Tourism Winnipeg

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Osborne Street South is the vibrant heart of the Riverview/Lord Roberts area, one of Winnipeg’s oldest neighbourhoods. The retail strip follows the old River Park streetcar line and boasts a number of unique stores from a decadent cake shop to a rare book store and vintage boutique. While in the neighbourhood, be sure to stop by one of the area’s 15 restaurants including Bistro 7 1/4, Luxalune Gastropub and Deseo Bistro. The recently restored Park Theatre Café is a great place to catch an indie band, classic flick or quick bite to eat. Walk across the Elm Park pedestrian bridge on Jubilee Crescent, which links to beautiful Kingston Crescent.

Location: The approximate boundaries are from Confusion Corner along Osborne South to Jubilee Ave bound by the Red River and railway tracks. Located 3 km from downtown and 11 km from the airport.

How to get there: From the airport, turn left onto Wellington Ave and turn right onto King Edward St (Route 90). Stay left at the bend and then head into the right lane before getting on the bridge. Take the ramp to Portage Ave and turn left onto Portage Ave. Continue for 3 km and turn right on Broadway. Turn right on Osborne and continue straight past confusion corner where it becomes Osborne South.

Bus routes: 16, 58, 95

Top Places to Eat

• Not only is Banana Boat famous for its creamy soft-serve and frozen banana desserts, this summertime favourite is also renowned for its billboard out front that displays birthday wishes, anniversary celebrations and other personal greetings. Grab two spoons and savour a decadent banana split or order a creamy banana milkshake made with real fruit. 390 Osborne St, 475-4610. 
• Diners can watch talented Chef Alex Svenne of Bistro 7 1/4 in action if they're lucky enough to grab a spot at the chef's counter. Nine varieties of moules et frites, and French entrées like braised beef short ribs and rabbit confit make this a favourite haunt for serious foodies. 725 Osborne St, 777-2525. http://alexanderskitchen.com/
• Legendary desserts like the "goog special" (a blueberry milkshake topped with banana, ice cream and classic hot fudge sundae toppings) have made the Bridge Drive-In an institution for more than 50 years. This walk-up summertime ice cream spot is just a short stroll from the pedestrian Elm Park Bridge. 766 Jubilee Ave, 475-6850.
• The vibrant flavours of Spanish cuisine tickle the taste buds at Deseo Bistro. Try inspired dishes like roast lamb loin with smoked yogurt, eggplant caviar and chile jam served at this two-level restaurant and lounge. 696 Osborne St, 452-2561. http://www.deseobistro.com
• More than 150 brews at Luxalune Gastropub offer aficionados an opportunity to drink beer from around the world. A tantalizing list of tasty tapas from lamb marsala to chicken flautas to baked German pretzels with tangy cheese sauce make up the menu. 734 Osborne St, 453-0222. http://www.luxalune.com/
• Get swept away in the tastes of Southeast Asia at Sawadtee Thai-Viet. Beautiful gold religious statues, teak accents and etchings adorn the large dining room, where fragrant dishes of pad thai, lemongrass-infused New Zealand mussels and sticky rice paper garden rolls are devoured. 555 Osborne St, 284-8424. http://www.sawatdeethai.ca/

Top Places to Shop

• Bijou brings the bling to the neighbourhood with its beautiful collection of engagement and wedding rings, and stylish hand-crafted jewellery. 539 Osborne St, 956-0996. http://www.bijoutreasures.com
• More than 100,000 used books line the shelves of Burton Lysecki Books. This is the place to go for books on Manitoba history, Western Canada, First Nations, fur trade history and the Canadian military. 527 Osborne St, 284-4546. http://www.lysecki.com/main.html
• Sweet seekers stop in Chocolate Zen Bakery to get their chocolate fix. Rich, moist brownies, towering tortes, cream horns, cookies, pastries and more fill the gleaming dessert showcase in front. 553 Osborne St, 287-2253. http://www.chocolatezen.ca
• Whether searching for a poker set, role-playing game or special edition of Monopoly, Game Knight stocks today’s hottest board and collectible card games, alongside classics, like cribbage and darts. 726 Osborne St, 487-4263. http://www.gameknight.ca

Top Things to See and Do

• Churchill Drive Park runs along the banks of the Red River, making it one of the city’s longest continuous riverfront parks near downtown. Its long, narrow shape makes it a great spot for trails, which are used by joggers, cyclists, dog walkers and cross-country skiers depending on the season. Located along Churchill Dr, east of Osborne St.
• For an intimate concert experience, head to Park Theatre Café where live music is scheduled almost every night of the week. While here, enjoy a gourmet cup of java or a light bite from the café. 698 Osborne St, 478-7275. http://www.parktheatrecafe.com
• Try your hand at nailing a strike during a game of five-pin bowling at the classic Park Lane Bowling Centre. 730 Osborne St, 475-0585. http://www.parkbowlingcentre.com