St. Boniface
Affectionately celebrated 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 a tapestry of history, culture, and community life, with several quality museums. It is also the gravesite of Louis Riel, the Metis leader and the founder of Manitoba. St. Boniface comes alive each February with the Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada's largest winter festival, which takes place at the historic Fort Gibraltar. 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).
Tucked in off the main streets are some great residential areas known for their higher-end homes, including Norwood – which straddles the Red River and contains one of the best summer markets 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 tree carvings. The further south you go, the larger suburbs you’ll encounter, including the ever-growing and highly modern Sage Creek and the more 80s/90s style Island Lakes. The area is also peppered with prestigious golf courses, including Niakwa and Southland, adding to the recreational offerings of this already diverse quarter.
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.
