Young and in Winnipeg, what's a guy to do?

After leafing through all the "Worst City in Canada" threads about Winnipeg I'm left a little breathless. I have a decent small business here in Toronto. It's decent in that it allows me some degree of freedom to roam around laissez fare. I'm moving to Winnipeg however, to take care of a sick relative. For six months, one year, I'm not sure how long I'll be staying.

I'm in my early 20's and I'm wondering what things I can do while I'm there. How's the university? What are the areas around it like? How's the night life? Bars? Are there any cool cafes I can check out? Where do all the young people hang out?

The night life here is ok, its not bad and its not great. It will not compare to that of Toronto. My favorite cafe personally is The Fyxx. Both the universities are both great, usually you can find something going on round them. ummm, I am afraid to say that Winnipeg will not chop up to Toronto and you will probably miss TO in no time.

Lots of neat ethnic food places to eat in the Peg -- African, Indian -- nice hot food to keep you warm in the cold winter nights.

Thanks. I'm not really a club kind of guy and I was hoping I could start in Winnipeg. I'm sure I'll find their clubs adequate,(I'm sure you guys have 200+ people who come to each club).

I'd really like to hang out around people my age though so do you have any suggestions of where I can meet 20 year olds? Certain bars, clubs, cafes, libraries, or neighbourhoods?

Also, what kind of clothes should I bring for -20 weather? I'm confused because I have a friend who came here from the Philippines, and who later moved to Winnipeg. In the pictures she sends me, she's wearing nothing but a coat, gloves and boots. Not even a wool scarf or anything, which I find crazy. Another friend informed me that longjohns, a peacoat, a wool scarf, and a hat will suffice. So maybe I'm just exaggerating the coldness in my mind? Do I really need to bring an arctic parka?

Essie Zeddie wrote:

Lots of neat ethnic food places to eat in the Peg -- African, Indian -- nice hot food to keep you warm in the cold winter nights.

You will definitely need a hat, scarf, and gloves or mitts to survive the winter, and warm boots, the kind they wear in the Arctic. It gets very cold. Minus 20 is a warm day in the Peg in the winter. The wind chill gets as cold as the minus 50's. And make sure you get your car properly winteized or the engine will seize up.

Winterkeg wrote:

Thanks. I'm not really a club kind of guy and I was hoping I could start in Winnipeg. I'm sure I'll find their clubs adequate,(I'm sure you guys have 200+ people who come to each club).
I'd really like to hang out around people my age though so do you have any suggestions of where I can meet 20 year olds? Certain bars, clubs, cafes, libraries, or neighbourhoods?
Also, what kind of clothes should I bring for -20 weather? I'm confused because I have a friend who came here from the Philippines, and who later moved to Winnipeg. In the pictures she sends me, she's wearing nothing but a coat, gloves and boots. Not even a wool scarf or anything, which I find crazy. Another friend informed me that longjohns, a peacoat, a wool scarf, and a hat will suffice. So maybe I'm just exaggerating the coldness in my mind? Do I really need to bring an arctic parka?

No you are not exaggerating at all. Minus 20 is a warm winter day in Wpg. See the posting I made previously which was meant to be a reply to this posting. Take care. It helps if you enjoy winter sports like curling and snowmobiling and skiing.

I love snowmobiling. There are some pretty nice trails out here. Cant wait to hit the trails!!

IG Guy wrote:

I love snowmobiling. There are some pretty nice trails out here. Cant wait to hit the trails!!

That's good. You should enjoy your stay in Wpg. then. Just make sure you dress very warmly, lots of layers.

Hey Woolies, thanks for the advice. I've been reading about Antarctica lately and Winnipeg is already sounding warm! The average temperature in January is actually only -22.8C in Winipeg (The average temperature on the coldest months in Antarctica can reach below -70C! Without windchill). There are a few days where it gets up to -40C though. That said, it's more common for the wind chill to get to -40/-50.

I think I'll be fine with the proper base layers.I'll probably go with my originally planned attire with a few modifications. Instead of cotton longjohns I'll use the wicking, thermal underwear they use in Antarctica (These are designed to keep out moisture, keep in heat, and they're made for temperatures below -25C). I'm not sure how much layering I'll need, I don't believe I'll need additional thermal layering, probably just normal tees and shirts will do. I'll pay special attention to my extremities, my neck, ankles, wrists, hands and feet, and make sure they're well protected as well.

IG Guy: Snowboarding sounds good. I've only skiied once in my life but I thought it was exciting. I'd love to try it again while I'm in Winnipeg.

Thanks guys.

That first paragraph was wierd. In the last two sentences I was talking about Winnipeg. This is why revision is the essence of writing!

Nothing really to do in Peg, maybe tim horton's.

Don't spend too much money on winter clothing. You can always buy it here according to your personal needs. Too much warm stuff and you die the as soon as you spend ten minutes in a store etc.
The U of M is in the extreme south end of the city and is the biggest university. Could be a bit of a bus trip depending on where you live. University of Winnipeg is downtown, a few scattered campuses. Downtown is not Winnipeg's finest side but I lived in other major cities downtown so it wasn't difficult for me.
If you like big bars it is the Tijuana Yacht Club and there are the usual chain ie Second Cup, Starbucks, Timmy's and Robins around as well as Roca Jack's.
If you mention the neighbourhood you are going to settle into people might be able to help you out a bit more.
It took tough people to settle this country and it has it's drawbacks but in the end places are a lot to do with what you do with them. It is very wise to be asking others.

Winterkeg wrote:

After leafing through all the "Worst City in Canada" threads about Winnipeg I'm left a little breathless. I have a decent small business here in Toronto. It's decent in that it allows me some degree of freedom to roam around laissez fare. I'm moving to Winnipeg however, to take care of a sick relative. For six months, one year, I'm not sure how long I'll be staying.
I'm in my early 20's and I'm wondering what things I can do while I'm there. How's the university? What are the areas around it like? How's the night life? Bars? Are there any cool cafes I can check out? Where do all the young people hang out?

It's funny. You will eventually realize that you are going in circles about the "nightlife". And if anything, it is overpriced. Remember my words. I have been to every place and every event possible...just does not stack up to other cities.

I lived in Toronto for 12 years and I have lived in a few other major cities for briefer periods. I always made friends, even in Winnipeg, and found there was plenty to do. Winnipeg is much smaller than Toronto so of course there are not the same number of things to do but there is a bit of everything. Of course, my interests are varied.
Food probably costs a bit more ( well fruits and vegs) but not accommodation even though it has increased a great deal over the past five years. I know what the difference is between what my friends in TO get for the same amount of money though and you would still come out ahead here.Car insurance is cheaper and buying a place is still cheaper.
I love to go back and visit Toronto. Loved St. Lawrence Market on Saturday morning, trips to the island on a sunny day ( when you can see it)the stores etc.
But I don't appreciate the level of pollution and am happy to say goodbye to the crush when it is time to come home. It is nice to be able to complain about a rush hour that means it will take me 25 minutes to get home instead of 15.
Each to his own though.

peggggger wrote:

It's funny. You will eventually realize that you are going in circles about the "nightlife". And if anything, it is overpriced. Remember my words. I have been to every place and every event possible...just does not stack up to other cities.

What's a young guy to do?

MOVE.

This city has nothing to offer the young. Relocate to Alberta or BC, and enjoy life, rather than suffer in Winnipeg.

Wow are you people ever a bunch of whiners. Enjoying life is a state of mind. Winnipeg is an awesome city where your imagination is the only limit.

Sounds like some of you (Reality, winnipeggerr) have some issues that need sorting out. Maybe start by leaving your mom's basement.

I will re-phrase that - If the city has nothing to offer you, absolutely, move.

What is accomplished in your staying? You are miserable and we are expected to cheer you up and plan a life for you here? Think about it.

Reality wrote:

What's a young guy to do?
MOVE.
This city has nothing to offer the young. Relocate to Alberta or BC, and enjoy life, rather than suffer in Winnipeg.

I used to live in Winnipeg. I attended U of M for a year. I loved Winnipeg. I would move back there without any hesitation if the opportunity arose. Previous to my stay in Winnipeg I had been in the US Air Force stationed in Grand Forks. My first day on the base, during the orientation session we had to attend, one of the other new guys asked the instructor "What is there to do here?" After mentioning a few activities around the area the instructor said "After you leave Grand Forks, don't ever tell anyone that there isn't anything to do here, instead tell them that you didn't do anything" I think that applies to anyplace, not just Grand Forks.

I am going out on a limb and guessing that you were in your twenties and you found things to do. Maybe our writer who is so hard done by should join the Forces here and see some of Canada and maybe Afghanastan.
I tend to think that the problem with people who can't find anything to do is that until someone marries them or takes charge of them they will never know what to do.
Glad you enjoyed your stay. Many of us have enjoyed Grand Forks as I am sure you know.

An American wrote:

I used to live in Winnipeg. I attended U of M for a year. I loved Winnipeg. I would move back there without any hesitation if the opportunity arose. Previous to my stay in Winnipeg I had been in the US Air Force stationed in Grand Forks. My first day on the base, during the orientation session we had to attend, one of the other new guys asked the instructor "What is there to do here?" After mentioning a few activities around the area the instructor said "After you leave Grand Forks, don't ever tell anyone that there isn't anything to do here, instead tell them that you didn't do anything" I think that applies to anyplace, not just Grand Forks.

Keep living in self-denial. Winnipeg is perhaps a goldmine for locals who were born here but residents who are fairly new to the city suffer from the ugly truth. Perhaps you do not see it because you were born here or lived here for the longest time where you went to school with some of your friends that you till this day hang out with. This city is abundant with nepotism - jobs, occupations are ALL based on connections. You see grandmothers working in Shopper's whereas they turn down young, bright minds who come here from other places to try this place out. Winnipeg is self-preserved for its own corrupted and stagnant minds. You should all travel more to see the difference. I highly recommend everyone who wants a better success to move the hell out of here. So what if rent is twice as more expensive in other provinces?? There is a reason to that.
Winnipeg's rent is rising like there is no tomorrow, yet it lacks output. No bang for the buck. I lived even in a poor area in Europe, Ukraine and thought that was a "dump". Now this city is held in my mind with only negative associations. I am not speaking only for myself as I have other bunch of friends who are in similar situation and they just CAN'T wait to move out.

Note that saying "just move out" does not do it. It is not that easy. It is the Provincial Nominee Program that requires a resident to live in crappeg for 3 years before relocating according to an agreement. Even the tuition credit initiative for graduates who stay in the province does not work. DOES NOT.

If you think otherwise, you must have not seen the rest of the world.