Tourism Winnipeg

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Charleswood’s name has two probable sources. It is believed this scenic residential neighbourhood was named after Charles Kelly, who served on the first municipal council. It’s also thought the name is a combination of “St. Charles” and the surrounding wooded area. Originally part of Assiniboia, Charleswood broke away and formed in 1913. Today, the area is home to locally owned boutiques and family-friendly eateries. This neighbourhood’s country-like setting and many forest trails, including Harte Trail, Assiniboine Forest and neighbouring Assiniboine Park, make it a top destination for nature enthusiasts, birders, joggers, cyclists and families. If you’re lucky, you may spot one of the many white-tailed deer that live in the woods.

Location: The approximate boundaries are the Perimeter Highway to the west, Wilkes Ave to the south, the Assiniboine River to the north and Assiniboine Park/Assiniboine Forest to the east. Located 9.8 km from downtown and 9.3 km from the airport.

How to get there: From the airport, turn onto Wellington Ave and turn right onto King Edward St (Route 90). Stay left at the bend and get into the right hand lane over the bridge. Turn right at Tuxedo Blvd. Turn right onto Corydon Ave and continue west past Assiniboine Park (where the street name changes to Roblin Blvd) into Charleswood.

Bus routes: 65, 66, 67, 79, 98.

Top Places to Eat

• Japanese eatery Asahi moved from downtown to Charleswood in 2009 and has continued a bustling business ever since. From a California taco roll to unagi (barbecue eel) nigiri, the lengthy menu covers fusion and traditional tastes. 3116 Roblin Blvd, 943-2566. http://www.asahisushi.ca/
• Bella Roma is a family-friendly restaurant on the edge of Charleswood that offers Italian classics—house-made pastas, pizza, veal and chicken just like nonna used to make. 6500 Roblin Blvd, 889-1252.
• Triple chocolate loaves, pumpkin jellyrolls and flax raisin cookies are just a few of the wonderful house-made goodies at Oma’s Bakeshop, which specializes in gluten-free baking. 3416 Roblin Blvd, 889-8356. http://www.omasbakeshop.com
• Family-operated Pappas Greek Food & Steak offers warm service and homestyle Greek dishes loaded with flavour. Be sure to order the delightfully tangy lemon potatoes. 3318 Roblin Blvd, 889-5504.
• With a homey feel and gigantic portions of Greek food, White Tower has remained a neighbourhood go-to destination for more than 20 years. Tender morsels of chicken souvlaki are some of the best in town. 3670 Roblin Blvd, 896-0406.

Top Places to Shop

• A dazzling array of classic and trendy purses is showcased inside Arm Candy Handbags & Accessories. Look for animal print scarves, bold cocktail rings and fuzzy hats to complete a chic look. 3516 Roblin Blvd, 415-1548. http://www.armcandystores.com/
• City Looks Spa & Salon caters to the beauty-obsessed with a range of hair products, nail polish, makeup, jewellery, and bags. 11-3900 Grant Ave, 896-3177. http://www.citylooks.ca
• Since 1973, Charleswood Florist has remained a local institution for creating gorgeous flower arrangements and carrying a great selection of seasonal blooms. Some gifts are also for sale, including candles, potpourri, balloons and greeting cards. 3534 Roblin Blvd, 888-2054. http://www.charleswoodflorist.com
• Find incredible deals on pre-loved, high-end clothing at consignment shop Redeemed. Browse through sharp suits for him and show-stopping stilettos, handbags and jewellery for her. 3672 Roblin Blvd, 474-1182. http://redeemed.ca
• While it’s best known for custom draperies and window treatments, Windows of Fashion also carries home decor items. The store’s luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, bedding, shower curtains, towels, lighting, objets d’arts and furniture dress up any room with style. 3230 Roblin Blvd, 896-4100. http://www.windows-of-fashion.com

Top Things to See and Do

• Located between Chalfont Ave and Shaftesbury Blvd, Assiniboine Forest offers 700 acres of wilderness within the city. While exploring the various wood chip, asphalt and crushed limestone trails, keep your eyes open for birds, wildlife, rare plants and waterfowl at the Eve Werier Memorial Pond in the centre of the forest. http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/naturalist/ns/AF/index.asp
• Assiniboine Park borders the east edge of Charleswood. This beautiful green space features a zoo, duck pond, two restaurants, conservatory, new children’s nature playground, trails, fields, English gardens, restaurants, pavilion and stage. 55 Pavilion Cres, 927-6000. http://www.assiniboinepark.ca/
• Enjoy the beauty of nature along the 6.5 km Harte Trail. This strip of wilderness is part of the Trans Canada Trail and runs through an old railway bed—the Harte Line, built in 1894. The trail is located between Shaftestbury Blvd and Grant Ave west to the Perimeter Hwy. http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/trails-maps/harte-trail-new/