One of Winnipeg’s most striking views is the Cathédrale de Saint-Boniface. It is a blend of old and new as the modern church sits within the ruins of the earlier basilica, destroyed by fire in 1968. The cemetery is also the resting place of many historical figures who played key roles in the development of the province, including the famed Louis Riel.

Then visit Winnipeg’s oldest building, an oak-log structure originally used as the Grey Nuns’ Convent, and now home to the Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum. Inside, explore a collection of artifacts dedicated to Franco-Métis history, as well as a special exhibit dedicated to the ‘father of Manitoba’, Red River Resistance leader, Louis Riel.

PART 1 - Bon Appetit

St. Boniface offers up dining options to satisfy every craving. Grab a croissant at La Belle Baguette and then wash it down with a cup of java from Café Postal on Provencher Boulevard. For lunch and dinner options, stop in at Le Garage for French Canadian classics like tourtière and poutine. Go upscale at Resto Gare for one of Winnipeg's most unique dining rooms – a 1913 train station and train car – as well as some of the best French cuisine in the city. For a change of pace, Japanese Dwarf No Cachette offers diners takoyaki, gyoza, Udon hot pots, curry rice and steaming bowls of ramen. At the end of the Esplanade Riel is Promenade Café, serving up a mix of traditional French (homemade pate, moules-frites and more) and French-Canadian dishes like tourtière poutine.

PART 2 - Shopping Gems

Stroll Provencher Boulevard and browse locally-owned shops for unique gifts and treasures. Pick up jewellery at Bijou, courtesy of one of 14 talented designers, and then stop in at Librairie à la Page for 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 featuring bars, truffles, macarons, and decadent chocolate drinks. There are even a few 'iconic Manitoba' chocolates, including polar bears, bison and the Golden Boy. Savoury treats can be found at Fromagerie Bothwell. The shop carries Manitoba-made Bothwell Cheese and has made-in-MB gift baskets that come with tons of local goodies like Smak Dab Mustard, Flora & Farmer preserves, Nature's Farm granola and much more.

Detour! So much history

Stop in at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain and watch At the Heart of Manitoba's Francophone Community, a 40-minute documentary highlighting 200 years of Francophone and Métis history in Saint-Boniface and Manitoba. It is a must-see for all new visitors to the area to gain an overview of the history and culture of the people. Showings happen year round, Monday to Friday at 9 am, 12 noon and 3 pm.