Tourism Winnipeg

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The name "Transcona" was chosen to commemorate the Grand Trunk Railway to which the town owes its existence. Today, a visit to Transcona is a trip back in time to the glory of the railroad. Work is underway on The Transcona Centennial Square as a tribute to the area’s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2012. Giant murals beautify downtown and a locally constructed steam locomotive is on display in Kiwanis Park. The Transcona Historical Museum is the only designated Historic Building in the neighbourhood. Here you can browse through archives and images, as well as 3,500 archaeological / First Nations artifacts from throughout Manitoba. Nicknamed “The Park City,” the area is known for its abundance of green space, including Kilcona Park, Buhler Recreation Park and Transcona Trail. While visiting, be sure to take Lady Luck by the hand and shop till you drop at Kildonan Place shopping mall.

Location: The approximate boundaries are Lagimodiere Blvd to the west, Springfield Rd to the north, Dugald Rd to the south and the Perimeter Hwy to the east. Located 7.3 km from downtown and 16.8 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, head over the St. James Bridge and on the right take the ramp to Portage Ave. Turn left onto Portage Ave. Turn right onto Main St. Make a slight left onto Marion St E. Turn left onto Lagimodiere Blvd. Turn right onto Regent Ave W into Transcona.

Bus routes: 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 75, 77, 85, 87, 89, 90, 92

Top Places to Eat

• Local sushi chain Asoyama offers fresh, contemporary Japanese cuisine in a relaxed, casual dining room. The kitchen does a stellar job with presentation—sushi rolls practically double as works of art with colourful, precisely arranged roe, sauces and garnishes. 1575 Regent Ave W, 663-0889.
• While taking in the entertainment at Club Regent, grab a bite to eat at Jaguars Restaurant & Lounge, where expansive prime rib and seafood buffets are served. 1425 Regent Ave W, 957-2500. http://www.clubregent.com
• Mr B’s Pizza & Chicken’s formula of from-scratch, homestyle cooking has served it well as diners pack this eatery each night. Both the “broasted” chicken—covered in an addictive crackling crust—and pizzas are famous for their full-bodied flavour. 1-1783 Plessis Rd, 222-6365.
• Omand’s Creek Ice Cream’s signature frozen desserts defy traditional boundaries. For instance, the “Dirty Nanaimo” is a chocoholic’s dream made with chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, crushed peanut butter cups and Nanaimo bars topped with whipped cream. 3-630 Kildare Ave E, 414-9065.
• Two grinning pigs on the Whistle Pig Drive-In sign greet diners lining up for out-of-this-world chili cheese dogs, deep-fried pickles, battered mushrooms, generous portions of hand-cut fries and other burger joint fare. 102 Victoria Ave E, 224-4435.

Top Places to Shop

• One of five locations in Winnipeg, Appelt’s Diamonds is a well-known, full-service local jeweller. Browse the captivating showroom full of dazzling jewellery and timepieces from engagement rings to classic pearl necklaces to watches from Bulova, Guess and Cardinal. 1581 Regent Ave W, 663-3533.
• Crossroads Station is one of the city’s largest big box districts with retailers such as Walmart, Superstore, Home Depot, Toys R Us, Home Outfitters and Staples. Located across from Kildonan Place.
• Serving the northeast corner of the city, Kildonan Place is the city’s third largest mall. A movie theatre, Sears and Zellers are among the 100 shops and services here. 1555 Regent Ave W, 661-6116. http://www.kildonanplace.com
• Stock up on local produce, crafts, jams, jellies and other farm fresh food at Transcona BIZ Market, held each Thursday throughout summer. 131 Victoria Ave W, 222-8566. http://www.transconabiz.com

Top Things to See and Do

• More than 140 acres of farmland were converted into Buhler Recreation Park, which boasts eight softball diamonds, six soccer fields, a toboggan hill, a canteen, and walking and skiing trails. 104 Regent Ave E, 777-2255. http://www.buhlerrecpark.com/contact.asp
• Palm trees, a cascading waterfall and tropical fish tank at Club Regent Casino put visitors into a tropical vacation state of mind. Try your luck at more than 800 slot machines, black jack, poker, roulette, keno and bingo. 1425 Regent Ave W, 957-2500. http://www.clubregent.com/
• The Hi Neighbour Festival is a giant annual carnival that takes place in the heart of Transcona, usually in early June. Live entertainment, a parade, children’s entertainers, fireworks, a petting zoo, face painting and other activities offer plenty of family enjoyment. Regent Ave W and Day St, 997-6383. http://www.hineighbourfestival.com/main/news.php
• Kiwanis Park is home to one of five locomotives on display in Manitoba. Get an up close look at a steam engine that was built in 1926 at the Transcona Canadian National Shops. Kildare Ave W and Plessis Rd. http://www.steamlocomotive.info/fstate.cfm?which=Manitoba
• Plans are in the works to redevelop an old parking lot into Transcona Centennial Square, saluting the area’s 100th anniversary in 2012. This quarter-acre park will feature year-round programming, including a market garden, gardens, Tai Chi, picnics, dances, concerts, film festivals, skating, a Christmas Village and more. North side of Regent Ave W, 100 block. For news on centennial events log on to http://www.transcona100.ca/events.html.
• Whether hitting the links, pitching horseshoes or playing a game of tennis, there are plenty of options for family fun at Harbour View Golf Course & Rec Complex. Ice skate, cross-country ski, and broomball rentals are available in winter months. 1867 Springfield Rd, 222-2751. http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parksandfields/ParkBooking/Bookableparks/Harbourview.asp
• Founded in 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, the Transcona Historical Museum tells the stories and history behind this vibrant community with an extensive collection of relics, photography and documents. Exhibits feature railway artifacts, clothing and household objects, along with 1,000 Manitoba bird eggs and 3,500 aboriginal artifacts found in Manitoba. 141 Regent Ave W, 222-0423. http://www.transconamuseum.mb.ca
• Plans are in the works to redevelop an old parking lot into Transcona Centennial Square, saluting the area’s 100th anniversary in 2012. This quarter-acre park will feature year-round programming, including a market garden, gardens, Tai Chi, picnics, dances, concerts, film festivals, skating, a “Christmas village” and more. North side of Regent Ave W, 100 block. For news on centennial events log on to http://www.transcona100.ca/events.html.