I'm chuckling right now... Winnipeg - things to do.

Winnipeg isn't exactly a hotbed of Canadian culture, but try this site;

http://www.destinationwinnipeg.ca/events-calendar/from:2010-04-21/to:2010-04-27

The opera "Carmen" is actually on while you are there.

www.destinationwinnipeg.ca is probably your best resource.

You're lucky you are not there in mosquito season. Those suckers can pick you up, carry you away and drop your dry carcass in the bush miles away.

And it's 2 .5 hours to Kenora, Ontario - the only place of note for about a 5 hour drive (Hello Dryden!) Kenora is not some place you would want to go unless you find Winnipeg too exciting and you are interested in logging.

There is some nice rugged Canadian wilderness about 2 hours east of Winnipeg, once you hit the Ontario border, but it is not worth 6 hours in a vehicle.

Hi enjoyinglife

Hopefully some more will chime in as my experiences in Winnipeg have been brief (VIA Rail's the Canadian Toronto-Vancouver stops in central Winnipeg for about an hour or so and I've been on that train 3x)...

I enjoyed the Forks Market near the train station (nice selection of produce) and crossing the bridge over the Red River to St. Boniface, where I recollect seeing some stately older buildings... the train station Winnipeg's Union Station itself too was a handsome edifice.

Best wishes, Daniel

Hi!

Well, I'm glad you're doing a little research, because unfortunately winnipeg can be pretty boring if you don't know anyone there, or what's going on. However, scratch below the surface and winnipeg's got a lot going for it - arts, culture, food, and great people. The website mentioned above is a good start...check out this page especially...http://www.destinationwinnipeg.ca/411-on-204

In terms of music, I'm not sure what you're looking for, but if you like country/roots music I'd definitely go the Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club on St. Mary and Main. Amazing ambiance (very authentic) and down to earth.

You can also hear great live music at the west end cultural centre, the cavern, the toad in the hole, the bella vista, and the pyramid.

The royal winnipeg ballet is famous - check that out if you like ballet.

If you're heading to St.Boniface (the french quarter) check out the cathedral, the museum next door (if you like aboriginal or settler history) and La Maison des Artistes, a small but excellent art gallery on Provencher, the main drag. If you plan it right, you could even go to a place called Le Garage for a bite and some live music, which is on the same street.

The forks are okay, but only if you're interested in shopping. Otherwise, it's not that exciting. Actually the best reason to go there is to get on the river for some skating - the longest stretch of skating in the world (is what they say). It's a beautiful way to spend a morning, even if you just plan on walking it instead. From there you can make your way to osborne village or little italy, two neighbourhoods that are nice for walking around, shopping, grabbing a coffee, or potentially spotting a club or venue you'd like to check out that night.

Theater....don't know what you looked at but prairie theatre exchange is great, as is le cercle moliere, if you happen to understand french.

If you're lucky, the snow will be melting and spring will be in the air when you arrive. You will be amazed by the electric energy and contentment expressed by locals at seeing the long winter coming to an end. Seriously, if it's a nice day head to Bar Italia on Corydon - a famous patio that people crowd at the slightest hint of spring!

Is there a website or location to get discount tickets to the Opera?