A Calendar of Downtown Entertainment
Get downtown for fun for all ages, with events, attractions, concerts, museums, galleries, festivals and so much more.
Event Hotlines and Information
ATTRACTIONS
Chinatown
An exotic experience with authentic Chinese shops and restaurants. Gaze at the Chinese architecture of the Dynasty Building and relax in the Chinese Garden. 943-2627 or 943-1197
Circle of Life Thunderbird House
Manitoba's first Aboriginal spiritual and cultural centre. Corner of Main St. and Higgins Ave. 940-4240
Esplanade Riel
One of Winnipeg's newest landmarks, this stunning pedestrian bridge links The Forks and St. Boniface. While enjoying the spectacular view, you can also grab a bite to eat.
Manitoba Legislative Building
Reputedly one of the finest public buildings in North America, the "Ledge" is home to Manitoba's provincial government. The Golden Boy, one of Manitoba's best known icons, proudly tops the building. Guided and self-guided tours available. 450 Broadway, 945-5813
The Explore Manitoba Centre
An interactive theme pavilion showcasing Manitoba's six unique tourism regions. The Forks, 945-3777
The Forks National Historic Site
This green oasis at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers has been a meeting place for more than 6,000 years. Today it hosts interpretive displays, sculptures, a riverside walkway, a world-class Skateboard Plaza, amphitheatre and a wide range of events for the whole family.
The Forks Market
A Manitoba landmark and popular tourist destination, this former stable is home to shops selling handmade jewellery, clothing, crafts, fresh produce, baked goods and meat. Enjoy international dining. 942-6302
The Johnston Terminal at The Forks
Originally a railway warehouse, this beautifully restored building features specialty shops and restaurants.
Upper Fort Garry Gate
The last remaining gate of Upper Fort Garry, built in 1830 by the Hudson's Bay Company. Corner of Broadway and Main St
NIGHT LIFE
Live Music
McNally Robinson Booksellers
Check out some amazing coffee-house styled music. 1st Floor of Portage Place (by the fountain) . 943-3892.
Pyramid Cabaret
Arguably the best venuse to catch a live rock show. And don't miss the popular MOD Nights, every Thursday. 176 Fort Street. 957-7777. www.pyramid7.com
The Windor Hotel
Home of Winnipeg's best blues music. 187 Garry Street. 942-7528 www.windsorblues.com
Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club
We gotta lot of living to do! Get a shot of life at the High and Lonesome club. If bluegrass, folk, blues, or country is your style (among others), then grab a seat! 234 Main Street. 957-0982 www.highandlonesomeclub.ca
Paragon Restaurant & Bar (Friday Nights)
Located in the Carlton Inn. 220 Carlton Street. 480-3212 www.carltoninn.mb.ca/html/restaurant.html
Pony Corral Restaurant and Bar
This laid back bar draws late-night crowds, with something different happening every night. 444 St. Mary Avenue. 942-8300
Shannon's Irish Pub Located at 175 Carlton street. 943-2302
Finn McCue's Pub Located in the Johnston Terminal in the Forks. 944-8118
Gay and Lesbian
Club 200
Club 200 has been the local community choice for over 16 years as one of Winnipegs hottest night spots. Club 200 really is a place where you can get what you want! 190 Garry Street. 943-6045 www.club200.ca
Gio's
Gio's is licensed as a private membership club under the Manitoba Liquor regulations, but we welcome non-members as guests to the maximum extent permitted by the regulations. 155 Smith Street. 786-1236 www.gios.mb.ca
Pubs
Elephant and Castle
Located only a block from the fantastic new MTS Centre that is home to The Manitoba Moose, tourists can enjoy a pint and some appetizers while enjoying the Romanesque architecture of St. Mary’s Cathedral located cross the street from E&C. 350 St. Mary Avenue (Delta Hotel). 942-5555 www.elephantcastle.com
Finn McCue's Pub
A comfy, casual place to sample traditional "pub grub" and on-tap favourites from the Isles. Enjoy a game at the pool tables or kick back and hang out. Features a unique balcony patio overlooking the Forks. Live bands most nights! Located in the Johnston Terminal at the Forks. 944-8118 www.wowhospitality.com
Regal Beagle Pub
Located in the famous Ramada Marlborough Hotel, the Regal Beagle is the best place to go to see local music or just have a drink before or after a night at the MTS Centre, the Ramada Centre or Burton Cummings Theatre.
Shannon's Irish Pub
Experience the most entertaining live bands in Winnipeg. We have a huge dance floor for you to enjoy the great music and performances up close. Come and party like you've never partied before! 175 Carlton Street. 943-2302 www.shannonsirishpub.com
Tavern United Powerhouse Pub
The downtown Tavern United Powerhouse Pub has an open air rooftop patio high above downtown with views that must be experienced. Attached to the MTS Centre, this one-of-kind environment is the perfect place to watch the sunset or enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon. 260 Hargrave Street. 944-0022 www.canadinns.com
Kennedy's Pub Located at 330 Kennedy Street (Downtowner Motel Hotel). 943-5581
Lounges
12 resto bar 12th Floor - 288 Portage Avenue located in the Radisson Hotel. 942-0101
Barrister's Restaurant and Lounge
Located in the heart of downtown at the Charterhouse Hotel, Barrister's is the perfect place to start, spend or end and evening. 330 York Avenue. 942-0101 www.bwcharterhouse.com
Bleachers Sports Bar Located in the Vendome Hotel - 330 Fort Street. 942-4010
Poster Lounge
190 Smith Street (Place Louis Riel Hotel). 947-6961
Skyview Lounge
The Skyview Lounge has been establishing a name in Winnipeg since its opening in April, 1988. Visit them and see why people insist on coming back.31st Floor - 83 Garry Street (Fort Garry Place). 947-1990 www.rcrown.mb.ca
The Current Lounge
The Current Restaurant & Lounge is Winnipeg's latest culinary sensation. Our tasty, upscale contemporary menu will be sure to complete your visit to the bustle of The Forks. Come escape to the lounge for one of our famous Current Caesars. Located in the Inn at the Forks. 944-2445 www.innforks.com
The Embassy Lounge
The smiles are genuine... the greetings are sincere. Live music Tuesdays through Saturdays. 285 Smith Street (St. Regis Hotel). 942-0171 www.stregishotel.net
The Executive VLT Lounge
Perched up on the 28th Floor at the Royal Crown Hotel, you can sit back, watch the game and get arguably the best view of Winnipeg all at the same time. 28th Floor - 83 Garry Street (Fort Garry Place). 947-1990 www.rcrown.mb.ca
The Lounge at the Fairmont
Featuring Winnipeg's finest selection of Single Malt Scotches and Vodkas from around the world, the Lounge at the Fairmont is the perfect place to relax. Choose a glass of wine from the Velvet Gloves award winning list, or shake things up with a frosty martini. 2 Lombard Place (Fairmont Hotel) 957-1350 www.fairmont.com
The Palm Room
The palm room offers live entertainment nightly and guests can dine with superb cuisine or light fare. 222 Broadway (Fort Garry Hotel)
Window's Lounge
Located in the heart of Downtown Winnipeg, they are minutes from MTS Centre, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Theatre/Exchange District, The Forks Market and Government Offices. 161 Donald Street (York the Hotel). 942-5300 www.yorkthehotel.com
CINEMAS
Globe Cinemas at Portage Place
First-run art films, indies and top foreign titles. 3rd floor, Portage Place, 69-GLOBE
IMAX Theatre at Portage Place
Learn and be dazzled by the bigger than life 5-and-a-half storey screen, now with shows in 3D. 3rd floor, Portage Place, 956-IMAX, www.imaxwpg.com
DANCE
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
October to May. Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, 956-2792, www.rwb.org
FESTIVE SEASON CELEBRATIONS
Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 18, 6pm. The Power Smart/Winnipeg Jaycees Santa Claus Parade brings magic, wonder and excitement that herald the holiday season. Share in the spirit of this magical event with family and friends. For more information please contact us at Santa's workshop. Phone: (204) 942-6645.
Santa's Village
Nov 17-Jan 7 Stroll through the magical village, where classical holiday tales are brought to life. The Manitoba Children's Museum. 924-4000.
Window Wonderland
December. Watch for festive storefronts and enter to win a downtown Star Treatment. Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, 958-4640.
A Family Tradition at the Forks December Annual holiday activites. 942-6302 www.theforks.com
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
Dalnavert Museum
Beautifully restored Victorian home of Hugh John Macdonald, son of Canada's first prime minister, preserves the Queen Anne Revival-style architecture, circa 1895. 61 Carlton St, 943-2835
Fire Fighters Museum of Winnipeg
56 Maple St, 942-4817, www.winnipegfiremuseum.ca
Gallery 1C03
1st Floor, Centennial Hall,University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave. 786-9253, www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/artgallery-index
Manitoba Children's Museum
Seven permanent hands-on galleries and ongoing programming. Be a newscaster! Ride the train! Climb a tree! At The Forks, 924-4000, www.childrensmuseum.com
The Mantioba Crafts Museum A gallery dedicated to the study, preservation and understanding of handcrafts. 1B-183 Kennedy St. 487-6117
Manitoba Museum
Features eight interpretive galleries exploring Manitoba's history and environment, including the new Parklands Gallery. 190 Rupert Ave, 956-2830, www.manitobamuseum.mb.ca
Planetarium
Unlock the mysteries of the universe with multi-media shows. 190 Rupert Ave, 956-2830
Science Gallery
Explore the world of science with hands-on exhibits. 190 Rupert Ave, 956-2830
Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame
Pays tribute to the accomplishments of Manitoba's legendary athletes and teams. 5th floor of The Bay Downtown, 774-0002
Ukrainian Cultural & Educational Centre (Oseredok)
Museum and art gallery presents Ukrainian folk arts and crafts. Embroidery exhibit plus an authentic boutique and library. 184 Alexander Ave E, 942-0218
Winnipeg Railway Museum
View the first steam locomotive on the Canadian prairies. VIA Rail Station, 123 Main St, 942-4632
The Winnipeg Art Gallery
One of Winnipeg's architectural showpieces, the WAG features eight galleries of changing exhibitions by contemporary and historical Manitoban, Canadian, & international artists. Houses the largest collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. 300 Memorial Blvd, 786-6641, www.wag.mb.ca
Fall & winter activities at The WAG: Family Sundays on select Sundays. Art For Lunch, exhibition-based tours & videos, Wednesdays at noon.
Wah-sa Gallery Located in the Johnston Terminal at the Forks. 942-5121
MUSIC
Virtuosi Concerts
University of Winnipeg, Eckhardt-Gramatte Hall, 786-9000, www.virtuosi.mb.ca
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, 949-3999, www.wso.mb.ca
Manitoba Opera
Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, 780-3333, www.manitobaopera.mb.ca
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra
Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd. 632-JAZZ or 780-3333
MTS Centre In the heart of downtown, the MTS Centre is a music venue, stadium and sports centre all-in-one. 300 Portage Avenu. 987-7825 www.mtscentre.ca
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Downtown Parks
Take advantage of downtown's many parks, either nestled in an urban setting or lining the Red and Assiniboine rivers. (See downtown map for parks)
Sports and Activities
Fishing: fishing questions, call Travel Manitoba at 945-3777; Boating & water sports: for river conditions, call the River Patrol at 986-6268.
Ice skating & skiing: River Trail open Jan & Feb, 237-ALLO; skating at The Forks, Central Park & Library skating pond.
Cycling, rollerblading, walking & jogging
Tennis: McFadyen Playground tennis courts Curling: Grain Exchange Curling Club, 75 Fort St.
Winnipeg Public Library, Millennium Branch
A state-of-the-art educational facility. Free internet access and tours available. 251 Donald. 986-6450, www.winnipeg.ca/library
SPORTS
University of Winnipeg Wesmen
Sept 1-March 31 Basketball and volleyball games. Duckworth Centre, 786-9349, www.uwinnipeg.ca/athletics
Winnipeg Goldeyes
May-Sept. 982-BASE. www.goldeyes.com
Manitoba Moose
Sept-Apr. Hard-hitting hockey action. MTS Centre www.moosehockeycom or 987-PUCK.
THEATRE
Manitoba Theatre Centre Mainstage
Oct-May. 174 Market Ave, 942-6537, www.mtc.mb.ca
MTC Warehouse Theatre
Oct-Apr. Corner of Rupert & Lily, 942-6537
Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Oct-May. 2 Forks Market Road, 942-8898, www.mtyp.ca
Prairie Theatre Exchange
Oct-Apr. 3rd level, Portage Place, 942-5483, www.pte.mb.ca
TICKET SERVICES
Ticketmaster, 780-3333, www.ticketmaster.ca
TOURS
Summer Tours
Downtown Tours Year-round Learn more about downtown with a personal tour from the experts: Downtown Watch Ambassadors. Individual and group tours available. Fore more information call 958-4640.
Muddy Water Tours
May - Sept. Discover the intriguing history of Downtown Winnipeg on these walking tours. Reservations: 997-TOUR (8687)
The Boom & Bust of Winnipeg Experience the rise and fall of the "Chicago of the North" from 1874-1915.
Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Tour Your guide, an unsavoury character sporting a noose, offers up tales of murders, ghosts, and executions.
Exchange District Walking Tours
May-Sept, Tues-Sun, 11am & 2pm. Discover this national historic site, just north of Canada's renowned corner of Portage and Main, 942-6716, www.exchangedistrict.org
Selkirk Avenue Historic Walking Tour
Tour the cultural and commercial heart of the North End, 586-3445 or 586-2720.
Splash Dash Water Tour
May-Sept (depending on river conditions). See Winnipeg from a whole new view while enjoying the weather. Docks on Red and Assiniboine rivers, 783-6633
Red River Interpretive Boat Tours
June 10-Sept 14, Tues-Sun. Explore the city's waterways on an all-weather pontoon boat. Departs from The Forks. Wheelchair accessible. Pre-registration required: 986-5663. For info: 986-3112
Paddlewheel River Rouge Tours
May-Sept. Enjoy Winnipeg's scenic rivers, 942-4500.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church
June-Sept. Guided tours of the historic church at the corner of Donald and Graham, 942-7465.
In Riel's Footsteps Theatre and Cemetery Tour
July-Aug. Learn about Louis Riel and Manitoba history in this theatrical tour of St. Boniface Cathedral's cemetery, 233-8343.
Parks Canada Tours of The Forks National Historic Site
July-Aug. Historical, bilingual tours with costumed characters trace the 6,000-year transformation of the Forks and Winnipeg. 983-6757
Beaver Tales and River Trails A guided interpretive tour.
From Meeting Place to Metropolis A theatrical walking tour.
Out of Gumbo A seated theatrical program.
Snapshots of the Forks A slideshow and guided tour.
Haunted Winnipeg Bus Tour
Jun 5 to Oct 31. 2 1/2 hour guided ghost tour featuring ghosts, cemeteries, and things that disturb you. www.heartlandtravel.ca/ghosttours.htm
Ghost to Ghost Tours
Experience this guided walking/bus tour of Winnipeg's most spooky spots. Call 782-7193, www.ghosttoghost.ca
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