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RWB company dancers in Moulin Rouge ®- The Ballet: Bruce Monk Arts Itinerary ◗ Half Day ●Full Day 1 Art aficionados will have a blast spending the afternoon combing the unique galleries at The Forks, a 54-acre gathering space featuring shopping, dining and entertainment options galore. Begin at Johnston Terminal, where you'll find works by many talented Manitoba artists at Pulse Gallery. This charming gallery is stocked with affordable art in many media, including photography, glass, watercolour, original acrylics, fibre arts and more. Pick up a contemporary piece of jewellery or metalwork by Manitoba or Canadian craftspeople at Artifacts. For aboriginal art, head to The Wah-Sa Gallery, which carries limited editions, art cards and handicrafts. Start off the day in Winnipeg's French Quarter—St. Boniface, a neighbourhood steeped in francophone arts and culture. For a sit-down meal, enjoy breakfast classics from pancakes to omelettes served with artfully carved fruit at Chez Cora. Once you've filled up, visit Le Maison des artists visuels francophones, an artist centre of contemporary art that works with the francophone community in Manitoba. It is also home to a sculpture garden, Le jardin de sculptures, which is open to the public. Further down the road, Centre culturel franco-manitobain houses La Galerie, a gallery showcasing exhibits by local, national, and international francophone artists. Not far from the centre, Wayne Arthur Gallery displays the diverse works of Manitoba artists from pottery to painting to print-making and more. While in the area, check out Loch Gallery for Canadian and European historical works of significance and established contemporary artists. This gallery focuses on paintings and sculptures for serious art collectors. For lunch, dine at one of the city's iconic pieces of architecture—the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge. Take a leisurely stroll to the bridge's new restaurant tenants, Chez Sophie and enjoy panoramic views of Winnipeg's breathtaking scenery and rushing rivers. Here, you'll get your fill of authentic French fare from quiche to French-style pizza. If you are looking for hearty, comfort food, Red Top Diner delivers classic burgers, fries and its famous crispy fried chicken in a retro setting. Cross the plaza and head over to The Forks Market for more arts and crafts. Watch the talented artists at Bayshore Gifts in Glass create beautiful pieces in store, including glass and crystal figurines, glass jewellery and beads, wedding cake toppers and custom orders. Specializing in handcrafted items from Manitoba and North America, Teecka's Aboriginal Boutique stocks gorgeous soapstone carvings, dream catchers, caribou tufting and more. Local pottery, soapstone jewellery and crafts from hundreds of artists and crafters make it easy to pick up a souvenir at the 2,000 sq. ft. Forks Trading Company. Once you've worked up an appetite, park yourself for a fine five-course meal at Sydney's at the Forks. If the weather's nice, grab a seat on the patio for pretty river views and nosh on succulent wings at Muddy Waters BBQ. Cap off the day by taking in live entertainment at the Forks Market Plaza or Scotiabank Stage. Shutterbugs can create their own art by going for a stroll along the Riverwalk or climbing up The Forks Market Tower to take photos of the city's picturesque landscape. The Manitoba Museum 24 Winnipeg Next, go to the Exchange District and make your way to The Manitoba Museum, an award-winning heritage and edutainment centre. While here, travel back in time to the roaring 20s, explore a 17th-century ship, learn the province's connection to the fur trade and marvel at animated ancient sea creatures. A variety of touring and specialty exhibits complement its nine permanent galleries. Nearby Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural Educational Centre's Archives and Museum highlights Winnipeg's strong Ukrainian roots with an assortment of cultural artifacts, archives and rare books, films, photographs and folk art. The Oseredok Art Gallery exhibits works of Canadian and Ukrainian artists from historical to contemporary. The pieces featured include paintings, prints, sculptures and drawings. If you're visiting on May 25 & 26, don't miss Doors Open Winnipeg. This free event allows the public to explore the city's architectural legacies, such as the Manitoba Legislative Building. Spend the evening in the Exchange District and take in the city's vibrant nightlife and performing arts scene. Savour Brazilian BBQ at hot new eatery 2013 Spring/Summer Events & Itineraries Guide