If not in the exact geographical centre of Canada, Winnipeg is certainly in the centre of Canada in most Canadians' minds. The capital of Manitoba, it is often referred to as The Gateway City, or simply the 'Peg by locals. It has a long and varied history, starting from when it was called Fort Garry, an outpost of the Hudson Bay Company.

"Cosmopolitan community" is not an oxymoron when describing Winnipeg, it's a fact. With its vibrant nightlife, world renowned arts scene, chic boutiques and dining experiences to suit every palate, Winnipeg is a trendsetter. Yet its neighbourhoods are steeped in cultural tradition.

This is a diverse but harmonious city with many continental flavors. Historic St. Boniface, the largest Francophone community in Western Canada, is only a short drive from Corydon Avenue's Little Italy with it's eclectic mix of shops and outdoor patios. From Ukrainian, to Aboriginal, to Filipino, other cultures have made their presence felt with businesses, stores and restaurants reflecting their heritages.

Speaking of restaurants, perhaps the diversity of Winnipeg is best evidenced in its cuisine; baked, stewed, sautéed or grilled to perfection in over 900 restaurants. From four-diamond rated restaurants to homestyle eateries, the visitor is sure to find whatever they are looking for.

Whether you're interested in architecture, history or perhaps ghost hunting in one of the reputedly haunted locales, there are walking tours for every taste. Of course there are shops of all kinds, malls to prospect for sales and galleries and museums to explore.

Later, change your walking shoes for your party shoes. Have dinner at one of those 900 dining choices, go dancing, or take a gamble with Lady Luck at one of Winnipeg's glittering, Vegas-style casinos with a new twist: whoever stays in Winnipeg, plays in Winnipeg! Manitobans love a good party! And just to prove it, Winnipeg has more than 130 festivals and events every year. Folklorama is the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world, with over 50 pavilions showcasing the traditions and customs of Winnipeg's ethnic communities. In fact, Folklorama has been rated as one of the top 100 best events in North America for group travel in the United States and Canada. Other festival highlights include North America's second largest Fringe Festival. In the summer there is the internationally acclaimed Winnipeg Folk Festival, which draws top flight performers from around the world to Birds Hill Provincial Park for a lively gathering of folk musicians and appreciative audiences.

In the wintertime, it's Le Festival du Voyageur in St. Boniface. Grab your toque and help celebrate the colorful history of the fur trade and the cultural heritage of the Francophone community.

Winnipeg is also home to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League and the Manitoba Moose hockey team that plays in the AHL.

Other interests might be the sternwheelers, the River Rouge and the MS Paddlewheel Queen that sail through the heart of Winnipeg from mid-May to Mid-September. These offer sightseeing cruises during the day and dinner/dance cruises in the evenings. And then there's the Prairie Dog Central, a turn-of-the-century vintage railway train, pulled by either an 1882-steam locomotive or a 1958 diesel. The train consists of fully restored wooden coaches built between 1901 and 1913 and runs most weekends during the summer months.

Winnipeg is a great place to start making Western Canadian memories. It has a rich heritage and a cosmopolitan lifestyle; the visitor can expect to be charmed by this unique city and its welcoming residents.

Review of Winnipeg Hotels

Victoria Inn and Conference Center

1808 Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0G3 CA
The Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre is a Canada Select 4 Star hotel. We have 275 well
appointed standard guest rooms and specialty rooms including executive, Honeymoon, Queen and Kid
Theme suites. More then 28,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space make us the largest
convention hotel in Manitoba. Our hotel amenities include our brand new Dino-Beach Family Water
Park, fitness room, washer, dryers and a gift shop in the hotel lobby. We offer complimentary
parking, local phone calls, internet computer in the lobby, wireless internet in our guest rooms
and 24-hour airport shuttle. Our conveniences include Chicago Joe's Restaurant lounge, and VLT
Gaming Room. Our guest rooms also feature all the amenities that you have come to expect in a
premier hotel such as an iron and ironing board, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, hair
dryer, and quality bathroom amenities. The furnishings are very attractive wood pieces and each
room has a full working desk with ergonomic office chair, wireless internet access, and large TV
with full cablevision along with complete pay movies access. The rooms all have luggage racks,
closets, and dresser for guests convenience.

    
Country Inn Suites Winnipeg

730 King Edward
Winnipeg, MB R3H1B4 CA
Unique Country Inn & Suites, renovated in 2005, offering services on site that include full service
restaurant, lounge and evening room service. Free wired or wireless high speed internet access in
all guestrooms. Meeting space capacity up to 150 people. Complimentary hot breakfast, restaurant on
site serving dinner Monday-Thursday from 5pm-10PM, lobby lounge available 7 days a week offering
Happy Hour specials nightly and evening room service. Exercise room and guest laundry room. Outdoor
seasonal pool and whirlpool open year round.


Comfort Inn Airport

1770 Sargent Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0C8 CA
Comfort Inn Airport is located approximately two miles from Winnipeg International Airport and four
miles from Crystal Casino. This location is also two miles from Polo Park Shopping Centre and
Winnipeg Arena, three miles from Manitoba Theatre Centre, four miles from Eaton Place Mall, and
five miles from Assiniboine Downs Racetrack.
Hotel amenities include the continental breakfast (fee), free weekday newspapers, valet laundry,
cold weather hookups, currency exchange, free local calls, and a parking area. Small pets are
allowed (a fee may apply).
All rooms have air-conditioning, clock radios, coffeemakers, dataports, irons and ironing boards,
and cable TV.
    
Winnipeg Thriftlodge
1400 Notre Dome Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3e3g5 CA
Winnipeg Thriftlodge is located approximately one mile from downtown and Winnipeg International Airport.
The property's amenities include the family restaurant, karaoke lounge, sauna, ATM, and laundryroom. Small pets are allowed (fee may apply).
All rooms have cable TV.