“Why Winnipeg?” has been the question I’ve been asked the most since I moved here. “It’s too cold, there isn’t much to do here!” are some of the things you might hear. Winnipeg is a city bustling with activities designed for all sorts of tastes and season.
The Forks
Photo by The Forks North Portage Partnership
The Forks is a hodge podge of activity all year round. Located at the confluence of the Red River and Assiniboine River, the Forks is a meeting place, historic site and green space in Downtown Winnipeg. If you need a change from the bustling city, the gardens and ecosystems found in the Forks host over 10,000 plants from which over 150 are plant species. If you enjoy events and people, there is entertainment that changes with our seasons to provide a variety of attractions. The Fork’s Market has an incredible array of shops that range from spices and souvenirs shops to a fair trade store and a bike shop.
Hockey
Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Winnipeg Jets
Hockey is the game that Canadians are the most passionate about, and their energy about the sport and during matches is very contagious. The Winnipeg Jets, the local NHL team, fills our arena with fans, excitement, high paced action, and impressive maneuvers on the ice. Watching one of their games is a must if you wish to dive into the Winnipeg culture. The Manitoba Moose, the local AHL team, has recently returned to Winnipeg, so you can catch a game with them too.
Assiniboine Forest
The Assiniboine Forest, is a wilderness inside the city. With 700 acres of wild oak, the forest serves as a place to explore and to be reminded that nature and humans were not meant to be separated, rather learn to coexist. The Assiniboine Forest contains a large array of trails for those passionate about hiking. It houses herds of white tail deer, a pond, and extensive flora. It is a majestic place where the seasons are experienced at their fullest.
Discover Winnipeg’s Culture
Photo by Leif Norman
Lots of events that occur in Winnipeg are designed to display the vast talent and culture that exists in this city. The Winnipeg Fringe Festival provides live theatre and a delicious combination of food carts. Folklorama, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra are some of other cultural experiences Winnipeg offers. Forts around the city such as Fort Gibraltar, create a unique balance between history and art, as people are immersed into the history of Winnipeg through costumes, props, and architecture. The Exchange District is also a trendy artistic location that features shops and restaurants for every kind of shopper and appetite.
Winnipeg is a place worth exploring, and hosts an immense number of events throughout the year. Be ready to bundle up and step outside to explore the wonderful world of Winnipeg.
Cesar Flores is one of CMU’s Student Ambassadors
*Featured image by Ruehle Design