The Ultimate Guide to Winnipeg, Canada

Celebrated for its thriving arts scene, cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and ample outdoor adventures, Winnipeg is an incredible destination for travelers of all ages! Located along Canada’s south-central border, Winnipeg, commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” is Manitoba’s capital, and its largest city. Here you’ll find a plethora of activities, museums, restaurants, shops, art galleries, festivals, and much more. Whether you’re arranging an extended getaway to this incredible city or a quick weekend escape, there’s certainly plenty to do and see – and I’ve compiled it all for you below, so you can begin planning your trip today!

Seven Incredible Things to Do

While there are an infinite number of attractions to visit in Winnipeg, these are some of my favorites!

Canadian Museum for Human Rights 

The first museum of its kind in the world, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, is a national institution dedicated to understanding human rights. With an emphasis on both Canadian and international rights, the museum offers six levels of gallery exhibits that cover a range of topics, such as the Holocaust, indigenous rights, climate justice, activism, and legal protections. 

Manitoba Museum 

Home to a planetarium, science gallery, and nine interpretive museum exhibits, Manitoba Museum is the largest non-profit center for heritage and science learning in the Manitoba province. With a primary focus on human and natural history, the museum offers a variety of exhibitions that explore the history of Earth and space. 

Winnipeg Art Gallery 

Founded in 1912, the Winnipeg Art Gallery is one of the oldest civic art galleries in Canada. Here you’ll find an impressive collection that features more than 27,000 works of art spread across 185,000 square feet. Of particular note is the Gallery’s recently completed Inuit Art Center; named Qaumajuq, this museum houses the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. 

The Forks 

As Winnipeg’s premier shopping and entertainment district, The Forks is one of the most popular destinations in the city. From restaurants to bars, a farmer’s market, shops, hotels, museums, public gardens, playgrounds, and riverfront views, there’s something for everyone at this historic gathering place. The Forks, located where the Assiniboine and Red rivers connect, was the trading and meeting place of early Aboriginal settlements. Commercial fur trade and industrialize transportation –  the railway, provided a location for waves of immigrates and the Industrial Age to enter the area.

Thermea by Nordik Spa

Open year-round, Thermea is a Scandinavian-inspired spa that features a variety of relaxation experiences. Here you’ll find everything from heated outdoor pools to ice-cold polar plunges, saunas, exfoliation rooms, and rest areas, as well as a restaurant and lounge. Alongside this, there are several massages and body treatments for those in search of true bliss.

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada 

Perfect for history buffs and plane enthusiasts alike, the Royal Aviation Museum is the place to go to learn all about Canada’s aerospace industry. With 14 immersive galleries and 22 retired aircrafts, there’s certainly plenty to do and see here! As an added bonus, the museum is located right next to the airport and offers an observation lounge from which you can watch planes take off and land.

Assiniboine Park Zoo 

Spanning 80 acres, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is an impressive zoo that offers a first-hand look at some of Canada’s most prominent wildlife species. From polar bears to seals, reindeer, arctic foxes, and bison, there are plenty of northern animals to interact with here. In addition to this, there are several exhibits that feature exotic species from around the world; this includes monkeys, kangaroos, tigers, snow leopards, and more.

Two Great Places to Eat

Winnipeg is full of delectable and delicious restaurants, and while they’re all worth visiting, these two dining establishments are must-visits in my book!

Oval Room Brasserie 

If you’re in search of classic Canadian fare, look no further than the Oval Room Brasserie. Located within The Fort Garry Hotel in downtown Winnipeg, the Oval Room offers a variety of traditional brasseries and bistro-style dishes, including seafood, steak, salad, sandwiches, and burgers. 

Peasant Cookery 

Situated in the midst of Winnipeg’s Exchange District, the Peasant Cookery prides itself on offerings made-from-scratch European-inspired meals using only the freshest local ingredients. In fact, several of the restaurant’s offerings are made in-house, including their cured meats, pickled vegetables, jam spreads, and salad dressing. Meals here include a mix of seafood, salads, tarte flambee, steak, chicken, and charcuterie boards.

The Best Place to Stay 

If you’re looking for an unforgettable hotel in Winnipeg, this is the place to go!

The Fort Garry

As one of Winnipeg’s most celebrated architectural landmarks, The Fort Garry Hotel is a must for any visitor to the city. Not only is this historic hotel an iconic beauty to behold, but it also offers stylish accommodations, delectable dining, first-class amenities, and top-notch service!

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For more information on Winnipeg and all it offers, be sure to check out Tourism Winnipeg, the city’s official travel guide!

Checkout the websites and start planning your visit:

• Tourism Winnipeg: https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/ 
• Canadian Museum for Human Rights: https://humanrights.ca/ 
• Manitoba Museum: https://manitobamuseum.ca/ 
• Winnipeg Art Gallery: https://www.wag.ca/ 
• The Forks: https://www.theforks.com/ 
• Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature: https://www.thermea.ca/ 
• Royal Aviation Museum: https://royalaviationmuseum.com/ 
• Oval Room Brasserie: https://www.fortgarryhotel.com/oval-room-brasserie/  
• Peasant Cookery: https://peasantcookery.ca/ 
• The Fort Garry Hotel: https://www.fortgarryhotel.com/