Forget the tourist traps! Travel like a fashionable local in six of our coolest cities.
Winnipeg
The buzz Any city that thrives in –30°C temperatures deserves its rep for toughness. But there’s more to Winnipeg than its hard-earned authenticity: Dubbed the “Chicago of the North,” it boasts examples of Chicago School architecture as well as a growing arts scene. Iconoclasts like filmmaker Guy Maddin and magazine entrepreneur Tyler Brûlé grew up here, and young artists are continuing their legacy, creating bohemian enclaves in the Exchange District and Osborne Village.
Stay Sleek and sexy, the Inn at the Forks embodies the intersection of nature and design. Located on the Forks National Historical Site, where the Assiniboine and Red rivers meet, the hotel has a boutique aesthetic, but the requisite glass, steel and stone are punctuated with paintings by local artists. At the on-site Riverstone Spa, book the Complete Vichy Shower (a full-body exfoliation, mud wrap and massage). Arrive early to experience the eucalyptus-infused steam room.
Shop and stroll Start your day at the hip brunch spot The Tallest Poppy, which is helping to revitalize the North Main area. Its mostly organic menu changes daily, but a constant is the delicious coffee and offbeat charm (think mismatched chairs and a carved polar bear). Then head to Osborne Village, a boho-chic area in the centre of the city. If you’re in the market for an LBD, visit Frockstar, which specializes in dresses and jewellery to accessorize them. Out of the Blue — Frockstar’s sister store — carries trendsetting lines like Susan Harris, a Canadian designer who creates dresses and tanks from recycled materials, and Gentle Fawn.
Dine and drink Pizzeria Gusto offers gourmet pies in a friendly, upscale ambience. Try the Sophia, with pecorino cheese, mushrooms and truffle oil; for dessert, Chef Scott Bagshaw recommends the Duo Panna Cotta, a lemon and espresso custard served with almond cookies.
IN TUNE
Once home to musicians as diverse as Neil Young and Christine Fellows, Winnipeg has always had a great livemusic scene. The Lo Pub is where all the hipsters and scenesters come together to check out up-and-coming indie bands. Jack Jonasson is the owner of the venue and a mod-rock musician with the band Novillero. “Winnipeg is like any other city with a bunch of great bands," he says. "It’s just that Winnipeg has a higher proportion of the great” (204-802-0911).
Text by Lydia Guo
Image of the Exchange District, an emerging spot for artists, by Tibor Bognar/Alamy
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