cavers2

Hi all,

Looking for suggestions on hotels, places to eat, best places for souvenirs, & "must-see" sites in both Winnepeg and Churchill. We're already booked with a bear trip in Churchill but have plenty of time to do other things in both areas so you're advice will be most helpful.

Thanks, Cavers2

canuck11

Hi! I live in Winnipeg. I am guessing that the tour to Churchill is in October/November? Winnipeg has a wide variety of restaurants, so you will not be bored choosing! One favorite hotel is the Fort Garry Hotel, located in downtown Winnipeg. Depending on your price range, there are many to choose from. I will list some websites that hopefully will help. Here they are:

www.winnipeg-online.com
www.restaurant.ca
www.winnipeg.hotelguide.net
www.tourism.winnipeg.mb.ca
www.travlmanitoba.com

If you are visiting in October, Whiteshell Provincial Park is beautiful area to drive and visit, especially with all the colorful autumn leaves. Hope this helps!

canuck11

Oops! The last website should read www.travelmanitoba.com

Danacat

I too live in Winnipeg, and would second recommending staying in the downtown area, such as the Hotel Fort Gary, as it is quite central. The Forks market is interesting to shop and eat. You'll be sure to find souvenirs a plenty there. Also, the Viscount Gort is located pretty close to the airport, and across the street from a large shopping centre (Polo Park). Some restaurants in the area. Email if you would like any other questions answered.

cavers2

Canuck11/Danacat -
Thanks for the advice - the Hotel Fort Gary sounds perfect! We're looking forward to visiting your city and appreciate you taking the time to assist us.

travelhunters

Hi there - my wife and I try to visit Winnipeg every 1-2 years, since we live close by in Minnesota. We stayed at the Fort Garry last time, and will definitely stay there again next time. Depending on what you like to do, there is the Royal Canadian Mint, which is really neat. Also, the zoo is great, and Assiniboine Park is beautiful. The Forks is a must visit and the Manitoba Museum is great, too. The one thing we love about Winnipeg is that it is so multi-cultural. The restaurants are great. We usually go to a wonderful German restaurant up there, which is really good. Wherever you go, the food is great. If you ever get back up there around August, you've also got to check out Folklorama, which is outstanding. Hope this helps!

MD

Hi, I'm in Thompson Manitoba.
Are you flying direct to Churchill, or going to Thompson and catching the train?

If you are in Thompson, phone INCO (204-778-2211 business hours) and see if surface tours are available through the Mill-Smelter-Refinery complex next to the big open pit ex-mine. See molten nickel being poured... no open toed footwear, dress for the weather.

The train is supposed to be an experience... It's a throwback to the 50's, with the little diner car and such - overnight from Thompson on tracks so rickety the train rarely hits 30mph. (It's been 10 years since I took the trip).

I assume you're doing the Tundra Buggy tour out to see the bears; bear season is Oct. if I recall, and July is beluga season.

Across the river from Churchill is Ft. Prince-of-Wales, but if the water is too rough you might not get across. I think the grain boats (if any) will be gone by then.

Churchill has a very nice museum of aboriginal art (eskimo sculptures).

If you have spare time in Winnipeg, the Assiniboine Zoo is promoting the fact that the guy who brought Winnie the Pooh (the original live bear) to London, came from Winnipeg. They apparently bought some actual painting by the original artist who illustrated the pooh stories, and it's on exhibit there. (If that tickles your fancies).

I don't know if the Royal Canadian Mint still gives tours, in the south-east of Winnipeg. See the Northern Peso being stamped out...

Yes, do see The Forks.

Shop til you drop... some things are much cheaper up here...

canuck11

If you would like more info/photos on the Hotel Fort Garry, here is their website: www.fortgarryhotel.com

cavers2

Hi Everyone,
Thanks a bunch for all your suggestions - we are taking them all into consideration and now have far more to do than our time in Winnipeg will allow! We have but two days in town before flying onto Churchill for a 5 day visit at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
We look forward to a wonderful visit, thanks again, Cavers2

jacolis

Just wanted to add another hotel choice in Wpg - we love the Fairmont hotel. Really luxurious rooms for the price.

www.fairmont.com

There are lots of great restos near the Fairmont in the Exchange district (I believe J.Lo is currently in that area filming her movie... lol!)

Definitely try and visit the Forks while you are there.

I have always wanted to go up to Churchill to see the bears - lucky you!

Carolred

Restaurant suggestions for Winnipeg:

Caution about The Forks... most of the restaurants there are inconsistent for quality (both food and service), except for Remington's, which is a bit more pricey. But sit and have a drink in Branigan's patio!

For good eats within walking distance of the Fort Garry Hotel: Earl's on Main; Mekong for Vietnamese on Marion (across the bridges in the French Quarter); excellent burgers at VJ's on Main, but it's a take-away with no seating; Pasta la Vista in CityPlace; the Fyxx on Broadway for coffee and sandwiches. The Fort Garry itself has very good, but fairly expensive restaurants.

Farther away, the best dim sum is at Kum Koon Garden in Chinatown, and eclectic food at Urban Ojas or Fude, both on Osborne. There are lots of sushi places, but the best is Edohei.

Dubrovnik is often reputed to be the best restaurant in town, but I don't think you get your money's worth. If you want to pay top dollar, go to Amici on Broadway instead.