City Centre, Winnipeg

Turn-of-the-century Victorian and Edwardian commercial architecture is most in evidence in the vicinity of the old market place neighboring the present Civic Center in Winnipeg. This area is known as the Exchange District, its name a reflection of the many financial and commodity dealing houses which sprang up in Winnipeg between the 1880s and 1920s when the city was the undisputed center of expansion in western Canada. Thanks to the Hudson's Bay Company's fur trade, the Stock Exchange, and the Winnipeg Grain and Produce Exchange, vast quantities of goods and money changed hands in the town.More recently the Exchange District has seen a revival of its earlier role as the hub of local commerce, with old warehouses, bank and business premises being converted into fashion boutiques, up-market shops, art galleries, bureau and restaurants.The Exchange District is also a focus for the city's cultural life with an impressive selection of venues including the Pantages Playhouse Theatre, the Manitoba Theatre Center, the Prairie Theatre Exchange, the Manitoba Centennial Center, the MTC Warehouse Theatre and the Artspace. Shoppers too will find plenty to interest them (fashions, art and furniture).

Seven Oaks House in Winnipeg has the distinction of being the oldest habitable house in Manitoba. Built in 1851 the large two-story dwelling was constructed entirely of wood without using a single nail. It is decorated and furnished in period style.A plaque installed in 1959 by the Manitoba Heritage Council notes the history of Winnipeg's Seven Oaks House. The house was built by John Inkster, a Winnipeg native, who was a farmer, merchant and free trader. Seven Oaks House is named for the seven large oaks that once stood nearby and for the battle of Seven Oaks which took place June 19, 1816 between the Hudson's Bay Company, the Selkirk Settlers, and the Northwest Company.

Built of local Tyndall stone and Italian marble the magnificent Neo-Classical Legislative Building in Winnipeg was completed in 1919. It contains the provincial legislative chambers, Prime Minister's and other ministerial offices and some government departments.Surmounting the 72 m (236 ft) dome is a statue known as the Golden Boy, a 4 m (13 ft) high bronze weighing 5 tons and plated with 23.5 carat gold. A torch in his right hand and sheaf of wheat on his left arm symbolize Manitoba's enduring agriculturally based prosperity.The Legislative Building is set in 12 ha (30 acre) grounds adorned with statues of Queen Victoria and various influential statesmen. A monument to Louis Riel stands by the riverside.

Housed in its very modern building shaped like the bow of a ship, the Art Gallery not only possesses a fine collection of old and contemporary art by Canadian, American and European artists but also one of the world's best collections of Inuit art.The Winnipeg Art Gallery is Western Canada's oldest art gallery and has frequent exhibitions of some of the finest Manitoban, Canadian and International art on offer. The Winnipeg Art Gallery also has frequent events and hosts a wide range of artists from poets to jazz musicians. Be sure to check out the very unique triangular roof top garden for exceptional views over Winnipeg.

No expense or modern comfort was spared when the now beautifully restored Victorian home of Hugh John MacDonald, former Prime Minister of Manitoba, was first built and furnished in 1895. Staff dressed in period costume escort visitors through the rooms.The Dalnavert-MacDonald House is an excellent example of Queen Anne Revival architecture. It is designated as a national and provincial historic site. The location of the Dalnavert-MacDonald house, just three blocks from the Manitoba Legislature, makes it easy for visitors to experience two of Winnipeg's premier tourist attractions. The Dalnavert-MacDonald House is chock full of Victorian era treasures that connoisseurs of that timeframe will surely rejoice over.

For all its modern appearance Knox United Church on Edmonton Street is one of Winnipeg's oldest places of worship.It was built during the First World War from 1914 to 1918. Knox United Church was originally built as a Presbyterian house of worship and represented the pinnacle of their architectural work in Canada. The Knox United Church was designed by renowned architect JHG Russell who was also responsible for several other prominent churches. The church is done up in the late Gothic Revival Style and is listed as Provincial Heritage site number 51.In the spring of 2010 lightening struck the bell tower and knocked a piece of the stone tower to the ground. However, it fell away and did not seriously damage other areas of the church.

Founded in 1867 the University of Winnipeg (guided tours) enjoys something of a liberal reputation. The oldest building on campus dates from 1894. Also noteworthy are the Western Canada Pictorial Index, an archive of some 45,000 old photographs, and the splendid new Athletics Center, a facility used by top athletes.Tours of the University of Winnipeg are available and are worthwhile to view the widely varying architecture. Home to almost 9000 students, the University of Winnipeg is also well known for its strong volleyball teams which consistently finish in the top of the rankings. Located right downtown and near the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the University of Winnipeg should be on every visitors itinerary.

Standing on a site occupied by two generations of its predecessors, City Hall was completed in 1974. It consists of two buildings joined by an underground link.