Tourism Winnipeg

In the afternoon, head over to Oak Hammock Marsh, which is truly a birder's paradise. Over 300 species of birds — along with countless mammals and amphibians — can be found at this important wetland and migratory stop at various points throughout the year. During The Bird in Hand experience (late Spring-Fall), a Canadian Signature Experience, your group can take part in important research by banding a live songbird before releasing it back into the wild (the feeling of its tiny wings fluttering in your hand before being released is pretty magical). You'll then head out to explore the marshlands in large voyageur canoes, gliding past birds perched in the bulrushes. You can also get right into these bulrushes using hip waders, all while experienced guides and naturalists tell you about the wonders found throughout the wetlands. Known as the cultural cradle of Canada, Winnipeg's arts, music and theatre scene is alight with talent and star power. In winter, The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre provides the perfect atmosphere for any evening, offering group discounts, pre-show receptions, tours and a seamless booking process with flexible payment terms. In summer, head to Rainbow Stage for enchanting (and often hilarious) musicals staged by Canada's longest-running outdoor theatre company. POST-CHURCHILL After an unforgettable time in Churchill, spend a final day unwinding in Winnipeg and enjoying the city's local food scene. The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) is home to one of the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit Art. Over 13,000 pieces will soon be showcased in the architecturally stunning $65-million Inuit Art Centre, which is set to open in late 2020. For out-of-country visitors wanting to take advantage of the exchange rate before heading home, the Outlet Collection Winnipeg (OCW) will prove an ideal shopping destination for FIT and group tours. Boasting more than 400,000 sq. ft. of retail space featuring over 100 outlet retailers, OCW offers visitors who live over 60 km outside city limits special discounts from participating retailers. In the evening, should you be looking to go on a culinary crawl, book with Culinary Adventure Co., whose tours showcase the best that The Forks Market and The Exchange District have to offer. These tours provide three to five stops, introducing you to restaurant owners, chefs and bartenders — all while providing plenty of samples. Culinary Adventure Co. also offers the Made in Canada Food Tour, which will take you to The Forks to sample local delicacies like fresh caught walleye, freshly fried bannock, Manitoba- made birch syrup, and locally made charcuterie. Or check out Peasant Cookery, which is also renowned for its housemade charcuterie program. This handsome bistro has a brilliant patio that looks out onto Old Market Square, while its wine program and use of local products is sure to please. Photo courtesy of Outlet Collection Winnipeg Photo courtesy of Oak Hammock Marsh winnipeggroups.com 2020 TRAVEL TRADE PLANNER 11

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