Top 10 Manitoba architectural icons

Posted August 26, 2014 | Author Alexis McEwen

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has made a striking impact on Winnipeg’s skyline. Designed by Antoine Predock, this impressive building’s concept was inspired by Canadian landscapes and features imagery of tree roots and out-stretched wings. Simply put, the museum is an unparalleled architectural achievement. Here’s our list of ten other architectural icons from around the province.

1. Manitoba Legislative Building

450 Broadway, Winnipeg

This Beaux-Arts Classical-style building cleverly hides in plain sight occult clues, hieroglyphic inscriptions and numerological codes. Find out what it all means during the Hermetic Code Tour, offered every Wednesday until October.

2. Union Bank Tower (Red River College Paterson GlobalFoods Institute)

504 Main Street, Winnipeg

Western Canada’s oldest surviving skyscraper is an excellent example of the Chicago Style common in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. Take a self-guided walking tour of the building and enjoy urban upscale dining at Jane’s, run by the college’s students and chefs.

3. St. Boniface Cathedral

190, avenue de la Cathédrale, Winnipeg

A church has existed at this location since 1818. The current cathedral was erected in 1972, built within the ruins of the 1908 structure. Take a guided tour, or follow “In Riel’s Footsteps” a theatrical experience that brings history to life in the cathedral’s cemetery.

4. Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site

Churchill

Dating back to 1731 this huge stone fortress with star-shaped bastions was built by the Hudson’s Bay Company and is the oldest building in Manitoba. Take a guided tour to learn about the fort’s role in the French-English struggle for control of the fur trade.

5. St. Boniface Museum

494, avenue Taché, Winnipeg

Not only is this the oldest building in Winnipeg, dating back to 1844, it is the largest log structure in North America. Tour the museum’s collection of artifacts celebrating Manitoba’s Francophones and Métis communities.

6. Manitoba Hydro Place

360 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

This uber-energy efficient office building has been called the best office tower in North America. Loads of natural light, a geothermal system, solar chimney and winter gardens all contribute to the building’s ability to consume 65% less energy than typical office towers. Tours can be arranged.

7. Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception

68003 Cooks Creek Road, Cooks Creek

This multi-domed structure is one of the largest and most impressive of the “Prairie cathedral-style” Ukrainian churches in Manitoba. Take a tour of the complex, including grotto and cemetery, or check out their special events, including a Medieval Festival.

8. Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site

Inglis

The Five Prairie Giants are the last remaining row of standard country grain elevators still standing. They represent one of the region’s most enduring architectural symbols.

9. Lower Fort Garry Farm National Historic Site

15 min north of Winnipeg on PTH 9

While the fort itself is a beautiful restoration of a fur trading post, inside the walls the Farm Manager’s House is an excellent example of Red River Frame construction, popular in the colony in the 19th century. Check out the fort’s family friendly programming.

10. Esplanade Riel

Between The Forks and St. Boniface, Winnipeg

This cable-stayed pedestrian bridge built in 2003 has become an identifying symbol for the city of Winnipeg. Named for the “Father of Manitoba”, Louis Riel, the 250-metre bridge crosses the Red River. Enjoy impressive views of the river, downtown Winnipeg, The Forks and St. Boniface from the bridge.

About The Author

I'm Alexis, Communications Manager for Travel Manitoba. I write about all kinds of awesome things that happen in Manitoba. And when I'm not writing about awesome things, I do my best to get out and experience them with my husband and two young sons.

Communications Manager