Winnipeg is the vibrant, creative capital of Manitoba, right at the geographical centre of Canada and North America. A mid-sized city of over 712,000 culturally diverse people, Winnipeg offers a community with a cosmopolitan, international flair as well as a warm, welcoming spirit. Winnipeg hosts 60% of Manitoba’s residents and continues to grow at a brisk pace.
Described as the “cultural cradle of Canada,” Winnipeg offers a variety of arts, culture, sports, recreation and entertainment to satisfy every taste. We’re a four-season city that celebrates a rich colourful history through our many historic sites, exhibits, attractions and yearly festivals. From the architecturally distinctive Exchange District, to the joie de vivre of Old St. Boniface – Winnipeg’s French Quarter, to the heart of history at The Forks, Winnipeg is a striking blend of old and new, traditional and avant-garde – a cultural oasis without pretension.
The junction of the Red and the Assiniboine Rivers, now known as The Forks, was a trading spot for Aboriginal tribes. Cree, Ojibwa and the Assiniboin Nations traded furs, shell beads and other goods on this spot.
In 1738, the French explorer and trader, La Verendrye, was the first European to reach this meeting place at the junction of the rivers, and, in 1812, Lord Selkirk convinced 105 Scottish farmers to come and form the Red River Settlement at The Forks. This started an immigration boom that solidified the future of Winnipeg.
As a model of multiculturalism, Winnipeg’s history reflects the important role immigration has played in the city’s development. Over 200 ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages are represented here. Winnipeg’s level of cultural achievement and flourishing arts scene is largely attributed to this rich mixture of ethnic populations.
Located at the geographic centre of North America, Winnipeg borders the provinces of Ontario to the east, Saskatchewan to the west, Nunavut to the north, and the U.S. states of Minnesota and North Dakota to the south.
Winnipeg's geographic location places the city on the eastern edge of the Canadian Prairies, the northern extension of North America’s Great Plains region. The surrounding landscape is characterized by agricultural land utilized for grain production and livestock. In addition, the area includes forests, marsh landscapes, and various lakes and rivers including Lake Winnipeg, the third largest lake in Canada and 13th in the world.
Its central location makes Winnipeg easily accessible by air, road and railway. Via major airlines, Winnipeg is only two hours from the cities of Calgary, Edmonton, Minneapolis, Chicago and Denver. For those travelling by road east and west, Winnipeg is conveniently located on Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway and Yellowhead Route. For those travelling to and from the United States, Winnipeg is only 97 km (60 miles) north of the Canada-U.S. border and connects directly with Interstate 29. Winnipeg is also accessible by railway as a destination along the “Canadian” route operated by VIA Rail Canada.
Winnipeg’s longitude and latitude coordinates are: 49 degrees 53 minutes 4 seconds north and 97 degrees 8 minutes 47 seconds west.
Time Zone
Winnipeg’s central location on the continent places it within North America’s Central Time Zone. The difference to Eastern Time and Mountain Time Zones is only one hour. There is a two-hour difference between Winnipeg and Atlantic or Pacific Time Zones. Manitoba observes Central Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. local time on the second Sunday in March when clocks move ahead one hour. At 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November, Manitoba clocks are turned back one hour and return to Standard Time.
Climate
Winnipeg experiences a continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons creating a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Average temperatures range between -12 degrees Celsius (+10.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter months to +26 degrees Celsius (+78.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summertime. Winnipeg receives over 2,300 hours of sunlight annually. Due to its northern location, Winnipeg residents enjoy up to 16 hours of sunlight daily during the summer months. Winnipeg’s averages approximately 51.4 centimetres (20.2 inches) of precipitation each year.
Source: Environment Canada
Currency
The currency used in Winnipeg is the Canadian Dollar. Foreign currency exchanges can be made at all major banks: Royal Bank, Imperial Bank of Commerce, Scotia Bank, Toronto Dominion and Bank of Montreal.
Winnipeg Fast Facts
If you’re looking for quick information on everything from Winnipeg’s population to the number of hospitals or the cost of leasing commercial or industrial space, you’ll find it and more in our Fast Facts. A quick hit of information when you just want "the facts."
Download our Fast Facts PDF
Visitor's Guide
If you want a quick reference for what to see and do in Winnipeg and information about attractions, have a look at our Visitor's Guide.
