Manitoba is the province of Canada is considered to be the land of contrasts.
As well this is the only prairie province that is partly covered by the Canadian Shield with ancient rocks, hills and forested lake land. North America only tantalum mine can be found at Bernie Lake in this area. Both English and French hold equal status in the legislature. One of the country oldest French communities Saint Boniface is a suburb of Winnipeg.
The provincial capital, Winnipeg, Canada fourth largest city, is actually the geographic center of the country. But it is a city that feels like it belongs to western Canada with the flat prairie lands already beginning east of the city and with grain handling remaining an important part of the economy. The city is not only ethnically diverse hosting the world largest ethno cultural festival each summer, but it is pleasantly and architecturally diverse as well.
The Legislative Building is one of the world finest examples of neoclassical architecture. Made with rare lime stone it is also one of the most valuable buildings in North America. Nearby the lovely Victorian style Macdonald House was built in 1895 for the son of the country first prime minister, John A. Macdonald. The Winnipeg Art Gallery aside from housing an excellent collection of Inuit and other Canadian art is a striking angular building that is shaped like the prow of a ship. Another substantial display of architecture is a twenty block area known as the Exchange District which features beautiful turn of the century commercial buildings and warehouses.
Manitoba like many other Canadian provinces and territories has its unique nature and historical and cultural heritage.
