St. Boniface
Affectionately known as Winnipeg’s French Quarter, St. Boniface is like a little slice of France on the prairies, replete with signage en français. The area, located just steps across the Esplanade Riel from downtown, is steeped in history, with several quality museums depicting this along with being the gravesite of Louis Riel – the Metis leader who is the Manitoba’s founder. The area is also home to Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival, which takes place every February at Fort Girbaltar. St. B’s two main drags, Provencher Boulevard and Marion Street, house some of Winnipeg’s finest restaurants, bars, bakeries and cafes featuring French fare (of course, with many owned by bakers who moved here from France) along with one of the city’s cutest spots, Dwarf no Cachette, whose owners have brought a piece of their home city of Tokyo to Winnipeg.
Tucked in off the main streets are some great residential areas with house prices that are in the upper echelon for Winnipeg, this includes Norwood – which straddles the Red River and contains the best summer market in the city – St. Leon Gardens, and North St. Boniface, which is situated between the Red and Seine River. The Seine River cuts through the area running south-north and is surrounded by verdant parklands, including the famed Bois-des-Esprit with its abundant wildlife and whimsical carvings. The further south you go, the more large suburbs you’ll encounter, including the ever-growing and high-priced Sage Creek and the more-80s/90s Island Lakes. Many quality golf courses are also found throughout the area, namely Niakwa and Southland.
Sub neighbourhoods include: Central St. Boniface, North St. Boniface, Norwood, Archwood, Dufresne, Holden, Island Lakes, Maginot, Niakwa park, Niakwa Place Royalwood, Sage Creek, Southdale, Southland park, Windsor Park.
