Things to Do in Winnipeg

For 29 years, Cinematheque, which is operated by The Winnipeg Film Group, has devoted itself to screening a wide variety of independent and international films while exposing audiences to local filmmakers and special events. The intimately sized theatre's vast programming includes restored 35mm classics, contemporary Canadian and aboriginal films, and films that demonstrate unique and innovative approaches to the art of cinema. During weekly and one-off presentations, special guests such as directors, actors, and scholars place selected works into context by explaining the director's intentions, the film's impact on other filmmakers, and why dogs were used on set instead of ottomans. Similarly, the ongoing Cinema Lounge: Critical Dialogue on Canadian Cinema series features Canadian artists introducing a contemporary or classic Canadian film that has personally shaped their career, thus encouraging a public debate about the film's importance and influence.

Inside the Windsor Park Shopping Center, Windsor Bowling Lanes provides invigorating breaks from power shopping with a series of backlit Brunswick lanes. The five-pin lanes boast newly renovated surfaces, which leave few excuses for gutterballs but provide an excellent opportunity to hone curves. Overhead flat-screen monitors track the in-game action, and a video jukebox prompts adrenalin surges by filling the alley with inspirational ballads. Leagues are available throughout the week for children, adults, and seniors. The alley also takes on incandescent hues on select nights during cosmic bowl, simulating the rainbow-coloured dreams of My Little Ponies.

The bowler releases the ball so smoothly that it barely makes a sound upon hitting the lane, heightening the crack when the ball finally collides with the pins. You can witness this scene at Academy Bowling Lanes' trio of locations—Academy Lanes, Academy Lanes West, and Billy Mosienko Lanes—where Brunswick automatic-scoring systems record each roll down the alleys' polished lanes. Bumpers are on hand to clog the gutters and improve scores. On select evenings, the concourses transform into a cosmic-bowling arena with laser systems, black lights, fog machines, and music leading up the night's closing event, the landing of a real spacecraft. Food and bar services supply guests with refreshments such as pizza, popcorn, and fountain pop.

World Soccer Academy's goal is to elevate Canadian soccer to an elite level with training regimens culled from the world's finest soccer programs. The Academy instills sound fundamentals in young trainees with the help of the Coerver Method, a methodology developed by the late Dutch soccer manager Wiel Coerver designed to develop skills in a pyramidal fashion, beginning with individual ball-handling and advancing to more nuanced material, such as group attack tactics and covert hand-balling.

Though committed to fostering young talent, the Academy's seven-stage player development program prescribes proper training methods for players of all ages. The Academy also sponsors WSA Winnipeg, a team of elite players that compete against squads from Toronto, Michigan, and St. Louis in the USL Premier Development League.

The Manitoba Paddling Association functions as the provincial sport governing body for local competitive canoeing, kayaking, and dragon boating. The association encourages the community to stay physically fit while still having fun through a variety of events such as races, year-round programs, and annual Dragon Boat festivals. Events change according to the season, and include summer camps that school beginners in the kayaking basics, spring training that introduces tougher techniques for competitive teams, and winter programs that offer opportunities to stay fit on shore, such as cross-country skiing, indoor circuit and strength training, and swimming laps in the snow.

Kids have fun in the dance classes at Magic ‘N Motion Studio, but its instructors are serious about their craft. Dance and baton programs for kids span the school year and are organized around time-tested syllabuses that include the Cecchetti ballet method, designed to help students create fluid, coordinated movements by internalizing dance principles rather than simply mimicking a teacher’s movements or hairstyle. Whether they’re leaping, tapping, or even baton-twirling, kids can show off their new moves to friends and family during performances at the end of every year and at Christmas. Adults can also let loose and dance in Zumba classes, where certified instructors lead easy-to-follow Latin moves that can be customized for seniors or those who are especially interested in muscle-toning. Each dance room is outfitted with sprung floors that are easier on joints, staving off injuries and wear.