Winnipeg is the lively capital of Manitoba, a wonderful city that effortlessly melds its illustrious past with stark architectural masterpieces, and stunning natural surroundings.
Known as "The Gateway to the West," it is a historical city with a metropolitan, contemporary vibe.
This guide showcases the highlights of the city, its eclectic neighborhoods, and a plethora of outdoor activities, proving Winnipeg to be surprisingly diverse.
Whether you’re here to visit the world-class museums, shop in the bustling markets, or enjoy the year-round festivals, Winnipeg will not disappoint.
Cultural & Historical Attractions
1. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg is the first museum in the world to focus solely on human rights.
It is located in The Forks and covers global and Canadian narratives, Indigenous history, and human-rights challenges.
Home to the Tower of Hope, the museum is bland on the outside but worth visiting for its views and fascinating exhibits.
It’s one of the essential things to see in Winnipeg.
Highlights: Distinctive architecture, world-spanning displays, and educational activities that are fun.
Precautions: Allow plenty of time to experience the extensive and immersive exhibits.
2. The Forks National Historic Site
The Forks offers a good combination of history and relaxation at its best.
It’s a bustling crossroads, attracting both locals and visitors to browse the stalls, take in the river, and learn about the city’s First Nations people.
Just walk around the excellent outside area and immerse yourself in the culture.
Highlights: Colorful market, scenic rivers, and a strong Indigenous influence.
Precautions: Informal attire for sightseeing, and watch for local events.
3. Manitoba Museum
Explore the history of Manitoba at the Manitoba Museum. It’s a fascinating look at the natural and human history of the province.
Prepare to step back in time as you discover exhibits from the age of dinosaurs to today.
Highlights: Interactive time travel exhibits, hands-on planetarium, wide-ranging historic objects.
Precautions: Devote at least a few hours to see everything.
4. Royal Canadian Mint
If you want to find out how coins are made, the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg has interesting tours.
Watch how they make Canadian coins and hear all the details.
Highlights: Interesting tours about coin production, rare coins on show & nice gift shop.
Precautions: Small off peak season scheduling is recommended.
5. Exchange District
This vibrant district of historic buildings will take your breath away.
Where there were once warehouses, there are now art galleries, distinct boutiques, and cool eateries.
Highlights: Iconic historic, vibrant art scene, and diverse food—plus music!
Precautions: We recommend comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobbled streets.
6. St. Boniface Cathedral & French Quarter
Experience the Franco-Manitoban center of Winnipeg in St. Boniface.
The cathedral is incredible and the French Quarter has tons of heritage sites to explore and learn about Winnipeg’s French history.
Highlights: Impressive cathedral ruins, Franco-Manitoban heritage, and trendy cafes.
Precautions: Certain parts may be undergoing repairs, so plan accordingly for access.
7. Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG-Qaumajuq)
Art enthusiasts should make a beeline for the Winnipeg Art Gallery, which features a superb collection.
One of its main highlights is that it’s home to the largest public collection of Inuit art.
Highlights: Home to vast Inuit art collection, contemporary art, and striking architecture.
Precautions: Even the temperature in galleries can differ, so layer up.
Nature & Outdoor Adventures
8. Assiniboine Park and Zoo
Explore a world of wonder in Assiniboine Park and Zoo. This vast green space is popular among families and nature enthusiasts.
Wander the beautiful gardens and walk through the delightful sculpture park.
Be sure to visit the Journey to Churchill exhibit. You get to see the polar bears face-to-face.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall is a garden paradise, winter is all about the polar bears.
Safety Precautions: Keep an eye on your kids when admiring the displays, and stick to the trails, especially in winter.
9. Kildonan Park
Kildonan Park is a delightful relaxed small park with history and some theater to it. It’s a nice area to picnic, walk, and get into nature for a little bit.
Be sure to see the Witch’s Hut, a wonderfully restored fairy tale building, and, if you’re around during the summer, the outdoor theater with performances going on.
Best Time to Visit: Like summer for theater, but love the leaf colors in fall.
Safety Precautions: Just a warning to be cautious at the shows, as the seating can be cramped.
10. Birds Hill Provincial Park
Just North of Winnipeg is this natural playground. Birds Hill Provincial Park is great for a hike, bike or camp in picturesque surroundings.
An oasis for outdoor lovers with all the trails and campsites. Either a day of fun or a soak in the lake.
Best Time to Visit: It’s best visited from late spring through early fall.
Safety Precautions: Treat wildlife with respect and always be ready for the weather.
11. FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive– Learn about wetland conservation and see animals at the nature reserve.
This is home to a herd of bison, plus there are lots of birds, ponds, trails, and a nature center. Great for nature lovers and outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit: But each season always has its own unique offerings.
Safety Precautions: Wear proper shoes/hiking boots, and be respectful of habitat.
12. Red River Mutual Trail
In winter, skate the Red River Mutual Trail. It’s the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trail and should not be missed.
As you skate on the river with the city around you, take a break in one of the warming huts.
Best Time to Visit: Usually open December – February.
Safety Precautions: Before you hit the ice, remember to check the ice conditions. Also, dress warmly!
Neighborhoods & Local Life
13. St. Norbert Farmers’ Market
St. Norbert Farmers’ market is a vibrant outing on a beautiful summer day. You’ll see vendors selling locally grown fruits, vegetables, other products, and handmade items.
It’s a great place to not only purchase goodies but people-watch as well.
The market is just a short drive from Winnipeg’s downtown, and it’s well worth the trip if you’re looking for a true taste of the community of Winnipeg.
Be sure to pick up some homemade jams and pies.
14. Corydon Avenue (Little Italy)
Corydon Avenue is regularly called Little Italy and is a bustling and charming area.
With so many incredible cafés and gelato stores, it’s a great place to while away an afternoon.
The town has that touch of Italy and serves as a great spot for a shot of espresso or some tasty pasta.
Once the sun sets, there are tons of patios and music venues to entertain!
15. Osborne Village
Osborne Village is cool and funky, and the neighborhood is a fun place to wander around.
The boutique shops sell all sorts of items — vintage, modern, local, or imported — and there are a ton of tasty restaurants to enjoy.
The place is a hub for the artistic and creative types and you’ll find a number of galleries and live music venues scattered about.
Basically, here you’ll experience the lively local scene in Winnipeg.
16. Chinatown
Chinatown is a cozy and culturally vibrant part of the city that provides a little taste of Asia in Winnipeg.
With a wonderful selection of Asian eateries to enjoy, it’s an ideal spot for foodies. Here you can enjoy everything from dim sum to traditional Sichuan cuisine.
In addition to the food, there are also a few small stores and cultural sites that make the neighborhood unique.
It’s a welcoming place that encourages you to taste its food and experience its culture.
17. St. Vital Park
St. Vital Park is the place to go in Winnipeg if you want a break from indoor activities.
Located on the Red River, it’s a great spot for a picnic or leisurely wander.
The park provides outdoor recreation amid lovely scenery and lots of grass.
Locals like to take their dogs here, as well as engage in some athletic activities, but most just come to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
It’s a tranquil space away from the city to visit with family or spend some quiet time by yourself.
Festivals & Seasonal Fun
18. Festival du Voyageur (February)
Make sure to check out the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg!
An annual event held throughout the month of February, it’s the biggest winter celebration in all of Western Canada.
Bundle up and enjoy music, outdoor events, and tasty treats.
With a cup of hot chocolate in hand, learn about the lifestyle of the voyageurs and see a bit of history with all of the snow and ice sculptures around!
Activities to Experience: Snow carvings, Folk music, Winter activities.
Precautions: Layer up for the cold and be sure to review the timetable for designated activities so you don’t miss any of them.
19. Folklorama (August)
Experience Folklorama, the largest multicultural celebration in the world, during the 2- week festival held annually in August in Winnipeg.
Here, you can explore the city’s many cultures through dance, art, song, and, of course, food!
It’s really an extraordinary way to see the world — without even having to leave town!
Each pavilion is like a mini cultural-experience center, with performances and food that represent a different heritage.
Activities to Experience: Cultural shows, food, hands-on displays.
Be sure to hit up the popular pavilions early; lines are longest there. And as always, wear comfortable shoes.
20. Winnipeg Fringe Theater Festival (July)
If you’re a theater buff, don’t miss the Winnipeg Fringe Theater Festival in July.
It is one of the largest and most popular fringe festivals in North America and showcases a lot of different types of shows – from comedy, to drama, to musicals.
The center of the festival is the Exchange District, where indoor and outdoor venues host performances that attract large crowds looking for edgy performances.
Activities to Experience: Street performances, theater performances, artist meetups.
Precautions: Performance schedules change daily, and tickets for popular performances go fast, so check ahead and book early.
Food & Drink Experiences
21. The Forks Market Food Hall
If you love food (and who doesn’t), you’ll want to check out The Forks Market Food Hall.
There are some incredible local and international options here, and it’s the perfect place to grab a quick meal or relax for an hour or two.
It’s a fun, busy place filled with a lot of people and a lot to taste.
Location: The center of The Forks area downtown Winnipeg.
Surroundings: Located in the historic Forks area with river views and cultural attractions.
Precautions: Bring cash in case there is a vendor that doesn’t accept cards, and expect long lines at peak times.
22. Craft Breweries Tour
Don’t miss the craft brewery scene in Winnipeg.
Breweries like Half Pints Brewing and Little Brown Jug showcase beers created by some of Manitoba’s most innovative and skilled brewers.
The atmosphere and selection at each place are always unique, so this is an experience that won’t be anything like you expect.
Location: Various, most within easy reach of the downtown area.
Surroundings: Trendy neighborhoods with nightlife usually house breweries.
Precautions: Take your time, and never hesitate to ask a bus driver for help.
23. Try Winnipeg’s Famous “Fat Boy Burger”
Be not absolutely delicious, but my favorite is the “Fat Boy Burger.”
The burger is a Greek-Canadian diner staple and you can’t leave Winnipeg without trying one.
It’s a hamburger topped with chili, mustard, onions, and pickles. It’s amazing and, if you get a cool day, it will warm you right up.
Location: On the menu at a few classic diners in Winnipeg.
Surroundings: That are most commonly seen in welcoming family run, retro-style eateries.
24. Clementine Café
Begin your day with a creative brunch from Clementine Café.
Known for their delicious and innovative cuisine as well as the cozy setting, it’s a great place to kick off a relaxing morning.
They put a unique spin on all the usual brunch foods, which makes for a fun dining experience.
Location: In Exchange District–making for an urban-cozy experience.
Surroundings: Clustered with art galleries and historical buildings. It's a great post-brunch walk!
Precautions: Get there early on weekends (it gets crowded and they don’t accept reservations).
Unique & Offbeat Activities
25. Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature
If you want to relax and decompress in a tranquil environment, head to Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature.
Surrounded by greenery, this spa is the ultimate oasis with outdoor pools, saunas, and quiet lounging spaces.
Take a day to do a few thermal cycles or treat yourself to a spa day. You’ll leave here feeling refresh and recharged.
Best Time to Experience: Open year-round. Winter’s the best time to use the snow as a spa!
Location: In Winnipeg, close to Forrester Drive.
Precautions: You’ll need a bathing suit, and remember that the spa rules require quiet in certain areas.
26. Bisons Baseball at Shaw Park
Going to a Bisons baseball game is a quintessential Winnipeg summer activity.
With such a lively atmosphere and exciting game, it’s a great outing for friends and families.
Sit back, relax under the sun, and indulge in some traditional ballpark food while rooting for the home team.
It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local sports scene for a few hours.
Best Time to Experience: During the summer months, when baseball season.
Location: Shaw Park downtown, near the Red River.
Precautions: Pack sunscreen and a hat for sunny days, and a rain poncho as well.
27. Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
For something a little more refined, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra lets you soak in some culture via tunes.
Their performances span classical to modern and the concert hall has great acoustics and atmosphere.
It’s a great destination for music enthusiasts – catch a show and let the symphony work its magic on you.
Best Time to Experience: Shows happen year-round, just see what on this season’s lineup.
Location: It’s easy to find the Centennial Concert Hall in downtown Winnipeg.
Precautions: Plan in advance for in-demand concerts. Dress up and go out for an upscale night.
FAQ
1. What is the best time of year to visit Winnipeg?
While Winnipeg has plenty to offer all year long, outdoor activities and festivals make the warmer months (May through September) particularly attractive.
2. How is the public transport in Winnipeg?
Winnipeg’s bus system is solid, making it easy to get around town, but renting a car will provide added freedom if you want to travel outside the city.
3. Is Winnipeg safe for tourists?
Yes, Winnipeg is safe for the most part. As in any city, just keep your wits about you and an eye on your stuff.
4. What are the best neighborhoods to explore for shopping?
Osborne Village and the Exchange District are perfect for boutique shopping and hip stores.
Conclusion
A historic, outdoor-focused, and winter-loving town, Winnipeg has a lot going on. There’s more than enough here to keep you busy, from cool cafés to interesting events at hot spots.
Whether you’re into outdoor activities, museums, or laid-back activities, there’s something for everyone here at any time of year in this often-overlooked city.
Let Winnipeg charm you with its heart and its quirks.