Nestled in the bustling downtown area of the Winnipeg city, the Exchange District is a historic landmark. Declared as a National Historic Site of Canada, it is certainly worth a visit. This area is touted to be the hub of cultural and entertainment activities; it houses an assortment of drinking and dining outlets and retail shops; important venues include Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and Centennial Concert Hall. Popular festivals like Jazz Winnipeg Festival, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, and the Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition are annually held here.Nestled in the bustling downtown area of the Winnipeg city, the Exchange District is a historic landmark. Declared as a National Historic Site of Canada, it is certainly worth a visit. This area is touted to be the hub of cultural and entertainment activities; it houses an assortment of drinking and dining outlets and retail shops; important venues include Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and Centennial Concert Hall. Popular festivals like Jazz Winnipeg Festival, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, and the Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition are annually held here.
Located at the confluence of the Assiniboine and Red rivers, Fort Garry was the trading post of Hudson's Bay Company. It was built in 1822 but severe floods washed it away. The fort was rebuilt in 1835 and came to be known as Upper Fort Garry. The fort was demolished when the city of Winnipeg came into being. However, some remains of the fort exist on which restoration work has begun. The fort was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1924.
Originally built in the year 1809, the Fort Gibraltar was a fort in Manitoba. Now listed as one of the National Monuments in Canada, a visit to this fort gives you an insight into the fur-trading era and the life in the Red River valley. The fort hosts guided tours for the history enthusiasts during summer where you can experience the lifestyle of people in 1800s. Besides, the charming fort is also a perfect venue for hosting your special events like weddings and receptions and provides rental services for the same.
Dominating the heart of Winnipeg is Manitoba's Legislative Building, an exemplary neoclassical structure that was designed by architects Frank Worthington Simon and Henry Boddington III. The structure is swathed in utter splendor and features endless elements across its impressive exterior and its immaculate interior. But the crown jewel of the building is the Golden Boy, joyfully perched atop the building's central cupola, emblematic of the province's prosperity and all-round progress. Several of the building's features are inspired by mythical figures across cultures, like the Goddess Europa that signifies Canada's European heritage, or Egyptian sphinxes that flank the building's main pediment and act as an ode to the Sun God Ra. Other notable elements of this magnificent building include the Grand Staircase, the rotunda with Corinthian columns, and the Legislative Chamber.
Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum was built in 1846 as a convent, orphanage and a girl's school. With an eclectic architecture and serene surroundings, the place stands today as a museum that chronicles the history of the state. There are many paintings, murals, artifacts, old book and documents on display that are very intriguing and worth a watch. There are also old toys, liturgical vestments and old musical instruments. You can buy books, t-shirts and merchandise from their gift shop. Events here include workshops, lectures and other community gatherings.
A visit to the Lower Fort Garry, will give you an insight into the fur trading era and the Red River Settlement. Built in the 19th Century, this fort came into prominence owing to the Treaty No. 1 that was signed here. Originally the center of the fur trade industry, the fort was later used as a training ground for the North-West Mounted Police and then, for a short period, it functioned as a penitentiary and mental hospital. Today the fort is a popular tourist attraction and is a recognized National Historic Site of Canada.