Despite being saddled with one of the harshest climates in the country, almost seven per cent of Winnipeggers walk to work—among the tops in the Prairies.

This may not seem like much, but given the city's poor planning decisions of recent decades (ostensibly to protect residents from the weather) that all but erased the roots of a historic city, Winnipeg still has 274 km of trails within city limits—the third best in the country.

But despite infamous intersections like Portage and Main, lamented by everyone from urban planners to Neil Young—"Where pedestrians are penned into the sidewalk and can only cross the intersection through an underground mall," says judge Amanda Mitchell—there is hope.

A recent downtown library and ongoing action at the historic Exchange District are flashpoints of urban pride, and "low housing prices and studio spaces [have] made Winnipeg an artistic incubator, manifesting in murals, street art and music that welcome those who walk the historic streets," Mitchell adds.

Neighbourhood Walk: Exchange District

Walk back in time in a neighbourhood being reborn.Fostered by a vibrant artist community, today the 30-block area is full of art galleries and fine restaurants housed in beautiful brick warehouse buildings dating from the late 1800s.

The architecture, cobblestones and caffeine make it a joy to explore on foot. Or, just sit in Old Market Square and watch the world go by.

This story was originally published in the May 2010 issue of up! magazine as part of the Canada's Most Walkable Cities 2010 feature, profiling 10 of Canada’s most pedestrian-friendly urban centres. Take a look at more of Canada's Most Walkable Cities.