Experience one of Canada’s most emerging destinations.
BY SHELLEY BUJOLD
Winnipeg Skyline (Travel Manitoba)
As the longitudinal centre of Canada, Winnipeg often gets overlooked, but it’s one of the country’s most emerging destinations.
Laden with history which formed Canada like the Riel Revolution, and well known for the windiest corner on Portage and Main, Winnipeg is changing. I’ve been all over this city, and I still haven’t seen it all–but want to eventually. I don’t live in the city but I travel there often to get some city feeling back into my bones, leaving Northwestern Ontario’s cottage country feel behind. The city starts out like many, with urban sprawl taking over its outskirts as it continues to expand. But it’s at the heart where a lot of the action takes place.
Downtown Winnipeg streets are filled with people at all times of the year (yes, even when it’s -40C)–but in the summer, the city comes alive.
One of the main downtown features is the Fringe Festival. It’s a quirky gathering of drama from the province, country and around the world. With its comedic adaptations of Shakespeare, improv comedy, serious plays–and even life from the perspective of a penis. it certainly appeals to most travelers. I’ve seen quite a few plays and intend to go again for this week-long festival in July. Most shows cost $10 or less to attend.
For an open market feel and wander on two feet, I like to go to the Forks. Located where the Winnipeg River and Red River meet there’s always something going on. I like to visit when they have First Nation Powwow’s as there is always colourful dancing and who knows, you may even see a hoop dancer. There are many shops and very unique options to buy souvenirs. It has none of that hokey tourist stuff, something you would be proud to give your friends upon return.
If vintage clothes, modern furniture and cooperative cafes strike your interest then head to the Exchange District. I love to look around here even just to window shop because there is a lot of eye candy for youth in their 20′s and early 30′s.
Not far from the University of Manitoba, and where many of the students live, is Osborne Village. Grab a coffee, wander through new designer shops, get some sushi and delve into youth culture. Grab a slice of the best cheesecake at Baked Expectations, it’s worth the eight dollars.
Check out the Exchange and Osborne Village for some of the best night spots like the Empire. For some blues and rock I highly recommend Times Changed, near the Forks. Have a shot of Jim Beam and get in cosy with the regulars.
If you’re into museums–I certainly am–check out the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature. I’ve been a number of times and I can honestly say it’s better than the Museum of Natural History in New York. Here you get to learn about the culture of Manitoba, the origins of the city and the country, the fur trade, the Winnipeg strike and the most fun is touring the Nonsuch. This historical ship is set in an old-time village where you can explore dwellings and head on board to see what sea life is all about.
Winnipeg is home to the minor league baseball team the Goldeyes. Seats are inexpensive (I paid less than $20 for seats right behind home plate) and the games are almost always sold out, so plan to get tickets before you go. In the fall, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers CFL team steals the show and for hockey the Manitoba Moose rule in the MTS Centre. Expect to see Dancing Gabe at any three of these events, he’s a quirky Winnipeg legend one has to see to believe.
If this isn’t enough to convince you to head to Winnipeg at some point soon, then it’s especially important to note how cheap it is.
Winnipeg is known for its bargains, rarely anything is very much money to attend. Accommodations aren’t too bad either. I have found that going to Travel Manitoba is a good way to seek out special promotions, coupons and fun ideas for travel.
There is a hostel in Winnipeg, the HI-Winnipeg Ivey House–which I’ve heard many good things. It’s about $125 per week–be sure to book ahead because it, too, fills up fast.
Accommodations at the Marlborough Hotel puts you right in the centreof the city within walking distance to everything. It’s also ahistorical building with the official city press club in the basement, flash your pass to get in. It’s about $75 to stay here–they may give a deal for an extended period of time. iT!
Shelley Bujold is a journalist currently working at a newspaper in Kenora.
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