What to Do in Winnipeg, Manitoba
History and Culture at the Forks of Two Rivers
When tourists visit Canada, they usually go to the major tourist areas such as resorts like Banff and Whistler or large cities like Vancouver or Montreal. Sometimes, however, less likely tourist destinations can be just as interesting. Cities like Winnipeg, Manitoba, can provide visitors with fascinating insights into the history and culture of Canada. Festivals and special events are especially good for showing visitors and residents the special features of a city, and Winnipeg has many choices for everyone, with everything from concerts and plays to beard growing or fiddling competitions to the annual teddy bear picnic.
Celebrating Canada’s Cultures
Winnipeg’s attractions might not be as obvious as those of other cities, but tourist and residents alike can find something to do all year long. One of the bright spots in the often harsh winters is the Festival du Voyageur, held every February. Artists begin carving massive snow sculptures in the French area of St. Boniface, as well as other places around the city weeks before the events begin, while participants with other interests prepare for the beard-growing contest or the fiddling and jigging competition. The Grand Rendez-Vous is an exciting, if sometimes cold, way to begin the festivities, and the Governor’s Ball will appeal to many visitors. Although extreme cold can sometimes limit the outdoor events and unexpectedly warm weather can melt the sculptures before the end of the festival, people still always have a good time.
After the Festival du Voyageur is done, Winnipeg residents and visitors anticipate summer activities such as Folklorama, a two-week celebration of the diverse cultures that make up Canadian life. Held in various locations around the city, Folklorama features dancing, singing, ethnic foods, and much more. With bagpipe playing, Greek dances, and much more, Folklorama celebrates the communities that make up Canadian culture.
Shakespeare and More
Winnipeg’s tourist agencies list many more events available in the city each year. Shakespeare in the Ruins, named for its former location at a ruined monastery but now held at various sites around the city, is always a highlight of the summer, and various music festivals and concerts held throughout the year appeal to many different tastes. Even the hoards of mosquitoes that descend on the city each summer barely dampen participants’ enthusiasm.
Anyone on a tight budget should be sure not to miss the free events of the Exchange District Noon Hour Concert Series, held every Thursday between June and August. Others might prefer to go to the annual Folk Festival held in Bird’s Hill Park, just north of Winnipeg. Children and parents will enjoy the annual Teddy Bears Picnic in Assiniboine Park, where a multitude of activities make the event fun for everyone. Visitors can also take the opportunity to check out the parks other attractions, such as the zoo, the English Gardens, the Leo Moll Sculpture Gardens, and much more. The Assiniboine Park Conservatory is an attraction all year round, with seasonal flower and plant displays, as well as an annual orchid show featuring the best of these exotic plants.
Outdoors in Winter
Indoor activities are ideal for winter, but it can sometimes be possible to have both at once. The Winter Wonderland is an amazing show of lights that people can see from the comfort of their cars as they drive through the site at the Red River Exhibition Park. For those who enjoy winter, skating down the long ice rinks built each year on the frozen Red and Assiniboine Rivers is fun, and many of the city parks have facilities for skating or cross-country skiing. For longer excursions, the many groomed paths in Birds Hill Park are ideal for beginners and experts. Winnipeg’s bright skies and relatively dry conditions can make even the coldest day enjoyable.
With festivals, outdoor activities, events for children, and much more, Winnipeg always has something for tourists and residents to do.
Snow Sculpture
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