Glorious And Free

Everyone knows how much I love Canada and for the longest time, I wanted to showcase Canada on my blog. So, I've decided  to ask Canadian bloggers to answer 5 questions about their province.

This week, Elaine from Daily Choices Add Up, is answering questions about Manitoba. 

1. Where are you from:
I was born in Ontario and grew up in Winnipeg. Although I've lived the past 15 years in several places in Alberta, Winnipeg will always be my hometown. 

2. Favourite thing about your province:
Winnipeg is such a diverse city. It has a richness in culture that is embraced and celebrated. It has a great history, from the old banks/site of The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 at Portage & Main, to Riel House - the home of Metis rights advocate Louis Riel to St. Boniface-the French quarter settled in the early 19th century. There is an incredible arts scene: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Exchange District, all types of sports, arts & cultural festivals. Apart from that, Winnipeg is surrounded by beauty: big old trees that turn intense reds/oranges in the fall, ice skating at The Forks in winter, and hot summer days that can be spent up at some of the country's best beaches on Lake Winnipeg. 

3. What is your region (province and/or city) known for:

We're known for polar bears (waaaay up North), cold winters and mosquitoes! But there's so much more to Winnipeg and Manitoba. People are often amazed at the beauty, diversity, and culture of the city when they actually get to spend time there. I never tire of hearing the pleasant surprise from recent visitors. 

4. Where to:

a) Stay:

The Fort Gary hotel near Portage & Main is a great historical building in a central location near the Legislature, The Forks, the Exchange District, and St. Boniface. If you want to get away, Gimli and Hecla Island are ~150kms north, on Lake Winnipeg. Great restful, peaceful, beautiful places to enjoy a weekend.

b) Eat:

There are so many great restaurants it's tough to say! With the cultural diversity in the city, you could taste or authentic foods from around the globe if you have time. 

c) Go/what to do:

Winnipeg celebrates its culture and history with festivals. In February it's the Festival du Voyageur; July sees the Winnipeg Fringe Festival; in August Folkarama takes over the city (a 2-week festival with pavaillions all around Winnipeg each celebrating a distinct country/regional culture); Winnipeg Folk Fest (one of the oldest & largest folk festivals in the world); I could go on-there are many other festivals throughout the year. Otherwise, seeing the historical sites, taking a day trip up to the lakes/beaches, or wandering around any of the city's shops and arts districts is interesting. Bring a frisbee and have fun playing Ultimate, go fishing/swimming/jetskiing in the lakes, or enjoy a great x-country ski/snowshoe adventure in the winter. I'd say you could always get in on the die-hard Winnipeg spirit, but Jets games are completely sold out for the next 10+ years!

5. A "must know" about your province: 

Winnipeg is cold...but only in the Winter! Temps dip to -50C with windchill in January but summers are hot and humid: think 35C to 40C. Come with an open mind - you'll be amazed at how much Southern Manitoba & Winnipeg have to offer.

Thanks Elaine for taking the time to answer these questions!

For more information on Manitoba, visit Travel Manitoba.