essentials
THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM ASSOCIATION OF ST. JAMES-ASSINIBOIA This authentic Red River log house built in 1856 is filled with treasures and period pieces from the 1800s. Open daily 10 am-4 pm. Free admission. 3180 Portage Ave, 204-888-8706, Map 2: D-1
GABRIELLE ROY HOUSE Tour the family home of famed Francophone author Gabrielle Roy and see the rooms and views made famous through her writing. Wed-Sat 1pm-4pm, Sun-Tue closed. Adults $ 8, seniors / students / youth $ 5. 375 rue Deschambault, 204-231-3853, Map 1: P-7
ROYAL AVIATION MUSEUM OF WESTERN CANADA Commemorative exhibits showcasing vintage aircraft, artifacts and the history behind Canada’ s legendary aviators. Mon-Fri 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. Adult $ 10, senior / student $ 7.50, children( 3-12) $ 5, family $ 25. 958 Ferry Rd, Hangar T-2, 204-786-5503, Map 2: C-2
MANITOBA ELECTRICAL MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTRE Explore Manitoba’ s electric history through interactive exhibits such as a turn-of-the-last-century tram car replica, and a towering robot made of 50 home appliances. Free admission. Mon-Thu 1 pm-4 pm and by appointment. 680 Harrow St, 204-360-7905, Map 2: E-4
THE MANITOBA MUSEUM An evolutionary tour of Manitoba is beautifully displayed at this celebrated museum. Gaze upon towering dinosaurs and watch a silent movie set in a 1920s Winnipeg. Explore the ancient Ordovician Sea and learn about Manitoba’ s barren northland. Adult $ 11, senior / youth / student $ 9, under 3 free. Centennial Centre, 190 Rupert Ave, 204-956-2830 or 204-943-3139, Map 1: N-4
MANITOBA SPORTS HALL OF FAME View the smiling portraits, signed jerseys, vintage equipment and other artifacts from Manitoba’ s greatest athletes. Open Wed- Sat 10 am-4 pm. Admission by donation. 145 Pacific Ave, 204-925-5736, Map 1: N-4
MENNONITE HERITAGE VILLAGE Set on 17 hectares of land that spread out from one village street, the park replicates life in an early Mennonite village. Learn more about the Mennonite experience from 1525 to the present at the on-site museum. Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm. Adult $ 10, senior / student $ 8, children( 6-12) $ 4, family $ 30. 40 minutes east of Winnipeg, 2 km north of Steinbach, 1-204-326-9661 or 1-866-280-8741
NEW ICELAND HERITAGE MUSEUM Discover the history of the Icelandic inhabitants and their region through multi-media exhibits and a 500-gallon aquarium at the Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre. Adults $ 7, seniors / youth $ 6, children under 6 free, family $ 15, guided group tour $ 4 / person. Located in the community of Gimli, one hour north of Winnipeg on Hwy 8. Call for hours at 204-642-4001
ST. BONIFACE MUSEUM The historical museum hosts a collection and interpretive experiences relating to Western Canada’ s French-Canadian and Métis heritage. It is the oldest remaining structure in Winnipeg and the largest oak log building in North America. Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Thu 9am-9pm, Sun closed. Adults $ 6, youth $ 4, seniors / students $ 5, children under 5 free, family $ 15. 494 Taché Ave, 204-237-4500, Map 1: P-6
WINNIPEG POLICE MUSEUM Walk through a historical display of Winnipeg’ s police force. Displays include an exhibit of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, a 1925 police patrol wagon, and original bomb suits and artifacts. Tue-Fri 10 am-3 pm, Sat-Mon closed. Free admission. Winnipeg Police Headquarters, 245 Smith St, 204-986-3976, Map 1: P-4
WINNIPEG RAILWAY MUSEUM Over 37,500 square feet of railway equipment, displays, history and artifacts on display including the first steam locomotive on the Canadian prairies. Mon & Thu 9 am-4 pm, Tue 10 am-4 pm, Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Adult $ 7, student / senior $ 6, children $ 5, ages 3 and under free. VIA Rail Station, 123 Main St, 204-942-4632, Map 1: Q-5
NATURE
ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO The home to a wide variety of exotic animals and seasonal exhibits. Journey to Churchill is the zoo’ s latest exhibit showcasing polar bears and other arctic species of northern Manitoba. Daily 9 am to 4 pm. Adults $ 19.75, senior / youth $ 17.50( 60 + and 13-17), children $ 10.50, under 3 free. * Gates close 30 min before official closing. Assiniboine Park, 2595 Roblin Blvd, 204-927-6000, Map 2: D-3
FORTWHYTE ALIVE A rural oasis inside the city that offers more than 600 acres of aspen forest, tall grass prairie and hiking trails. Hike one of the four trails to the sod house, floating boardwalk and bird feeding station. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross country skiing on groomed trails. Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm. Adults $ 7, seniors $ 6, students / children $ 5, under 3 free. 1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989-8355, fortwhyte. org, Map 2: F-3
LIVING PRAIRIE MUSEUM Take a trip back through time to witness prairie life before settlement and urbanization, when tall grass prairie covered one million sq km of land in North America; from Texas to Manitoba. Now only 1 / 20th of one per cent of the original tall grass prairie in Manitoba remains. Groomed cross-country ski trails throughout winter( weather dependant). 2795 Ness Ave, 204-832-0167, Map 2: D-2
OAK HAMMOCK MARSH Friendly interpreters assist in your exploration of the thriving wetland along nature trails or by canoe through the marsh. Home to nearly 300 species of birds and wildlife. There is also a gift shop and interpretive centre on-site. Daily 10 am-dusk. Adult $ 8, youth( 3-17) $ 6, seniors( 55 +) $ 7, family( two adults and children) $ 26. Twenty minutes north of Winnipeg, 204-467-3300, oakhammockmarsh. ca
PARKS / TRAILS
ASSINIBOINE PARK Located thirty minutes from downtown Winnipeg, this prairie park offers a variety of winter activities: toboggan slide, ice skating on the central pond, and30km of groomed cross-country skiing trails, weather dependant. Also home to the Conservatory, Zoo, English Gardens, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Lyric Theatre, Tudor-Style Pavilion, Pavilion Gallery, Pavillon Event Centre, Qualico Family Centre and Park Café. Park is open 24 hours daily. Main entrance at 2355 Corydon Ave. Accessible from Portage Ave via the footbridge across the Assiniboine River, 204-927-6000, assiniboineparkzoo. ca, Map 2: D-3
BIRDS HILL PROVINCIAL PARK Located a half hour from downtown Winnipeg, this prairie park offers hiking trails through oak and aspen forests; including 30 km of winding, groomed cross-country ski trails. Daily admission $ 5, annual pass $ 40. Gates open from 7 am-11 pm. East of Winnipeg on Lagimodière Blvd( Hwy 59), 204-654-6730
SPRINGHILL WINTER PARK Located fifteen minutes from downtown, this is the closest downhill ski facility to Winnipeg. Hill stands at 130 vertical feet and has three lifts, runs and terrain for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Ski and snowboard rentals available including professional ski and snowboard lessons. Licensed sports bar on-site. Off Highway 59 North on Oasis Road, 204-224-3051, Map 2: A-7
ST. VITAL PARK This urban green space runs along the Red River, providing scenic cycling and hiking trails. A boat launch area makes this a hub for city boaters. A tranquil duck pond is home to many species of waterfowl and transforms into one of the city’ s largest outdoor skating rinks when the temperature drops. Two toboggan slides on-site. 190 River Rd, Map 2: F-4
THE RIVER TRAIL Winnipeg is proud to hold the Guinness World Record for longest naturally frozen skating trail in the world. Walk, run, skate, sled or cycle on the Red and Assiniboine Rivers( weather dependant). Free access. Docks located in various neighbourhoods: Norwood, St. Boniface, the Exchange District, The Forks, Corydon, Legislature. Call for information: 204-233-ALLO( 2556)
WINDSOR PARK NORDIC SKI CENTRE Weather dependent, this outdoor park offers two regularly groom and lighted cross-country ski trails: a green loop measures 3 km, while the more challenging blue loop is 5 km. Ski lessons available by CANSI certified instructors. The clubhouse offers repairs, waxroom, concessions, lockers and rentals. Opens once sufficient snow is available. Mon- Thu 12 pm-10 pm, Fri noon-9 pm, Sat-Sun 9 am-6 pm. Adult $ 5, senior / youth( 11-17) $ 4, children( 10 and under) $ 3, family $ 12. 10 Des Meurons, 204-253-9236, windsorparknordic. ca, Map 2: E-5
PooLS
PAN AM POOL Built for the 1967 Pam Am Games and revamped for the 1999 Pan Am Games, this pool boasts one of the largest indoor bodies of water in the world. The pool consists of three pools( including a great kiddie pool), two weight rooms and an indoor track. Single admission prices vary depending on hours: Admission during non-peak hours adults / seniors $ 5.35, children 12 and under $ 3.00, youth $ 4.70, 25 Poseidon Bay, Call 311 for hours, Map 2: E-3
SPoRTS ATTRAcTIoNS
ADRENALINE ADVENTURES Giant outdoor adventure park features fun for all ages including snowtubing down the hill, cable snowboarding, a snowboarding terrain park, and free ice skating( weather depending). Clubhouse with restaurant and rentals on-site. Call for hours and prices. 600 Caron Rd, Headingley, 204-800-2060, adrenalinemb. com
ToURS
DOWNTOWN TOURS Sample some of Winnipeg’ s best dishes and local brews with fellow foodies and beverage aficianados. Choose from three new specialized tasting tours such as the Winnipeg Wine, Tap In, and The Breakfast Club, designed to showcase the incredible selection of restaurants that downtown Winnipeg has to offer. Visit downtownwinnipegtours. com or call 204-958-4640 to book. Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, 426 Portage Ave, Map 1: P-3
FRONTIERS NORTH ADVENTURE Plan an incredible vacation to explore the majestic northern territory of Churchill, Manitoba. Take in the electric northern lights activity beneath the Auroral Oval. Tour seasonal wildlife such as polar bears, beluga whales, and birds via arctic cruise or tundra buggy. One-day and multiday adventures available. Call 204-949-2050 or toll-free 1-800-663-9832 for more information or frontiersnorth. com.
GREY NUNS’ WALKWAY Marked with historical markers and situated on the riverbank across from the St. Boniface Basilica and Museum on Taché Ave. The self-guided walkway leads to the entrance of St. Boniface and the Esplanade Riel, which crosses to The Forks National Historic Site. Along Taché Ave, Map 1: P-6
ROYAL CANADIAN MINT View Canada’ s circulating coins and foreign currency( up to 15 million coins per day) produced on the high-speed presses. Guided tours available year-round. Interactive Coin Museum on-site. Tue-Sat 9 am-4 pm. Tours: adults $ 6, seniors( 65 +) $ 5, children( 5-17) $ 3, children under 4 free, family( 2 adults, 4 children) $ 15. 520. Located at Lagimodière Blvd at the junction of Hwy 1 and 59, 204-983-6429, Map 2: E-6
THE LOOP This 9.5-kilometre, 3.5 hour, self-guided circuit gives walkers the opportunity to explore urban Winnipeg’ s historic, cultural, architectural, and modern day gems. See more than 50 landmarks, including The Forks, St. Boniface Cathedral, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the buildings in the theatre district. For route maps and information visit tourismwinnipeg. com / the-loop
SQUAREPEG TOURS Take your pick from themed tours that expose the secrets, mysteries, and mayhem of Winnipeg’ s early years. Explore the hidden symbols of the Manitoba Legislature during Symbols, Secrets & Sacrifices Under the Golden Boy or walk through Winnipeg’ s dark and mysterious past on the Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Tour. Visit squarepegtours. ca or call 204-898-4678 for full list of tours, prices and times.
42 where. ca january / february 2018