Explore Winnipeg with Doors Open
One of my favourite local tourism events is Doors Open 'Portes Ouvertes' Winnipeg. The annual weekend organized by Heritage Winnipeg — this year on May 24 and 25 — offers up free tours of interesting locales all over the city. Take a look at the doorsopenwinnipeg.ca website, decide where you want to go, note the dates, times and policies, and go. Here are some ideas.
This year marks a century of military aviation history with the 100th anniversary of Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg. One of Canada's oldest air force bases, 17 Wing opened in 1925 and played a major role in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War. Today, 17 Wing is a vital hub for the Royal Canadian Air Force, delivering aircrew training, supporting fighter operations, and providing administrative and logistical support to over 113 units across Canada. They'll open their doors for family friendly activities, guided base tours, and a rare behind-the-scenes look inside military operations.
Get a glimpse of sustainable prairie life with a guided tour of solar-powered Aurora Farm. Located on a historic Métis river lot in south Winnipeg, the farm's diverse operations are testament to its commitment to sustainability, organic gardening, native prairie restoration, and the Indigenous teachings that guide its practices. The resident goats, alpacas, chickens, and horses transform the farm's commerce potential even further, through the production of artisanal items like goats' milk soap and alpaca fleece. A fun opportunity to see first-hand how ecological practices are alive and thriving.
Free Press file photo
Aurora Farm is one of many local institutions opening its doors to the public during Doors Open 'Portes Ouvertes' Winnipeg, which takes place May 24 and 25.
Discover Winnipeg's naturally grown heritage at Living Prairie Museum, a unique urban nature preserve and stunning example of endangered tall-grass prairie habitats. The 13-hectare park protects one of the last remaining patches of authentic prairie in the province, with over 150 species of grasses and wildflowers. Walk the scenic trails, have a sit-down at the seating areas, or stop by the interpretive centre with hands-on exhibits and activities that reveal more about Manitoba's floras and faunas. Be sure to take a piece of the prairies home with you, too, with Prairie Flora Greenhouse on-site selling native plants.
Winnipeg's West End is a vibrant neighbourhood where history and architecture intertwine. Developed during the city's rapid growth between 1890 and 1912, it boasts a tapestry of heritage buildings and cultural landmarks. The area is also renowned for its mural collection, depicting stories of local heroes and cultural milestones. A guided tour will take you on a journey to explore the many gems, structures, and monuments that make up the West End, and share about the diverse communities that have shaped the neighbourhood's character over the past 135 years.
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Going back even further… it was 1881 when cousins George and John Galt II built a wooden boat and began rowing on the Red River in Point Douglas. Their passion led to the founding of the Winnipeg Rowing Club — officially incorporated in 1883 and recognized by provincial legislation in 1886 — and kick-started what would become a rich history of rowing in Manitoba. Today, the WRC runs learn-to-row, recreational and competitive programs out of the 'big blue boathouse' on Lyndale Drive.
During Open Doors Winnipeg, members of the public can tour the club, test out the ergometers, or try their hands at dockside rowing, or on the water.
RoseAnna SchickTravelations
RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rasinspired@gmail.com
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