The capital of Manitoba, Winnipeg is located south of Lake Winnipeg and just north of the border with the US. A vibrant and cosmopolitan city, it offers lots of natural attractions within the city limits as well as just outside, including some nice beaches lining the eastern shoreline of nearby Lake Winnipeg.
Winnipeg is home to a thriving arts scene, and culture vultures will not be disappointed with the several museums that trace the area’s rich history and past. Night owls can sample the famous nightlife which has spawned a number of musical trends which are now all the rage across the nation.
Tourist attractions in Winnipeg are plentiful, with guided walking city tours, scenic river cruises and numerous festivals held in the city. Children and families will love the city’s Assiniboine Park Zoo. The Manitoba Museum paints a colorful picture of the intriguing history of the city and the province, and also boasts the fun-filled Children’s Museum.
Highlights
Forks National Historic Site: in the city center, where the two rivers meet, first functioned as a meeting place for native Canadians, then as a fur-trading hub and later as a fort.
Golden Boy: sits atop the 240 foot high dome of the Legislative Building and is one of the best-known symbols of Manitoba, covered in 23 carat gold.**
The Royal Canadian Mint: produces billions of coins each year for use in Canada as well as for over 60 governments across the world.
Assiniboine Park Zoo: houses 1,200 animals of 275 different species including native animals such as polar bears, cougars, elk and bald eagles.
Forks Market: has developed into a popular meeting place with several restored historic buildings.
Kildonan Park: is a 99 acre park on the Red River, popular with families who come to splash in the Olympic-size pool, have a picnic or rent a boat.