Manitoba Connects the Heart
One of dozens of Arctic Wildlife murals on garage doors an fences. The “Back Alley Outdoor Art Gallery” - Kal Barteski
June 27, 2022
As a seasoned North Westerner, I have become intimately familiar with things Pacific Coast and Canadian Rockies, northern Canada and with our neighbours to the west, Alaska. Central Canada and specifically Manitoba is a place I have always flown over enroute to work, or the east coast, but I had never had the opportunity to spend much time where Canadas heart beats.
In June 2022, I got to drive into it, explore it, dine in it, learn and tour in it, and reflect. I have been to Winnipeg only for very short work trips but had never travelled beyond. This trip has changed my perceptions tenfold!
Today, I have many friends and work colleagues that reside in this province and I finally got meet some of them and reconnect with others in person.
Wow Winnipeg and Lake Country Culture in Manitoba! I’m dazzled and charmed.
Wow Culinary Scene and Culture! I’m inspired and enriched.
Wow History, Heritage, and Tradition! My brain and my heart want more.
Connecting Canada has had many objectives:
A refreshing orange wine on a humid day at the Forks
The famous and richly-storied Manitoba Legislative Building - laden in gold
Geographically, I wanted to connect the provinces together, inspiring Canadians to think about home for travel.
Professionally, I hoped to work with Parks Canada, the TransCanada Trail and VIA Rail on enhancing tourism and visitor experiences with insight to marketing and experience development - CHECK!
Personally, I couldn’t wait to visit with dear friends, and also meet people I have been working with - online - for the past 1.5 years in person! Like in the flesh! Amazing!
Finally, this adventure has also been one of introspection - exploring my identity to Canada, to place, in my work world and to myself. Beautiful Hard Work!
Manitoba - Where Canada’s Heart Beats is doing all of this for me. So Canada, here’s what you might not have considered in a trip to the province:
The very first Treaty, Treaty One, was negotiated on these lands by none other than Louis Riel. You can feel the significance of his battle and values and stewardship on every corner of downtown Winnipeg.
The food scene in Winnipeg across diverse neighborhoods has my palate exploding with joy! Chilled Orange wine on a humid day. Italian, French, greek, and more Formidable!
The French speaking community in Manitoba has ignited my love of language and my Francophile pride to share and practice.
The lake systems north of Winnipeg - Winnipeg Beach, Lac du Bonnet, Gimli, Grand Beach to name a few! Giant waters, endless sandy beaches, beach combing treasures, big skies and warm sun. The communities surrounding these beaches are inpart resort towns. They are welcoming, generous, charming and warm. Strolling lake fronts in small communities teeming with visitors and shops with their doors open and fans waving people in…. it’s like out of a movie.
Northern Manitoba awaits! Tomorrow, a 45-hour VIA Rail Train adventure, beluga whales and Canada Day celebrations await. #neverhaveiever
When you travel, what journey objectives would you seek? Family, familiarity, adventure, food….. ? Your personal itinerary can have so much to explore and experience - consider Manitoba!
#Canadasheartbeats
#Manitobalove
#Treatyone
#Anishinaabeg
#Anishininewuk
#Dakota Oyate
#Denesuline
#Nehethowuk
Murals and Ghost Signs sneak up across downtown Winnipeg #publicartlove