Tourism Winnipeg

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Once an old street car route, The Academy Road district has blossomed into one of Winnipeg’s prime destinations for upscale boutiques, unique gift stores and gourmet specialty shops. Here, you will find designer clothing, exceptional glass wear, decadent chocolates, exotic teas and coffee blends, European shoes, fine wines and much more. While on Academy Road, be sure to stop and sample regional cuisine at fusion grill or grab a slice of gourmet pizza at Pizzeria Gusto.

Location: Academy Road runs between Route 90 and the Maryland Bridge. Located 3.7 km from downtown and 8.2 km from the airport.

How to get there: From the airport, turn onto Wellington Ave. Turn right onto King Edward St (Route 90). Stay left, and continue to follow Route 90. Turn left onto Academy Rd (there are signs for Academy Rd E).

Bus route: 20.

Top Places to Eat

• For food with authentic French flair, The French Way Restaurant & Lounge delivers all the classics, including tuna niçoise salad and steak tartare. Fresh-baked breads and desserts at the bakery counter are a highlight, especially rich chocolate éclairs and crusty baguettes. 414 Academy Rd, 487-1997. http://www.frenchway.ca/
• Fresh, local ingredients play a starring role in each dish at fusion grill. With beautiful prairie art on the walls, an all-Canadian wine list and a seasonally-changing menu, this restaurant offers a delightful taste of Manitoba cuisine. 550 Academy Road, 489-6963. http://www.fusiongrill.mb.ca/
• Get to Pizzeria Gusto early if you want to nab a table at this sleek, trendy restaurant. A wood-burning oven bakes pizzas topped with unexpected ingredients like roast potatoes, pear and salsa crudo. 404 Academy Rd, 944-8786. http://www.pizzeriagusto.com/
• Fans from all corners of the city flock to Saucers Cafe for its comfort food with sophisticated twists and a diverse tea menu. Try a one-of-a-kind “teapresso” and don’t miss the tangy goat cheese bruschetta with roasted vegetables appetizer. 570 Academy Rd, 489-9204.
• Sushi California is a welcoming Japanese eatery with an extensive menu of sushi, tempura, sashimi, teriyaki, yakinoodle, nigiri and more. 545 Academy Rd, 487-1872. http://www.sushicalifornia.ca/

Top Places to Shop

• Choose from more than 100 varieties at tea and coffee mecca Cornelia Bean. This charming specialty shop stocks loose teas, coffee roasted in-house, tea and coffee accessories and chocolate. 417 Academy Rd, 489-5460. http://www.corneliabean.com
• The Garden Room is a lifestyle boutique dedicated to beautifying outdoor living space. Gardening tools, patio furniture, candles, and seasonal gifts fill this well-laid-out shop. 444 Academy Rd, 487-1151. http://www.gardenroomshop.com
• The expert employees of specialty food shop G. J. Andrews make it a breeze to pair wine with gourmet cheese and meat from the extensive dairy and deli case. The shelves are packed with premium oils, relishes, jams, caviar, cookies, curry sauces and much more. 384 Academy Rd, 487-7300. http://www.gjandrews.ca/
• A fashionista’s paradise, Moulé carries top name designer clothing, including Joe’s, Rachel Mara and Scotch & Soda. Handbags, shoes, jewellery, men’s wear and contemporary decor are carefully selected for style and quality. 443 Academy Road, 488-1981. http://moulestores.myshopify.com
• One-stop beauty shop Tiber River sells bath and body treats, and offers nail and body services, such as pedicures and facials. Products sold and used are all locally-made and come in yummy scents like bellini and carmello. 408 Academy Road, 474-2333. http://www.tiberriver.ca

Top Things to See and Do

• Let the good times roll with a game of five-pin bowling at Academy Lanes Bowling. This historical building was once the Uptown Theatre and continues to be a social gathering place for entertainment. 394 Academy Road, 488-0000. http://www.academylanes.ca
• Essentique Spa Salon uses botanical-based Aveda products in its treatments. Hair services, facials, hand and foot care, massages and body wraps are some of the stellar services offered in this serene two-storey spa. 545 Academy Rd, 489-0100. http://www.essentiquespasalon.ca
• The first of several pocket parks—outfitted with a new bench and historical plaque—planned for Academy Road recently opened at Wellington Crescent South. More are in the works to encourage foot traffic and interpret the area’s rich history.