Having spent my entire life living near or in Winnipeg it can sometimes seem that there really is nothing to do in Manitoba. There are in actuality plenty of everyday activities year round to fill a weekend with but I’ve pretty much done them all at one point or another.
Out of curiosity I decided to check out what others consider to be the best of Winnipeg and I stumbled upon a top ten list that made me realize I may not be the only one running out of ideas on things to do in the ‘Peg that are new and exciting.
This list happened to include The Forks market, Johnston’s terminal, and The Forks Walkways. Well that’s all the same damn place! Oh yes and the buskers you see around at, I’m sure you can guess, primarily The Forks.
If four things on your top ten list of things to do in a city are all the same place it’s either a really boring city or maybe a bit more thought should have been put into that list.
So here is my list of top ten everyday places to see in Winnipeg:
1) The forks, it simply has to be said, with its bright colorful shops, outdoor pathways and oh so good food it’s a great way to spend a full day. There is always entertainment in one form or another, something for everyone.
2) The Manitoba Museum perhaps not the best museum in the world but there are plenty of points of interest and you can learn a lot about the Canadian fur trade and its history. The planetarium and science centre adjoining the museum round off a fun day.
3) Assiniboine park an absolutely favorite place of mine with the Winnipeg zoo, Assiniboine railway, English gardens, and the Leo Mol sculpture gardens among just a few of the things to see.
4) The Winnipeg Art gallery which provides a regularly changing display of artists from around the world with a focus on local and Canadian artists.
5) The exchange district. Although not an activity per say it’s a fun way to spend a day wandering around funky shops and antiques and seeing some of Winnipeg oldest and most interesting buildings.
6) The Prairie dog Central. A short line vintage railway offering a fun ride out of the city to two station stops where you can listen to live entertainment and buy some local products and food.
7) St. Boniface museum, next door to which are the remains of the beautiful St. Boniface Cathedral an interesting and architecturally beautiful building. This museum and surrounding outdoor areas provide a unique perspective on French Canada culture and its influence on Manitoba.
8) Fort Gibraltar, step through a portal in time to the days of the Canadian fur trade. Open year round it’s a fun learning experience almost a living museum full of characters and atifacts true to the period.
9) River tours weather a full length cruise on the paddlewheel queen or a short ride with splash and dash tours it offers a unique perspective of the city.
10)CanWest park home to the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team. With cheap seats and fun entertainment between innings a Goldeyes game is never boring.
