20 Wonderful Things to Do in Winnipeg

Looking for all the cool things to do in Winnipeg? Look no further; I’ve got you covered!

If you know me, you know I love some good, ole Canadian travel. Since my very first trip to Vancouver in 2017, I’ve spent a wintry weekend at Niagara Falls, went on a two week road trip to Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, and Toronto, then did another road trip around New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Halifax, popped up to Toronto around Christmas, and just stopped in Vancouver for my friend’s wedding.

This time I got a chance to spend a few days exploring Winnipeg, a city that’s been on my Canadian bucket list for ages. And not only did I finally get to enjoy Winnipeg, I also spent time in Southern Manitoba! It was such a gorgeous trip, and because I drove up, I was able to spend even more time than if I’d flown. This was my first time in the Prairies, both on the Canadian and American sides, and I might be a little in love!

Check below for all I got up to!

This post is in collaboration with Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg. Manitoba is located on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk Nations and is the Homeland of the Red River Métis.

16 Wonderful Things to Do in Winnipeg

1. Find hope at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights

This is probably at the top of every “things to do in Winnipeg” list and for good reason. If you only have time for one museum or even just one activity, let it be an afternoon at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. 

Back in 2000, philanthropist and former leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, Israel Asper decided he wanted to create a place where people could learn about the history of human rights. Plans were then announced in 2003 to build the museum right in Winnipeg. While Asper unfortunately passed away shortly after, his vision came to fruition in 2014.

Today, the museum features multiple floors of exhibits and galleries that delve into specific human rights issues through history leading up to the present day. It’s one of those experiences that can get dark but ultimately leaves you feeling hopeful; at least that’s what it did for me. There’s something really moving about seeing how far we’ve come in defining and fighting for human rights. It makes all that’s happening around us today feel like something we can fight to overcome. 

Give yourself at least 90+ minutes to move through the museum and really take in each of the exhibits. 

2. Explore the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art at WAG-Quamajuq

Winnipeg Art Gallery-Quamajuq isn’t an ordinary art museum. For decades it has slowly built up nearly 14,000 pieces of Inuit art and was even the first public art gallery in Canada to display contemporary First Nations art in the seventies. Spend time checking out their extensive collections and really reading the placards while admiring the art. I really liked the Omalluq exhibit, which is on display until March. It features art Omalluq Oshutsiaq created during the last two years of her life.

3. Wander through Winnipeg’s French-speaking neighborhood

Fun fact: Quebec isn’t the only place where French is the primary language! Across the river from The Forks is Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg’s own French-speaking community. The French part came about in 1818 when a Roman Catholic mission was founded here and became the parish for many French settlers. Most notably, though, is that it’s the birthplace of Louis Riel, a Métis leader who’s considered a founder of Manitoba. You can learn more about his life at Le Musee de Saint-Boniface (still on my to-visit list!), which occupies the oldest building in Winnipeg, and visit his burial site at Cathédrale de Saint Boniface. The cathedral itself is unique since the main facade is actually what remains after much of the French Romanesque structure was destroyed in a fire back in 1968.

I’d also recommend visiting Le Croissant for excellent pastries. Pop in next door to Thyme Cafe and Books for their plant-based menu and used book selection, and let me know how it is. (It was closed when I went so I could only peek through the window but it looked cozy!) For some more shopping, stroll down Provencher Boulevard, and stop into Librairie À la Page for their French and English books.

And, of course, if you’re here in February, Saint-Boniface is where the 10-day Festival du Voyageur is held! 

4. Shop small around the Exchange District

If you know me, you know I love finding things I can use or wear in my everyday life instead of just pure souvenirs. One of the best places to shop small business is around The Exchange District. 

Located in downtown Winnipeg, it’s also a National Historic Site thanks to all the well preserved early 20th century architecture. The whole district covers about 20 city blocks, but for shopping purposes you’ll want to mainly look between Arthur and Albert Streets where they intersect with McDermot Ave. I’ll a separate post on shopping in Winnipeg, but here’s a quick list:

•  Two Macaws Concept Store – cute, curated shop inspired by founder Noor’s childhood in India and travels around the world
• Vantage Vintage Boutique – the kind of vintage shop you dream of finding and where every mid-20th century movie should source their costumes
• tara davis studio boutique – very cute gift shop type store with mainly Canadian artists
• The Jar – lots of Y2k type vintage finds
• Arkibo – also a cool streetwear vintage type shop; shares space with Kopi, a Filipino-Korean cafe

It’s also home to a lot of different restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you’re going earlier, start off with brunch at Clementine Cafe, and if you’re going later, try the drinks at Rosé Coffee & Wine.

5. Pop over to Winnipeg’s Chinatown

While you’re in the Exchange District, pop next door to Winnipeg’s Chinatown! You know I love visiting Chinatowns all over the world, so of course when I saw this was a hop and skip away, I had to check it out.

It’s pretty small so unless you plan on grabbing a bite, it’s a quick jaunt. The big thing you’ll want to see is the Dynasty Building. Its exterior is pretty unique and houses the only Chinese library in all of Manitoba as well as a number of other businesses including the Chinese Culture and Community Centre. I believe if you’re in town for Folklorama in August, this is where they host the China Pavilion. 

Around the building is a gorgeous garden and then the main Chintown Arch which links to the Mandarin Building. Come in September, and you’ll be in time for their annual Night Market!

6. Find all the filming locations around Winnipeg

Did you know Winnipeg is actually a very popular spot for filming? Me neither! Thanks to the Exchange District’s Chicago influence, it has doubled for a number of major US cities including, of course, Philadelphia. Just imagine strolling downtown and running into a Hollywood production starring Jon Hamm or Bob Odenkirk!

The real industry through? Hallmark movies. There have been so many Hallmark movies filmed here that Tourism Winnipeg usually does an annual round-up and Fort Garry Hotel is often decked out for Christmas all year round. 

Oh, and considering Manitoba is part of the Canadian prairies, guess what tv show was filmed here? I’ll give you a hint… it involves a little house. 

7. Cozy up in various bookstores around Winnipeg

Like any good city, Winnipeg has no shortage of cozy independent bookstores! I managed to pop into three while here but there are many, many more I never got to. Besides the aforementioned Librairie À la Page in Saint-Boniface, I went to Mcnally Robinson’s location in The Forks Market and Bison Books, near WAG-Quamajuq. 

McNally Robinson is focused on new books, and I believe their main location in Grant Park is one of the largest in the area. I also discovered they have ties to McNally Jackson in NYC! It was the founders’ daughter who went on to find McNally Jackson! Meanwhile Bison Books does a mix of used and new, and is especially great for rare and out of print books.

8. Andddd cozy up in cafes around the city as well

You know if there are cozy bookstores, there are cozy cafés! And considering Winnipeg is pretty cold most of the year, their cafe culture is thriving. Here are just the ones I made it to:

• Kopi – a Filipino-Korean cafe within vintage shop, Arkibo
• Thom Bargen – coffee roaster local to Winnipeg; they supple Le Resto at Thermea spa as well
• Empty Coffee – another local coffee roaster in Winnipeg; went to their Sage Creek location to get some work done!
• Le Croissant – super cute cafe in Saint-Boniface; gets busy fast and seats are a hot commodity. If you’re in a group, have someone claim seat while the other orders!

9. Enjoy The Forks Market

If you want to do some shopping or are in a group where everyone wants to eat something different, then head right over to The Forks Market. I kind of love that it continues a tradition that’s been around for thousands of years! The whole area known as The Forks is situated where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. It’s also been a ground for trade whether it was indigenous people, fur traders, or settlers. For a while this area was an abandoned rail yard until it was transformed into The Forks Market!

There are two buildings for shopping and dining — the main market area and Johnston Terminal! I found an absolute treasure trove of vintage finds at the antique mall in Johnston Terminal’s basement, and Forks Trading Co atop the main market hosts a slew of artisan and small business booths from around Manitoba!

10. Roam around the Forks

If you happen to come when it’s nice out, it’s well worth it to just put on some sneakers and meander around The Forks National Historic Site. Follow the river, cross Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge, and just see all the public art and sculptures there is to see. Bonus points if you find the Beaver Tail truck and get a sweet treat for your walk.

11. Hop on a Winnipeg Waterways Tour

Another fun way to get to know Winnipeg is to hop on a Winnipeg Waterways tour. They last around 30-40 minutes and will take you along the river towards the Manitoba Legislative Building and back. Along the way, your guide will give you a nice overview of the city’s history and point out different landmarks.

Interestingly, before the Panama Canal, it was thought that Winnipeg would be one of the biggest cities in the continent! A lot of different buildings were built and designed with this in mind but the population never quite reached its potential. 

12. Take advantage of Winnipeg’s underrated food scene

Did you know Winnipeg had such a thriving gastronomy? Apparently a lot of Manitobans leave to train in the culinary world, put in grueling hours, and then realize one day that they can achieve their dreams faster and for much less capital if they open their restaurant in Winnipeg. Because of this, Winnipeg has the kind of restaurant scene that rivals much more populous metropolises.

A stand out for me had to be Parcel Pizza for its interior decor alone. Seriously, I wish I could’ve captured it better because it was just so fun and chic. The food itself was nothing to scoff about either! We split the burrata, which was served with chili oil, the kale salad, and a hot honey pizza that I can only describe as mouthwatering.

13. Spend the day unwinding at Thermea Spa Village.

Let me strongly urge you to set aside at least half a day if not a whole day for the gorgeous Thermea Spa Village. The spa is built around the Finnish thermal cycle where you’ll do hot – cold – rest for as many cycles as you’d like. To give you an idea of what’s included in your day pass:

• Wet Sauna
• Aufguss Ritual
• Dry Sauna
• Barrel Sauna
• Sound Bath
• Hot Bath
• Lukewarm Bath
• Cold Plunge
• Tons of seating

Additionally, there are two onsite restaurants — Le Resto is great breakfast and lunch while the Biergarten opens up for dinner.

14. Enjoy all things Folklorama!

Come during the first two weeks of August, and you’ll come just in time for Winnipeg’s biggest celebrations of the year — Folklorama! It started back during the the city’s centennial as a way of celebrating all the cultures that make up Winnipeg and has since expanded.

Essentially, every culture that wishes to participte in Folklorama sets up a Pavilion. Pavilions are in large spaces like a school gym of community center. For about an hour or so, you can go to a Pavilion, grab a bite to eat, enjoy a series of performances, and then shop and learn more about the culture. It’s all volunteer-based, so your ticket prices go towards helping each group put together their Pavilion for the next year, and it’s just such a fun way to both celebrate Winnipeg’s diversity and you may not know much about.

During my visit, we went to the Tamil Pavilion and the Italy Pavilion!

15. Go to the Centre of Canada

The Longitudinal Centre of Canada that is. I love a good roadside stop, and about 15-20 minutes from Winnipeg is a very fun area dedicated to being the center of Canda! There is, of course, a massive sign with different statues, photo ops, and a Free Little Library. Come in the summer, and you’ll catch the sunflowers in bloom as well!

16. Plan a day or weekend trip to Steinbach

I say a weekend trip so you can spend at least one night at Rosedale Chapel Bed & Breakfast, but if you only have time for a day, that works too! Head about an hour into Southeastern Manitoba, and you’ll find yourself in a charming rural area mainly centered around the town of Steinbach. It’s such a cool area, and you can do everything from visiting Mennonite Heritage Village to a learning how to flower dye at Masagana Flower Farm to shopping for some seriously delicious ingredients for your next meal. I wrote all about it here if you have time to go!

4 More Things to Do in Winnipeg Still on My List

Of course, I was just one person with limited time! Below are things to do in Winnipeg that are still on my list. Sharing in case you want to prioritize visiting over what I did!

17. Spend an afternoon with Borealis Beading

Borealis Beading is high on my list because it seems so lovely! Melanie Gamache is a Manitoba Francophone Red River Métis beadwork artisan who’s been practicing the art of beading since 2014 and offers classes at the Métis Cultural Learning Experiences. Her goal isn’t just to help you leave with something beautiful but to share more about the Métis people’s connections to beadwork. She even formats her classes like a traditional beading circle.

18. Visit the Leaf Botanic Garden

I love a botanic garden, and a few people recommended I check out the Leaf if I have time! It’s located in Assiniboine Park, which is worth a visit all on its own, and is separated into four different climate zones.

And, yes, as you might guess, if you look at it from afar the exterior looks like a leaf!

19. Visit more National Historic Sites in Winnipeg and nearby

Besides The Forks, there are more National Historic Sites in Winnipeg and a short drive away:

• Riel House National Historic Site – still in Winnipeg, this site is all about Louis Riel’s life and preserves his family’s home as it would appear in 1886. (Only open in the summer, I believe!)
• Forts Rouge, Garry and Gibraltar National Historic Site – this covers three different positions at the forks of Red and Assiniboine Rivers in Winnipeg and sounds like they’re mostly plaques to note the forts’ previous locations. The main thing to see is the north gate of Fort Garry II which is right by The Forks National Historic Site.
• St. Andrew’s Rectory National Historic Site – about 30 minutes from Winnipeg; it preserves the rectory’s Red River architecture and explores the role of the church in 19th century settlement.
• Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site – further on from St. Andrew’s, Lower Fort Garry has witnessed a number of significant events in Canadian history and has a number of interpretive tours and workshops to learn about them.

And if you’re also curious about more National Historic Sites in Manitoba, there’s Linear Mounds, Prince of Whales Fort, Riding Mountain Park East Gate Registration Complex, and York Factory!

20. Visit even more museums in Winnipeg

Believe it or not, I do have more museums I’d like to visit!

• Dalnavert Museum – a Victorian mansion house museum not too far from the Forks
• Manitoba Museum – a science museum focused on Manitoba’s natural history
• Living Prairie Museum – a nature preserve focused on tall grass prairie. It looks like a cool place to learn more about what exactly a prairie is.

And there you have it! A nice, tidy list of things to do Winnipeg, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city. Let me know below if you have anything to add.

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