Marc's Guide to Winnipeg
Tour the city with the owner of Prairie Moto.
THE CULTURAL CRADLE OF CANADA
Winnipeg is a city with a rich celebrated past. With enough stories to fill over 40 museums (there are nearly 200 museums across Manitoba!), there is no shortage of art galleries, community museums, cultural events and festivals, heritage centres, historical societies, historic buildings, natural history and science museums, and nature centres to experience. Today, the city is renowned for its thriving arts and culture scene.
So without further ado, here are Marc’s favourite spots in Winnipeg!
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Go-to brunch spot?
Clementine in the Exchange District, hands down.
Your all-time favourite restaurant for lunch?
My personal favourite lunch place is King + Bannatyne. They are the best sandwich shop in Winnipeg hands down. Everything from smoked brisket to vegan jackfruit, amazing sides like their potato salad which is the bomb and they also serve local beers as well.
Best coffee shop?
Ohhh this is a close one. Cafe Postal is one of the best coffee shops by far that also carries wonderful baked goods and a chill vibe, but then my homies at Moto 49 also serve up some mean java and goodies with a side of MOTORCYCLE PEOPLE AND PROJECTS <3
We’ve saved room for dessert. Where should we go?
Baked Expectations in the heart of trendy Osborne Village is a favourite. They have amazing cakes, pies, tortes and more. Lots of allergy friendly options too!
Where should we grab dinner with friends?
My favourite dinner place is Inferno’s Bistro. It’s a locally owned restaurant that specializes in french-fusion cuisine with some amazing dishes of all kinds.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
When’s the best time of year to visit?
I would say July/August when all the greenery is in full swing, the city flowers are in bloom and the festivals and nightlife are kickin’.
Any tourist traps to avoid?
There aren't really any. Everything is still worth checking out and doesn’t get that busy.Any markets worth checking out?
My favourite is Jardins St Leon, which is a market that sells local produce, foods and even greenhouse plants. It’s like a little wonderland of all things that make a person happy :)
We want to dance the night away, but not with tourists! Where should we go?
The Goodwill Social Club is an inclusive and friendly live music and dance club that makes everyone feel welcome and is known for their great theme nights and coffee during the day.The best live music venue? Any local bands worth mentioning?
My favourite live music venue is small but has some of the best music and that’s “Times Changed High and Lonesome Club”. They have all sorts of musical acts go through there of all genres. Once a year in February, The Festival du Voyageur is a Franco-Manitoban cultural festival that celebrates the rich french history and life. They feature some amazing local bands such as Attica Riots, Begonia, Faozia, Heartbeat City, Red Moon Road and The Treble.Indoor bar hang for a rainy day?
Yellow Dog Tavern is a chill place to have some drinks and just hang out.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Favourite neighbourhood?
This is a tie. One great spot is Old St Boniface which is the french quarter in Winnipeg that has many great restaurants, live music venues and beautiful parks. Another neighbourhood in Winnipeg would be Little Italy or the “Corydon Avenue Strip”. It’s a mix of residential and business with the right amount of nightlife and restaurants/bars.
Best patio?
Any of the patios on Corydon Ave are always good for food and drink.Notable craft breweries to enjoy a pint? My two favourites are Barn Hammer Brewery and Little Brown Jug. Other notables are Torque and Sookrams’.
Where’s the best non-moto store to shop?
Made Here is a neat shop that sells only local goods and products from small makers around the province (including Prairie Moto.)Where would we find you on a day off?
Always Moto 49 or out in the woods riding!The best spot to take a date?
The Forks Market is great for that during all seasons. Tons of sights to see, patios overlooking the river with great vibes and sometimes local music and dancing. In the winter, you can skate down the Red River and Assiniboine River on what is known as the longest skating trail in Canada.
Is there a hidden beach or swimming hole few tourists know about?
There is one called Reynolds Ponds that used to be fairly quiet even locally, but has somewhat ballooned in popularity since the pandemic closed so many parks and beaches. It’s a former gravel excavation site that has a 99ft pit that is the most beautiful colours of blue, turquoise and green depending on the sunlight. There is also a nude beach on the north point of Patricia Beach on Lake Winnipeg.
Any other spots only locals would know?
The West Broadway area is sort of a hidden gem that has some amazing restaurants and businesses and it’s beautiful during the summer time.We’re looking for creative inspiration. Any shows, museums, or inspirational places to visit? Any architectural landmarks to see?
The museum for Human Rights is a neat place to learn all about some of the rich but sometimes troubling history of Canada. The architecture of that building itself is amazing. The Winnipeg Art Gallery also serves up amazing exhibits and shows that are always impressing people both local and visiting.
What’s one thing you miss most when you’re away?
Aside from family, I really do love the simplicity of it here. It’s quiet, the air is typically very fresh and varies from season to season depending on the farming and plant cycles. The climate has extremes from -35C to +40C It’s just home…
READY FOR A RIP
Your favourite route or scenic road in the area?
My favourite route or scenic area is through the Whiteshell Provincial Park. It’s part of the Canadian Shield and is a windy (but sometimes treacherous) set of roads with towering pine trees, rock faces as high as you can see and hundreds of beautiful lakes and cabins.
If you could do a multi-day moto trip leaving from your front door, what would it look like?
I would head south west down Highway 2 and work my way along the Pembina Valley. From there, I would mosey on North up highway 10 and travel to Sprucewoods Provincial Park and camp the night.
From there, I would head north west to Roding Mountain National Park and spend the day cruising around the park and also enjoying the night life and markets in Wasagaming.
After spending the night at the campground there, I would try to make it out to Little Limestone Lake which is a solid 3-4 hours north and see if I could spend the night there. You need to get the local Indigenous Band’s permission as it is treaty land.
The next day, I would follow Lake Manitoba back home to Winnipeg!
SIMPLY THE BEST
The best place to watch the sunrise or sunset?
One of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen was from the beach at Hecla Island Park on Lake Winnipeg.Best spot for shopping? Which stores?
Some of the best shopping is at the Forks market. The forks was a traditional trading place for indigenous people and settlers and it is where the two main rivers in Manitoba meet up. It is also the site of The Canadian Museum for Human Rights as well as The Plaza, a world class skateboarding park.
Where’s the best place for a newcomer to connect with other local riders?
In terms of vibe and inclusivity it’s definitely Moto 49. Louis and Robyn are two of the most loving and welcoming people I know. Outside of their amazing selves, the clientele is always changing and I’ve met so many wonderful motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages and types.
What, in your opinion, is Winnipeg’s best kept secret?
For me, it really is the rich culture of the different ethnic groups that have settled here and made businesses/restaurants. There are more restaurants per capita here than anywhere else in Canada. Bring your stretchy pants!Best souvenir to bring home?
A six of “Le Sneak Belgique” from Barnhammer and a six of “1919 Ale” from Little Brown Jug.
Thanks to Marc for his generosity! You can get to know more about Marc in part one of our interview, check out his projects, and follow his adventures on Instagram.
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