| Winnipeg | SHOPPING, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE |
| Winnipeg | SHOPPING, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE |
The Forks has been a meeting place for over 6000 years, where people have gathered to trade, hunt and celebrate. Today it’s still the place to be, with the colourful site attracting over 5 million visitors a year. The best way to experience this vibrant spot is to start at the newly-built Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge.
In the middle of the Esplanade Riel is Salisbury sur l’Esplanade Riel. This Winnipeg institution offers the local hamburger favourite, The Nip. At the west foot of the bridge is The Forks National Historic Site. A sculpture with over 140 bronze symbols is a tribute to the history of The Forks. On your right is the outdoor Scotiabank Stage, which plays host to numerous concerts and celebrations throughout the summer. Continue west along the path and you will arrive at the new Inn at the Forks, where The Current serves up regional cuisine in style while the Riverstone Spa provides gentle relaxation. To the right of the hotel is the colourful Manitoba Theatre for Young People, which produces delightful professional children’s theatre. To the left of the hotel is the Manitoba Children’s Musuem, which entices children with activities such as an interactive TV station. Continue west to the centre of The Forks, The Forks Market, where a fresh produce stand stretches from door to door. On the main level, Maple Leaf Fudge offers the sweet treat in flavours such as Bailey’s Irish Cream. Fenton’s Wine Market and Fenton’s Gourmet Foods serve the gourmet crowd while Tall Grass Prairie lines them up for fresh cinnamon buns. On the second floor, Sydney’s offers a stellar prix fixe menu that changes monthly. The Craft Cupboard stocks Manitoba-made gifts and Bramblewood peddles cute indulgences for the body, bath and home. Across from The Forks Market is the Johnston Terminal. The lower floor of the terminal is devoted to antiques, from furniture to coins to dishes. Tattered Rose has beautiful Victorian-inspired clothing while Artifacts Gallery offers crafts made by Manitoba metalsmiths. The Old Spaghetti Factory serves up delicious pasta and Fin McCue’s provides after-hours pub entertainment. Outside the terminal is Muddy Waters, which tempts diners with spicy BBQ. Follow the path south from Muddy Waters to The Forks Historic Rail Bridge. A site map will show you the ins and outs of the river trails, such as the beautiful Riverwalk. The Forks also hosts a variety of seasonal activities. Visit www.theforks.com for upcoming events.
For nearly a century, the Selkirk Ave and Dufferin Ave district has been home to many immigrant Eastern European families—it is Winnipeg’s fabled North End. The area specializes in old world treats with increasing Aboriginal influences, and one would be hard-pressed to depart this colourful district without a smile and a bag full of goodies. The best way to discover the North End is to drive west along Dufferin Ave off Main St.
Follow your nose as it picks up the scent of fragrant fresh bread and visit City Bread (238 Dufferin Ave). This large commercial bakery has a retail outlet onsite with a great selection of bagels, thick-cut bread in all varieties—such as roasted red pepper and garlic—pies and hamentaschen (fruit-filled triangles). The nearby Wonderful World of Sheepskin (250 Dufferin Ave) is packed with custom-made shearling comfort, from slippers and gloves to car accessories and coats. Just ahead, pop into Neechi Foods (325 Dufferin Ave) for some traditional Aboriginal treats, such as wild rice bars, bannock and assorted homemade jams made from local berries. On the corner of Powers and Dufferin Ave, the little commercial roaster, Black Pearl Coffee (460 Dufferin Ave), offers over a dozen coffees—such as the full-bodied, chocolatey signature beans—that are roasted daily. Just steps away, Neptune’s Fishery (472 Dufferin Ave) stocks smoked, whole goldeye, which is a local delicacy. Just a few blocks away is Gimli Fish Market (596 Dufferin Ave Ave) which offers cuts of pickerel caught fresh from Lake Winnipeg. Turn right at McGregor Street and head north to Selkirk Avenue. This colourful street is adorned with beautiful murals depicting the heritage of the area and province. The Todaschuk Sisters Ukrainian Boutique (508 Selkirk Ave) peddles beautiful Ukrainian folk art, hand-embroidered costumes and artifacts from Ukraine. Be sure to ask about their Selkirk Avenue walking tours offered during the summer. Once inside The Donut House (500 Selkirk Ave), your sensory memories will be stimulated by the aroma of sugar and cinnamon, but arrive early—the pillowy donuts sell out by noon. The stunning William Norrie Centre (485 Selkirk Ave), a satellite campus of the University of Manitoba, is architecturally based on an Aboriginal tepee. Wawel Meat Market (423 Selkirk Ave) offers kielbasa—reputed to be the best in the city. The legendary kosher Gunn’s Bakery (247 Selkirk Ave) is known for its old world baking, such as bagels, breads, challah and ruggalagh.
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