From our window we can see the Via Rail Station in the picture below with the arched entrance. The red in the background is the Esplanade Riel, the pedestrian bridge that runs next to the Provencher Bridge.
After breakfast we took a self-guided walking tour around the area. We passed through the rail station and came out near the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. There are lots of informational signs all along the walkway with the history of the area.
Across the walkway is a large park and stage area and the Winnipeg sign. They also had a huge skate park - although it was a bit chilly for skaters today.
Just past the museum we crossed the Red River on the pedestrian Esplanade Riel and arrived in the Old St. Boniface area of Winnipeg, also know as Winnipeg's French Quarter.
The tall spire on the walkway signifies a place of meeting in the middle of the Red River.
We walked by the Cathedral de Saint Boniface. The walls you see were originally from 1905-08, but a fire in 1968 destroyed much of the building. They built a very modern looking chapel behind the walls. The architect who designed the new chapel said "We're not trying to reconstruct the old church. We have these ruins, the burning is part of the church's history and from these a new cathedral arises." It was interesting to read about all of the nuns who were instrumental in taking care of the people in the area as early as the 1700s. Saint Boinface Hospital is Manitoba's second largest hospital was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Montreal in 1871! It was the first hospital in Western Canada.
We continued along the trail and back across the river to the Forks area of Winnipeg. There are lots of shops and restaurants in the area. You can see our hotel with the green roof in the distance.
We circled back by the hotel to take our COVID tests required by the tour company. We then headed toward the Exchange District and Theatre District.
We didn't stop here, but I think they know how to have fun in Winnipeg!
We found a busy little restaurant in the Theatre District for lunch. We SPLIT a Reuben sandwich and tomato/bacon soup for lunch. Tobey has HALF! We were both stuffed and couldn't imagine eating a whole thing.
With tired feet, we made our way back to the hotel to pick up our boots and heavy coats for the trip up to Churchill tomorrow. We spent the rest of the afternoon reading and catching up on emails since we won't have much internet (slow) when we get to Churchill.
Tonight the bridge is blue!
Our group of 16 folks met for dinner at 7 this evening. Our expedition leader, Miranda, and Christa, her assistant, gave a program during dinner going over what we can expect over the next few days. Like on a cruise ship, our bags need to be outside the room by 6:45 am before we head off for breakfast. We are supposed to depart the hotel for our charter flight at 8:15. Needless to say, I am really excited! So for tonight, goodnight!
1 comment:
We are excited for you two. You are cold and we are hot and humid.
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