But First, Coffee and French Pastries

Start your day with a croissant (or an entire box of cinnamon buns, danishes or muffins) at La Belle Baguette, and if you’re looking for to add to the morning indulgences, head to Café Postal on Provencher Boulevard. This cozy coffee shop will keep your tummy warm and happy all morning. They've got the bases covered when it comes to coffee and tea, serving everything from matcha to cold brew coffee to hot chocolate and much more!

Stay on Provencher Boulevard and visit the outdoor sculpture garden next to the historic St. Boniface City Hall. Benches are tucked in and around the hedges and gardens that surround the five permanent sculpture collections, offering a beautiful place to eat and admire art.

Next up, a history lesson in Franco-Manitoban culture

St. Boniface is Canada's largest francophone community west of Québec and you can learn more by visiting the historic places dotted throughout the neighbourhood and take in the historical and contemporary art exhibits that express the past and current passions of Manitoba's French-speaking community.

For history buffs, St. Boniface has many monuments that represent important historical moments in Franco-Manitoban culture. The plaques along Promenade Taché, a walking path that runs along the banks of the Red River, mark and describe the historic arrival of the Grey Nuns and Oblates and their impact on St. Boniface. A piece of the walkway – Belvédère Saint-Boniface – extends over the bank of the Red River, offering one of the city's best views of the The Forks and Winnipeg's downtown skyline.

Along the same riverbank, just across Taché Ave you'll find an array of historic buildings that together, tell much of the history both of St. Boniface and Manitoba as a province.

Le musée de Saint-Boniface Museum is in the oldest building in Manitoba. Built more than 170 years ago, the building was originally a Grey Nuns Convent and was used as a hospital, orphanage and school. Now, it is full of francophone history and art, including a permanent exhibit on Louis Riel which houses artifacts of great importance that belonged to Riel or were closely linked or inspired by his life. On your way out, stop on the lawn to admire the bronze bust of the Métis leader, sculpted by Franco-Manitoban artist Réal Bérard in 1989.

Currently, the museum is closed for renovation, however you can still visit the Louis Riel exhibit which has temporarily moved to 219 Provencher Boulevard.

The Saint Boniface Cathedral is an architectural gem in the heart of the neighbourhood, less than a block from the museum. The current church was built in 1971 after a devastating fire burned the majority of the previous church. The old facade from 1894 still stands tall in front of the modern building. The combination of new and old is unique architecturally and makes for a stunning photograph. Louis Riel's tombstone sits neatly at the northern edge of the cemetery in front of the Cathedral, where a plaque informs visitors about his life and legacy.

Behind the Cathedral, is the Université de Saint-Boniface. Founded in 1818, it was the first French educational institution in Western Canada. On the university grounds you'll also find a controversial statue of Louis Riel. The statue depicts a tormented Riel, twisted and naked. This statue was originally on the Legislative grounds but was moved to the front of the university in 1995.

For more recent history, visit La Maison Gabrielle Roy. The building is the original home of the Franco-Manitoban author. Her hometown and the house itself is featured and described throughout much of her work. If you are at all interested in learning more about this French literary legend, the house-turned-museum is worth a visit. It's open year-round by reservation.

If you're looking for contemporary art, head back to the old St. Boniface city hall. Inside, the Maison des Artistes Visuels Francophones has a rotating exhibit space that features art pieces from Manitoba's Francophone community. The gallery also oversees the sculpture garden outside.

More outdoor art can be found a few blocks down the street at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain. Walk around the building and see how many pieces of public art you can spot. On the same property, you'll see the Cercle Molière. This theatre company was created in 1925 and continues to perform French theatre in Saint-Boniface.

Wayne Arthur Gallery, on Provencher Boulevard, features rotating exhibits in a variety of mediums. Find works from over 130 Manitoban artists here, with some available for purchase.

Shop local

For the French reader, Librairie à la Page has a wide selection of novels, children's books, magazines, cards, and even games, all in French.

For edible delights stop in at Chocolatier Constance Popp, a local chocolate shop making creative and unique treats. Here you'll find bars, truffles, macarons and decadent chocolate drinks. There are even a few "iconic Manitoba" chocolates, including polar bears, bison and even the Golden Boy.

In summer, Jeudis Franco Thursdays are the perfect opportunity to shop artisan goods made by local Franco-Manitobans. The summer market is part of a neighbourhood-wide cultural event series that takes place weekly from June to August. Live music, film screenings, tours, art exhibits and more can be found every Thursday in St. Boniface.

End the day with more eats

Resto Gare boasts one of Winnipeg's most unique dining rooms – inside a 1913 train station and train car – as well as some of the best French cuisine in the city. If you've ever wanted to try escargot, coquilles Saint Jacques or a decadent Chateaubriand, this is the place. Promenade Brasserie serves food inspired by French-Metis heritage using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their location is near Esplanade Riel giving you one of the most unique backdrops for your meal!

Still hungry? Check out Doug & Betty’s, Pauline Bistro and the longstanding Red Top Drive In.

Explore more

For even more on where to go, shop and eat in St. Boniface, stop by the Tourisme Riel visitor information centre at 219 Provencher Blvd (inside the old St. Boniface City Hall) to get details about upcoming events, guided tours and everyday highlights in the francophone community in Winnipeg.

Plan Your Adventure

From rich history and striking architecture to vibrant art and unforgettable flavours, St. Boniface invites you to slow down and truly connect with Winnipeg’s francophone heart. Ready to experience it for yourself? Start planning your visit to St. Boniface now!

Original blog by Kit Muir.