With a population of 700,000 (60% of the Province of Manitoba), the weft and warp of this city’s fabric are the hundred different ethnic groups (80 different languages are spoken here) who have come from around the world and who now call this city home.  Nationalities like the Ukrainians have done so without losing their cultural identity and it is this kind of diversity that gives Winnipeg its unique charm.  For example, displayed at Oseredok (the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centrer) are Ukrainian ceremonial breads, musical instruments, costumes, religious icons, carvings and the world famous beautifully decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs that showcase and underscore the Ukrainians’ pride of heritage. 

This ethnic side of Winnipeg’s past is further evidenced by the cornucopia of tantalizing cuisines that are served in more than 1100 restaurants.  German pastries, Dim Sum in Chinatown, Ukrainian perogies and borsch on the north side of Winnipeg, Thai cuisine, French bistro and Italian fares dot the culinary landscape.  And for those who didn’t know it the 25,000 lbs. of gold medal winning Golden Caviar that Winnipeg produces each year and that is shipped and served in fine restaurants round-the-world can also be enjoyed right here.  

With its many century old revitalized buildings, the Exchange District offers a host of fun and titillating things for the visitor.  Nightclubs, galleries, boutiques, shops, theater, cafés and gourmet eateries are included.  With the renaissance that continues to take place (it is considered to have the finest collection of pre-1913 architecture found anywhere in North America) the Exchange also plays host to a growing culture of loft-style living.  Located in a 30 block radius the historical buildings found here were designed in a style of architecture that is referred to as the Chicago School, which is the reasons why a hundred years ago Winnipeg was tagged with the sobriquet, “Chicago of the North.”

 A landmark and a predominate feature on the Winnipeg skyline for more than ninety years, the Fort Garry Hotel with its chateau style architecture continues to offer the visitor excellent accommodations in the center of downtown.  Built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway for the express purpose of hosting the luxury railway traveler circ the early 20th century, the Fort Garry Hotel features all of the amenities that today’s sophisticated, luxury minded traveler demands.  Napoleon grey marble floors accented with a Belgian black marble inlay, Corinthian piers, Caen stone walls and glittering chandeliers are as much appreciated today as they were when the Fort Garry Hotel was built in 1913.  Their luxury state of the art spa treatment center, fine dining and the luxury rooms defy any luxury hotel, anywhere to exceed the level of excellence this hotel has created as a bench mark for others.

Located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers converge, The Forks has something for every visitor.  A place where Aboriginal people once gathered to barter with fur traders, today The Forks is laced with bistros, espresso bars, dozens of shops and boutiques and a plethora of galleries.  The restored historic buildings and the new buildings that make up The Forks lie juxtaposed to one another in a complementary and embracing fashion.  Locals come to The Forks to purchase fresh produce and meats, wine and flowers.  Visitors come here to dine and shop for handmade and Aboriginal jewelry and art, as well as fashions both traditional and trendy..  Or, enjoyment is rendered simply by strolling through this visually delightful setting, while listening to the street musicians and smelling the aroma of the freshly prepared ethnic and continental cuisines that are served in the outdoor cafes. 

As might be guessed, Winnipeg has its own French Quarter.  It’s called Saint Boniface, with the most predominate feature in the Quarter being the Saint Boniface Cathedral.  Built in 1818 as a small log chapel, the cathedral that replaced the original log structure was destroyed by fire in the late 1960’s.  Reconstructed in 1972, the new cathedral was built behind the 1906 façade that was part of the original church and was not damaged by the fire.  Incorporating the original façade and walls that remained, today Saint Boniface Cathedral’s ethereal qualities and pleasing architectural lines make it a must stop when visiting Winnipeg.    Happy traveling!