Winnipeg’s architectural landscape is vibrant and picturesque, its original flavour 
sustained from the days when Main Street was little more than a muddy track, and horses trotted through the streets.
The Exchange District in particular, is a witness to Winnipeg’s storied past, boasting around 150 well-preserved buildings dating back over two centuries. Once the focus of business activities of the international scale and the host to celebrated performers like Charlie Chaplin, this warehouse district is now home to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Situated at the heart of the continent and propelled into prominence by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Winnipeg experienced a golden age of development at the turn of the 20th century. It became Canada’s largest metropolitan center and an economic and transportation hub, drawing inspiration from various architectural styles of the time. It was even nicknamed after its rival-city: Chicago of the North.
The construction boom came along and produced North America’s first skyscrapers in the city’s core, that was named for the Winnipeg Grain and Produce Exchange founded in 1887.
The 20-block district was built with the most innovative techniques available at the time. Take a stroll, and you’ll see plenty of original signage and old-fashioned ads on the brick walls – a throwback to the past. Its Chicago-style warehouses, theatres and banks, with vibrant facades and intricate masonry work attracted movie-makers and have been featured in a number of Hollywood films over the years.
Although the city’s economic growth was slowed by World War I and the construction of the Panama Canal, these challenges inadvertently helped to preserve Winnipeg’s architectural heritage. Scarce funds meant that many of the early buildings were spared from modernization or demolition, preserving their timeless charm for generations to come.
Today, the Exchange District – a designated National Historic Site – remains the beating heart of the city and even the modern marvels like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the iconic Esplanade Riel Bridge, cannot undermine its appeal. Its streets whisper tales of days gone by; its fronts adorned with echoes of former glory. For any curious visitor, it’s a visual feast not to be missed. So, take a stroll, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
By: Anna Aráoz