FORT WHYTE (KENASTON | MCGILLIVRAY)In the past 20 years, Fort Whyte has experienced rapid residential and commercial growth. The area includes new subdivisions, including Whyte Ridge, Linden Woods and Linden Ridge, several industrial parks and booming retail power centres along Bishop Grandin Blvd and McGillivray Blvd. Casual, family and fine dining restaurants, big box retailers, strip malls, factory outlets and a second-run movie theatre make this area a busy hub of activity. For a change of pace, head to urban nature centre FortWhyte Alive, featuring wetlands, lakes, prairies and forest. Here, you can view roaming bison, hike along trails, look for wildlife, visit the interpretive centre, and participate in workshops, along with other outdoor activities.

Location: The approximate boundaries are McCreary Rd, Brady Rd and the RM of Morris to the west, Waverley St to the east, Cadboro Rd to the south and Wilkes Ave to the north. Located 8.8 km from downtown and 8.7 km from the airport.

How to get there: From the airport, turn onto Wellington Ave and turn right onto King Edward St (Route 90). Continue south on Route 90 (which becomes Kenaston) past Wilkes Ave into Fort Whyte.

Bus routes: 64, 78, 80, 81, 84, 86, 94

TOP PLACES TO EATShimmering lights, bamboo wallpaper and Japanese artwork beautify Asoyama’s large, 150-seat dining area, which offers regular and traditional tatami seating. A diverse range of Japanese food from fusion house rolls, gyoza, sunomono salad and sweet, grilled eggplant make up the eight-page menu. 1717 Kenaston Blvd, 487-4222. www.asoyamasushi.ca

A bouquet of spices perfumes the stylized, tiered dining room of Clay Oven. Silver bowls are used to serve authentic Indian dishes from silky butter chicken to fiery vindaloo shrimp. 240-1600 Kenaston Common, 888-2529. www.clayovenrestaurant.ca

With a wine list of 110 selections and beautifully presented Tuscan dishes, Dacquisto offers superb Italian fine dining. The menu captures the region’s flavours with wood-fired pizzas; traditional tiramisu; rich, five-cheese ravioli and tender veal Milanese. 1715 Kenaston Blvd, 938-2229. www.wowhospitality.ca/restaurants/dacquisto_menu.html

Sleek, chic and sexy describes the atmosphere at Joey Restaurants. Savour luxurious, creative takes on classic comfort dishes, such as lobster grilled cheese and seared ahi tuna club sandwiches. 1550 Kenaston Blvd, 477-5639. www.joeyrestaurants.com

One of three locations in Winnipeg, The Keg remains a popular chain restaurant for top-notch grilled Canadian steaks, seafood, chicken and ribs served in a contemporary, casual setting. 2034 McGillivray Blvd, 477-5300. www.kegsteakhouse.com/en

300-259 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 2A9

P 204.943.1970TF 1.855.PEG.CITY

TOP PLACES TO SHOPA mix of local and chain retailers are found at Kenaston Common SmartCentre. Costco and Rona anchor the shopping division that is also home to Golf Town, Petland, The Winehouse, Indigo and more. You’ll also find Nygard’s flagship store here. Located between Columbia Dr, Kenaston Blvd and McGillivray Blvd.

Located on the west side of Kenaston Blvd, Kenaston Crossing includes Sobey’s, Starbucks, Manitoba Liquor Mart, Tiber River Naturals and Boston Pizza, along with other shops and services.

Kenaston SmartPark is the largest of the area’s power centres. Familiar retailers here include Home Outfitters, La Senza, Roots Outlet Store, HomeSense, Jones Factory Outlet, Mexx, Safeway and Walmart. East side of Kenaston Blvd to McGillivray Blvd.

A cluster of local and chain shops and services are located at Linden Ridge Shopping Centre, including, UltraCuts, M & M Meats, and locally owned Gord’s Ski & Bike and Vita Health. East side of Kenaston Blvd between McGillivray Blvd and Kleyson Dr.

TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DOCinema City McGillivray packs in large crowds for second-run (both 3D and regular) Hollywood movies, offering tickets for $6.25 and under. 2190 McGillivray Blvd, 269-9981. www.cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/Cinema-City-McGillivray.aspx

Take advantage of year-round workshops and outdoor activities at FortWhyte Alive from fishing and canoeing to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. This award-winning, 640-acre nature centre features a 70-acre bison viewing mound, more than 7 km of trails, floating marsh boardwalks, family treehouse, bird-feeding stations, Manitoba’s largest indoor aquarium, pioneer sod house, tipi encampment, gift shop and Buffalo Stone Café. 1961 McCreary Rd, 989-8355. www.fortwhyte.org