
Winnipeg, Gateway to the Prairies Winnipeg is an iconic place! The capitol of Manitoba and the gateway to the prairies. Winnipeg is a stoic city situated in a golden sea of wheat. It's full of great art and architecture, it's got an intriguing history that was integral to the development of the country, and it's full of friendly people who embrace life and are proud to come from the 'Peg.' The GCAT crew had never been to Winnipeg before and didn't know what to expect. What we found was both invigorating and impressive. The name "Winnipeg" comes from the Cree First Nations people and means "muddy waters" from where the city was built at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The Winnipeg area was a trading centre for Aboriginal Peoples prior to the arrival of Europeans, the French, who built their first fort there in 1738, and Winnipeg today is still one of the largest French speaking cities in Canada. During the late 19th century and early 20th century, Winnipeg was one of the fastest growing cities in North America which laid the foundation for all the great architecture found in the city today. The University of Manitoba, founded during this period, was the first university in Western Canada and is still a catalyst for innovation and energy in the city now. Today culture and the arts were vibrant and world class, the restaurant menus spanned the globe, and the architecture is a stunning blend of both old and new. Plus, the GCAT crew was surprised with a few <b>...</b>
Winnipeg
Winnipeg Manitoba
Great Canadian Adventure Tour
Manitoba
Gateway to the Prairies
Peg
Manitoba Legislative building