Holy Trinity Church, Winnipeg

Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Holy Trinity Anglican Church stands as one of Manitoba’s most striking historic landmarks and one of the city’s oldest congregations, established in 1867-the same year as Canadian Confederation. The current structure, built between 1883 and 1884, is the third church to serve the growing parish and remains a fine example of High Victorian Gothic architecture.

Designed by noted local architect Charles H. Wheeler, the cruciform-shaped limestone church reflects the aesthetic of English parish churches, showcasing buttresses, dormer clerestory windows, finials, a hammer beam ceiling, and a distinctive bell tower. Its impressive craftsmanship blends local and imported materials, with rich details found inside and out-including stonework, marble, stained glass, and intricately carved wood.

Surrounded today by a high-density urban setting, Holy Trinity remains a spiritual anchor in Winnipeg’s busy commercial centre. Though buildings have grown around it over the past 120 years, the church has retained both its visual presence and its original purpose. Along with Saint Mary’s Cathedral, it is one of only two pre-1890 places of worship in downtown Winnipeg still in active use.

The church and its interior are municipally designated heritage sites, with a national commemorative plaque added in 1990. Inside, bronze plaques honor Fort Garry Horse members and parishioners who died in the World Wars, including a 1921 plaque by sculptor Alfred Howell. The churchyard offers a rare green space in the downtown area.

Holy Trinity Church is more than an architectural treasure; it is a living part of Winnipeg's history and community life.