Spread the love

Officially dubbed Canada’s Cultural Capital, Manitoba’s capital city of Winnipeg is fast becoming the next must-visit destination as news of its eclectic art scene, foodie hub, and welcoming, progressive locals spreads across the globe.

No one wants to look like a tourist in this uber cool city, but with a few insider’s tips, you’ll look and feel like you’re a genuine Pegger. Read on for five ways to live like a local in Winnipeg.

1.Cheer for the Jets

You can’t call yourself a Winnipeg local until you’ve experienced hockey fever at a Jets game at Bell MTS Place. Be warned – the fans are a rowdy bunch. The ‘phonebooth’ (a local nickname) is known as the loudest arena in the NHL.

A Jets game is not complete without devouring the famed Jumbo Jet Dog. Pile up your foot-long dog with as many crazy toppings as possible. We’re talking bacon bits, pierogi pieces, chili and nacho cheese.  No one will ever know you weren’t born and bred right here.

2.Hang out at The Forks

For thousands of years, The Forks National Historic Site was the meeting place for Indigenous people, and today it remains the heart of Winnipeg, where locals and visitors can connect and make the most of this nine-acre hub of shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Forks is located where the Red and Assiniboine rivers converge. Take a seat at one of the communal tables at The Common and discover how friendly Prairie folk really are as you talk over a craft beer and platter filled with locally produced delicacies.

3.People watch in the Exchange District

Peggers are proud of their world-famous Exchange District, and with good reason. The turn-of-the-century architecture sets the tone for this 30-block region, brimming with pop-up art and jewellery stores, designer clothes and galleries, showcasing Canada’s finest artists.

Walk the intriguing streets, visit Old Market Square during the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, or simply stop at one of the 50-plus restaurants and cafes to people watch for a while. You might be a tourist, but you’ll fit right in, because everyone’s unique in the eclectic Exchange District.

4.Cultural immersion

Manitoba’s indigenous culture is at the very core of its history and personality. Check out Feast Bistro for incredible Indigenous food, and meet the inspirational owner, Christa, a proud member of Peguis First Nation, whose meals are intended to preserve history and pay respect to the plants and animals that nourish us.

Next, head to one of Canada’s most famous buildings, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This architectural marvel constructed from curved steel and glass is breathtaking to look at, yet its contents are even more powerful.

Explore the ten interactive galleries dedicated to human rights awareness, with exhibits ranging from Canadian Indigenous experiences to genocides, all of which inspire wonder, tears, and hope for a better future.

5.Culinary adventures

To truly feel like a Pegger, you need to eat like one. Oxbow has fast become the go-to place for dinner and drinks since opening in January 2018. Recently named among Canada’s Best New Restaurants by enRoute magazine, chef Sean Brenard’s menu is a salute to Manitoba’s dramatic seasonal changes, with a mouth-watering focus on locally sourced ingredients and game meats. Kick back in the relaxed lounge area, with its funky exposed brick hung with atmospheric orb pendants and soak up the eclectic playlist.

To pass as a local, you need to know where the best coffee is served. Forth Café in the Exchange District is part café, restaurant, art gallery, and cocktail bar – and it serves an impeccable brew every time. Make the most of the free wi-fi, catch up on your emails, or simply do some people-watching and enjoy the relaxed ambience.

Authentic Peggers are a social bunch who love to congregate over a lively meal. Check out Cordova Tapas and Wine for fresh, flavoursome platters, or head to the West End, known for its diverse multi-cultural cuisine. We’re talking African, Middle-Eastern, Mexican and Filipino, just for starters.

Getting there

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane, with direct flights from Melbourne available three times per week, with connecting services to Winnipeg. Alternatively, VIA Rail, the national Canadian rail service runs from Vancouver to Winnipeg. The two-day journey spans British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan before reaching the Manitoba, the heart of Canada.

www.travelmanitoba.com