Introduction
Saint Boniface runs north as far as Mission Street following the Red River west along Tache Avenue and later Lyndale Drive. A large area with francophone residents, the Saint Boniface ward extends east past Archibald Street to Plessis Road and reaches as far south as the Perimeter Highway.
Lifestyle
St. Boniface brings dance at the Franco-Canadien Cultural Centre, theatre in the cemetery, a stop at the chocolate shop or a bite at Chez Sophie walking on the Esplanade Riel. Life is enjoyed by most on the street every day of the week. The faces of St. Boniface are moderately young and charmingly old, more diverse, with greater Aboriginal awareness and definitely francophone.
The Vibe
The vibe in St. Boniface is clearly French-Canadian. From the Forks, it careens like canoe-carrying voyageurs to the next creek. Since fur trading once framed the foundation around Winnipeg’s largest French quarter, you can find the roads by following the rivers. One statue or another pays tribute to the turbulent history of the area. An unnamed soldier guards the east. Louis Riel of the Red River Rebellion faces the west.
Meet the Neighbours
Former residents counted French as their first language, now most are more diverse and English-speaking. They may not look as rugged as the prairie pioneers of old but they celebrate this French catholic heritage just the same. There are a large number of seniors in the population, low to middle income homes and typically fewer of these households with children residing there so it can be sedate.
In the Area
St. Boniface is affordable for a middle income bracket, though it caters to high end condo owners along the river. A small budget can live here resourcefully within reach of city services.
7.3 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Traffic here is constant over the bridges, so there are several traffic lights and mildly congested routes. The airport is not convenient and there is a smoky industrial area in the east consuming large plots of land. Close to downtown there are several bus routes and river walks for pedestrians.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
St. Boniface hospital dominates the landscape with many auxiliary health and social services. Parks are plentiful, like Whittier or King George park, with three golf courses and trails throughout the area. There is St. Boniface City Hall, the Mint, St. Boniface Cathedral with two bell towers and the Universite de Saint-Boniface.
Dollars & Sense
St. Boniface is loved by those who enjoy a bit of French culture, history and who like to live close to downtown. Shopping and services are ample. Health and business sectors thrive, but work is not available for everyone. Young families or those who favour the suburbs may prefer more child-centred neighbourhoods.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
St. Boniface Museum
A nun’s convent of 19th century famous facts and artifacts. Nos musee features Franco-Manitobans, Metis and First Nations people when rights to land and liberty were yet to be honoured.
more infoLe Garage
Live entertainment and fine food from the French quarter. Hang out with friends and local musicians. Try the poutine or try the mic. ‘Support your local dive.’
more infoFestival du Voyageur
The headquarters for February’s favourite French festival. Tour the ice sculptures and find the voyageurs’ sach at the Trading Post in the fort. Get your maple sugar pie on a stick!
more infoSoul Medicine Psychic Shoppe
For your teas, herbs and oils; consult the cards while you’re there. Provencher’s psychics and mediums invite you to experience divine healing. Come here for some soul medicine.
more infoDominion Square
The only square with no corners. Found at the foot of the Norwood Bridge, this handy smile-shaped strip has tons of bilingual shopping to meet the diverse needs of the downtown traveler. Enchante!
more infoHouse of Vape
Electronic cigarettes and over 200 e-fruit flavours of vapour. New to Winnipeg, now in St. Boniface. Join the juice bar while listening to Johnny Cash on LP.
more info