Introduction
Winnipeg’s Exchange District is historic, funky and on the edge of the three sides of art, architecture and commerce. Tightly located between Notre Dame and Ross Avenue from Adelaide to Main Street and across Main, close to the Forks near the Red River, the Exchange is alive with culture and currency.
Lifestyle
With established venues for entertainment, the area is always lively. It is home to the far out Fringe festival which hosts wacky plays in intriguing locations, the Jazz festival which boasts beautiful music and Old Market Square with her terra cotta structures surrounding City Hall. Walking down the streets gives you the sense that you’re part of an earlier time that reaches down the road to the treasures in theatre.
Dollars & Sense
This crowd can appreciate a night out for a minimalist price, but are willing to pay more for the pleasure of musical accompaniment or fine wine. Similarly to the vibe of the rest of Wolseley, this is a lo-fi community that doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg for a good dinner. But they would drop some extra coin for some awesome live music!
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
The Exchange and especially the Forks’ market has a fascinating assortment of art shops, framing, and clothing. The foodies would love it too and the nightlife beats with the heart of the city. Tourists would be sorry not to see the museums and the river firsthand, but because of the weather in the winter, it can be hard to enjoy like a local.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The one way streets, the cobblestone and the prairie-pie shaped community all converge to encourage walking over driving in the Exchange. Parking is limited, except at the Forks parkade. Most is available on street level. Buses and taxis are available day or night with main routes going in all directions nearby. Cyclists are common as well with many places to park your bike.
In the Area
Named for the Winnipeg Grain Exchange, the Exchange District including the Forks is home to over one hundred and fifty heritage buildings. The Health Sciences Centre is the closest hospital and both Red River College Continuing Education and the University of Winnipeg are in the immediate area and surrounding the Exchange.
Meet the Neighbours
Residents in the Exchange District range from semi-retired lovers of culture to thirty-something film buffs, but the main demographic for this area is quite distinct. Most residents are single, modern citizens in their late thirties with a slightly above average income. Since any locale in this area is within walking distance of the downtown business district, most can work close to home.
The Vibe
Artists carry tables and chairs inside a second-floor studio while a solitary business person waits to cross the street. In The Exchange, the commoners are celebrated on the common grounds. Albert Street ends with a view of the stage at the park. Store owners open their doors during business hours only to have the clubs close theirs because they’re full.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Into the Music
For collectibles, turntable supplies or the best of vinyl, this is your stop! This location is charmed and the selection is sizable, so come in and have a listen while you look around.
more infoThe Winnipeg Film Group
With year-round screenings in the Art Space building on Arthur, the Winnipeg Film Group promotes the art and exploration of cinema. Check the calendar for independent films to challenge your mind.
more infoMariaggi's Theme Suite Hotel & Spa
For a romantic getaway right downtown, this theme suite and spa built with European elegance can transform a simple room to a wondrous place with a waterfall for time and steam for space.
more infoToad Hall Toys
There’s magic and numbers, animals and space. A kid could get lost in here or in his imagination. With unique, inspiring toys from around the world, fun and fascination are hiding in every corner.
more infoRhymes with Orange
The “Oh so lovely!” spot for all the things you love from the 1950s and '60s. For fashion, feeling and colour, slip over to McDermot so you can flip over some seriously stunning flatware.
more infoKing's Head Pub and Eatery
For some hearty Indian dishes or classic English fish and chips, a live rockin’ band or a pint on the patio, check out the first or second storey of this staunch pub.
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