You’ll never really know a place until you’ve lived in it. Just like you, I searched the internet for information about Manitoba before moving here. But even the most diligent research could not prepare me for these eight things:

1. Manitobans have a charitable spirit

   Manitoba routinely donates more per capita than any other province. In fact, it is the most charitable province in 2022 and has stayed in the top five for North America since then. Manitobans are dedicated to their community and volunteering is a way of life.

2. It really has two seasons: winter and construction!

   Everyone jokes about it but when you live here, you’ll see that it’s about accurate. Summer won’t be complete without road construction since it’s the perfect time to repair potholes and other damage wrought by the winter months – in order to be prepared for the coming winter months (lol!). Drivers and commuters can expect a lot of re-routing, heavy traffic, and “drive-slowly” signs along the roads when it’s construction season.

3. “Pegcentricities”

   • Bus culture – I like commuting, so the first set of norms I learned were those surrounding busing. In my humble opinion, it is where you will most feel that Winnipeg is a “big small town.” Here are a few things I learned:
     • Always check bus schedules before you leave. They are subject to change.
     • Always be early. I always make a five minute allowance to the prescribed time on Navigo. So if it says the bus will arrive at 8:30, I should be at the bus stop by 8:25 or earlier.
     • Small talk at the bus stop is common. Weather is usually the topic of the day.
     • Leave the front seats (the ones immediately after the driver) for passengers with baby carriages and the elderly or disabled with wheelchairs or walkers.
     • If you are near the aforementioned front seats, be ready to pull the seats up to leave space for carriages, wheelchairs or walkers.
     • Move towards the exit before the bus stops if you intend to get off (after you ring the bell).
   • Lagimodière, Des Meurons, Cockburn, and St. Vital – If there’s anything that will immediately tag you as a newcomer, it’s the wrong pronunciation of these places in Winnipeg (as this blog Winnipeg O’ My Heart points out). So here’s your cheat sheet: Lagimodière Boulevard (lahz-mo-dee-air), Des Meurons (day-meu-rohn), Cockburn (coh-burn), and St. Vital (vih-TAL).
   • Socials – Have you ever bought a ticket to a “social”? A social is a uniquely Manitoba-grown concept. It is a fundraising activity for a wedding or a community cause. And just like most parties, it will have food and wine, except that you may have to pay for them (there’s also music and dancing and they’re for free!). A ticket gets you an entry for a raffle which could be for prizes, or for a 50/50 draw.

4. The prairies are mind-blowingly beautiful!

   We took a road trip to Banff in my first year in Manitoba. Nothing could prepare me for 14 hours of extremely clear skies, and the vast expanse of tall prairie grass and yellow Canola fields gracefully waving in the wind. At one point, we passed by white, gigantic windmills looking imposing against the electric blue backdrop of Manitoba skies. It’s amazing scenery unlike anything in the world.

5. Neighbourhoods place a high value on manicured lawns

   Having a clean, well-maintained and weed-free front lawn is taken as a sign that you are going to be a good neighbour (just kidding!). But seriously, Manitobans take great pride in keeping their lawns well-manicured. In the summer, homeowners get busy mowing, weeding, planting and tending gardens. The sight of greenery and flowers makes your walk around the neighbourhood an extra special treat.

6. Manitobans really love a good deal

   Manitobans are a practical bunch. They love sales, bargains, discounts, tax-free days, deals of the week and other promotions. And who doesn’t?

   Did you know that every Tuesday, movies are almost half-price (check your favourite moviehouse for admission prices)? Of course, nothing beats free movies at the park or at the beach in summer (Asssiniboine Park events). Want to know more ways to save? Check out the blog Save Money in Winnipeg or join the Facebook Group Penny Pinchers Winnipeg to know the best deals in the city.

7. Mosquitoes and forest tent caterpillars

   Summer ushers in mosquito season in Manitoba. But not to worry, scheduled foggings take these pesky insects away. And as long as you are armed with bug spray, you can go on enjoying the great outdoors – and it is truly beautiful in summer!.

   Last May, I was alarmed at the sight of a tree being overrun by caterpillars! Forest tent caterpillars typically infest the city once every 10 to 15 years, but when an infestation hits, it can last two to three years (5 things to know about forest tent caterpillars, CBC News). But aside from grossing you out, these caterpillars cause humans no harm. However, they can cause tree deaths since they eat the leaves. Spraying insecticides such as permethrin, pyrethroid, or malathion stops the infestation.

8. It is historic

   Winnipeg was known as the “Chicago of the North” around the turn of the century. It was the gateway to Canada’s west between 1880 and 1900. It played a key role as a centre of grain and wholesale trade, finance, and manufacturing.

   A reminder of this period is the Exchange District which was designated as a national historic site in 1997. I joined a tour of the area during my first week in Manitoba and discovered 150 heritage buildings. I came out of the experience having a renewed sense of pride for Winnipeggers and for Manitobans in general. From a cold, alien place, it became an authentic city steeped in history and pride.

What’s something new and amazing you’ve discovered about Manitoba?