A city proud of its First Nations heritage, with some of the foremost museums in the world, Winnipeg, the capital of the province of Manitoba is one of the most captivating travel destinations in Canada. With sights to see and places to go, there really is not end for things to do in Winnipeg.
From its many art galleries and its charming scenery to its heart at the Forks – the confluence of the Red and the Assiniboine Rivers, the historic trading point of the First Nations, Winnipeg has just more than enough to keep the curious traveller captivated throughout his/her stay be it long or short.
Here are some of the most awesome things a tourist could do in Winnipeg to soak up the charms of Canada’s sixth-largest city and make his stay an eventful one.
In this article
- Where is Winnipeg?
- Winnipeg Population
- Cities Near Winnipeg
- How to Get to Winnipeg
- By Air
- By Road
- Things to do in Winnipeg
- #1. The Forks
- #2. Canadian Human rights Museum
- #3. The Exchange District
- #4. St. Boniface
- #5. Royal Canadian Mint
- #6. Manitoba Museum
- #7. Winnipeg Folk fest
- #8. Red River Mutual Trail
- #9. Osborne Village
- #10. The River Walk
- What to do in Winnipeg on Special Days
- What to do on a weekend?
- Things to do in Winnipeg Today
- Best Times to Visit Winnipeg
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Winnipeg?
The City of Winnipeg is located at the Forks; the confluence of the rivers Red and Assiniboine, in the province of Manitoba. It takes its name from Lake Winnipeg, the Western Cree name meaning “Muddy water”, which is 40km from the city.
Winnipeg Population
Winnipeg has a population of seven hundred and five thousand, two hundred and forty-four people (705,244). The largest age group in the city is between the ages of 25 to 29 years and the least populated demographic is between the ages of 80 and 84 years. The majority of the population, about 65.7% are of working age. Overall, women outnumber men by a little over sixteen thousand people. The married account for 45.83% of Winnipeg’s population.
This is arguably very beneficial to the city as statistically, couples bring in larger incomes, have higher net worth and gains on average. The majority of Winnipeg’s inhabitants earn more than the low-income cut-off as well as more than the 2016 national median annual income of $68,402.
The Metis make up the single largest aboriginal group in Winnipeg, making up 54.91% of the aboriginal population, followed by the First Nations, with 36,840 people.
Cities Near Winnipeg
There are a couple of Canadian cities near Winnipeg, Manitoba. Cities within an hour from Winnipeg include:
- Morris, Canada: 57 minutes away
- Selkirk, Canada: 43 minutes away
- Stony Mountain Canada: 26 minutes away
- Beausejour, Canada: 56 minutes away
- Stonewall, Canada: 37 minutes away
How to Get to Winnipeg
By Air
Winnipeg can be accessed by air. The nearest airport, the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International airport, is just 8km from the city centre. The second nearest international airport, the Hector international airport, is 325km from the city. For domestic flights, you could use the Brandon municipal airport, the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport or the Kenora airport.
By Road
To navigate the city, use Via Michelin, Google Maps to find optimal routes, traffic and weather information. These will help you plan your road trip throughout the city better.
Things to do in Winnipeg
There are a lot of great things a visitor could do in Winnipeg. Let’s check out a few:
#1. The Forks
La Fourche in French, The Forks is a historic meeting site in Canada. With a history of 6,000 years of human activity, it was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1974. If you intend on visiting The Forks on your trip, be sure to check out the Travel Manitoba visitor information centre.
Here, you can relive the six-thousand-year history of the site in sixty minutes through the interpretative program offered by; Parks Canada, the Fork’s market plaza, the Manitoba Children’s Museum, the 8.54km Assiniboine credit union skating rink–one of the longest ice-skating trails in the world–or any of the 200 party events held throughout the year at this historical site.
#2. Canadian Human rights Museum
The first national Museum outside Ottawa, and one of the first museums in the word with a focus on human rights; visiting the Canadian human rights Museum is one of the top things to do in Winnipeg. It tells the story of human rights with a special emphasis on the part Canada has played in the championing or otherwise of the rights of persons and communities.
In addition, you could view the architectural exhibit on display or any of the ten galleries dedicated to human rights in the modern era. The Canadian Human Rights Museum is located adjacent to The Forks.
#3. The Exchange District
The Exchange District is Winnipeg’s top location for local and independent shopping. It is located in downtown Winnipeg, and spanning 20 blocks. This building is home to turn-of-the-century architecture and was designated a national historic monument in 1997.
Between 1880 and 1920, the Exchange served as the West’s economic gateway, with the thriving grain and trading sectors centered in the area. It now has a thriving arts and commercial scene. Wander the cobblestone streets from store to store, discovering hidden gems for a bite to eat or a drink along the way.
#4. St. Boniface
The Largest French-speaking community in Western Canada; St. Boniface, features incredible landmarks. Some of such landmarks include the St. Boniface Cathedral, Boulevard Provencher, the Provencher Bridge, Esplanade Riel, St. Boniface Hospital, the Université de Saint-Boniface, and the Royal Canadian Mint.
This vibrant Winnipeg neighborhood is therefore, full of charm and character. The French Quarter’s allure is built in its Francophone and Métis traditions, and it is located directly across the river from The Forks.
Shop at local cheese and chocolate manufacturers, stroll through art galleries, and, in the summer, journey back in time at the interesting Fort Gibraltar, where costumed players reenact voyageur era scenes. There’s a lot to see and do in Winnipeg’s charming French Quarter.
#5. Royal Canadian Mint
The Crown corporation facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba was opened in 1976. However, it prints not only the entirety of Canadian circulation coins, but also foreign coins too.
The Winnipeg Facility of the Royal Canadian Mint has served over 70 different countries; from Cuba, to New Zealand, to Hong Kong to Thailand. Its architectural style is also stunning, visiting here should no doubt, make it to your list of things to do in Winnipeg.
#6. Manitoba Museum
The Manitoba Museum is the largest non-profit centre for science, heritage and culture in Manitoba. If natural history is your thing, then this museum is the place to be. The Manitoba Museum houses collections that depict Manitoba’s human and natural history.
These are then shared with visitors through many interpretive galleries and more than 2.6 million objects and specimens. These galleries examine the province’s history and nature, from its northern Arctic coast to its southern plains’ grasslands.
#7. Winnipeg Folk fest
This is a year-round arts fiesta; the Winnipeg folk festival has music at its heart. With 60+ artists every year, you will undoubtedly find a performance that you will love. The music concerts hold in the summer each July and get several thousands in attendance. Tickets for the Winnipeg Olk festival is currently on sale at the website of the arts festival.
#8. Red River Mutual Trail
Every year, skaters flock to this approximately 10 km track in The Forks to enjoy the frozen river. In fact, it set a Guinness World Record in 2018 for hosting the world’s longest chain of ice skaters!
The trail runs along the Assiniboine and/or Red Rivers, but its exact location, length, and route fluctuate year to year depending on weather and how the river freezes. It is strongly advised and most commonly practiced to only do shorter sections of the path at a time.
So, before you go, consider how much you and your family can bear, and keep in mind that you’ll be making the same journey back once you turn around. It is typically open from January till March.
#9. Osborne Village
Thinks of Osborne Village as “street” version of Exchange District. Osborne village consists of bars, street art, pub, and everything that makes you want to feel like it’s the old days again. It contains record shops, street performances, and everything art. If you like to have fun and get your hands dirty, you might want to consider an outing to Osborne village while making your list of things to do in Winnipeg.
#10. The River Walk
Say you’re out on a romantic vacation with your girlfriend who loves nature and picturesque scenery, there might not be a better combination of both than the River Walk in Winnipeg. It has one of the best views you can think of, the wind and the water waves blowing about you, and the sound of both nature and boats around. There’s simply no beating this feeling.
What to do in Winnipeg on Special Days
What to do on a weekend?
During the weekends, there are lots of fun things to do in Winnipeg. Go hiking on the east coast, visiting art the gallery or the legislative building. The list is just endless.
Winnipeg Art gallery
The Winnipeg Arts Gallery– The WAG plays an important role in the community. located on Treaty No. 1 the original lands and waters of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininiwak, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation, WAG is world renowned for its permanent collection of 24,000 art works, its possession of the world’s largest collection of inuit painting, and its hosting of travelling arts exhibitions. For art fans, this place is a must-visit.
Manitoba Legislative Building
The meeting place of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, this building is simply majestic! A tour of Winnipeg or indeed of any city within the province of Manitoba without a visit to the Manitoba Legislative building would be woefully incomplete. It is the twelfth provincial heritage site in the province and houses the offices of the premier of Manitoba, the lieutenant governor and members of the executive.
Designed and built by the English architects Frank Worthington Simon and Henry Boddington III, along with other masons and many skilled craftsmen, the building is rich in symbolism with its six ionic columns, statues of the lady Manitoba, goddess Europa, Neptune’s trident and the famed Golden boy, a statue of the god Mercury in gold leaf.
The building is covered in Manitoba Tyndall limestone and is embellished with various allegorical works of art representing wisdom, justice, and courage. It is the province’s premier example of Beaux-Arts Classical architecture. The Golden Boy on top of the dome represents Manitoba’s endless youth and progress.
Things to do in Winnipeg Today
Bison Safari
Going on a Bison Safari as to be one of Winnipeg’s most famous tourist attractions. What could be better than a guided tour amid some of the most iconic animals to ever grace the prairies?
The Bison Safari Adventure at FortWhyte Alive Park (in south Winnipeg) will get you up up and personal with North America’s largest land mammal species, from only a few meters away, you may observe North America’s largest land mammal interacting in its native habitat.
This summer, go on an expedition into the prairie past and learn more about how bison have shaped Canada’s history. Their bison safaris are a summer favorite for families, photographers, and out-of-town guests seeking an unforgettable Manitoba experience, as well as a lesson in prairie history.
Assiniboine park
Located along the Assiniboine river, the 1100 ha park is a certainly a place to be while on a visit to Winnipeg.
Open all around the year, the park features incredible attractions like the English Garden, known throughout North America for its display of over a thousand annual and perennial flowers, with the sweet addition of being free of charge to visit, the Pavillion and the Lyric theatre, the Assiniboine park zone, home to about 300 species of animals.
If you are looking for a great weekend destination in Winnipeg, look no further than the Assiniboine Park
Best Times to Visit Winnipeg
Best time to go to Winnipeg? It really depends on if you want to pursue the outdoor life, enjoy skating in winter or want to attend some event. Here is some information to guide your decision making.
- On average the warmest months in Winnipeg are July and August
- The rainiest months are May and June
- The months with the best weather are generally June through to September
- The coldest months are January and February.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything fun to do in Winnipeg?
According to travellemming.com, the best places to visit in Winnipeg are the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Assiniboine Park, Osborne Village, The Exchange District, The Legislative Building, and Saint Boniface
What is open, closed for Louis Riel/Family Day?
According to winnipegsun.com, most stores and malls will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of Grant Park Shopping Centre which will open from noon to 5 p.m. All Liquor Marts in Winnipeg and Brandon (except True North Square) will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Civic offices will be closed.
Is it worth visiting Winnipeg?
In the words of cbc.ca, Winnipeg makes National Geographic’s list of best trips on earth 2016. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Arctic Glacier Winter Park and the Downtown Spirit: They are only three of the reasons National Geographic Travel named Winnipeg one of the best places to visit on earth on their list, Best Trips 2016.” And it is the only Canadian city on the list, so it is definitely worth visiting
Conclusion
The city of Winnipeg holds a lot for you, no matter what it is you’re here for. So go on, go out and take a stroll. Take in all that the city has for you. You will definitely not regret it.
