Winnipeg's Exchange District is 20 downtown blocks of lovingly restored 19th-century buildings that now house antiques shops, restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, galleries and boutiques. This is the location of Winnipeg's City Hall and Old Market Square, as well as the heart of Winnipeg's arts community: The ballet and the symphony perform at Centennial Concert Hall, and several theaters operate in the area, including the Manitoba Theatre Centre, MTC Warehouse Theatre and Pantages Playhouse Theatre.
Cross the Provencher Bridge by vehicle or along the pedestrian walkway (the Esplanade Riel) that spans the Red River north of The Forks to reach St. Boniface, the largest French Canadian community in Canada outside of Quebec. Stroll along Provencher Boulevard and sample the restaurants and shops that reflect the vibrant local francophone culture. Also, be sure to visit the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, which has art exhibits, craft sales, performances and food.
North of downtown (near the Exchange District) is the city's tiny Chinatown, with Asian gift shops, grocery stores and dim sum restaurants. In sharp contrast to the cramped quarters of many big-city Chinatowns, this one has an open feel: Wide streets and low buildings characterize the little neighborhood. The Chinese Cultural Centre—note the two huge marble lions—has a small, pleasant ornamental garden.
In the city's prosperous south end, Corydon Avenue is home to Little Italy's restaurants, gelati shops, and avant-garde furniture and clothing-design boutiques. Chic Winnipeggers head to the Corydon strip for summer-evening gelati and walkabouts, or to the Osborne Village, just across the bridge from the Legislative Building, to visit funky pottery shops and a thriving jumble of ethnic restaurants. A 10-minute drive from both Osborne and Corydon, another spot to see and be seen is Academy Road with its upscale boutiques and restaurants.
