In which quarter house in Winnipeg?

Are you going on vacation in Canada soon? So put your suitcases in the best area to stay in Winnipeg!

Through its history and strategic positioning, Winnipeg has always been a city of exchange and mixing cultures. Symbols of this diversity, more than 100 languages are spoken throughout the city, and the inhabitants live in harmony in a pleasant environment.

This diversity is perfectly represented in the city where the different neighbourhoods of Winnipeg each have their characteristics. To help you make the most of your stay, we have prepared a guide to the best places to stay in Winnipeg.

1. The Forks

The Forks, or “The Forks” in French, extends on the banks of the two rivers that cross the city (Red and Assiniboine rivers). Central quarter of the city, it has been a high place of exchange for hundreds of years for fur and buffalo meat.

It is a lively neighborhood with regular markets, concerts and festivals. The 4 million visitors every year are not mistaken: it is the place to be, and it is for adults and children. For example, they will love to visit Manitoba Theatre for Young People , the Manitoba Children’s Museum or go to the International Children’s Festival organized each year.

2. St Boniface

Take the spectacular bridge reserved for pedestrians of the Esplanade Riel from La Fourche and you will land directly in the district of Saint Boniface. He was founded by Norbert Bishop Provencher, a missionary to evangelize and baptize the Métis of Red River in 1818. Today, the neighbourhood welcomes a large French community, the largest in the west of the Great Lakes.

Loging to Winnipeg in the Saint Boniface district is discovering another facet of the city, and finding French culture away from home. Many restaurants, bakeries and pastries have invested the neighbourhood and offer traditional French dishes and treats. One of the unmissable steps to be taken in Winnipeg: the Cathedral of Saint-Boniface, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

To go back time, visit Fort Gibraltar, a reproduction of the 19th century fur market. To understand why the French settled in Winnipeg, visit the Saint-Boniface Museum. You will learn about the history of Canadian French and Métis communities in western Canada. An exhibition is dedicated to Louis Riel, the founder of the Manitoba region. Guided tours are also available to discover 35 historic sites in the neighbourhood.

3. Downtown

Including the Fork district, Downtown represents the whole city centre. Its mix of architectures allows to understand the evolution of the city. The first skyscrapers of the 19th and early 20th centuries coincide with modern buildings.

It is one of the most interesting places to stay in Winnipeg, with many places to party, attend concerts or eat a bite. Some of the city's most famous attractions are also located in the area, such as the Golden Boy who sits on the Manitoba Legislative Building. Theatres, museums and theatres complete the landscape, for a holiday at the intersection of leisure and culture.

4. Osborne

Osborne is divided into two parts: Osborne Village and South Osborne. Although one of the most populous neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Osborne Village is a neighbourhood where it is a good place to live. It is the artists’ district, as evidenced by the architecture of the eponymous bridge that allows you to cross the river. Throughout the main avenue, you will find some of the best bars, restaurants, jewellers and other trendy clothing shops.

Go for a tour at the Gas Station Art Center which hosts stand-up shows, to discover the local actors becoming. Each year, the Osborne Village’s Canada Day Street Festival is one of the largest events in the city. The whole central avenue becomes pedestrian and hosts a huge street party with street vendors, street-food stands and music.

The southern part of Osborne is more family-friendly, and is perfect if you are looking for a place that is both quiet and authentic. Cozy bookshops and original restaurants pullulent in the neighborhood, where you can also spend pleasant moments on the banks of the river. In winter, you can even try the ice skate on the frozen Red River!

5. St Vital

Saint-Vital is an ideal neighbourhood to live in Winnipeg. Founded by francophones in 1822, it is today a pleasant area dotted with many green spaces. Multiple paths of walks and bike paths cross the area, often along the river.

You will even find areas equipped with barbecues, as in the park of Saint-Vital, where you can relax near the children's infrastructure and sports grounds. The Saint-Léon gardens make up the only outdoor market in Winnipeg where you can find French products such as hams, cheeses and fresh baguettes. What is the perfect picnic to take in the park?

6. Fort Garry

The university district is one of the best places to find accommodation in Winnipeg, if you want to attend concerts or sports events. The stadium welcomes US soccer and football teams, as well as international celebrities such as Jay-Z or Beyonce.

As for relaxation, do not miss a tour at Thermëa Spa, specialized in Scandinavian massages and treatments. Many restaurants have also found their place in this dynamic area, perfectly representing Winnipeg's cultural diversity.

7. Exchange District

This neighborhood is one of the best to live in Winnipeg if you’re a fan of architecture. Nicknamed the "North Chicago", there are no less than 150 buildings built between 1880 and 1920, perfectly maintained. Today they represent the city’s cultural centre and are home to art galleries, trendy restaurants, designer and design boutiques.

The upper floors have been renovated in style apartments, perfect for staying in Winnipeg during your stay. The Manitoba Museum and Centennial Concert Hall, which hosts operas and ballets, are among the most important places. If you are in Winnipeg during the summer, don’t miss a tour at the Old Market Square, where there are many events like the Winnipeg Fringe Festival or the Winnipeg Jazz Festival.

8. Wolseley

Wolseley is the last quarter of our selection of the best areas to stay in Winnipeg and offers an incredible variety in terms of landscapes, culture and architecture. The neo-Gothic-style buildings combine the buildings with glass facades on Maryland Sreet and Westminster Avenue.

Omand Park is a pleasant walking place, especially thanks to its creek which houses many animal species, such as hares, colvert ducks and blue herons. A true haven of nature in the middle of the city.

So, what are you waiting to book your accommodation in Winnipeg and discover an original and multicultural city in Canada?