. Winnipeg was incorporated as a city in 1873, and today is known throughout the world as a desirable place to both live and vacation. Sitting at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers about 60 miles north of the U.S., the city will sweep you off your feet from the moment you arrive.
Winnipeg is no stranger to the arts. From Le Cercle Moliere, Canada’s oldest active theater company, to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America, there’s something stimulating for everyone. For treasures of both past and present, head to the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Recent acquisitions include Daphné II by Jean Arp, a modernist sculptor known for his curvilinear biomorphic forms. The gallery also houses major collections of Canadian and Inuit art, so you can see the masterpieces of national greats like Allan Edson, Homer Ransford Watson, Nick Sikkuark and Naomi Ityi. For hours, directions and current exhibitions, visit www.wag.ca.
Located in an exquisite mansion on the Assiniboine River, Restaurant Dubrovnik pampers each guest with a five-star dining experience. The restaurant boasts the exclusive DiRoNa Award of Excellence, and is one of only 47 restaurants in Canada to hold such a distinction. The lunch menu features favorites like Quebec Foie Gras and Vegetarian Crepes while dinner guests can look forward to Chateaubriand and Arctic Char. Restaurant Dubrovnik is also a recipient of the Wine Spectator’s International Award of Excellence, so be sure to pair your meal with the perfect accompaniment. Make reservations online at www.restaurantdubrovnik.com.
Just on the other side of the Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge is Saint Boniface, one of the largest French-speaking communities west of the Great Lakes and birthplace of Louis Riel, the Métis leader who founded Manitoba. Walk along Provencher Boulevard where quaint boutiques, galleries and restaurants compete for your attention. Stop in for a relaxing massage at Zealous MediSpa, or pick up a delectable pastry at nearby Roll-n-Doh Bakery. First-time Saint Boniface visitors will enjoy a horse-drawn tour that explores many of the area’s bustling attractions and historical sites. Learn more about this charming cultural center at www.provencherbiz.ca.
If you’re coming to Winnipeg from far away, the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport offers non-stop service from major U.S. hubs. If you decide to drive, make sure you have proper documentation; since 2009, U.S. citizens traveling by land (and sea) are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), usually a passport, a passport card, a “trusted traveler” card, such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, or an enhanced driver's license. Consult www.travel.state.gov for up-to-date border regulations. Winnipeg uses the Canadian Dollar and is located within the Central Standard Time Zone.
One of Winnipeg’s mottos is “small town friendly, big town fun,” so see what all the buzz is about. With museums, theaters, shopping districts, sporting events, cultural centers and so much more, you won’t be disappointed by this Canadian gem.
For more information, visit www.tourismwinnipeg.com and www.winnipeg.ca.
