The unofficial “Riel Region” consists of three Winnipeg neighbourhoods – St. Norbert, St. Vital and St. Boniface. Each area has its own stories to tell and culture to share. Keep reading for an itinerary that highlights key stops to help deepen your understanding of francophone history and culture in Manitoba.

The birthplace of Manitoba

If you’re at all familiar with the history of Manitoba, you likely know that St. Norbert is where many of the events that led to Manitoba entering into confederation started.

One of the highlights of summer in St. Norbert is of course the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market. Vendors offer everything from potted plants and pantry staples to locally made wine and cider. The market typically runs Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm in summer and 10 am to 2 pm from October to May.

Start the morning with a freshly made crêpe from Ker Breizh Crêperie, known for authentic sweet and savoury options that reflect French culinary traditions.

Just beyond the market, the Tourisme Riel visitor centre marks the starting point for a guided historical tour. The tour begins outside a small log house built in 1883, surrounded by additional historic buildings and interpretive displays, including a preserved ox, a Red River cart and a tribute to Jeanne M. Perrault, who played an important role in preserving the area’s heritage.

At the centre of the courtyard stands the La Barrière Monument, a stone cross commemorating the Métis resistance of 1869, when surveyors attempted to sell land already occupied by Métis communities.

The guided tour explores late 1800s history, highlighting the influence of Louis Riel and Noël Ritchot. Stops include historic homes, a cemetery, a church and a small open-air chapel tucked within the neighbourhood. Tours are typically offered Wednesday to Saturday at 1 pm, with additional times on select days, and are available in both English and French upon request.

Pastries in the park

Before leaving St. Norbert, pick up picnic items from the market for the next stop. Options may include woodfired pizza and lemonade from Red Ember, dried fruit from Sweet, Eh!, croissants from Old Church Bakery or madeleines from Ker Breizh.

Head to Bois des Esprits, located along the Seine River near John Bruce Road. Crossing one of the brightly painted bridges from the Cool Streets Winnipeg program adds a playful element to the journey, with painted games decorating the surface.

A narrow path leads into the forest, where the atmosphere shifts into something almost storybook-like. Birds and woodpeckers provide a natural soundtrack, while intricate carvings appear within tree trunks along the trail.

Entering the woods is like being transported into a fairytale. Let your ears and eyes wander as you walk through the trees. You’ll hear some birds chirping and woodpeckers knocking for food. Blended into the trees, if you’re looking closely enough, you’ll see intricate carvings that make the dead trees come to life. Bois des Esprits means spirit woods, and once you’ve seen how the trees take on a new life after death, the name makes so much sense.

The trail through the woods stretches 2 kms along the Seine River but not far into the walk from the north you can see the iconic Spirit Tree. Even if you can only hike so far, it’s worth it to see this magnificent piece of art that combines nature and humanity so beautifully.

There are also a few geocaches hidden away in the woods if you want to take on an extra challenge on your journey.

In the heart of St. Boniface

The third neighbourhood of the Riel Region offers up more history and more great food. A stop at Jardins St. Léon on the way to St. Boniface offers a quick meal, with fresh local produce, baked goods and prepared foods available.

The Tourisme Riel walking tour of St. Boniface begins along Provencher Boulevard and covers sites of cultural and historical significance. One highlight is the sculpture garden outside the historic Hôtel de Ville, featuring works by artists from across Canada and the local community.

The tour continues to the Saint-Boniface Cathedral, where the ruins of earlier structures stand in front of the current cathedral, marking its long history as a cultural and spiritual centre. Nearby are Louis Riel’s tombstone, the Université de Saint-Boniface and additional monuments honouring Riel’s legacy.

Tours typically run daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, with options available in both English and French.

Unwind at Patio 340

Wrap up the day at Patio 340, a seasonal outdoor gathering space located next to the Centre culturel franco-manitobain.

This relaxed setting offers food from Stella’s and a variety of locally brewed beers, including selections from La Shoppe Brewery such as La Saint-B Witbier, Caddy Pale Ale, Night Owl Stout and Sock Hop IPA.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, the space comes alive with performances and events, including live music, DJ sets, comedy shows, poetry readings and wine tastings. It’s an ideal way to end a day of exploration, surrounded by community, culture and creativity.

Original blog by Kit Muir.