Rising from the shores of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the mere mention of winter in Winnipeg can bring shivers to the spine. But it is exactly those long cold winters that have helped make the capital of Manitoba one of the most vibrant cultural centers in Canada, and a dream destination for anyone interested in the arts. When the temperature drops, the best place to be is inside, enjoying a performance of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the oldest dance company in Canada, or wandering through one of the city's many art galleries or museums. The Winnipeg Art Gallery houses the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art, while the Manitoba Museum focuses on natural history and the geology of the region. Both make for an enjoyable and educational outing. When spring and summer, eventually, arrive everyone heads outdoors to visit the zoo, go canoeing on the river or to the Forks, a nine-acre site at the junction of the two rivers, which includes ancient meeting grounds, a waterfront park and a multitude of shops and restaurants to savor.