Across the bridge over the Red River is the residential neighborhood of St Boniface. This is one of the oldest French communities in Canada, founded as Fort Rouge in 1783. It became an important fur-trading outpost for the North West Company.

Upon the arrival of Roman Catholic priests, this settlement was renamed St. Boniface. The present cathedral is relatively new, having been rebuilt in 1972 after a fire. Remnants of the 1908 basilica that survived the fire can be seen outside the perimeter of the present cathedral.

St. Boniface is an interesting area and has plenty of sights to see for visitors. The St. Boniface Museum shows you the history of Manitoba’s French and Metis culture. Artifacts include a host of innovative household gadgets, an altar crafted from papier-mâché and the first church bell in western Canada.

Walking tours are the best way to see the neighborhood. Follow Taché Promenade along the Red River to see most of the historical sites in this area. Street signs are labeled in both French and English.