Winnipeg is in the center of central Canada.
At the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the city is midway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
One of Winnipeg’s most prominent attractions is The Forks, where these two rivers meet.
It is also a unique confluence of cosmopolitanism, modern art, and history.
Winnipeg, commonly regarded as the “cultural cradle of Canada,” is home to a diverse range of cultural institutions; the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and many other cultural institutions.
Furthermore, you will enjoy a vibrant cultural scene in Winnipeg that includes everything from play and ballet to concerts and opera.
No matter the season you come to Winnipeg, be it winter or summer, there’s always something for everyone.
Here is a list of the best things you should do on your visit to this fine city.
Things to do in Winnipeg, Canada
1. The Forks National Historic Site
Starting your tour at the fork national historic site is a great thing, as it is one of the most well-known tourist center in Winnipeg.
The vibrant Forks National Historic Site is named after its scenic location at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers.
This historical site is one of Winnipeg’s most popular tourist destinations, with over 4 million tourists each year.
Not only will you discover a lively market and museums here in Winnipeg, but you’ll also find historic buildings.
You will also find a harbor and a park with a plethora of cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Keep yourself occupied with activities like boating, skating, photography, eating, drinking.
Moreso, other activities include cycling, walking and many more fun activities with family and friends.
If you need to fill your stomach, there are several restaurants available.
In addition, you will find the Children’s Museum, a “Theatre for Young People” here.
The Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Oodena Celebration Circle, and many other points of interest are also present here.
This park is a great family visit during the warm months.
During the cold months, there is a skating rink, and still quite a lot to do. Note the beautiful views of the Red River and Assiniboine Rivers joining.
In short, everything from museums about the site to stylish boutiques to a marketplace where you can buy produce and rub shoulders with the locals can be found here.
Lots of parking spaces are also available.
Address: Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4S8, Canada
2. Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg
Do you want the next place to go after visiting the forks in Winnipeg? Then the museum for human rights is the next best place to visit.
Located right beside the Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the only museum in the world solely dedicated to human rights, and it’s here in Winnipeg.
Your trip to Winnipeg is not complete without coming here, especially after leaving the forks.
It launched in 2014 with the goal of learning more about human rights, improving people’s knowledge of them
The museum, however, is entered on the ground floor and ascends six stories, going through eleven galleries.
From the gorgeous architecture, eye-catching art, to the interactive displays and story-telling, you would definitely be stunned.
It outlines the major figures who have contributed to human rights advances as well as some of the major violations within Canada and around the world.
For a thorough experience, give yourself at least three hours, but you could certainly take even longer.
While many of the galleries focus on how human rights connect to Canada and its culture, others delve into more difficult topics like the Holocaust and Ukraine’s Holodomor.
You will learn about the growth of human rights and consider their future through fascinating and emotional interactive displays.
It has been divisive in many ways, but it is undeniably a significant cultural institution in Canada.
Apart from the galleries, the Israel Asper Tower of Hope provides breathtaking views of the city.
Don’t forget to go all the way to the top of the tower for spectacular views of Winnipeg.
Address: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0L5, Canada
3. Manitoba Children’s Museum
If you are on a visit to Winnipeg with your child(ren), then this is a great place to take them.
In addition, if your kid needs somewhere to burn off energy, this is the place to do it.
The Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg has got you covered
Plenty of activities to keep them interested time and time again, plenty of space for them to run around and have fun safely.
There are several award-winning permanent exhibits here, including Pop m’Art, where kids can “shop” for art supplies in a grocery-themed exhibit and then create!
Winnipeggers bring their children indoors during the winter months for some culture, exploration, and enjoyment.
The Manitoba Children’s Museum, however, is a terrific pit stop for the whole family regardless of the season.
There are play structures for them to play in, there are activity centers for them to build things.
There is also a block and construction area where they can build towers and make them come crashing down.
The train inside the museum is very cool. You can see how a train works and can also see what it looks like to drive the train.
There are places to eat and you can buy small amounts of food there, but not a full restaurant.
This place is a bulk load of fun and because it is indoors means when it’s raining, you can still have time and space with the kids.
Address: 45 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4T6, Canada
4. Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg
Winnipeg has amazing parks all over the city, but Assiniboine Park is one of the best.
The park, which opened in 1909 and is named after the Assiniboine people, is located close to the same-named river and enormous forest.
The scenic Assiniboine Park, which spans a large area of western Winnipeg, provides several outdoor leisure activities.
It has a lovely botanical garden, an animal-filled zoo, and many more attractions in addition to playgrounds, picnic spots, and playing fields.
You could spend a few hours walking through and around the Indigenous Garden, Kitchen Garden.
You can also walk through the Sensory Garden, English Garden, Duck Pond, and Leo Mal Sculpture Garden.
The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden’s magnificent gardens contain attractive walks and flower beds for you to stroll through, as well as hundreds of incredible artworks dotting the grounds.
And that doesn’t even include the Children’s Natural Playground or the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
It is so big and good for groups of families and friends.
In short, Winnipeg is more than a tourist destination, but also a family destination.
It’s also good for picnics, outdoor activities, sports, and everything!
There’s parking around the park too.
And it looks so different in winter and summer, like two different places!!
In addition to the natural beauty, there is a wonderful pavilion and theater to visit, both of which host shows, concerts, and festivals.
With so many great mini-parks throughout, cricket, mini train, garden, duck pond, and the zoo next door, this is a really great place.
If any place shows off Winnipeg, it’s this park. Enjoy!
Address: 55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6, Canada
5. Saint Boniface Cathedral, Winnipeg
The St. Boniface Cathedral-Basilica in Winnipeg was established in 1818 in the Archdiocese of Saint-Boniface.
It is a magnificent structure in the heart of the city, facing the Red River.
While the ancient basilica was destroyed by a fire in 1968.
The cathedral’s cemetery, which is littered with the remains of the region’s early settlers and significant personalities, is also located here.
You can take a nice place to go for a walk, check out some pretty old headstones in the cemetery, and think about the history of the area.
Very easy to make a tour of the Forks, the old warehouse district, market square area.
You could even catch a baseball game, or check out the human rights museum. Nice to wander around or just take a break.
It’s also worth visiting the nearby Saint-Boniface Museum.
Saint Boniface Cathedral is among the most highly rated places of Winnipeg in the ‘Places of cultural interest’ category of Nicelocal.
Lastly, you should add this to the list of places to visit in Winnipeg
Address: 180 Av. de la Cathedrale, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0H7, Canada
Planning a road trip to other parts of Canada? Be sure to check our list of things to do in Calgary!
6. Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum
A fantastic collection depicting the Red River Metis people’s way of life is housed in Winnipeg’s oldest building.
For those interested in Métis history, this is possibly the best museum on the Prairies.
Come discover the rich history of the Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum, which has been located in the village for over 170 years.
The relics are enough to pique your interest.
Where else would a strand of Louis Riel’s hair be found? It’s here in Winnipeg.
But even more than that, it holds a truly unbelievable collection of items connected to Louis Riel, including his belongings.
It also contains bits of the rope with which he was hanged and the coffin in which he was entombed
Louis Riel’s grave, located in the churchyard of the St. Boniface Cathedral, is about half a block away from the museum.
Not only do you get to view Winnipeg’s oldest building, but the Grey Nuns also provide an informative historical lesson.
You will also get the Metis, Louis Riel, the fur trade, and all the highlights that provide a solid overview of Manitoba’s history
Plan on spending at least an hour here, walking about the church, graveyard, and gardens.
Then go across the bridge (stop for lunch or a drink at “North America’s only bridge restaurant”) and complete your informative day at the Winnipeg History Museum.
Address: 494 Tache Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2B2, Canada
7. Royal Canadian Mint, Winnipeg
This place is a must-visit if you are in Winnipeg.
One of the most iconic structures and government-owned businesses in Canada.
The coins that they design are rated as one of the best in the world.
The building itself is beautiful. They give a detailed tour of how coins are made from the start to the finish, for a fee.
In addition, they don’t make the bills, just coins.
The Royal Canadian Mint not only creates coins for Canada but also for a number of other countries.
In fact, approximately 55 billion coins have been made in this facility.
The on-site museum does an outstanding job of explaining the origins of coins and currencies to visitors.
There is also a small area for buying gifts and specialty coins, etc.
Get yourself some mints while in Winnipeg!
Address: Winnipeg, Canada
8. Winnipeg Art Gallery
If you appreciate the work of art, then you will enjoy this place so much.
The Winnipeg is a stunning art gallery that specializes in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artwork and artifacts.
The permanent collection of European & Canadian collections of art is breathtaking.
The vault, chock full of thousands of soapstone carvings, is truly spectacular.
The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) is as striking on the exterior as it is on the inside, with its architectural brilliance and 24,000 items.
The gallery is home to the world’s first and largest collection of contemporary Inuit art, with installations from all major cities across the world.
This museum really makes the W in Winnipeg stand for world-class.
Breathtaking exhibit and stunning INUIT Exhibition gallery.
Parking has always been the downfall of visiting, as downtown parking is some of the worst.
The Winnipeg Arts gallery is definitely a must-visit for tourists and those who haven’t stopped in for a while.
Address: 300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1V1, Canada
9. Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
Leo Mol Sculpture Garden is another terrific aspect of Assiniboine Park.
It is well maintained; Perfect for walking through with your family, taking a date, reading a book, painting a picture, or just general exploring.
The garden houses approximately 300 incredible works by the renowned Leo Mol, including bronze and ceramic sculptures, as well as sketches and paintings.
The garden is such an oasis of calm, even with a number of people there.
Since its inception in 1992, it has been enlarged twice due to its popularity and ever-growing collection of artworks.
This Winnipeg beauty of a garden combines artistic beauty with a magnificent natural setting; its gorgeous plant beds, paths, and ponds are sprinkled with wonderful sculptures.
It also houses the Leo Mol Gallery, which features some lovely bronze sculptures and major work molds.
Worth a visit when you’re in the Tuxedo section of Winnipeg.
Park is surrounded by beautiful homes and there are lots of paths on which you can walk & enjoy the other sights inside the park.
Plenty of parking is available too.
Like the rest of Assiniboine Park, it is a place for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the work of Leo Mol in a natural setting. The gardens frame his creations.
Address: Assiniboine Park Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N7, Canada
10. Red River Mutual Skating Trail
Does the sound of skating seem interesting to you?
How about skating on the world’s longest naturally frozen lake?
In the winter, one of the most authentically Canadian activities is ice skating.
The Red River Mutual Trail is a little over 6 kilometers long and offers a variety of outdoor activities like hockey, curling, and sledding.
The trail is weather-dependent, so you’ll have to wait for the temperature to drop before it opens.
This skating trail is so much fun.
The organizers does a great job of making fun for everyone.
The trail is always very well-groomed.
Nice trail. Great for beginners. Wear grippy footwear for the ice. In summer, watch for mud. Go get it!
Address: River Walk, Winnipeg, MB, Canad
11. Kildonan Park, Winnipeg
Kildonan Park is a great place to visit if you just want some me-time in Winnipeg.
The park spans 99 acres and features 2.7 kilometers of hiking paths, part of which runs alongside the Red River.
Kildonan Park houses some of the province’s oldest trees, as well as beautiful flower beds and a Hänsel and Gretel Witch’s Hut.
Playgrounds, hiking, ponds flower gardens are free to enjoy.
There is a cost for admission to the pool and splash pad.
One thing that is lacking is parking.
Moreover, birdwatchers will love this location.
Rainbow Stage, Canada’s longest-running open-air theater, is also located in Kildonan Park.
There is the walk-around path, the river paths, and the pool with turns into an ice rink when it freezes.
Also has toboggan slides and snowslides, and barbecue sites throughout.
It has a huge pool and playgrounds and all sorts of children’s equipment.
In addition, it is great for kids and adults alike where the open restaurant is available year-round.
The best part? It’s right next to Kildonan Golf Course.
Address: 2015 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R2V 2B9, Canada
12. Living Prairie Museum & Interpretive Centre
There is nothing like a walk in a field, or taking in the beauty of nature.
The properties of the Living Grassland Museum protect one of the last remaining swaths of tallgrass prairie.
There are some very interesting plants if that is your thing. It is natural and beautiful.
It includes an outstanding interpretive center with 150 species of natural grasses and wildflowers.
Visitors can look out from a second-story platform at the preserved grassland.
A self-guided walk weaves its way through the museum grounds, which comprise 16.3 hectares.
Grab a booklet and stop at the numbered points along the journey to learn more about the plants and fauna in the area.
Address: 2795 Ness Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3S4, Canada
13. The Exchange District
The Exchange District, now a Canadian National Historic Site, was once the heart of Winnipeg’s economy.
The District, a 20-block creative district, is home to some of Winnipeg’s most popular restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and art.
It is located north of Portage and Main and consists of approximately 150 heritage buildings.
The neighborhood is filled with character and charm.
Today, there is still a lot of business going on here, but it has a hipster vibe to it.
One of the most well-known gathering places in the area in the Exchange District is Old Market Square, a park that hosts musical events and festivals on a regular basis.
Not to mention, the mural game in The Exchange sector is strong.
To learn about the historic site, its architecture, food scene, and more, you can take a specially created tour with Exchange District BIZ!
Address: 492 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1B7, Canada
14. Corydon District, Winnipeg
This is one of Winnipeg’s hippest, trendiest streets, with plenty of shops, boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries.
Locals go to this bustling tree-lined street to unwind, get up on the newest trends, and enjoy some downtime.
Small, fashionable stores offering the most up-to-date, one-of-a-kind fashions will captivate your curiosity.
On this old and restored street, some restaurants have a strong presence. It’s a great place to walk about and decide where to dine.
Restaurants serve a wide variety of cuisines, many of which have outside patios in the summer.
Besides, this “walking area” of Winnipeg can be visited anytime.
There are cafes, bars, and eateries featuring the delectable cuisines of many countries! the “BUZZ” and energy is infectious
The primary area runs from Daly Street to Harrow Street along Corydon Avenue, and parking can be difficult.
Address: Winnipeg, Canada
15. Fort Whyte Alive, Winnipeg
Fort Whyte is a lovely wildlife park in Winnipeg with lots to offer.
It is a 259-hectare park notable for its five lakes, grassland meadows, and bog boardwalks.
An aquarium and natural exhibits, including burrowing owls, may be found in the interpretive center.
Fort Whyte also has a number of programs, events, and activities to choose from.
The cabin is on the other side of one of the lakes, isolated from the rest of the facilities.
In the summer, sailing and paddling classes are given on the small lakes at Fort Whyte Alive, which have seven kilometers of walking and cycling routes.
Moreso, if you want to get outside and enjoy the colder weather in the winter, there is also a large ice rink, toboggan run, and cross-country ski routes.
Visitors can observe the bison herd, bird-feeding stations, the sod house, and the antics of the prairie dogs at the prairie dog town from the outside.
They also have a lot of neat, self-guided trails with wide paths.
Some rest spots are located along the paths, however, not all of them are shaded.
With so much water to see, the boardwalk in the marsh area is fantastic.
Address: 1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9, Canada
16. Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland in Winnipeg is a spectacular display of over one million lights and 26 different theme zones.
It’s a terrific opportunity to spend quality time with your family while also celebrating the holiday season with 3 million watts of lights!
Winter in these places may be harsh, but it is still lovely.
If you’re courageous enough to withstand the cold, Winnipeg can show you how to have a good time in the winter.
Visitors in Winnipeg are welcome to take a 2.5-kilometer trip between the beginning of December and the beginning of January.
If you’re feeling very festive, stop along the road for some outdoor ice skating or a brisk ride through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh!
Address: Red River Exhibition Park 3977 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3K 2E8
17. Osborne Village, Winnipeg
The Osborne Village in Winnipeg is a fantastic urban neighborhood with excellent food and a welcoming ambiance.
For dive bars, pubs, music venues, vintage boutiques, and record shops, Osborne Village is one of the best spots to visit in Winnipeg.
Both Osborne Village and the Exchange District are known for their art. However, the Exchange District is a touch more affluent, whilst Osborne Village is a little more grungy.
Walk straight along Osborne south from the Legislative Buildings, across the bridge, and you’ll see a Shell petrol station.
The petrol station marks the beginning of Osborne Village in Winnipeg. It’ll only take you 15 minutes.
Furthermore, between the bars and terraces, there are plenty of opportunities to watch people.
There are different cuisines available, including interesting fusions such as Kawaii Crepe.
There is shopping in the area, almost all of it independently, which can assist in the discovery of hidden gems.
The Osborne Village has the advantage of being close to both downtown and the legislature grounds.
It’s a fantastic way to spend a day in Winnipeg.
Address: Winnipeg, Canada
18. Festival du Voyageur, Winnipeg
How about timing your visit to Winnipeg’s most popular winter festival?
The Celebration du Voyageur is a ten-day winter festival held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, every year.
This festival recalls the traditions of the French Voyageurs, or early Canadian fur traders, and takes place in February.
The festival includes entertainment and festivities for both children and adults, as well as activities in both French and English.
In addition, you can also participate in some competitions held.
One such festival tradition is the beard-growing competition.
Prior to the contest, participants had 10 weeks to grow their best beards in four categories.
Make sure not to miss the festival’s amazing ice and snow sculptures, which are a highlight of the event.
This is one beautiful festival you would enjoy in Winnipeg.
Address: Winnipeg, Canada
19. Prairie Dog Central Railway
How would you like a fantastic day trip that includes a historic steam locomotive ride in Winnipeg?
The Prairie Dog Central is a steam-powered locomotive that runs between Winnipeg and Grosse Isle.
The railway is made up of historic carriages that transport passengers on a 60- to 75-minute ride that includes a halt before returning to Winnipeg.
The destination, Grosse Isle, has much to offer for the 1.5hr stay: wagon rides, food, historic building and a welcoming town.
Inkster Junction, where the train ride starts, has a waiting room, many locomotives (steam & diesel) to admire, a souvenir shop, and outdoors Dutch street organ.
Furthermore, this is a truly fabulous experience that the whole family will love.
This is so lovely. In fact, every Manitoban needs to ride at least once, and for visitors to Winnipeg, it needs to be on the list of things to do if you have the time.
In addition, the locomotives change, so make sure that if it’s your first or only ride, you select a steam run.
Even though the diesel is great also but the steam is an authentic experience.
So while in Winnipeg, don’t miss this beautiful train ride.
Address: 64099 Prairie Dog Trail, Rosser, MB R0H 1E0, Canada
20. McNally Robinson Booksellers, Winnipeg
Being on a tour to Winnipeg doesn’t stop you from warming up your brain with some books.
McNally Robinson Bookstore in Grant Park or The Forks Market is one such place to visit.
In addition, McNally Robinson is an independent bookshop.
Visiting independent bookshops is a terrific way to learn about a community.
In short, McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg is one of Winnipeg’s largest independent bookstores.
Of course, you will save money at Amazon, but there is no substitute for browsing a well-chosen collection in a pleasant setting.
The amazing staff makes McNally what it is. They know their industry inside and out and really excel at helping you find something to read.
Something that will entertain, educate, or feed the addiction to the pursuit of knowledge!
An added plus is that the bookstore frequently hosts performances by artists, authors, and speakers.
So, keep an eye open for local musicians and book launches in you are in this part of Winnipeg.
Address: 4000-1120 Grant Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2A6, Canada
21. Royal Winnipeg Ballet
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which was created in 1939 and has an exclusive full-time ballet school, is Canada’s oldest ballet company.
Royal Winnipeg ballet is famous as a professional ballet company worldwide, but it’s also well known for recreational school.
This Winnipeg Ballet is such a treasure!
This is a great avenue for parents to expose children to wonderful costumes, music, stories, and artists.
The company performs in Winnipeg on a regular basis, despite being on the road for about 100 days of the year.
In short, catching a performance here if you’re a dance aficionado in the city is a must!
Address: 380 Graham Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K2, Canada
Start planning your trip to Winnipeg
With so much to do that this mid-sized city provides travelers a limitless amount of things to see in Winnipeg.
From childhood characters to famous writers and cultural giants, Winnipeg has a lot to offer.
You can even learn a little ballet or go full Albert Einstein at the bookstores here in Winnipeg.
In conclusion, don’t forget to attend festivals if your visit time falls in the same period.
Safe Travel!