Tourism Winnipeg

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Historically, the area known as Wolseley was home to an amusement park for several years before it closed permanently in 1909. Today, this charming neighbourhood is once again a bustling area of excitement, and one of the most intact pre-1930 residential areas in Canada. In fact, famous Canadian women’s rights activist Nellie McClung lived on Chestnut St from 1911 to 1914. Affectionately known as "The Granola Belt" of Winnipeg, Wolseley is a neighbourhood in tune with Mother Nature. Here you will find an organic bakery, bookstore, fair-trade coffee shop, organic grocery store and handmade perfumery. Omand Park is a unique green space on the cusp of Wolseley, where you’ll also find Omand’s Creek. While in Wolseley, swing by the Westminster United Church for a captivating performance by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra.

Location: The approximate boundaries are Empress St to the west, the Assiniboine River to the south, Portage Ave to the north and Maryland St to the east. Located 1.5 km from downtown and 6.1 km from the airport.

How to get there: From the airport, turn onto Wellington Ave and turn right onto King Edward St (Route 90). Keep left and head over the St. James Bridge. On the right, take the ramp to Portage Ave. Turn left onto Portage Ave. Turn right onto Ragland Rd that turns into Wolseley Ave to enter the neighbourhood.

Bus routes: 10, 11, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 29, 36, 67

Top Places to Eat and Shop

• All-natural skincare company Heartsease uses only natural ingredients—meaning no animal products, chemicals, dyes or artificial scents—in its line. Pamper yourself with body balm, perfume, soap, lip balms and other handmade body-care treats. 941 Westminster Ave, 474-0470. http://heartsease.ca/welcome/
• Curl up with a cup of fair-trade coffee, locally baked goodies and one of the many used books for sale inside the sunny Neighbourhood Bookstore and Cafe. Thursday evenings are designated for live entertainment. 898 Westminster Ave, 772-0509. http://neighbourhoodcafe.wordpress.com
• Eco-conscious shoppers head to Organic Planet Worker Co-op for organic, fair-trade and locally produced groceries, as well as home and body care products. The on-site deli offers freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, from-scratch vegan soups and baked goods made with locally ground spelt flour. 877 Westminster Ave, 772-8771. http://www.organicplanet.coop
• Prairie Sky Books is an institution in the neighbourhood, having served the community since 1978. Read up on astrology, yoga and tai chi, or pick up beautiful crafts sourced from around the world, including wood carvings, glass art and beeswax candles. 871 Westminster Ave, 774-6152. http://www.prairieskybooks.com/
• The sticky-sweet, whole wheat cinnamon buns from Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company attract customers from all corners of the city. Beyond the buns, Tall Grass is renowned for its strong commitment to using organic grains, stone-ground flour milled on-site and ingredients from local producers in its top quality, whole foods baking. 859 Westminster Ave, 783-5097. http://www.tallgrassbakery.ca/

Top Things to See and Do

• Visit the former residence of Canadian women’s right activist Nellie McClung. A blue metal oval plaque out front explains she lived at McClung House from 1911-1914. Nearby, a plaque at Wolseley Ave and Lenore St recognizes McClung’s involvement in the social reform and women’s suffrage movements in the early 20th century. (McClung House) 97 Chestnut St. http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/mcclunghouse.shtml
• Located on the western edge of Wolseley, Omand Park is home to baseball diamonds, several pathways and Omand’s Creek. This creek is an important habitat for fish and other wildlife, including mallards, great blue herons, muskrats, jack rabbits, painted turtles and northern pike. Enter Omand’s Park off Ragland Rd.
• The grand towers, stunning stained glass and dramatic neo-gothic architecture of Westminster United Church have made this place of worship a neighbourhood landmark since 1892. Catch regular concerts here by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra or as part of the church’s organ performance series. 745 Westminster Ave, 784-1330. http://www.westminsterchurchwinnipeg.ca/