Attractions

Cultural

Chinatown

An exotic cultural experience with authentic Chinese shops and restaurants. Gaze at the Chinese architecture of the Dynasty Building and relax in the Chinese Garden. Winnipeg Chinese Cultural & Community Centre, 180 King St. 943-2627, www.wcccc.ca

Circle of Life Thunderbird House

Manitoba’s first Aboriginal spiritual and cultural centre. Corner of Main St. and Higgins Ave. 940-4240, www.thunderbirdhouse.com

Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge

One of Winnipeg’s newest landmarks, this stunning pedestrian bridge links The Forks and St. Boniface over the Red River. While enjoying the spectacular view, you can also grab a bite to eat right on the bridge.

Exchange District National Historic Site

The original centre of commerce and culture in Winnipeg, with 30-blocks of early 20th century architecture. 942-6716, www.exchangedistrict.org

Manitoba Legislative Building

Reputedly one of the finest public buildings in North America, the “Ledge” is home to Manitoba’s provincial government. The Golden Boy, one of Manitoba’s best known icons, proudly tops the building. Guided and self-guided tours available. 450 Broadway. 945-5813.

The Explore Manitoba Centre

An interactive theme pavilion showcasing Manitoba’s six unique tourism regions. The Forks. 945-3777.

The Forks National Historic Site

This green oasis at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers has been a meeting place for more than 6,000 years. Today it hosts interpretive displays, a riverside walkway, a world class skate plaza and a wide range of events for the whole family. The Forks Market offers a wide selection of gifts and handicrafts as well as bakery, butcher and wine shop. Nearby Johnston Terminal houses restaurants and unique stores selling global finds and antiques. www.theforks.com, 1-888-942-6302.

The Forks Market

A Manitoba landmark and popular tourist destination. This former stable is home to shops selling handmade jewellery, clothing, crafts, fresh produce, baked goods and meat. Enjoy international dining. 942-6302.

The Johnston Terminal at The Forks

Originally a railway warehouse, this beautifully restored building features specialty shops and restaurants.

Union Station

Winnipeg’s majestic VIA Rail station was built in 1911 by the same architects that built Grand Central Station in New York City. 123 Main St.

Upper Fort Garry Gate

The last remaining gate of Upper Fort Garry, built in 1830 by the Hudson’s Bay Company. South of Broadway at Main St.

Cinemas

Cinematheque

Indie movies and art films. 100 Arthur Street. 925-3457

Globe Cinema at Portage Place

First-run art films, indies and top foreign titles. 3rd Floor, Portage Place. 69-GLOBE, www.globecinema.com

IMAX Theatre at Portage Place

Learn and be dazzled by the 5-and-a- half storey screen, now with shows in 3D. 3rd Floor, Portage Place. 956-IMAX, www.imaxwpg.com

Towne Cinema

Shows Hollywood blockbusters and new releases. 301 Notre Dame Avenue. 947-2848.

Museums and Galleries

Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg

Gathering place and community resource for Winnipeg’s aboriginal community. Inclues a restaurants and art gallery. Located in CP Rail building. 181 Higgens Ave, 989-6395

Costume Museum of Canada

Home to 35,000 historical costumes and artifacts spanning 400 years. Exhibits change regularly. Features photo archive, research library, dress up closet, pattern library and boutique featuring vintage, new and restored clothing and items. 109 Pacific Ave. 989-0072, www.costumemuseum.com

Dalnavert Museum

Beautifully restored Victorian home of Hugh John Macdonald, son of Canada’s first prime minister, preserves the Queen Anne Revival-style architecture, circa 1895. 61 Carlton St. 943-2835, www.mhs.mb.ca

The Manitoba Children’s Museum

Located in a historic locomotive repair shop, the Museum features six hands- on galleries for families to explore. To Sept 6: Attack of the Bloodsuckers. Programs run all summer long. 45 Forks Market Road. 924-4000, www.childrensmuseum.com

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library

A gallery dedicated to the study, preservation and understanding of handcrafts. 1B-183 Kennedy St. 487-6117.

The Manitoba Museum

Eight galleries explore Manitoba’s history and environment through a buffalo hunt, towering dinosaurs, and a life-sized 17th century ship. 190 Rupert Ave. 956-2830, www.manitobamuseum.mb.ca

Planetarium

Unlock the mysteries of the universe with multi-media shows. 190 Rupert Ave. 956-2830.

Science Gallery

Explore the world of science with hands-on exhibits like solving a murder using forensics, creating a Lego stop-action movie or learning how rivers work. 190 Rupert Ave. 956-2830.

Naval Museum of Manitoba

Displays preserving and honouring Manitoba’s role in Canada’s naval heritage. Onboard HMCS CHIPPAWA, 1 Navy Way, at Assiniboine Ave. 943-7745.

Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art

Locating to a new home in downtown, this gallery features the work of prairie and Manitoba artists through exhibits, shows and online work that uses innovation and research. 460 Portage Ave. 942-1043, www.plugin.org (opening fall 2010)

The Winnipeg Art Gallery

One of Winnipeg’s architectural showpieces, the WAG features eight galleries of changing exhibitions by contemporary and historical Manitoban, Canadian & international artists. Houses the largest collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. 300 Memorial Blvd. 786-6641, www.wag.mb.ca

Ukrainian Cultural & Educational Centre (Oseredok)

Museum and art gallery featuring Ukrainian folk arts and crafts, plus an authentic boutique and library. 184 Alexander Ave E. 942-0218, www.oseredok.org

Wah-sa Gallery

Specializing in Canadian Woodland Aboriginal arts, crafts and gift wear. Johnston Terminal at The Forks. 942-5121, www.wahsa.mb.ca

Winnipeg Railway Museum

View the first steam locomotive on the Canadian prairies. VIA Rail Station, 123 Main St. 942-4632.

Recreational Activities

Assiniboine Riverwalk

One of the best ways to enjoy downtown is along this 1km stretch. Put on your sneakers or hop on your bike and watch the river flow by. Along Assiniboine Ave from The Forks to the Manitoba Legislature.

Downtown Parks

Take advantage of downtown’s many parks, either nestled in an urban setting or bordering the Red and Assiniboine rivers.

Sports and Activities

Fishing: Travel Manitoba, 945-3777. Boating & water sports: for river conditions, call the River Patrol, 986-8504. Cycling, rollerblading, walking & jogging. Tennis: McFadyen Playground tennis courts. Curling: Grain Exchange Curling Club, 75 Fort St.

Tours

Muddy Water Tours

May 15-Oct 15 Discover the intriguing history of Downtown Winnipeg on these walking tours. Thurs-Fri:The Boom & Bust of Winnipeg: the rise and fall of the “Chicago of the North” from 1874- 1915. Wed & Fri. Murder, Mystery & Mayhem: tales of murders, ghosts and executions. Wed & Fri. Pestilence, Shamans and Doctors: sacred medicines of First Nations people, the legacy of the Grey Nuns and diseases that plagued early Manitobans. Call to book: 997-TOUR (8687). www.muddywatertours.ca

Downtown Tours

Year-round Learn more about downtown with a personal tour from the experts: Downtown Watch Ambassadors. Safety tours also available. 958-4640, www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Exchange District Walking Tours

June 1-Sept 6 Discover this national historic site, just north of Canada’s renowned corner of Portage and Main. Mon-Sat, 10am, noon & 2pm. 942-6716, www.exchangedistrict.org

Splash Dash Water Tour

May-Sept (depending on river conditions) See Winnipeg from a whole new view while enjoying the weather. Docks on Red and Assiniboine rivers. 783-6633.

Paddlewheel Riverboats Tours

May-Oct Enjoy Winnipeg’s scenic rivers as you learn about the city and enjoy lunch or dinner. Alexander Dock. 944-8000 or 942-4500, www.paddlewheelcruises.com

Parks Canada Tours of The Forks National Historic Site

May 19-Sept 10 Beaver Tales and River Trails. Bilingual tour with costumed characters trace the 6,000- year transformation of the Forks and Winnipeg. 983-6757.

Haunted Winnipeg Bus Tours

Jun 1-Oct 31 Bus Tours, Investigative Bus Tours and Vigil Nights at St. Boniface Museum. 989-9630, www.heartlandtravel.ca

Hermetic Code Tours

Jun 15-Aug 31 Do you ever wonder why the Manitoba Legislative Building has sphinxes on it? Have you wanted to learn about the symbols and hidden meanings behind the mystical architecture of the building? Join Frank Albo, researcher, academic inspiration behind The Hermetic Code for an evening of decoding the famous symbols and architecture that makes the building truly unique. 989-9630, www.heartlandtravel.ca