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 Vérendrye, created by the artist Joseph-Émile 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 Adélard 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.