Travel Manitoba Vacation Guide

15 Winnipeg, MB t the geographic centre of North America, Winnipeg stands at the crossroads of the continent, and it holds unexpected delights at every turn. Fertile ground for artists and visionaries, rebels and trailblazers throughout its colourful history, the city continues to build on its rich cultural legacy. With its 6,000-year history as a meeting place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, The Forks is a natural setting for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, enclosed within a mountain of ancient limestone surrounded by a glass cloud. Contemplate stories of struggle and triumph as you travel upward along alabaster-clad ramps to the Tower of Hope and its panoramic views 100 metres above the city. Back on the ground, find a microcosm of the city's multicultural flavour at the shops, galleries and restaurants of The Forks Market and Johnston Terminal and, come winter, skate on the world's longest natural skating rink. Stroll across the Esplanade Riel to the French quarter of St. Boniface to visit historic sites such as St. Boniface Cathedral and Cemetery, dine at a French bistro and stroll along the riverfront to admire views of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the downtown skyline. Traces of ancient animal fossils are embedded in the stately limestone façades of historic bank buildings, the Hudson's Bay store and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Find secret messages in the architecture of the Manitoba Legislative Building that hint at the site's mystic energy. And explore the Exchange District's well-preserved 19th-century buildings. If their walls could talk, they'd speak of cagey captains of industry, labour activists and rabble- rousing suffragists. These days, the buildings house chic art galleries, unique boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants where you can nosh on everything from curry and poutine to bison and foie gras. Just north of the Exchange, browse in the exotic food markets of Chinatown, sample authentic cuisine at a dim sum restaurant, and visit the Dynasty Building on King Street, famous for its serene garden, multiple roofs — said to bring luck — and classic architecture. The East Exchange is buzzing with new shops and restaurants along Waterfront Drive, a short stroll from The Manitoba Museum, Science Gallery and Planetarium and the thriving theatre district. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra push musical and artistic boundaries at the Centennial Concert Hall. And Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre presents internationally acclaimed fare on two stages, as well as producing Winnipeg's annual midwinter Master Playwright Festival and the Winnipeg Fringe Festival in summer. Sports fans have plenty to cheer about at MTS Centre — proud home to the Winnipeg Jets NHL hockey team. Catch Goldeyes baseball at Shaw Park and take in Winnipeg Blue Bombers CFL football action at Investors Group Field, where Canada's biggest party — the Grey Cup — will be the hottest ticket in town on Nov. 29. This summer, the field will host FIFA Women's World Cup Canada June 8-16. Place a wager on the sport of kings, thoroughbred horse racing, at Assiniboia Downs, or try your luck at the Casinos of Winnipeg. A city of festivals and celebrations, Winnipeg has a busy concert calendar year-round as well. And you can shop till you drop at a plethora of malls, big-box stores such as IKEA, the upscale shops of Academy Road, and funky fashion and gift stores in Osborne Village and along Corydon Avenue. Indulge in a spa day or plan a snow day of tobogganing, skating or cross-country skiing at dozens of parks and urban wildlife haven FortWhyte Alive. Learn about climate change and meet the resident polar bears when you pay a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo's International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. The three-zone Journey to Churchill exhibit gives you an awe-inspiring fish-eye view of bears and seals from a plexiglass tunnel, and the zoo and Assiniboine Park are destinations for outdoor entertainment and recreation in every season. > tourismwinnipeg.com A Food, art and culture of a cosmopolitan city with plenty of charm. Winnipeg 15

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