Osborne Street

Winnipeg, MB

Street

You can have it all...on Osborne Street!

Osborne Street hosts Winnipeg’s largest and longest running street festival. Osborne Street runs close to downtown and the Riverwalk, is part of one of Winnipeg’s oldest neighbourhoods and is the centre of it all! Starting with the natural beauty of the Assiniboine River on the North, and leading to the dreaded Confusion Corner to the south, you are sure to acknowledge this street’s rich history. It is named after Lieutenant Colonel William Osborne Smith (1833-1887), the first commanding officer of Military District 10. Osborne Street has developed into a hip and lively shopping and dining district.

It is also part of one of the most unique communities in the city: Osborne Village, which is Winnipeg`s most densely populated neighbourhood, as well as the second most densely populated neighbourhood in Western Canada. It was voted the Best Place to Live in Uptown Magazine's 2008 “Best of” List. Osborne Village makes up part of Fort Rouge and was amalgamated to the city of Winnipeg in 1882, having a population of only 150. However, by 1910, it had grown to the population of tens of thousands. Osborne Street welcomed “The Parkline”, the first street car, in 1891. To help further develop this street was the construction of the three bridges over Assiniboine River: the Osborne Street Bridge (1882); the Maryland Bridge (1894); and the Main Street Bridge (1897). Osborne Street gives birth to a neighbourhood filled with diversity and originality!

The churches that were built during the turn of the century reflect the English and Protestant population at that time. The
Victoria Hospital was built early in the century. Then, in 1894, came the Assiniboine Park (later Fort Rouge Park) which was the second public park in the City. In the 1960’s, this area began to change when it changed into Winnipeg’s most dynamic and eclectic shopping districts with a unique Bohemian flavour. Not surprising, since it was a bohemian meeting place in its early days.

There are many things to see and do on this popular street. From looking at the Golden Boy mounted on top of the Parliament building or visiting its park, to seeing this area’s rich history by admiring the great architecture, which takes your breath away! From browsing through the numerous and remarkable retail stores, from the trendy to the sophisticated, this street has something for you. From finding those artistic treasures to finding that little black dress, it’s got you covered! Crafts, antiques, retro fashion or jewelry, this street has long stood as Winnipeg’s obvious choice for serious shoppers.

From getting close to Mother Nature by walking on the bridge and watching the water go by, to simply watching the trains pass over this street. From getting medical, travel, or financial advice to choosing your own tattoo, you are headed in the right direction! From eating a burger at a simple McDonald’s, to sushi or pâté in the numerous fine dining restaurants, from African to Australian food, this street will surely satisfy your palate! If you are hungry after that late night movie or from dancing until the little hours of the night, you will still be able to catch a bite to eat at 4:00 a.m. You are sure to be pleased by the top bands and the hottest new local talents found in the venues, restaurants, and clubs! And how lucky you are…finding and doing all this within a few short blocks!

Proud to be Canadian, this street celebrates Canada Day by participating in various, diverse and original festivities, with music, merchants, games, entertainment, and people! However, you don’t need to wait for this day to discover the uniqueness Osborne Street has to give you; you can find it any day!

Yes, you can have it all! See for yourself!