Winnipegis the capital and largest city of the province ofManitobainCanada. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at theconfluenceof theRedandAssiniboineRivers.Being located very far inland, the city is named after the nearbyLake Winnipeg; the name comes from theWestern Creewords for muddy or brackish water.
Known as the "Gateway to the West", Winnipeg is a railway and transportation hub with a diversified economy. This multicultural city hosts numerous annual festivals, including theFestival du Voyageur, theWinnipeg Folk Festival, theJazz Winnipeg Festival, theWinnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, andFolklorama. Winnipeg was the first Canadian host of thePan American Games. It is home to several professional sports franchises, including theWinnipeg Blue Bombers(Canadian football), theWinnipeg Jets(ice hockey),Manitoba Moose(ice hockey) and theWinnipeg Goldeyes(baseball).