WALK,
BIKE,
RUN
Looking to get
outside and get
moving? Try these
fun activities:
ROUTES ON THE RED
A collection of self-directed walking,
biking, and paddling tours along the
Red River. Put yourself in the shoes
of a voyageur and try out a half-day
walking tour that follows the paths
of the historic fur trade. Routes and
maps found on routesonthered.ca
meticulously reproduced and restored, from
costumed interpreters that explain the ins and
outs of the fur trade on the prairies to the
cabins filled with bundles of animal pelts.
Take a tour of the Fort to learn more about
the daily life of early settlers and voyageurs
from the North West Company. Whittier Park,
204‑233‑9470, fortgibraltar.com, Map 1: N-5 For total tech integration, download the
park’s smartphone app which highlights points
of interest and provides information on the
symbols on the Heritage Wall. Historical facts
hidden around the park turn each visit into
a scavenger hunt. Broadway and Main St,
upperfortgarry.com, Map 1: Q-4
SOAK UP SOME SUN Assiniboine Park, the city’s largest urban
park, becomes a hotbed of activity in the spring
and summer months. Beautiful blooms grow
in the English gardens and Leo Mol sculpture
garden, which also displays bronze figures
created by the renowned artist. With winding
paths and benches set in shady nooks, these
gardens are a perfect place to while away the
afternoon. Those itching to get active can start
up an impromptu game of frisbee or fly a kite
on the park’s manicured lawns.
The best way to take a tour of the park is
to hop on board the miniature train that has
been operating, run by the same family, for
more than 50 years. This little locomotive
runs daily from noon to 6 pm, and for $3
will take you on a spin around the park’s
perimeter. 2355 Corydon Ave, 204‑927‑6000,
assiniboineparkzoo.ca, Map 2: D-3
Getting outside doesn’t necessarily mean
getting active—sometimes all one needs is
some fresh air and sun. The perfect place to
spend a day outdoors and horizontal is Nordic-
style spa Thermëa, an outdoor oasis cradled
unexpectedly in an old Winnipeg residential
neighbourhood.
Deep relaxation involves cycling through
treatments of heat, cold, and rest. First, a toxin-
clearing sit in a sauna, steam room, or hot
bath, then a dip in the cold or temperate pool,
followed by a period of relaxation. After a soak
in the luxurious outdoor baths, journey out to
the “Forest Beach”, a secluded rest area filled
with loungers, Adirondack chairs, and comfy
hammocks, all tucked in a lush grove of trees—
the city will seem miles away. 775 Crescent Dr,
1‑855‑284‑3344, Map 2: F-4
WILD WALL
Upper Fort Garry was an important centre of
the fur trade for the Hudson’s Bay Company in
the late 1800s, and though only the Fort’s gate
remains standing today, the recently completed
Upper Fort Garry Park commemorates the
site with historical markers and an interactive
installation set along the site of the fort’s
original wall. The Heritage Wall spans more
than 400 feet and depicts the history of this
land from First Nations communities to the fur
trade and European settlement. Watch the wall
light up with an artistic LED interpretation of
the Metis buffalo hunt—come at dusk for the
best view.
A WALK IN THE PARK
THE LOOP
Get a crash course on the city by walking
this 3.5 hour self directed route that covers
Winnipeg’s significant historic, cultural, and
architectural sites. Download the route map
at tourismwinnipeg.com
BEE2GETHER BIKE RENTALS
Find a willing partner and take to
the streets on a bicycle built for two.
Bee2Gether’s cute yellow campers can be
found at The Forks and Assiniboine Park,
with tandem, single rider, buggy, and surry
bikes for rent. Visit bee2getherbikes.com or
call 204‑298‑2925 for more information.
EXCHANGE DISTRICT BIZ
WALKING TOURS
The entire Exchange District neighbour-
hood is designated a National Historic Site,
and there’s plenty of history to explore.
Tours with themes like “Death and
Debauchery” bring to light the dark secrets
of Winnipeg’s early years—when it earned
the nickname “the wickedest city in the
Dominion”. Call 204-942-6716 to book.
DOWNTOWN BIKE TOURS
Pig out and get active at the same time
on the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s
Moveable Feast tour. Diners bike between
5 restaurant stops to sample eats at the
neighbourhood’s prime restaurants. Visit
downtownwinnipegtours.com to book.
MAY/JUNE 2017
where.ca
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