Travel to Winnipeg

Travel to Winnipeg

Situated south of Lake Winnipeg and just north of the border with the US, Winnipeg is the capital city of the state of Manitoba, one of Canadas thirteen states. Winnipegs history goes back several thousand years, when the native Indians ruled the land. The city has a vibrant and cosmopolitan feel and offers visitors food and culture from many different countries. The vast, pristine landscape surrounding the city is a haven for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.

Transportation to Winnipeg

Winnipeg Airport is situated only eight kilometres from the centre of the city and is a modern facility providing daily scheduled flights to and from a large number of Canadian and US destinations as well as a regular service to London.

The city is well-serviced by an extensive bus network and connected to other Canadian cities by the vast Via Rail network. The main railway station is located on Main Street. Another option for getting here is by Greyhound bus; services connect this Canadian city with some major US cities. The main coach terminal in Winnipeg is located on Portage Avenue, across from the university.

Metered taxis are easy to find in Winnipeg, as taxi stands are positioned across the city. If travelling by car, the number 1 Trans Canada Highway connects Winnipeg in easterly and westerly directions, providing access to many of the country's urban centres. The Manitoba Number 75 provides travel to the south, connecting with US Interstate 29. Be aware that distances in Canada are enormous, so make sure you give yourself enough time.

What to see

Winnipeg offers visitors a plethora of sights and attractions, many showcasing the citys past and its proximity to nature. Many of Winnipeg's most popular sights are concentrated in the city centre, within easy walking distance of each other. Located in the city centre, where the two rivers meet, Forks National Historic Site was originally a place for native Canadians to come together, before becoming a base for fur traders and later a fort.

Children and families visiting Winnipeg are well catered for, with the city's Assiniboine Park Zoo being one of Winnipeg's most popular family tourist attractions and places to visit. Winnipeg boasts many interesting museums. The Winnipeg Art Gallery is reputed to have the world's biggest collection of Inuit art. The Manitoba Children's Museum is a lot of fun for young visitors, with interactive displays to stimulate their imaginations.

The Western Canada Aviation Museum is the second biggest museum of its kind in the whole of Canada and contains many important and historic aircraft, which have been lovingly restored.

Daytrips

Winnipeg and its surrounding areas are wonderful to drive around, with spectacular scenery and impressive sights. Not many people would think of Winnipeg as a beach resort, yet a number of stunning beaches lie just a short distance from the city, lining the eastern shoreline of nearby Lake Winnipeg. Grand Beach is one of Lake Winnipeg's premier attractions during the summer months, together with nearby Patricia Beach.

Other popular attractions easily reachable from Winnipeg include the remarkable nature haven of Oak Hammock Marsh, the beautiful and heavily forested Birds Hill Provincial Park and the historic town of Dugald.

Activities and leisure

As a result of the cold climate and long winters, winter sports are popular here and Winnipeg is home to the citys NHL ice hockey team, the Winnipeg Jets. Ice hockey is played by nearly all youngsters in Canada, and indoor and outdoor ice rinks can be found all through the city in winter. Curling is also a popular sport, but more with the older generation. In this sport, granite stones are slid down a sheet of ice and brooms play a major role.

Safety issues

In general, Winnipeg is a safe city to visit. However, like other main cities, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are fairly common. Always try to remain alert to possible dangers. Participating in winter sports activities can place you at a greater risk of having an accident. We strongly advise you take out travel insurance for you and your family.