Winnipeg

Winnipeg is the capital and the largest city in Manitoba, named after nearby Lake Winnipeg. The historic city (incorporated in 1873), lies at the confluence of the Assiniboine and the Red Rivers. Sitting on the eastern edge of the Canadian Prairies, the thriving northern city is known as the "Gateway to the West.” The city is a starting-off point for a tour of the Prairies or a trip to northern Churchill to see polar bears.

A trolley or bus tour is a good way to see Winnipeg’s notable heritage buildings and homes, including the impressive turn-of-the-century architecture of The Exchange District neighbourhood, within picture-perfect cobblestoned surroundings. Visitors and residents also flock to The Forks, a 54-acre riverside park with an exceptional array of dining options, shopping, hiking trails, water activities, and a summertime slate of entertainment and music.

Over 40 cultural attractions and galleries make their home in multicultural Winnipeg. Annual festivals include the Winnipeg Folk Festival. A performance by Canada’s justly-famous Royal Winnipeg Ballet is also a perennially hot-ticket item.

Other cultural draws include the Manitoba Museum, Qaumajuq – the new Inuit art centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery – and the stunning Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the first solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. Commerce is featured in the form of tours of The Royal Canadian Mint: every single Canadian circulation coin is produced here — literally billions each year.