1. Saint-Boniface Museum
Housed in the former convent of the Grey Nuns, the St. Boniface Museum lays claim as Winnipeg’s oldest building and is the largest remaining traditional oak log structure in North America.
Built by the nuns from 1846 to 1851, the Museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts representing the life and culture of Manitoba’s francophone and Métis communities, and includes a special exhibit on Louis Riel
2. Saint-Boniface Cathedral
One of St. Boniface’s most striking landmarks, the St. Boniface Cathedral attracts thousands of visitors each year, and for good reason!
Discover the unique architecture of the present-day Cathedral, built inside the ruins of the oldest basilica in Western Canada.
Stroll through the Cathedral cemetery and stop at the tomb of Louis Riel, the celebrated Métis leader and “founding father” of Manitoba. In the summer, enjoy a performance by the Theatre in the Cemetery, where important Franco-Manitoban historical figures are brought to life before your very eyes!
3. Gabrielle Roy House
Visit the house that inspired the works penned by French-speaking Manitoba's most famous writer, Gabrielle Roy.
Maison Gabrielle Roy House, located at 375 Deschambault Street, was the birthplace of the world-renowned French-Canadian author and her home for 28 years. The house features prominently in several of her works, including the biographical novel Rue Deschambault(translated into English as Street of Riches). The residence has been restored to its original state and is now a museum where visitors can explore the early life of Gabrielle Roy. While there, make sure to check out the attic!
4. Festival du Voyageur
In addition to being Western Canada’s largest winter festival, Festival du Voyageur is also “The World’s Largest Kitchen Party”!
This unique ten-day festival celebrates the joie de vivre of Voyageurs from the fur trade era. It also showcases French-Canadian culture, traditional cuisine, a host of musical entertainment, and jigging and fiddling contests. With its magnificent snow sculptures, Festival du Voyageur also celebrates winter fun with lots of outdoor activities for the entire family.
The great winter gathering is held every February in St. Boniface, the heart of Winnipeg’s French quarter!
5. Fort Gibraltar
Take a step back in time and experience the life of Voyageurs during the fur trade era!
Fort Gibraltar is a reproduction of the original fort built by the Northwest Company in 1809-1810. It played a key role in the legendary rivalry and struggle between the two giants of the fur trade: the Northwest and Hudson’s Bay companies. During the summer months, why not take a guided tour of the site with interpreters dressed in period costumes (May 20 to August 31st)? Fort Gibraltar is also open in February during the Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival.
6. Riel House National Historic Site (Parks Canada)
The family home of Louis Riel welcomes you!
Riel House is a national historic site that pays tribute to the famous Métis leader. It is been restored and furnished as it was in 1886, six months after the death of Louis Riel. Learn more about the life and achievements of Manitoba’s “founding father” and his family in this house where his body lay in state following his execution for his role in the Northwest Rebellion.
7. Bon Appétit Saint-Boniface | Culinary Tour
Enjoy the great taste of Saint-Boniface cuisine.
Treat yourself to a culinary experience with a French flare and explore the rich historical past of Saint-Boniface with the help of a guide who will walk you through the history, the culture and the unique character of Saint-Boniface.
Tour includes two glasses, an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert
Offered every Wednesday evenings in July and August.
8. St. Norbert Farmers' Market
Welcome to the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, Manitoba’s largest open-air market!
For 30 years, it has been offering consumers an array of produce, fresh-baked bread and honey. The market also sells a variety of items made by local artisans, such as jewelry, toys and even furniture! More than just a market, it is an important community gathering place.
9. Royal Canadian Mint
An interactive museum that describes the fascinating coin production process
Plan a visit that will help you appreciate the technology and innovation of the Royal Canadian Mint. The Interactive Museum describes the fascinating coin production process. You will even have the chance to hold a $250,000 gold brick in your hands. The Winnipeg factory produces all of the coins used daily in Canada and has stamped over 55 billion coins for over 60 countries all over the world, as represented by the flags outside.
The boutique offers unique collectible coins, clothing and a wide selection of souvenirs.
10. At the Heart of Manitoba's Francophone Community
A short documentary film which depicts the rich, compelling story of Manitoba’s Francophone and Métis community.
The production of the documentary was commissioned as part of a greater tourism initiative seeking to develop new tourism products and services, increase visitation and extend the length of stays for visitors to Manitoba. Manitoba’s French heritage is deep-rooted and has greatly influenced the development of our province and our country. From the French explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, Sieur de La Vérendrye’s first visit to the Red River in 1738, to the vibrant, exciting Francophone communities peppered across our province today, this narrative is still being written in a most colorful way. The film explores the trials, tribulations, determination, achievements, and the joie de vivre of a community once expected to fade into the history books but has nonetheless persevered and is thriving today.
The film, produced in French and English, is offered for viewing by visitors and is designed to enlighten them on the rich history, the many attractions, the diversity and vitality of Manitoba’s Francophone community, and invite them to discover all that this community has to offer. The 40-minute film is shown daily at Tourisme Riel’s visitor information centre located at 219 Provencher Boulevard.
