Tourism Winnipeg

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St. Norbert is a bilingual community located just outside the perimeter. The original inhabitants of this area were First Nations peoples who were drawn to its abundance of hunting and fishing. The Pembina Trail ran through St. Norbert, delivering travelers from Upper Fort Garry (now downtown Winnipeg) to the primary southern outpost of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Today, this community of about 5,000 residents is home to Winnipeg’s largest and most popular farmers’ market in the summer, drawing in people from all over the city. It is also home to the Trappist monastery—now an arts and cultural centre—and St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park.

Location: The approximate boundaries are the Perimeter Hwy, the Red River and La Salle River. Located 15.1 km from downtown and 21 km from the airport.

How to get there: From the airport, head east on Wellington Ave and turn right onto King Edward St (Route 90). Continue onto Bishop Grandin Blvd. Take the exit toward Pembina Hwy (Winnipeg city route 42). Turn left toward Pembina Hwy and then turn right on Pembina Hwy. Continue south past the Perimeter Hwy into St. Norbert.

Bus routes: 37, 62, 70, 91

Top Places to Shop and Eat

• Ground Roots Café features a charming al fresco patio on the picturesque grounds of the old Trappist’s Monastery at the St. Norbert Arts Centre. The menu’s emphasis is on local food available at the nearby St. Norbert Farmers’ Market. While it mainly offers catering and dinner service for large groups, plans are in the works to offer lunch, dinner and dessert to a regular crowd for summer 2012. 100 Rue des Ruines du Monastere, 275-0470.
• Simple, house-made comfort food, including soups, sandwiches, quesadillas and classic breakfast dishes are served at St. Norbert Hotel’s daytime cafe. 3540 Pembina Hwy, 269-1290. http://stnorberthotel.com
• From June to the end of October, pick up farm fresh eggs and produce, baked goods, meats, fish and local crafts at St. Norbert’s Farmers’ Market. Manitoba’s largest farmers’ market attracts thousands of visitors and more than 70 vendors from all over the province. While here, grab a succulent pulled pork sandwich and freshly squeezed lemonade to go. 3514 Pembina Hwy (next to the St. Norbert Community Centre), 275-8349. http://www.stnorbertfarmersmarket.ca

Top Things to See and Do

• A designated Manitoba Provincial Heritage Site, the tiny, open-air Chapel of our Lady of Good Help (la Chapelle de Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours) was established in 1875. The chapel was built for Father Noel-Joseph Ritchot as a symbol of gratitude for protection during the Red River Rebellion in 1869-1870. Located across from St. Norbert Parish, 112-80 St Pierre St.
• Immerse yourself in Métis family life in the late 1870s at St. Norbert Provincial Park. Here, you’ll find the restored and furnished Turenne and Bohemier houses, representing the post-1870s era, along with the Delorme and Henderson homes, which are not restored. Explore the grounds with the 1 km self-guided trail that leads to the scenic junction of the Red and LaSalle rivers. 40 Turnbull Dr, (204) 945-4236 (in season) or (204) 945-4375 (in off-season). http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/popular_parks/central/norbert.html
• The Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park is home to the ruins of a former Trappist Monastery and its guest house, where the St. Norbert Arts Centre resides. The arts centre features space for visual art, music, theatre and dance presentations, along with guest rooms, studio facilities to accommodate artists and Ground Roots Café. Historical information on this site and interpretive tours are available to visitors. 100 Rue des Ruines du Monastere, 269-0564. http://www.snac.mb.ca/ and http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/popular_parks/central/trappist.html