Tourism Winnipeg

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River Heights is primarily a residential area, well known for its majestic elm trees that line each street, forming a swaying canopy of leaves overhead. A number of historic buildings, parks, and prime shopping and dining destinations are found in this neighbourhood, including Grant Park Shopping Centre and Academy Rd. Take the time to admire some of the city’s grandest real estate along Wellington Crescent. This street is closed on Sundays in summer to vehicles, making it a popular route for pedestrians, cyclists and joggers.

Location: The approximate boundaries are Route 90 to the west, the Assiniboine River to the north, Cambridge St to the east and Taylor Ave to the south. Located 5 km from downtown and 5.2 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, take the ramp to Academy Rd and turn left into the heart of River Heights.

Bus routes: 18, 20, 64, 65, 66, 68, 78, 95

Top Places to Eat

• For more than 25 years, Berstein’s Deli has been serving up classic sandwiches—like egg salad and reubens—that never go out of style. Kosher specialties and take-away dishes are available in the adjoining market. 1700 Corydon Ave, 488-4552.
• Bonfire Bistro tops its beloved, wood-fired pizzas with sophisticated ingredients from fire-roasted chicken to oyster mushrooms to fresh pear. This busy neighbourhood bistro doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early to guarantee a seat. 1433 Corydon Ave,487-4440. http://www.bonfirebistro.ca
• The new cupcake shop on the block, Cupcake Barista takes these popular desserts to the next level with lavish buttercream icing and clever flavours like crab apple cinnamon pancake. The java-inspired cupcakes pair well with the café’s special black forest espresso. 1459-B Corydon Ave, 414-9391.
• The casual, family-run eatery Mona Lisa perfectly captures the flavours of southern Italian cuisine in its traditional dishes. The pane fritto appetizers—pillows of house-made deep-fried bread with tomato sauce—are simply outstanding. For a quick drink, head next door to the rustic La Cantina di Mona Lisa, featuring a self-serve wine system. 1697 Corydon Ave, 488-3687. http://www.monalisarestaurant.ca
• Piazza De Nardi is an upscale dining and shopping emporium for foodies and oenophiles. This indoor market houses La Grotta Mediterranean Market, featuring an extensive cheese and deli case, freshly baked breads and pastries, imported groceries and take-out dishes. Under the same roof, La Boutique del Vino offers more than 1,300 wines sourced globally. Old-school Italian standards like meatballs and lasagna are served in the charming café-style eatery. 1360 Taylor Ave, 982-9461. http://piazzadenardi.com/
• Healthy, wholesome comfort food rules at Prairie Ink Restaurant & Bakery. Located inside McNally Robinson Booksellers, many events are hosted at this full-service restaurant, including book launches and live music. The house-made West African peanut soup is not to be missed. 1120 Grant Ave, 975-2659. http://prairieinkrestaurant.com/
• Innovative Japanese dishes and a hip, sleek Toyko-style décor create a memorable dining experience at Wasabi Sabi. Mexican food influences the fun, hybrid sushi tortilla—it’s topped with tuna, avocado, tomato, cilantro and biting jalapeño. 3-1360 Taylor Ave, 415-7938. http://wasabigroup.com

Top Places to Shop

• If you’re searching for the perfect party dress—look no further than Candie & Dolls. The shop’s stylish clientele can’t get enough of its flirty frocks from Betsey Johnson and Ted Baker, and on-trend footwear from Kenneth Cole. 1735 Corydon Ave, 956-2293. http://www.candieanddolls.com/
• Premium denim and smart urban wear for men and women keep discerning fans returning to Danali. Shop coveted brands like J. Brand, Citizens of Humanity, Nudie and Tiger of Sweden. 100-530 Kenaston Blvd, 489-0577. http://www.danali.ca/
• A large collection of designer jewellery sparkles in the Diamond Gallery’s modern showroom. This luxury jewellery retailer specializes in platinum and also does custom work. 1-1735 Corydon Ave, 488-9813. http://diamond-gallery.com
• Grant Park Mall draws visitors from across the city with unique anchor tenants such as Empire Theatres and McNally Robinson Booksellers. It offers a boutique shopping experience with a diverse range of specialty shops. 1120 Grant Ave, 475-8556. http://www.grantparkshoppingcentre.com
• Pamper little ones with the latest, eco-friendly baby, toddler and children’s gear at Lux for Sprouts, where products are sourced from around the world. Expect adorable clothes from hip brands like Quicksilver to super chic nursery furniture by Bloom. 1735 Corydon Ave, 589-8889. http://www.luxforsprouts.com
• Luxe Label’s chic store features a carefully edited collection of designer clothing and accessories that are both fashionable and timeless. 1693 Corydon Ave, 415-1415. http://luxelabel.com
• Along with a selection of beautiful wrapping paper, cards and ribbons, Paper Gallery stocks stellar giftware, including candles, kitchen gadgets, stationery, and toys. 1437 Corydon Ave, 488-2867. http://www.papergallery.ca/

Top Things to See and Do

• Pan Am Pool is a world-class aquatic centre built in 1967 for the Pan American Games. It is one of the largest indoor bodies of water in the world. The facility includes two competitive swimming pools, diving tower, a kiddie pool, a track and indoor weight room. 25 Poseidon Bay, 986-5890. http://www.winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/pools/indoor_pools/pan_am.stm
• Walk, blade, jog or cycle along Wellington Crescent for postcard-worthy views of the river, well-manicured gardens and parks, and gorgeous mansions.