St. Boniface Cathedral, Winnipeg
Saint Boniface Cathedral, located in the heart of Winnipeg, is a significant Roman Catholic landmark and serves as the principal church in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Boniface. It holds great importance to the local community, particularly the Franco-Manitoban population. Before a devastating fire in 1968, the church held the status of a minor basilica.
Situated along the banks of the scenic Red River, the cathedral offers a picturesque view of its surroundings. In Verendrye Park, adjacent to the cathedral, stands a statue of Pierre La V茅rendrye, created by the artist Joseph-脡mile Brunet. Across the river lies The Forks, a popular destination in Downtown Winnipeg.
Saint Boniface Cathedral's history dates back to 1818 when Reverend Norbert Provencher and colleagues built the first church on land donated by Thomas Douglas, the 5th Earl of Selkirk. This initial log building served as a chapel, residence, and school, later replaced by a larger structure.
Between 1888 and 1906, the Catholic population in Saint Boniface grew, mostly consisting of French heritage. As a result, a larger cathedral was needed. Contractors Senecal and Smith built the new cathedral based on architect Jean-Omer Marchand's plans. Monsignor Louis-Philippe Ad茅lard Langevin dedicated the impressive newly constructed cathedral on August 15, 1906.
On July 22, 1968, a fire destroyed the 1906 cathedral, including the rose window, vestments, bells from 1860, and parish records. Only the facade, sacristy, and parts of the old church's walls survived. In 1972, a new cathedral designed by Gaboury and Lussier was built, blending old and modern architecture.
Situated along the banks of the scenic Red River, the cathedral offers a picturesque view of its surroundings. In Verendrye Park, adjacent to the cathedral, stands a statue of Pierre La V茅rendrye, created by the artist Joseph-脡mile Brunet. Across the river lies The Forks, a popular destination in Downtown Winnipeg.
Saint Boniface Cathedral's history dates back to 1818 when Reverend Norbert Provencher and colleagues built the first church on land donated by Thomas Douglas, the 5th Earl of Selkirk. This initial log building served as a chapel, residence, and school, later replaced by a larger structure.
Between 1888 and 1906, the Catholic population in Saint Boniface grew, mostly consisting of French heritage. As a result, a larger cathedral was needed. Contractors Senecal and Smith built the new cathedral based on architect Jean-Omer Marchand's plans. Monsignor Louis-Philippe Ad茅lard Langevin dedicated the impressive newly constructed cathedral on August 15, 1906.
On July 22, 1968, a fire destroyed the 1906 cathedral, including the rose window, vestments, bells from 1860, and parish records. Only the facade, sacristy, and parts of the old church's walls survived. In 1972, a new cathedral designed by Gaboury and Lussier was built, blending old and modern architecture.
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St. Boniface Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: St. Boniface Cathedral
Sight Location: Winnipeg, Canada (See walking tours in Winnipeg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Winnipeg, Canada (See walking tours in Winnipeg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Winnipeg, Canada
Create Your Own Walk in Winnipeg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Winnipeg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Winnipeg Introduction Walking Tour
Winnipeg (or simply "The Peg", as the locals colloquially shorten it) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Manitoba. The latter is often lovingly referred to as "Friendly Manitoba" for the region's people's friendly vibe. As for the city's name "Winnipeg", it came from the nearby Lake Winnipeg, whose own name, in turn, is derived from the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Saint Boniface Walking Tour
"In the heart of Winnipeg, where the river flows and the spirit of voyageurs still dances in the air, the soul of French-Canadian culture beats in Saint Boniface."
Before the European settlers arrived, the area on the east bank of the Red River was inhabited by the indigenous First Nations people. In 1818, a French-Canadian clergyman named Joseph-Norbert Provencher, one of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Before the European settlers arrived, the area on the east bank of the Red River was inhabited by the indigenous First Nations people. In 1818, a French-Canadian clergyman named Joseph-Norbert Provencher, one of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles