Winnipeg, Manitoba is known as the “Heart of Canada” for good reason. It’s the most dominant city in the province with a population of well over 800,000 people. Geographically, the city is located near the center of the continent, and almost exactly in the center of Canada (East to West).
Winnipeg, Manitoba is over 15 hours from any other major Canadian Metropolis. The seclusion of the city drives the creativity of the locals: if they want something, they have to create it for themselves. The city is chock full of culture and heritage, indoor and outdoor activities, and more.
I have explored Winnipeg several times, but after my most recent trip partnering with Tourism Winnipeg and Travel Manitoba, I’m excited to share the TOP 10 things to do in Winnipeg Manitoba!
The city of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba make a point of recognizing that the city and province are on ancestral land of various First Nations Peoples. Winnipeg is located on Treaty 1 territory- traditional lands of the Ojibwe, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dene, and Dakota peoples, and is the Birthplace of the Métis Nation.
Must-See Winnipeg Attractions and Activities
There are many awesome things to do and see in Winnipeg Manitoba. I would suggest allocating at least 2-3 days to explore the city.
1. The Leaf – Home to Canada’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall
The Leaf at Assiniboine Park opened in December of 2022. This unique horticultural center is home to Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall and a variety of unique biomes. The tropical biome is the largest space framed around the stunning waterfall and beautiful Koi Fish river. The Mediterranean biome has a large live wall and tons of unique plants and flowers. Upstairs (or up the elevator for us) is the butterfly garden.
We spent 90 minute exploring the different biomes at the Leaf. I would recommend budgeting at least this amount of time. For more information about The Leaf, and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.
2. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Education & Stunning Architecture
I have visited Winnipeg many times, but had never had the opportunity to explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The Museum is dedicated to educating its visitors on the dark and gruesome world history surrounding human rights. However, visitors should leave feeling enlightened and motivated to create a better future for all.
In addition to the valuable subject matter, the museum is also an architectural spectacle from the inside out. The exterior of the building is designed to look like dove wings with a peak standing tall in the center. Inside the experience is designed to portray darkness to light.
Being that the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the ONLY museum specifically dedicated to human rights and awareness, this is something you need to add to your itinerary! I would suggest budgeting several hours for the museum on your itinerary. While we were there we remarked that we could have spent all day reading, learning, and exploring.
If you only have a short amount of time to explore, I would suggest exploring the Canadian Journeys exhibit on the fourth floor. For more information about the Canadian Museum for Human Rights CLICK HERE.
3. The Forks – Crucial to the Winnipeg Experience
As Winnipeg is the “Heart of Canada,” The Forks would be the “Heart of Winnipeg.” The Forks is situated at the place where the Red River forks to become the Red and the Assiniboine Rivers. This location holds a great amount of Canadian history around the fur trading industry. In present time, the Forks has become a place of community and gathering in order to honor the meeting place that it has always been.
There are TONS of awesome things to do at the Forks including: indoor and outdoor activities, enjoying food and drink, shopping, learning, and more! For more information specifically about The Forks check out my Blog Post: The Best Things to do at The Forks in Winnipeg!
Here are a few things you can’t miss while you’re there:
Nestaweya River Trail
The Nestaweya Rive Trail is a 6 km (or 3.7 mile) trail that follows the Assiniboine River.
Skates can be rented at Iceland Skate Rentals in Johnston Terminal at The Forks and Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures onsite at the Nestaweya River Trail offers various other rentals. Rentals include: ice bikes, ice trikes, and other ice skating assists.
In the warmer months Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures rents e-bikes, e-scooters, kayaks, pedal boats, paddle boards, trail bikes and more. Check out KOA website HERE.
The Winnipeg Sign
When in Winnipeg, you have a check out the large Winnipeg sign at CN stage. The Winnipeg sign stands 2.4 meters tall (~8 feet) and is the perfect photo op with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in the background.
In the winter ice trails (and traditional trails) connect the Johnston Terminal at the Forks to the Winnipeg Sign and CN stage. Take the 5 minute walk to enjoy the beautiful view!
The Pinnacle
The Pinnacle is located at Johnston Terminal. This 6 story tower allows for great views of the River, The Forks, and Downtown Winnipeg.
For more information about The Forks check out my full Blog Post here:
The Best Things to do at The Forks, Winnipeg
4. Esplanade Riel Footbridge – Landmark Footbridge over the Red River
The Esplanade Riel Footbridge is an iconic location in Winnipeg. The bridge serves to connect Winnipeg with Saint Boniface and is definitely worth a stop while at The Forks.
5. Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature – Winnipeg’s Ultimate Spa Experience
Thermëa Spa in Winnipeg is easily one of the highlights of our trip. Located in Fort Garry (and 15 minutes from Downtown), Thermëa Spa is another Winnipeg Itinerary must.
Thermëa is a Scandinavian-inspired Nordik Spa that is open year round (except for Christmas Day). The indoor-outdoor experience includes a dry sauna, a cold plunge (Icebër), warm and hot thermal pools, and orange and eucalyptus steam rooms with exfoliation. If you’re interested in extra services they offer massages, facials, and other treatments.
Cap your spa experience with a meal at Restö, an onsite restaurant offering coffee and cocktails as well as other delicious tastings. (Reservation recommended).
For more information about Thermëa and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.
6. FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive is a unique environmental center located just outside of Winnipeg on reclaimed land that was once used for clay mining and cement production. In the past 75 years the area has slowly transformed to become a plant and animal sanctuary and an environmental education center. FortWhyte Alive sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the landscape, learn, and take part in their fun programming.
While we were there we had the opportunity to tour part of the rounds by snowshoe and enjoy black tea with locally sourced wild cranberries and bannock.
Bannock in its purest form is a recipe of flour, water, and butter or lard. The bread is unleavened and often cooked on a fry pan.
For more information about visiting FortWhyte Alive CLICK HERE.
7. The Exchange District
The Exchange District is an arts and cultural area located in the heart of Winnipeg. The trendy neighborhood is known for it’s fun restaurants, breweries and distilleries, chic shops, and fun events.
While we visited we stopped at a few cute places:
Parlour Coffee – A Trendy and Edgy Cafe
Nonsuch Brewing – Chic Decor, Great Drinks, and Delicious Food
Patent 5 Distillery – A Moody Atmosphere with a Zodiac Menu
Clementine Cafe – One of Winnipeg’s most popular Breakfast Spots
For more information about Exchange District shops, restaurants, and events CLICK HERE.
8. Winnipeg Jets Game – Winnipeg’s Professional Sports Team
Hockey Season runs from October to April and the Winnipeg Jets generally play over 40 regular season home games. If sports are up your alley I would highly suggest taking in a game. Although I haven’t been myself I have heard that games at Canada Life Center are high energy, and a blast to attend!
To view the Winnipeg Jets Schedule and book tickets CLICK HERE.
9. CF Polo Park Shopping Center – Make your USD go further for you!
Consistently over the past few years the USD-CAN exchange rate has favored those of us earning money in the states. Currently one USD will get you around $1.30-$1.40 CAN dollars. Make your money go further for you by taking a shopping trip while you’re in Winnipeg.
Polo Park is a large shopping center with over 200 stores. Its easy to access from anywhere in the city including Downtown or the Airport.
For more information about Polo Park Shopping Center CLICK HERE.
10. Popular Seasonal Festivals & Events in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is a city that honors arts, culture, and history. There are several popular event that happen each year that draw locals and visitors alike to celebrate.
Festival Du Voyageur – Annual Winter Francophone
Festival Du Voyageur is an annual 10-day February event that celebrates the Francophone Voyageurs. Cornerstones of the festival include live action story telling at Fort Gibraltar Heritage Site, giant snow sculptures, concerts, and French Canadian foods.
While in Winnipeg we spent an evening exploring Festival Du Voyageur. We admired the snow sculptures, enjoyed the live music, and savored Canadian delicacies like rolled Maple Syrup, Caribou in an ice glass, and Beaver Tails. This was such a fun experience!
For more information about Festival Du Voyageur CLICK HERE.
Winnipeg Folk Festival – One of Canada’s most popular Music Festivals
The Winnipeg Folk Festival draws listeners from across Canada (and the continent!). The event spans a long weekend in July and hosts 9 stages, 70+ acts, tens of thousands of visitors!
Other Winnipeg Festivals & Events
Winnipeg has over 20 annual events. For the full festival and events calendar CLICK HERE.
Where to Stay – The TOP 10 things to do in Winnipeg
One of my favorite parts of a trip is experiencing unique lodging. Winnipeg, Manitoba has no shortage of historical, unique, or trendy places to stay.
Mere Hotel – A Trendy Hotel in Winnipeg
Mere Hotel is a boutique hotel located in Winnipeg’s Exchange District just a short drive away from The Forks and Downtown.
We had a wonderful experience staying here during our most recent trip. The hotel is unique and trendy, the staff was friendly, and our room had a wonderful view of the Red River.
For more information about Mere Boutique Hotel CLICK HERE.
Inn at The Forks – A Winnipeg Hotel in a Convenient Location
Inn at The Forks is in the perfect location if you want to stay where you play! I have heard the rooms are beautiful, there are great amenities including a cute restaurant and a great spa, and you can’t beat the location.
For more information about Inn at The Forks CLICK HERE.
Fort Garry Hotel – A Luxury Hotel in Winnipeg
The Fort Garry Hotel is still on my “top places to stay in Winnipeg” list. This historical hotel is located in Downtown Winnipeg and really has it all.
For more information about Fort Garry Hotel CLICK HERE.
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Winnipeg is a an awesome city full of incredible things to do. My list of the TOP 10 things to do in Winnipeg should see you busy all weekend long! Comment below where in Canada I should visit next!
