Day
Three
As the Rolling Stones would say, Start Me
Up at McNally Robinson Booksellers,
because today is all about shopping.
Browse the bookshelves for a treasured
tale, or make your way to the children's
section in the tree house overlooking the
store. Their in-store restaurant, Prairie
Ink Café, can energize you with their
silky quiche, hearty smoothies, and freshly
baked pastries.
Or since you're a well-established act
by now, why don't you embrace your
global following by heading to Corydon
Avenue (Winnipeg's "Little Italy") starting
out at the Falafel Place, where their
Mediterranean flavours inspire classic
breakfast dishes to create something truly
special. The falafel balls (don't skimp on
the tahini) combined with scrambled eggs
and hash browns? Unreal.
After that, it's a short walk over to the
chic boho neighbourhood of Osborne
Village, where you can ditch the big box
stores and find the latest in smart, hip
fashion. Try Rooster, where pretty shoes
and killer boots will put you squarely in
the spotlight, or Out of the Blue, where
inspired indie designs will separate you
from the pack.
Whatever your pleasure and with all these
hip options available, you're sure to find
something that can make you stand out, or
find the perfect gift for friends and family.
Buying a great outfit can take a lot out
of you. You should reward yourself with a
trip to Black Rabbit Bistro Lounge for
a stop on the patio and some shareable
plates with friends. Beer battered pickerel
with fries or the Black Rabbit BLT should
give you what you need to carry on.
And carry on you shall, as you let the
rhythm take you down to Academy
Road, a prime shopping strip where
upscale independent stores show off
their designer clothing, European shoes,
fine wines, and decadent chocolate. Tire
yourself out for a while before turning it
up to 11 by nabbing a wood-fire pizza at
Pizzeria Gusto.
And before the final curtain call, there's
always nightlife a short walk away on
Corydon Avenue. Either indulge in the
best gelati in the city, or let the DJs of
Bar Italia get you moving as you dance
up a storm in the lounge, or kick back on
the patio.
Day Four
How about one last big farewell
concert to say goodbye? This time, your
opening number should begin through
the historical streets of St. Boniface,
Winnipeg's French district. If views are
your thing (views with your eyes, not
YouTube views for your new music video),
then you'll have to head down the
Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge to
get there. Then, have an expert guide from
Tourisme Riel take you on a walking
tour around the architectural marvels, and
relate stories of all the historic moments
that occurred there. Shine a light on the
impressive Cathedrale de Saint-
Boniface or L'Université de Saint-
Boniface, where there's an abstract
statue of Métis leader and founder of
Manitoba, Louis Riel.
For some fine French delicacies, take note
of Promenade Café and Wine, where
their traditional French cuisine, like coq au
vin or beef bourguignon, always provide
a pleasing meal. Or if your sweet tooth is
leading you around, you can make your
way to Chocolatier Constance Popp,
where artisan chocolates made with
Manitoba ingredients are produced to
exquisite effect.
To keep up the historical theme, try Fort
Gibraltar, a recreation of a traditional
North West Company fur trading post,
where you can experience how voyageurs
lived and worked back in the early 1800s
through numerous charming in-character
recreations. If it's winter though, you are
in luck as it is transformed with Festival
du Voyageur, a festival full of music,
shows, snow sculptures, and new activities
to enjoy.
Your big closing number is going to take
place at Assiniboine Park Zoo, where
the Journey to Churchill exhibit will
take centre stage. This unbelievable display
of Artic life is the most comprehensive
showcasing of northern species in the
world. Dip down into the underwater
viewing tunnels and be amazed as polar
bears swim inches away from you, or
swing into the Aurora Borealis Theatre and
watch the beauty of the northern lights.
After the thrilling crescendo of taking
selfies with some majestic Artic species,
lower the volume on your day by
exploring the rest of the Assiniboine
Park Conservancy. Walk around the
calm English Gardens, and stop for
a contemplative break at the Leo Mol
Sculpture Gardens, where butterflies
dance among the bronze statues, and
fountains and flowers fill the air with a
harmonious serenity.
End the night with dinner at the nearby
Capital Grill and Bar, where their
upscale casual atmosphere will please
foodies and families alike. After having
your fill, wrap your night up back at
Assiniboine Park by enjoying a live
performance at the Lyric Theatre, where
the sprawling lawn means a cozy spot to
nestle into is never hard to find.
www.tourismwinnipeg.com
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WELCOME TO WINNIPEG WINNIPEG IN FOUR DAYS
