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- - Winnipeg (https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/winnipeg-201491/)

Is there much to do in and about Winnipeg? My hubbie and I like some music, some outdoor scenery, and some sightseeing. We live in Nebraska, and looking on the map, Winnipeg is just about a straight shot north. We've never been to Canada or taken a driving trip together. How warm does it get in the summer? Any info or places you could point me towards would be appreciated

i wouldn't say that there is scenery right around winnipeg. there is grand beach north of the city we is good. the pembina (north east) region is quite nice with rivers etc. it can get quite hot in the summer. wouldn't be my first or tenth pick for a vacation.

Hi geth! I live in Winnipeg, 30 years to be exact. Winnipeg is full of activity during the summer. We have Folkarama every summer- well known, even in the U.S. There are several cultures that put on their ethnic dancing, ethnic food etc. Great event! There is the Forks market by the river downtown. Nice paths for walking, neat shops and restaurants. Great nightlife throughout the city, outdoor concerts in the parks, great shopping. Outside of Winnipeg, we have tons of nice lakes. Whiteshell Provincial Park- beautiful scenery, lakes- about hour and half-2 hour drive east of Winnipeg. An hour north of Winnipeg there is Grand Beach-on Lake Winnipeg, rated one of the top in the world- nice white sand, calm, clear water. Also there is the town of Gimli on the other side of Lake Winnipeg, lots of festivals. I don't think you will be bored! As for temperatures, it is warm to hot in the summer- 24 celsius-33 celsius. Hope you come to our great province!

Thanks for the great reply donna! Now, can someone translate celsius into farenheit for me ;).

Hehee, i found one.. its 75-90F. Still cooler than the 88-105 degrees we get here in nebraska in the summer ;). I would ONLY vacation somewhere cooler than nebraska in the summer, as i HATE heat.. Not wild about cold either. I'm a wimp. Anyway, for the rest of you Celsius' challenged folks: http://members.tripod.com/~CoraS/far...o-celcius.html

The North American Indigenous Games are happening here July 25-Aug 5. Over 3,000 performers will be showcasing their cultural talents. Athletes from all over the U.S. and Canada will be competing in over 20 sports events and there is no charge to attend them. Check out website www.2002naig.com There is another annual event which takes place in front of the Legislative grounds called A Taste of Manitoba. Many of Winnipeg's best restaurants have booths at which you can buy sample portions of their specialties. My son ate an ostrich burger one year. The same kid who won't eat a boiled potato because it tastes weird! www.winterpeg/taste-of-manitoba/ There is Ballet in the Park, where you can see the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in an open air theatre, also free of charge. Enjoy your time in Winnipeg and don't forget that your dollar will go a lot further in Canada. $1 U.S. will get you about $1.40-1.50 Canadian.

When I was a little kid our family visited a lake in Manitoba that had the most beautiful white sand beach. Few Caribbean beaches I've seen compare. What I remember is that the sand was so pristine - no sticks, plants or garbage - and that you could walk a long, long, long way out into the water before even getting wet to the knees. I guess this must have been Grand Beach.

I wouldn't say Winnipeg has "a lot to do" in the way that Paris or Las Vegas do, but I spent a long weekend there a few years ago and had a really good time. As Donna mentioned, the area around the Forks is really nice -- walking around by the river, going to the shops, etc. If you enjoy shopping you should have fun, especially since you've never been to Canada. It'll be interesting to see all the products that are different from what we have in the States (and the fact that everything in the grocery store, drug store, etc is bilingual is a kick if you've never experienced it). Since it sounds like you two are just looking to get away and have some fun together, and experience something new, it's the little things like that that would make it a fun trip. There are also some good restaurants in the downtown area, though it was 1995 when I was there so I don't remember any names. We stayed at the Fort Garry Hotel, which is a beautiful old historic hotel in the middle of the city -- a great location for seeing the downtown area on foot. Very friendly staff, nice rooms, gorgeous old building. And with the exchange rate as it is, you probably find the rates very reasonable. Check out www.fortgarryhotel.com for more details. The biggest thing that stands out in my mind about Winnipeg is how friendly the locals were. I've travelled a lot in the US and to most of the major Canadian cities, too, and I've never been in such a friendly city. (Guess that's why the Manitoba license plates say -- or at least did last time I saw one -- "FRIENDLY"). Plus I think every American ought to visit Canada at least once in his or her life. It's a great country with terrific people and it'd be a shame not to experience it at least once considering how close it is.

Our license plates still say "Friendly Manitoba". At Grand Beach you can walk quite far out in the water, and it still is only to your knees! I remember when I was a child I use to think Lake Winnipeg was an ocean, it is huge! Water is also clear, with a nice sandy bottom. Town of Grand Marais is nice- restaurants, shops etc. I mentioned that 24-33 was about the average temps. We do get humid at times. Also someone mentioned the Fort Garry Hotel. Beautiful, historic hotel, walking distance to many downtown shops, restaurants etc. I think you will enjoy your stay. We will welcome you!

You said you like music. There is a folk festival from July 11-14. www.wpgfolkfest.mb.ca/ There's a Classic Rock weekend in Minnedosa, a beautiful part of Manitoba. Kelly mentioned Ballet in the Park. In the same park there are free concerts at the Lyric Theatre. Winnipeg has a lot of beautiful parks, walking paths and bicycle paths. Please come to Winnipeg. It's beautiful in the summer.

Winnipeg is a standing joke in Canada. It's sort of like the Northern version of Cleveland. Except the weather and blacvk flies are far worse.

You have just made an error which clearly indicates you probably have never been to Winnipeg. We DO NOT have black flies, they are found in Ontario and further North in places like Thompson. Anyone who knows anything about Winnipeg knows it is the Mosquitoes that will suck you dry. However the city entomologist has a new plan which shoul rid us of this notoriety once and for all.

Are the mosquitos worse than in Minnesota? I spent several years as a child in Minnesota, and had many trusty Mosquito Steeds in my stable. Will my children be able to ride the mosquitos in Winnipeg? <grin> sorry, couldn't resist

Ride the mosquitos ? Of course they can but, by law, riders must wear a helmet. How many children do you have?. Each Winnimosquit is built to carry three.