A Yiddish Homecoming

With a dramatic past drawn from its central position as the geographic heart of Canada, the province of Manitoba has attracted explorers and settlers for thousands of years. Jewish immigrants, many of them refugees fleeing persecution and violence in Russia, began settling here as early as 1877.

This summer, Manitoba is bursting with a vibrant new energy as it welcomes former residents, family, friends and visitors to Manitoba Homecoming 2010, a year-long event celebrating the province’s 140^th birthday. There’s no better place to join the fun than in Winnipeg, the province’s capital city. Here’s what to see and do:

What to See

Begin your visit with a stop at The Forks National Historic Site and Port at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. This urban hub is a popular gathering spot to enjoy a unique mix of food, outdoor music and eclectic shopping. It will also soon be home to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, an inspiring international landmark scheduled to open in 2012. www.theforks.com

Nearby, Winnipeg’s Exchange District National Historic Site is a 30-block radius of signature pre-1913 architecture. Take a walking tour and explore these streets lined with businesses built by Jewish entrepreneurs who were leaders in the growth of the city’s garment industry. You can also stroll across the Esplanade Riel Bridge, a pedestrian pathway that connects Winnipeg’s downtown to the French Quarter. www.exchangedistrict.org

Where to Eat

For kosher food, try Bathurst Street Market, on Main Street. Also in Winnipeg’s North End, is Gunn's Bakery, one of the oldest family-run bakeries in Western Canada. Founded in 1937 by Morris Gunn and Florence Gunn who emigrated to Canada from Poland, popular menu choices include knish, blintzes and bagels. www.gunnsbakery.com

At the opposite side of town, it’s worth a stop at Myer's Deli for some take-out Yiddish comfort food. This neighbourhood deli isn’t certified kosher but is a classic choice for Jewish deli foods. Grab a corned beef on rye slathered with mustard and you’re good to go.

If you’re looking for an al fresco spot to enjoy your picnic fixin’s, you have 398 acres to choose from at Assiniboine Park, a riverside oasis that’s home to Canada’s largest urban forest as well as a zoo, flower conservatory and the renowned Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. The Tudor-style pavilion is a cherished landmark, popular for photo-ops and outdoor concerts. www.assiniboinepark.ca

What to see

Winnipeg, chosen as a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2010, is a city of the arts. The distinguished Royal Winnipeg Ballet is the longest-running ballet company in North America while the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is internationally renowned for its high quality. The Jewish cultural presence also thrives. Celebrating its 22^nd season in 2010, the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre (WJT) is the longest running Jewish repertoire in Canada. Together with the Manitoba Opera, they offer thrilling seasons of classics and new experiences. www.wjt.ca

The Jewish Heritage Centre offers enough for a full afternoon of browsing. Headquartered at the expansive Asper Jewish Community Campus, it includes a research library, an extensive archive collection and exhibits on Jewish history, as well as a Holocaust education centre. www.jhcwc.org

Where to worship

The city’s first synagogue, Shaarey Zedek (the Gates of Righteousness), was founded in 1887 in Winnipeg’s north end. As the congregation grew, a larger synagogue was built in 1949 on Wellington Crescent. Built of Manitoba Tyndall stone, it hosts a wide range of social, cultural and educational events as well as daily services. www.shaareyzedek.mb.ca.

Whether you have roots in the province or you’re just visiting, you’ll feel like family during Manitoba Homecoming 2010.

Travel Manitoba:1 800 665-0040

ManitobaHomecoming 2010:Pick up an Attraction Pass or check out the special anniversary events at www.manitobahomecoming2010.com

Destination Winnipeg: Call 1 800 665-0204 or visit www.destinationwinnipeg.ca