Assiniboine Park: Winnipeg’s Urban Oasis

• HelloTansi
  [tahn-see]
• GoodbyeKininaskomitin
  [kee-nee-nas-ko-mee-teen]
• YesEeyan
  [ee-yahn]
• NoMayaan
  [mah-yahn]
• Please/You're welcomeNikotwasik
  [nee-koh-twa-sick]
• Thank youEkosani
  [ay-koh-sah-nee]
• Excuse me/SorryMiyo-wîcêhtowin
  [mee-yo-wee-chay-toe-win]
• How are you?Tânisi ê-kiskinowâpiyahk?
  [tah-nee-see aye-kis-kin-oh-wah-pee-yahk]
• Fine. And you?Nikânîw. Î-âstam?
  [nee-kah-neew ee-ahs-tam]
• Do you speak English?Kîyânaw, kî-nitâcimikoyâhk?
  [kee-yah-naw, kee-nee-tah-chi-mik-oh-yahk]
• I don't understandNikânîw. Âstam.
  [nee-kah-neew. ahs-tam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNikotwâsik nitohtên menu
  [nee-koh-twa-sick nee-toe-ten menu]
• I don't eat meatNikânîw. Nîpîy
  [nee-kah-neew. nee-pee-y]
• Cheers!Mâmaskâc
  [mah-mah-skahts]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNikotwâsik nitohtêm
  [nee-koh-twa-sick nee-toe-tem]

• Help!Nikotwâsik!
  [nee-koh-twa-sick]
• Go away!Nimâwan!
  [nee-mah-wahn]
• Call the Police!Mîna kêhtê-ayâhk!
  [mee-nah keh-tay-ah-yahk]
• Call a doctor!Mîna kêhtê-nîmihkwân!
  [mee-nah keh-tay-nee-mee-kwan]
• I'm lostNikânîw. Nipiy
  [nee-kah-neew. nee-pee-y]
• I'm illNikânîw. Kisêyin
  [nee-kah-neew. kee-say-yin]

• I'd like to buy...Nikotwâsik nitohtên...
  [nee-koh-twa-sick nee-toe-ten]
• I'm just lookingNikânîw. Nisîmis
  [nee-kah-neew. nee-see-mis]
• How much is it?Tânisi ê-kî-pî-nêyiht?
  [tah-nee-see aye-kee-pee-nay-yiht]
• That's too expensiveKîyânaw. Mîkwanoskîpit
  [kee-yah-naw. mee-kwah-no-skay-pit]
• Can you lower the price?Kîyânaw. Kî-pî-mâcihik?
  [kee-yah-naw. kee-pee-mah-chee-hik]

• What time is it?Tânisi kîkâwîn itwêwina?
  [tah-nee-see kee-kah-ween it-way-wee-nah]
• It's one o'clockNikotwâsik. Peyak
  [nee-koh-twa-sick. pay-yak]
• Half past (10)Nikotwâsik. Nêwê
  [nee-koh-twa-sick. nay-way]
• MorningMiyowîcêhtowin
  [mee-yo-wee-chay-toe-win]
• AfternoonPiyêsîs
  [pee-ye-sis]
• EveningKîspin
  [kee-speen]
• YesterdayÂkâpi
  [ah-kah-pee]
• TodayNikânîw
  [nee-kah-neew]
• TomorrowKiya
  [kee-yah]
• 1Peyak
  [pay-yak]
• 2Nîso
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• 3Nisto
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• 4Nêwo
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• 5Nîyânan
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• 6Nikotwâsik
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• 7Pîsim
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• 8Sâkitêh
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• 9Tesê
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• 10Nêwê
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• Where's a/the...?Tânisi ka piyak...?
  [tah-nee-see kah pee-yak]
• What's the address?Tânisi kî-âpicikohk?
  [tah-nee-see kee-ah-pee-chi-kohk]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kîyânaw. Kî-âpicikohk?
  [kee-yah-naw. kee-ah-pee-chi-kohk]
• When's the next (bus)?Tânisi kîkâwîn ikwahtê?
  [tah-nee-see kee-kah-ween eek-wah-tay]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikî-pî
  [tee-kee-pee]

Assiniboine Park was established in 1904, initially designed as a public space for residents of Winnipeg. The park was built on land that was once part of the Assiniboine Forest and was envisioned by the city's park commissioners as a place for recreation and relaxation. Its design was influenced by the natural landscape, featuring rolling hills and the Assiniboine River, which provided a picturesque setting for visitors.

In 1914, the Assiniboine Park Pavilion was constructed, becoming a central feature of the park. Designed in the Arts and Crafts style, the Pavilion served as a gathering place for events and celebrations. Over the years, the pavilion has hosted art exhibitions and cultural events, reflecting the evolving community engagement and the importance of the park as a cultural hub in Winnipeg.

The Assiniboine Park Zoo opened in 1904 alongside the park itself, originally featuring a small collection of animals. Over the decades, the zoo expanded significantly and became renowned for its conservation efforts and educational programs. Notably, in 2014, the zoo completed the Journey to Churchill exhibit, which showcases northern wildlife and habitats, enhancing its status as a leading zoo in Canada.

Adjacent to Assiniboine Park, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights opened in 2014. This landmark institution is dedicated to the exploration of human rights issues, not only in Canada but globally. Its presence enhances the cultural significance of the area, providing visitors with insights into the history of human rights activism in Canada, including the impact on Indigenous peoples.

In recent years, Assiniboine Park has undergone extensive renovations and expansions, including the addition of the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, which houses a diverse collection of plants and flowers. The park regularly hosts events like the annual Festival du Voyageur, celebrating the Métis culture and the history of the fur trade, further establishing its role as a vibrant cultural space in Winnipeg.

Assiniboine Park is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Winnipeg. If you are coming from downtown, you can take the bus routes 21, 24, or 25, which provide direct service to the park. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare service can get you there in about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. For those driving, parking is available at multiple lots around the park.

Assiniboine Park is expansive and best explored on foot or by bicycle. There are walking trails and dedicated bike paths throughout the park. Bike rentals are available at the park during the warmer months. Public transit buses also operate within the vicinity, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore different attractions.

Assiniboine Park is generally considered a safe area for tourists; however, it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in less populated areas after dark. Avoid wandering into the surrounding neighborhoods, such as West Broadway, during nighttime, as they have higher crime rates. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are medical facilities located near the park, and it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies can be found within a short distance from the park.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking; layers are advisable due to varying weather. Don’t wear overly flashy jewelry or display expensive items. Religion: Do respect the natural environment and wildlife; refrain from feeding animals. Public Transport: Do follow the rules of the bus system and be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet park staff and fellow visitors with a friendly smile. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy picnics in designated areas; don’t leave litter behind.

To experience Assiniboine Park like a local, visit the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, which features stunning floral displays and tropical plants. If you're there during summer, check out the local events, such as outdoor concerts or movie nights in the park. Bring a picnic and relax by the duck pond, and don’t forget to explore the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden for a unique artistic experience.