St. Mary's Cathedral, Winnipeg

Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg at the corner of Saint Mary Avenue and Hargrave Street, Saint Mary’s Cathedral stands as the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Winnipeg. Known as the "Mother Church" of the Archdiocese, it has been a place of worship, welcome, and community for over 140 years. Today, it is home to approximately 900 families and continues to play a vital role in the lives of both long-time residents and newcomers to Canada.

The Cathedral was originally designed in 1880 by local architect Balston C. Kenway in the Romanesque Revival style, notable for its rounded arches and strong, symmetrical lines. A major renovation in 1896, led by Samuel Hooper-a stonemason who later became Manitoba’s Provincial Architect-transformed the original structure. Changes included a widened nave, removal of the central front tower, and the construction of two new towers: a smaller one on the southwest corner and a striking 35-meter tall tower on the southeast. The building also underwent repairs and alterations after a fire in 1919.

Inside, the Cathedral’s original interior featured hand-painted faux marble and colorful decorative motifs, reflecting its 19th-century roots. These details were simplified in the mid-20th century, resulting in a more subdued monochromatic look. However, the stained-glass windows-including modernist ones added in the 1950s by E. Rambusch Associates of New York-still bring vibrant storytelling to the space, with scenes from both the Old and New Testaments. The Institute for Stained Glass in Canada has documented these important artworks.

Saint Mary’s Cathedral became the official seat of the Archdiocese in 1918, and in 2017, it was recognized as a municipally-designated historic site, acknowledging its architectural, cultural, and spiritual significance.

Saint Mary’s is more than a historic building-it’s a living church. Whether you’re a local, a newcomer, or just visiting Winnipeg, you’re warmly invited to experience the welcoming community and rich spiritual life that thrive within these walls.