Winnipeg

Winnipeg is the capital and largest city in the province of Manitoba, Canada. Because rail and highway traffic between eastern and western Canada must travel through or near the city, it is often called the "Gateway to the West". The city is located at the confluence of the Red River and Assiniboine River, a point locally as The Forks. Nearby Lake Winnipeg is Canada's fifth largest lake and the world's eleventh largest.

History

Winnipeg General Strike

The Winnipeg General Strike, from May 15 to June 25, 1919, was Canada's most notable general strike.

Climate

Winters in Winnipeg can be cold, with locals dubbing the city "Winterpeg" on account of its frigid temperatures. An 8.5-kilometre section of Assiniboine River in the city is now claimed to be the world's longest skating rink — eclipsing that of Ottawa's Rideau Canal.

Culture

Perhaps because of the city's relative isolation from other major centres, Winnipeg has a vibrant arts scene. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is Canada's oldest ballet company and the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America. The Winnipeg Folk Festival is an important annual event. The city has given rise to many of Canada's top musical acts, including the Guess Who.

Sports

The city is home to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. The Winnipeg Jets ice hockey franchise was moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where it now plays as the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League. The city has hosted the Pan American Games twice, in 1967 and 1999.