The capital city of our amazing home province is Winnipeg, located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. Known as “The Gateway to the West”, the name translates from the Cree and Ojibway name win-nipi meaning “muddy water”. In 2010, Winnipeg was named the Cultural Capital of Canada, and as of 2021 there are 26 National Historic Sites in the city, one of them being the first location that should be on anyone’s list.
The Forks
The junction of Assiniboine River and Red River has been a meeting place for over 6,000 years. Learn how two great rivers at the heart of the continent connected the prairies to the world and drew in trappers and traders from half-way around the globe. There is something for everyone at this hub in downtown Winnipeg:
- Walk along the Esplanade Riel footbridge at the Provencher Bridge
- The Forks Market is surrounded by a maze of food vendors, galleries and shops
- Variety Heritage Adventure Park is a fun park for both parents and children alike
FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive is an environmental, education and recreation centre situated on 640 acres of prairie, lakes, forest and wetlands. It’s a place for everyone to enjoy throughout the year with many family fun activities such as:
- Many outdoor and indoor exhibits
- Trails for walking and self-guided tours and birdwatching
- Bonfires and storytelling by the fire (with marshmallows!)
- Paddling/sailing activities
- Fishing and learning to fish
- Visit the resident bison herd
- Learn more about the early pioneers
Assiniboine Park
World-class attractions and ample green space in which to relax…what more could you want? It’s all in one place at the Assiniboine Park & Zoo! The zoo features The Journey to Churchill, where you can experience polar bears swimming right over your head, along with other animals from all over the world. The brand-new attraction, The Leaf, flaunts Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall in the Tropical Biome, as well as a butterfly garden and highly celebrated restaurant. Admire art in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, stroll through the English Garden, or just relax in the sun!
Other great things to see and do in Winnipeg:
- Tour the Canadian Museum For Human Rights
- Visit the Royal Canadian Mint
- Join a Hermetic Code Tour in the Manitoba Legislative Building
- Walk the Historical Exchange District (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Admire art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery
- Fly high at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Whether you need a little retail therapy, refueling with amazing food, a dose of nature, a sprinkle of history, or some play time…Winnipeg has it all! Learn more about Canada’s “middle child” now!
Winnipeg is located on Treaty 1 territory, traditional territory of the Anihinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
TOMORROW, ON OUR FINAL DAY OF OUR VIRTUAL MANITOBA TOUR, WE EXPLORE ALL THAT’S GREAT IN ALTONA’S BACKYARD!
See the first three days by clicking the links below:
