Here are a couple of the more interesting walks around Winnipeg:
Corydon Avenue
The historic homes in the Crescentwood area, west of Osborne Village, Pick up a self-guided tour pamphlet at McNally Robinson Booksellers, located at the Grant Park Shopping Centre, 1120 Grant Avenue. Allow 2 hours.
Downtown
Take a self-guided tour, Walk Winnipeg: A Visitor’s Guide to Winnipeg’s Historical & Architectural Downtown Area.
See Winnipeg’s historical, government, and business structures. Tour guide is available from Tourism Winnipeg. Call 204-943-1970
Exchange District
This historic Winnipeg district is where the city’s commercial and wholesale history began, with much of it revitalized and renovated in the 1960s. This area is also the heart of Winnipeg’s theatre district and has a number of museums. Often, you will see movies being filmed here because of its turn-of-the-century look.
Guided tours offered by the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone begin from the Pantages Playhouse Theatre. Experienced guides will reveal the richness and variety of Winnipeg’s architecture and history. Individual & group tour rates. Allow 1-1/2 hours. Telephone 942-6716.
Fort Rouge/Osborne Village
Osborne Village is the trendy area south of downtown, across the Assiniboine River. Many shops, restaurants and trendy nightclubs are along Osborne Street on the western side of the area. The Osborne Village community has over 33 notable buildings of varying architecture styles. Guide brochures are available at various Village merchants. Telephone 204-474-1008.
Old Saint Boniface
Experience Winnipeg’s “French Quarter” and history at its best. This is the largest French community west of Quebec. Explore the rich history of the francophone community as you visit landmarks and observe its historic architecture. The magnificent Saint-Boniface Cathedral was built in 1818,destroyed in the great fire and rebuilt with its new modern design. Learn about de la Vérendrye, the first voyageur to arrive in the region in 1738. Walk along the Grey Nuns walkway alongside the river.
Tours are available from June to August. Private tours year-round, upon request. Contact: Saint-Boniface Chamber of Commerce. Telephone (204) 235-1406.
Selkirk Avenue
Enjoy one-hour walking tours of Selkirk Avenue, one of Winnipeg’s original ethnic neighbourhoods that is captured through its history of architecture, businesses and its diverse multicultural people. This area, north of the railway yards was “across the tracks” and more affordable than the trendier areas along the Assiniboine River. Free tours (seasonal) Tuesday to Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Telephone (204) 586-3445 or (204) 586-272. Location: Amphitheater on Selkirk Avenue, four blocks west of Main Street.
The Forks National Historic Site
Parks Canada presents a variety of walking tours of The Forks for individuals and groups. Experience the theatrical walking tour “From Meeting Place to Metropolis” or discover 6,000 years of history at the famous junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers on a guided interpretive tour. Tel: (204) 983-6757 (98-FORKS).
ArtWalk
Artwalk is one of Winnipeg’s most popular walking tours. It takes you into the cultural heart of the city, meeting artists and curators. Winnipeg has one of the most vibrant visual arts communities in Canada. Telephone 204-786-6641