INTERNATIONAL ONE WEEK ITINERARY-SUMMER DAY 1 Wake up to one of the city’s best breakfasts at one of Work off your meal by browsing the area’s numerous three Stella’s Café and Bakery locations for their creative ethnic and specialty food stores. Stop in at Morden’s renditions of French toast, baked eggs and mixed berry Chocolates—a Winnipeg institution for more than 50 years jam (buy some to take home). For the perfect greasy spoon and makers of the award-winning Russian Mint. Continue breakfast, head to The Nook Diner on Sherbrook. The down Sargent Avenue and pop into El Izalco for authentic Falafel Place & Deli on Corydon is a local favourite with an Latin groceries like freshly made tortillas, homemade chorizo Israeli-inspired menu that offers blintzes and their famous and homemade tamales. Next it’s off to Dino’s Grocery falafel breakfast comprised of eggs served with falafel balls Mart on Notre Dame for a plethora of groceries from India, and tahini. For local and organic options try Fresh Café for Pakistan, Asia and the West Indies including exotic produce fresh squeezed juices and innovative plates. and huge vats of lentils and rice. Finish your shopping at De Luca’s where Italian baking, meats, cheeses and other After that, head to The Forks, the city’s bustling nine-acre goodies are on display. Take in a cooking class and impress playground packed with dining, shopping and entertainment your friends at your next dinner party. options. Browse specialty food shops like Fenton’s Wine Merchants for robust reds and crisp whites, the Almond In the evening, head to the trendy neighbourhood of Tree for salty treats and sweet goodies or Wittman Foods Osborne Village to explore boho chic boutiques and taste- for honey and flax made right in Manitoba. bud-dazzling dining options. Gourmands love Fude Inspired Cuisine and Wine Bar for their famous chocolate chicken and Head to Fergie’s Seafood Market for hunks of tender halibut to-die-for chai cheesecake. Sushi lovers flock to Wasabi for coated in delicate, crispy batter or to Bindy’s Carribbean their decadent volcano rolls, while foodies gather at Segovia Delights for massive stuffed rotis. Finish off with a gooey for sensational Spanish-style tapas like delicate spiced scallops Nutella and strawberry-stuffed crêpe from Caramel Crêpe. and velvety goat curry. If you’re in the mood for casual, head to Baked Expectations for juicy burgers, crispy fries and sky- For lunch, head just outside downtown and to the multi- high cakes all served in a cute and quirky 50s diner setting. cultural neighbourhood of the West End. Scoot over to Café Dario where the chef’s Colombian roots are infused Finish off the night with a fine vintage at the sleek and chic into dishes made with local ingredients. With an ever- Noir Wine Bar and Eatery, decorated in eye-catching black changing array of options, try a prix fixe, three-course and white. Or head over to G Martinis for a vast array of feast of dishes like lobster ceviche, lamb lollipops coated creative concoctions including the 007, Red River and in mole sauce and spicy pork tenderloin. chocotini served with a Hershey’s Kiss. Page 1 DAY 2 Morning awakens with a host of hearty breakfast options. for specialty coffee and teas, Nine Boutique for trendy Opt for eggs and the stunning view of the Red River from maternity wear, Eyelet Dove for sumptuous lingerie, Lake Sals on the Bridge at The Forks or the quirky atmosphere Life for casual clothes and gifts, Moulé for of-the-moment at Black Sheep Diner, popular with the city’s student crowd fashion and Tiber River Naturals for soothing bath and thanks to innovative fare like omelets with goat cheese and body care. By now, you’re feeling peckish. Head to the avocado as a side. French Way Bakery for Parisian-inspired fare, then pop over to nearby Stephen and Andrews and shop for gourmet Get into shopping mode at Prairie Ink Café located inside foods and wine. McNally Robinson Booksellers. Dine on French toast with caramelized bananas, chai lattes and silky daily quiche and Next it’s off to Osborne Village, a shopping paradise for then browse the shelves for loved classics, bestsellers and trendsetters. Browse for flirty dresses at Frockstar and indie enlightening reads—don’t miss the whimsical kid’s section designer threads at Out of the Blue, Paramix, Hush/Shout located inside the second story “tree house”. Before leaving and American Apparel. Pick up things that sparkle at David the attached mall, check out October for sweet boutique Rice Jewelry and Silver Lotus, as well as cute and quirky fashions and Diva Lingerie for the ultimate in what goes on gifts at Desart and Osborne Antiques Mart. For killer heels, underneath. Then make sure he looks good too with slick head to Rooster and satisfy your inner kitchen goddess at threads from Morrison. the Happy Cooker. Now it’s time for brand hunting at Winnipeg’s largest By now, it’s time to eat and Osborne Village offers plenty shopping mall, Polo Park Shopping Centre, where you’ll of options. Kick back with a heaping plate of nachos and a indulge at more than 200 hip spots like Sephora, Lululemon, cerveza at Carlos and Murphy’s or try your hand at exotic BCBG, Forever 21, Lush, Mexx and Club Monaco. Ethiopian fare at Massawa. If easy and handheld is what you seek, then look no further than Kawaii Crepe for sweet and Pack your shopping bags full on Academy Road, where savoury concoctions sure to delight tastebuds. six blocks of independently-owned boutiques await your arrival. Those with discerning tastes head to Cornelia Bean DAY 3 Slap on some SPF 60 and start your morning with a hike Coming in 2013, the zoo’s new Journey to Churchill exhibit along the paths of Assiniboine Forest, one of Canada’s will see those world-famous polar bears come south into the largest urban nature parks. The looped, one kilometre city. Exhibit highlights include the International Polar Bear paved Sagimay Nature Trail takes you through trees and Conservation Centre where orphaned and abandoned polar meadow and past six kilometres of woodchip trails to the bears will be rehabilitated, as well as academic research, Eve Werier Memorial Pond. opportunities for underwater and above-ground polar bear viewing, the Aurora Borealis Theatre & Interpretive Centre Cross Corydon into Assiniboine Park, one of Winnipeg’s and Tundra Grill. oldest attractions visited by millions of people every year. Dine al fresco on picnic tables amongst the lush green trees While you’re at the zoo, pose for a photo with the bear that or step into Star Grill for an eclectic menu of entrees and made Winnie the Pooh famous. The statue commemorates desserts. Winnie the bear (named after Winnipeg) and her owner Captain Harry Coleburn. Grab a bite at the zoo’s Animal After lunch, bask in the exotic horticultural collection at Tracks Café before heading out. the Assiniboine Park Conservatory. Then, head off to Assiniboine Park Zoo for close encounters with animals A must-visit spot in the park is the Leo Mol Sculpture from all over the world. The zoo features more than 400 Garden. It combines artistic beauty with a natural setting species in both indoor and outdoor exhibits and specializes and offers a quiet retreat to view and enjoy the magnificent in cold climate species from northern latitudes and mountain works of master sculptor, Dr. Leo Mol. Enjoy the tranquility ranges. See the exotic animals featured in the ever-changing of the garden with its spectacular year-round open water animal collection. feature and vine-covered arbour, as well as the Leo Mol Schoolhouse Studio and gift shop. Page 2 Next, pop into the Pavilion Gallery Museum, which features swings, willow tree tunnels, hedges, mazes, sculptures, a the largest collections of works by three renowned Manitoba children’s garden resembling the classic board game snakes artists—the contemporary works of Ivan Eyre; the historical and ladders and so much more. works of Clarence Tillenius; and the watercolours and woodcuts of Walter J. Phillips. The rotation gallery features For a perfect end to the night, throw down a blanket and exhibitions by Manitoba’s premier and emerging artists. enjoy free entertainment at the outdoor Lyric Theatre. Throughout the summer, the stage features performances If you’ve got little ones in your party, take them for fun and for every taste and age, including the Royal Winnipeg excitement at the Nature and Adventure Playground. Ballet’s, “Ballet in the Park”, as well as the symphony, the Filled with wonder, kids can explore tree forts, bird nest opera and numerous jazz performances. DAY 4 Experience the great outdoors at FortWhyte Alive or Oak & Gretel’s “Witch Hut” and stay for a stage performance Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre. Spend a half or full at Canada’s longest-running outdoor theatre, Rainbow day at each, depending on the length of your stay. Stage. An Olympic-sized swimming pool and plenty of picnic tables and barbeque pits are available in the FortWhyte Alive is Winnipeg’s award-winning, 640-acre summer for bonding with family and friends. urban nature oasis showcasing a herd of 30 prairie bison, 5 lakes, 7 kilometers of trails, Prairie Dog Town, Family • Bordering on the Red River, King’s Park has numerous Tree House, bird feeding stations, Pioneer Sod House, gravel and paved pathways to enjoy, some of which lead Tipi Encampment, floating boardwalks, Aquarium of the to marshland.