What to Do in Winnipeg

The capital of Manitoba sparkles in the Great White North.   It’s a place of long-standing tradition, rich culture, expansive beauty, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet!  It’s also packed with extraordinary attractions you simply won’t find anywhere else.  Here’s a sneak peek of what to do in Winnipeg during your next visit.

Dig into the Forks

Right at the junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers in the heart of downtown Winnipeg is The Forks.  This stunning little slice of abandoned railyard turned vibrant destination has been a meeting place for more than 6,000 years.

Indigenous peoples traded here, followed by a host of European fur traders, Scottish settlers, riverboat workers, railway pioneers, and immigrants.

Today The Forks welcomes more than 4 million annual visitors to meet and experience its thriving shopping scene, exceptional dining, and eclectic entertainment and events.  It’s a unique blend of natural, historic, and man-made attractions that will simply wow you!

Worth Every Penny

A tour of the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is worth every penny!  Take a guided tour of this magnificent glass-plated facility that produces all the Canadian coins in circulation.

You’ll see the production floor in action, get a crash course in coin design, learn about the innovative mass production technology, and even check out the Olympic medals from the 2010 Vancouver games.

Wrap up at the Boutique where you’ll find exquisite collector coins and collections highlighting Canada’s heritage.

Park It Here

Assiniboine Park is a shining star in this already brilliant city.  You can spend an entire day exploring the magnificent English gardens, following the miniature train display through the Nature Playground, enjoying concerts and special events, communing with nature on tandem bikes, and fitness trails, or relaxing in green spaces.

Of course, one of the fan favorites is the Assiniboine Park Zoo and the Journey to Churchill.  Get up close and personal with playful polar bears, seals, and other northern species.  The Sea Ice Passage underwater tunnels and Polar Playground offer an incredible view of your favorite Arctic animals!

Crack the Code

The Manitoba Legislative Building is home to the Legislative Assembly and one of Winnipeg’s loveliest buildings.  It’s also steeped in mystical design complete with hieroglyphic inscriptions, numerological codes, and Freemasonic symbols.

The Hermetic Code Tour is one of only a few Signature Experience tours promoted by Destination Canada.  Join Dr. Frank Albo, the academic inspiration behind The Hermetic Code, for “an unforgettable tour of magic, mystery, and architectural wonder.”  You’ll follow a trail of clues that help unlock the secrets of this 100+-year-old architectural landmark.

Make the Exchange

The Historical Exchange District is a charming arts and cultural district in downtown Winnipeg.  It features North America’s largest and best-preserved collection of heritage buildings on angled streets and cobblestone paths.

Here you can immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant entertainment, exclusive dining, boutique shopping, galleries, museums, and more.

Grab a cup of coffee and savor the flavors of Winnipeg on a walking food tour. Or perhaps explore the massive stone and brick warehouses and terra cotta buildings that contributed to Winnipeg’s important role in trade, finance, and manufacturing.

Then – pop into one of the area’s watering holes for craft cocktails or award-winning spirits.

More to Explore in this Winter Wonderland

While every season is beautiful, winter in Winnipeg has its own special magic!  If you plan to visit during the snowy months (which can last from October to April!), be sure to check out Arctic Glacier Winter Park.

Strap on your skates and glide over the groomed trails under twinkling lights or defy gravity as you fly down the hills in your toboggan.  The Plaza skating rink and the canopy above are alive with lights that move to the music.

You can also enjoy an Olympic-sized rink with hockey nets and warm-up shacks. Just remember to bring your own equipment since there are no rentals available at the park.

Winnipeg offers a wide variety of winter fun – including ice bikes, dragon boat paddlers, ice harvesting, and even a display of frozen flowers.

Festival du Voyageur

“We don’t hibernate, we celebrate!” is the mantra for Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival.  The 10-day February festival commemorates the adventurous spirit of the French Canadians who explored these wild, uncharted lands.

Join in the celebration that features impressive ice sculptures, incredible live music, delectable food, and time-honored traditions of the Franco-Manitoban community.

What to Do in Winnipeg

If you really want to know what to do in Winnipeg, listen to a local!  Jim and Stevie G. from Destination Dispatch welcomed Sarah Robinson, Business Development Manager for Tourism Winnipeg to the show.

Sarah shared her local expertise on all things Winnipeg – and how your groups can make the most of this amazing city!

Updated September 2023