Winnipeg Love

Oh Canada! Manitoba has so much to offer. Instead of daydreaming about moving away, or taking that well-deserved vacation out of the country, how about taking advantage of some of the awesome things that our Province has to offer? Here is a list of some of the fantastic things you can check out:

Winnipeg Jet’s Hockey Games

When the MTS Centre was built in 2004, it sparked hope in all of Winnipeg’s hearts’ that the Jet’s would return since the team’s departure in 1996. In 2011, the Winnipeg Jet’s played their first season, provoking enough excitement to trump Christmas. And three years later, the fan support and energy is still as strong as ever, with sold out games and Jet’s merchandise proudly displayed on the head’s of fans’. We pay tribute to True North by shouting it’s name during the Canadian Anthem at games, genuinely thankful for bringing the team back to Winnipeg. Winnipeg Jet’s games are a great reason to get out and have some fun, the atmosphere is thrilling and the cheering is contagious.

 

Winnipeg Jet's home opener game

Socials

Manitoba is practically famous for it’s fundraising parties that consist of a hall, DJ, bar, and a cause to celebrate. For example, couples’ planning to get hitched will invite 400 of their closest friends’ and dance until 1 A.M. A social is one of the only places in which you can eat for free, dance, drink for cheap and win prizes, all in one establishment. The term “bologna shoulder,” throwing lunchmeat on your friend’s back, originated from the social. Dress code? No problem. A social does not frown upon blue jeans and cotton Hanes. All hail the social.

A typical Manitoba social

Restaurants

A few minutes on the Urbanspoon mobile app, and you’ll be more overwhelmed than ever after scoping out dinner spots in Winnipeg. The variety of restaurants in Winnipeg is huge, consisting of different ethnic establishments, price points and locations. Not only is there a large selection, but the majority of the restaurants are all privately owned and exclusive, as well as unique to Winnipeg!

Sushi!

Osborne Village and Corydon Avenue

There’s a special kind of magic when you enter the trendy neighbourhood of Osborne Village and Corydon Avenue. The boutiques offer a different approach to shopping, a more intimate and less ‘branded’ experience. You can find just about any kind of business while walking down the Italianesque stretch on Corydon. A popular place called Spin Restaurant, doubling as a Martini Bar is beside a coffee shop and down the street is a candy connoisseur’s dream, The Sugar Mountain. Grab a gelato at Nucci’s Gelati or a burger at the popular vegetarian alternative, Unburger. The retro diner, Baked Expectations, is a dessert staple for any sweet tooth looking for fresh baking and drool-worthy treats. I promise, you’ll feel like you’ve crossed into another continent.

Osborne Village - photo courtesy of hirshhometeam.ca

Entertainment

Regardless of rain or shine, Winnipeg thrives with entertainment. Assiniboine Park features the Lyric Theatre, an outdoor stage that hosts live entertainment for people in the park. During the summer, you can bring a blanket, and some friends and lay out on the grass while watching band’s play. Similar in concept, Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park offers professional musicals in an open concept auditorium. In the Exchange District, Centennial Concert Hall hosts the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera and Broadway Shows such as Wicked, to name a few. The MTS Centre, home to the Winnipeg Jet’s, is a hot spot for concerts. If you’re in the mood for some laughs, Rumor’s Restaurant and Comedy Club is a great place to grab some food and drinks while watching stand up comedy. 

Assiniboine Park - photo courtesy of flickr.com