Manitoba At A Glance
Here are some general facts and important information to help your
group or escort get the most from your adventure in Manitoba.
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Area
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649,950 sq. kilometers, or 6.5% of Canada’s total land area |
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Area Code
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| 204 |
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Capital City
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| Winnipeg |
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Climate
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| Manitoba is known for warm and sunny summers and bright, cold winters. Average summertime temperatures are 25oC (77oF) while average winter temperatures can range from -18o to -26oC. (0o to -14oF). Southern regions of Manitoba receive an average of 11-140 cm of snow annually, while northeasterly regions see up to 160 cm. |
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Emergencies
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| To access fire, police and ambulance in an emergency, dial 911. |
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Highest Elevation
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| Mount Baldy – 831 m (2725ft) above sea level |
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Hostelling
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There are three hostels in the province, all of which are located in the capital city, Winnipeg. These hostels are Guest House International, Hi-Winnipeg Ivey House Hostel, and University Of Winnipeg Student Housing.
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Major Industries
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The largest industry in Manitoba’s $36 billion economy is manufacturing, which accounts for about 12% of the province’s GDP. Mining, Agriculture and Forestry combine to contribute approximately 7% of Manitoba’s GDP. As home to Canada's only agricultural commodity exchange, Winnipeg is the centre of Canada’s grain trade. Head offices for Canada's largest insurance company, largest mutual fund distributor, and largest integrated media company are also located in Manitoba.
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National & Provincial Parks
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Manitoba has two National Parks: Riding Mountain National Park, and Wapusk National Park. There are also over 50 provincial parks in the province, ideal for camping, hiking and wildlife viewing.
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Population
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| 1,178,348 (as of January 1, 2006) |
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Premier
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Gary Doer, leader of Manitoba’s New Democrat Party, has been the Province’s Premier since 1999.
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Tax Information
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Manitoba’s Retail Sales Tax (RST) is a 7 % tax applied to the retail sale or rental of most goods and certain services in Manitoba. The tax is calculated on the selling price, before the 6% GST (Good and Services Tax) is applied.
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Time Zone
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| Central Time Zone |
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Famous People
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Burton Cummings, singer/songwriter, Winnipeg
Neil Young, singer/songwriter, Winnipeg
Anna Paquin, actress, Winnipeg
Scott Bairstow, actor, Steinbach
Clara Hughes, Olympic cyclist, Winnipeg
Corey Koskie, MLB third baseman, Anola
Margaret Laurence, author, Neepawa
Chantal Kreviazuk, singer, Winnipeg
Ed Belfour, NHL goaltender, Carman
William George "Billy" Barker, WWI Fighter Ace, Dauphin
Terry Fox, activist, Winnipeg
Ron Hextall, NHL Player, Brandon
Fred Penner, children’s entertainer, Winnipeg
Tom Jackson, musician and actor, Winnipeg
Adam Beach, actor, Winnipeg
Nia Vardalos, actress and writer, Winnipeg
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Manitoba Fast Facts
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• Translated from the languages of the province’s Aboriginal people, Manitoba means "where the spirit lives".
• Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes.
• West Hawk Lake in Eastern Manitoba is the province’s deepest lake, at a depth of 115 m (400ft).
• The Winnipeg Art Gallery is Western Canada’s oldest public art gallery and home to the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art.
• Churchill is the only human settlement where polar bears can be observed in the wild.
• Over 250 species of birds travel through Churchill each year during migration.
• The Costume Museum of Canada in Winnipeg contains over 35,000 artifacts, dating back over 400 years.
• The Royal Canadian Mint is located in Winnipeg and manufactures currency for Canada and countries around the world.
• Altona is the Sunflower Capital of Canada.
• The Flin-Flon Trout Festival is a month long fishing derby held every year in June.
• The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is the second-oldest ballet company in North America and the oldest surviving dance company in Canada.
• The Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival originated in 1916 and continues to celebrate the culture and heritage of the northern pioneer.
• Gimli is home to the largest Icelandic community outside of Iceland.
Provincial Icons and Emblems
Bird - Great Gray Owl
Flower - Prairie Crocus
Mammal - Bison
Tree - White Spruce
Motto - Gloriosus et liber (Glorious and free) |
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Professional Spectator Sports
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL Football)
204-784-2583
www.bluebombers.com
Manitoba Moose (AHL Hockey)
Toll Free: 1-888-626-6673
www.moosehockey.com
Winnipeg Goldeyes (Northern League Baseball)
204-982-BASE
www.goldeyes.com |
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August, 2008
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