Winnipeg or Vinipegue is the capital and largest city of the Canadian province of Manitoba. Located in central Canada and close to the geographical center of North America, it is an important trade, production, transport, agriculture and educational services center in the country. Due to its historical importance as a transportation hub, it received the nickname Gateway to the West ("Gateway to the West"). Its name is a transcription of the word cree wīnipēk, meaning "muddy waters", wīni (dirty, muddy), and nipiy (water).

It lies on a floodplain, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, around the spot popularly known as The Forks ("The Forks"), former trading site among Amerindian peoples. It is protected against flooding through a flood containment system called Red River Floodway.

---

Visitors can get a detailed view of the lives of the Plains Indians and the first prairie settlers at this museum located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. It has nine galleries, including the planetarium, the science gallery and a five-storey sailboat, the Nonsuch. The Manitoba Museum has recently been awarded the Michelin Guide's highest rating, "Worth the Trip."

Now run as a non-profit organization by the Manitoba Jockey Club, the Downs thrive once again.

Founded in 1904, the Assiniboine Park Zoo has a long history of breeding endangered species, including Siberian tigers and golden eagles. There are 1,200 animals out of 275 different species, making this one of Canada's largest zoos. Major attractions include the Discovery Center, an indoor learning park and a zoo. Winter travelers can look forward to seeing Lights of the Wild at Christmas time. This is one of the attractions not to be missed.

The Royal Canadian Mint facility in Winnipeg, designed by local architect Etienne Gaboury, produces billions of coins each year. This is where all Canadian circulation coins are made, as well as those of more than 60 governments around the world. A fascinating guided tour includes viewing a five-minute video in the theater area, followed by a 40-minute walking tour of the manufacturing facilities where art, crafts and the science of coin making are revealed!

Since its opening in 1989, this market has evolved into the premier meeting place. After 10 years of development of this historic site and restoration of several historic buildings, it is once again a thriving center of activity.

Fort Whyte Center is a natural area for recreation and is eager for bird watchers. It is one of the most popular places to take the kids for a day of adventure and discovery. Located on 200 acres of pristine marshes, the center is home to more than 200 seasonal species of birds and numerous species of insects and other creatures. The center can also be hired for private parties and events in the midst of natural glory. The Buffalo Stone Cafe is a wonderful place to unwind after a busy day.

The Manitoba Children's Museum is a fun family destination that is a sure winner with kids. With interactive galleries such as All Aboard; the kids at this practical museum can do anything from taking an imaginary train ride to delivering the news to the television studio. Kids will love exploring all the galleries for hours on end.

King's Head Pub is an authentic English pub with an incredible variety of national and imported beers to suit all tastes. The food goes beyond the normal fish and chips with a great curry menu of authentic Indian cuisine. The diverse crowd that hosts this establishment offers live music on weekends to have fun while savoring the great beers.

---

There are a number of restaurants scattered mostly through downtown Winnipeg. As the city was the destination for immigrants from various places, it has cuisine for all tastes. The sandwiches are traditional there, but the most frequent cuisine is Indian and Chinese, and it is not difficult to find Italian restaurants (with very tasty pastas) in the city. Another typical ingredient is a good (and burnt) pepper.

---

Winnipeg is located on the Great Plains, a region characterized by its mostly flat and rugged terrain. With no geographical obstacles that can block cold fronts from the Arctic, or warm fronts from the south, Winnipeg is characterized by its highly unstable climate, whose conditions can change suddenly and drastically in a matter of hours.

Another characteristic of the city are its usually very cold winters. The Red River valley acts as a channel, directing cold winds from the north directly into the city. As a result, the city faces low temperatures and heavy snowfall from the end of October until April, lasting through December, January and February. Its very cold winters gave it the name of Winterpeg (winter, in Portuguese, means "winter"). Temperatures in the winter generally reach -35 ° C without the thermal sensation preventing the strong winds, which decreases the temperature further.

Summers are typically hot, with temperatures above 25 ° C, with much sunshine all year round. Autumns and springs tend to be in the city short periods, each lasting approximately 6 weeks.

The average maximums for each month are as follows: -13 ° C in January, -9 ° C in February, -1 ° C in March, 10 ° C in April, 19 ° C in May, 23 ° C in June, 26 ° C in July, 25 ° C in August, 19 ° C in September, 11 ° C in October, 0 ° C in November and -10 ° C in December. The city is usually covered in snow between mid-November and the end of March, although this varies according to the year. Heavy snowfall in late October and April are not uncommon. The probability of a white Christmas occurring in the city is almost 100%.

---